Daniela Hanna
The MBNA Smart Cash Platinum Plus® Mastercard® is a no-fee cash-back card ideal for everyday spending. Earn 5% cash back on gas and groceries for the first 6 months, then 2% on those categories and 0.5% on everything else — all with no annual fee.
Quick highlights
- 🎁 5% cash back on gas and groceries for the first 6 months (up to $500 monthly spend).
- 💳 2% cash back on gas and groceries after the intro period (same cap applies).
- 💵 0.5% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
- 💸 No annual fee for primary or additional cards.
Why we like the MBNA Smart Cash Platinum Plus® Mastercard®
This card is built for Canadians who want easy cash back on essentials without paying a fee. The strong intro offer of 5% back on gas and groceries gives an immediate boost, while the ongoing 2% rate helps keep everyday spending rewarding year-round.
Stand-out features
- ✅ 5% cash back on gas & groceries for the first 6 months.
- ✅ 2% cash back on gas & groceries after the promo (up to $500/mo).
- ✅ 0.5% unlimited cash back on other purchases.
- ✅ No annual fee — easy to keep long-term.
Good to know
- ⚠️ 2% rate capped at $500 monthly spend; 0.5% applies after.
- ⚠️ No travel insurance or premium perks.
- ⚠️ Foreign currency transactions incur a 2.5% fee.
Pros
- Strong 5% intro cash back on gas and groceries.
- Solid 2% ongoing rate on core spending categories.
- No annual fee.
- Simple, automatic cash-back accumulation.
- Ideal for everyday purchases.
Cons
- 2% category capped at $500 per month.
- 0.5% earn rate on all other spending.
- No additional benefits or travel coverage.
Rewards program
- ⛽ 5% cash back on eligible gas and grocery purchases for the first 6 months (up to $500 monthly spend).
- 🥕 2% cash back on gas and groceries thereafter (same cap applies).
- 💵 0.5% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
How to maximize rewards
- Fill up and grocery shop with this card during the 5% intro period.
- Stick to using it for gas and grocery purchases after 6 months to maintain 2% returns.
- Combine with another rewards card for dining, travel, or online shopping.
- Redeem regularly to keep your rewards active and compounding.
Insurance & benefits
Included
- 🛍️ Purchase Assurance — protects items from theft or damage for 90 days.
- 🕒 Extended Warranty — doubles the manufacturer’s warranty up to one year.
- 💳 Zero Liability protection against unauthorized transactions.
Not included
- ❌ No travel medical or trip coverage.
- ❌ No car rental insurance.
- ❌ No mobile device protection.
Rates & fees
| Annual fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Purchase APR | 21.99% |
| Cash advance APR | 24.99% (22.99% in Quebec) |
| Foreign transaction fee | 2.5% |
| Grace period | 21 days on new purchases |
Best for
- ⛽ Drivers and grocery shoppers seeking everyday savings.
- 💸 Canadians wanting a simple no-fee cash-back card.
- 📈 Those new to credit who want easy approvals.
Where it falls short
- 2% cash-back cap resets monthly, limiting high spenders.
- No travel or premium benefits.
- Foreign purchases include a 2.5% fee.
Customer reviews
Positive feedback
“The 5% intro deal saved me a lot on gas this summer.”
“Solid everyday card — I use it only for groceries and gas.”
Critiques
“I wish the 2% category cap was higher.”
“No travel benefits, but can’t complain for a free card.”
Community insights
Among Canadian cardholders, the MBNA Smart Cash Platinum Plus® Mastercard® is recognized for its strong introductory offer and straightforward value. It’s commonly paired with another card to cover travel or online spending categories.
AI review (straight talk)
If your focus is everyday spending and saving money, this card delivers. The 5% intro makes it worth signing up, while the ongoing 2% on essentials keeps it relevant long term — all with no annual fee or complexity.
Alternatives & comparison
| Card | Annual Fee | Top Categories | Other Purchases | Key Perks | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MBNA Smart Cash Platinum Plus® Mastercard® | $0 | 5% intro, then 2% gas & groceries | 0.5% | Purchase Assurance | Everyday savings |
| BMO CashBack® Mastercard® | $0 | 3% groceries | 0.5% | Flexible redemptions | Grocery spenders |
| Tangerine Money-Back Mastercard® | $0 | 2% custom categories | 0.5% | Category flexibility | Custom earners |
| RBC Cash Back Mastercard® | $0 | 2% groceries | 0.5–1% | Automatic cash back | Simple earners |
FAQ
Is there an annual fee?
No, the MBNA Smart Cash Platinum Plus® Mastercard® has no annual fee.
What’s the intro offer?
Earn 5% cash back on gas and groceries for the first 6 months (up to $500 monthly spend).
What are the ongoing earn rates?
2% on gas and groceries (up to $500/mo), 0.5% on all other eligible purchases.
Does it include travel insurance?
No, this card includes only purchase-related coverage.
Final verdict & ratings
Our take The MBNA Smart Cash Platinum Plus® Mastercard® is one of Canada’s top no-fee cards for essential spending. The 5% intro and 2% ongoing categories make it ideal for drivers and grocery shoppers alike.
| Overall | ★★★★☆ 4.3 / 5 |
|---|---|
| Rewards value | 4.4 / 5 — high-value intro and practical categories |
| Benefits & protections | 3.5 / 5 — solid coverage for a free card |
| Fees & costs | 5.0 / 5 — no annual fee |
| Ease of approval | 4.4 / 5 — accessible for most Canadians |
