RBC Cash Back Mastercard
A versatile credit card offering numerous benefits.
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Find out more about its benefits and features
2% Grocery Cash Back
1% Bill Payments Cash Back
Purchase Security
Extended Warranty
RBC Cash Back Mastercard: Smart Returns on Daily Essentials
The RBC Cash Back Mastercard establishes itself as a top contender in the "no annual fee" category, specifically designed for Canadians who prioritize simplicity over complex points systems. Its primary appeal lies in its high return rate on food staples: cardholders earn 2% cash back on grocery purchases (up to a $6,000 annual spend cap), making it one of the most competitive entry-level cards for family budgets.
Key Earning Rates
- 2% Cash Back on Groceries: Earn significant returns on your supermarket runs, up to the annual limit. After the cap, the rate adjusts to 0.5%.
- 1% on Pre-Authorized Payments: A rare feature for no-fee cards, this allows you to earn extra rewards on recurring bills like gym memberships, streaming subscriptions, and utilities.
- 0.5% on Everything Else: A consistent base rate for all other retail, dining, and service transactions.
Beyond the rewards, this card is built for "set it and forget it" convenience. Your cash back is credited automatically once your balance reaches $25, or annually in January, removing the hassle of redeeming points manually. It also includes Purchase Security (insuring items against theft/damage for 90 days) and Extended Warranty protection, offering premium peace of mind without the premium price tag.
About Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)
As Canada's largest financial institution by market capitalization, the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) offers a level of security and accessibility that smaller issuers cannot match. With a history dating back to 1864, RBC provides clients with top-tier fraud monitoring, a highly-rated mobile app for managing rewards, and extensive customer support. Choosing an RBC card means banking with a globally recognized institution known for stability and digital innovation.
Why Choose the RBC Cash Back Mastercard?
While many credit cards charge $120 or more for premium perks, the RBC Cash Back Mastercard delivers substantial value for $0 annual fee. It is an ideal solution for three specific types of users:
- The Budget Maximizer: If you spend around $500/month on groceries, maximizing the 2% cap allows you to earn $120 annually just on food, effectively getting paid to shop.
- The Bill Automator: By linking your recurring bills (internet, phone, streaming) to this card, you earn 1% back on money you have to spend anyway.
- The Commuter: As an RBC cardholder, linking your card to Petro-Canada instantly saves you 3¢ per litre on fuel and earns 20% more Petro-Points—a valuable "hidden" perk.
Verdict: Is It Right For You?
This card is perfect for students, first-time credit users, or families looking for a secondary card dedicated solely to groceries. It offers a transparent, risk-free way to build credit while earning tangible cash returns. If you want to avoid annual fees but still demand protection for your purchases and rewards on your bills, the RBC Cash Back Mastercard is a practical, reliable choice.
