💗 National Bank Allure Mastercard Review

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Highlights:

• Annual Fee: $0
• Secondary Card: $0
• Purchase Rate: 20.99%
• Cash Advance: 22.49%

🌟 Overview: What Makes the Allure Card Unique?

Most no-fee credit cards don’t offer much beyond the basics. But the National Bank Allure® Mastercard throws in a twist — a small cashback, a few useful protections, and a charitable tie-in that helps support breast cancer research every time you spend.

It’s not a card for reward chasers or luxury seekers — but if you want a no-hassle, no-cost credit card that quietly gives back, Allure might just be the underrated gem you’ve been looking for.

🔑 Key Features at a Glance

💬 Everyday Use & Cashback Value

Let’s be honest — the cashback on this card is not going to blow your mind. You’re earning 1 point per $2, and you can only redeem it once a year at a rate of 1,000 points = $10, so that’s a flat 0.5% cashback.

Is that low? Yes. But is it predictable and stress-free? Also yes.

“I don’t need to juggle bonus categories or expiry rules. It just works quietly in the background and pays me once a year.” — Sophia, a CreditAssess.ca reader

It’s a “set it and forget it” kind of card. If you’re not someone who chases every last reward point, this might be the kind of simplicity you actually appreciate.

🎁 Extra Perks: Gift Card Discounts & Charitable Giving

Now here’s where things get a bit more interesting.

🛍️ Gift Cards

The 10% off select gift cards (Gap, Banana Republic, Amerispa, etc.) can actually be useful if you time purchases right — especially for holiday gifts or personal treats.

“I buy spa gift cards for my mom and get the 10% off — it’s better than most cash back.” — Alyssa, Montreal

That type of perk won’t apply to everyone, but if you shop at those brands anyway, it’s real savings.

🎗️ Charity Connection

Every $10 you spend on the card leads to a $0.10 donation to the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation — up to a maximum amount per year (paid by National Bank, not you).

“I love that just using my card helps support breast cancer research. It’s subtle, but it adds meaning to every purchase.” — Daniel, Laval

Honestly, it’s rare to see any rewards card that includes a built-in charitable feature. It might not be a selling point for everyone, but if you care about social impact, it’s a thoughtful touch.

🛡️ Purchase Protection & Warranty

Another nice surprise: this no-fee card includes basic protection benefits, like:

• Purchase protection — covers eligible items from theft or damage for up to 90 days
• Extended warranty — doubles or extends the manufacturer’s warranty on eligible items
• Zero Liability & fraud protection from Mastercard

“I used the card to buy a blender online, and knowing it had extra warranty and protection gave me peace of mind. Didn’t expect that from a free card.” — Leo, Ottawa

No travel insurance or mobile device coverage, but what you do get is generous for a card with no annual fee.

❌ Downsides: Where It Falls Short

Let’s keep it real. The Allure Mastercard won’t be for everyone. Here are the main drawbacks:

• Low rewards rate: At just 0.5% cashback, you can definitely find cards with 1–2%+ return on spending (especially on groceries or gas).
• Annual cashback redemption: You can’t redeem points anytime — you only get your cashback once per year, which some users find annoying.
• No bonus categories: Flat-rate earnings mean no boost for dining, travel, or anything else.
• Limited gift card partners: Not everyone shops at the select retailers offered.

✅ Pros & Cons Summary

Pros
✔ No annual fee
✔ Charitable donation on all purchases
✔ Simple and stress-free cashback
✔ 10% off select gift cards
✔ Decent insurance coverage for a free card
✔ Good secondary card if you already bank with NBC

Cons
✘ Low cashback rate (0.5%)
✘ Rewards only credited once per year
✘ No travel perks or insurance
✘ Not competitive for high spenders or points maximizers

🧠 Who Should Get This Card?

This card makes the most sense for:

• Students, first-time cardholders, or low-income earners who want a basic card without fees
• Anyone already banking with National Bank
• People who shop at partner retailers or appreciate a low-effort card with a social cause
• Someone who needs a backup card with light perks and purchase protections

If you’re the type of person who checks your points weekly, moves balances around, or tracks bonus categories like a hawk — this probably isn’t your card.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What’s the real cashback value?
A: About 0.5% — you earn 1 point per $2, and every 1,000 points equals $10 back (credited once a year).

Q: Can I use it as a student or newcomer?
A: Yes, it’s a solid starter card, especially if you’re not ready to pay annual fees.

Q: Is the gift card discount automatic?
A: You access the discounted gift cards through National Bank’s online portal. Not automatic, but very easy.

Q: Is there a donation limit?
A: National Bank donates $0.10 per $10 spent, with a maximum set annually. The donation is from the bank, not your rewards.

Q: Can I carry a balance?
A: Technically yes, but with 20.99% interest, we strongly advise paying in full monthly — otherwise, any rewards get wiped out.

🏁 CreditAssess.ca Final Score

✍️ Final Word: A “Feel Good” No-Fee Card

If you want maximum rewards and flashy perks, this card won’t cut it.

But if you want a card that’s simple, no-fee, low-maintenance, and gives a little something back to the world? The Allure Mastercard is quietly one of the better feel-good options on the market.

Not for the optimizer. But definitely for the minimalist, the casual spender, or anyone who just wants a card that does a little good while doing its job.