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RBC Cash Back Mastercard review

3.4Rated by the CreditCardGuru Editorial Team

A decent no-fee grocery card, especially for students and newcomers, but the 0.5% base rate makes it a poor everyday catch-all compared with other free cash back cards.

At a glance

Annual fee
No annual fee
Welcome bonus
~$70
Foreign tx fee
2.5%
Network
MASTERCARD
Rewards
cash back
Purchase APR
20.99%

Rewards & earn rates

Grocery store purchases2% on the first $6,000 in annual grocery purchases, 1% thereafter2%
All other qualifying purchases0.5% on the first $6,000 in annual purchases, 1% thereafter0.5%

Welcome offer: Up to 7% cash back for the first 3 months on up to $1,000 in total purchases (5% bonus on top of standard rates). Apply by September 9, 2026. (Bonus applies to the first $1,000 in purchases within 3 months).

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Strong no-fee grocery earn rate
  • Flexible on-demand cash back redemption

Cons

  • Weak 0.5% base rate on non-grocery spending (first $6,000)
  • No travel insurance

Perks & insurance

Key perks

  • 2% cash back on groceries with no annual fee
  • Unlimited total cash back with no earning ceiling
  • Redeem any time once your balance reaches $25
  • 3-month complimentary DoorDash DashPass
  • Save 3 cents/L and earn 20% more Petro-Points at Petro-Canada

Insurance

  • Purchase security and extended warranty

Rates & fees

Annual fee
None
Purchase interest
20.99%
Cash advance
22.99%
Foreign transactions
2.5%
Last updated June 7, 2026Reviewed by CreditCardGuru Editorial Team

Similar cards to consider

CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite Card
Top pickCIBC

CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite Card

4.5·Households with heavy grocery and gas spend who want maximum cash back.
Annual fee
$120/yr
Welcome bonus
~$350
Top reward
4% groceries
  • 4% on gas and groceries is among the highest in Canada
  • Strong 2% middle tier covers dining, transit and bills
Apply nowView details