Lena Hayes
The National Bank Allure® Mastercard is a no-annual-fee card that mixes “light” cashback rewards with a feel-good twist: 1% of your purchases supports the Foundation (a breast cancer cause in Québec). You earn 1 point for every $2 spent, and once per year your points are automatically converted into a statement credit at $10 for every 1,000 points. On top of that, you get 10% off select gift-card purchases through Allure partners (fashion and wellness). It’s not the highest-earning no-fee card in Canada — but it’s a genuinely nice fit if you want a simple card, decent basic protections, and a built-in “I’m supporting something” bonus without paying an annual fee.
Quick highlights
- 💸 No annual fee — easy to keep long-term.
- 🧾 Earn 1 point per $2 spent on eligible purchases (online or in-store).
- 🏷 $10 statement credit for every 1,000 points, automatically applied once per year.
- 🎁 10% off select gift cards at participating Allure fashion and wellness partners.
- 💗 1% of your purchases supports the Foundation — a built-in charitable contribution for everyday spending.
- 🛡 Purchase protection and extended warranty coverage on eligible items bought with the card.
Why we like the National Bank Allure Mastercard
Not every card needs to be a points-maximizing machine. Sometimes you want something that’s easy to keep, easy to use, and quietly adds value without requiring a spreadsheet. That’s the Allure Mastercard in a nutshell. It’s a no-fee card with a simple earn rate, an automatic yearly cashback credit, and a small set of perks that feel very “real life”: gift-card discounts, purchase protection, and an extended warranty for the stuff you buy anyway.
The real identity of this card is the cause-driven angle. If you like the idea that your everyday spending also supports a breast cancer foundation (without doing anything extra), the Allure stands out among basic no-fee cards. It’s a practical “feel good” wallet staple — especially as a starter card, a backup card, or a companion to a more aggressive travel or cash-back setup.
Stand-out features
- ✅ $0 annual fee makes it easy to keep for credit history and peace of mind.
- ✅ 1 point per $2 spent (a simple earn rate with no category rules to memorize).
- ✅ Automatic yearly statement credit at $10 per 1,000 points — hands-off redemption.
- ✅ 10% off select gift cards at participating Allure partners — nice for planned purchases and gifting.
- ✅ 1% of purchases supports the Foundation (cause-driven value built into your normal spending).
- ✅ Purchase protection + extended warranty for eligible items.
Good to know
- ⚠️ The rewards rate is modest. In “cash back math,” 1 point per $2 with $10 per 1,000 points works out to about 0.5% back.
- ⚠️ Rewards are credited once per year, so it’s not the best choice if you want monthly or on-demand redemptions.
- ⚠️ The gift-card discount is partner-based, so it’s most valuable if you actually like the participating brands.
- ⚠️ Insurance coverage is focused on purchases (protection + warranty), not a broad travel insurance suite.
- ⚠️ Like most cards, interest adds up quickly — it’s best used as a pay-in-full card.
Pros
- No annual fee, so it’s easy to keep long-term.
- Automatic yearly statement credit redemption (no juggling points portals).
- Cause-driven: 1% of purchases supports the Foundation.
- 10% off select gift cards at participating Allure partners.
- Purchase protection and extended warranty coverage for eligible items.
- Simple earning (no rotating categories, caps, or activation steps).
Cons
- Low effective rewards rate (about 0.5% back) compared with many other no-fee cash-back cards.
- Cashback credit is only applied once per year, which can feel slow.
- Partner gift-card discounts are only valuable if you shop with those brands.
- Insurance package is limited (not a full travel insurance card).
- Standard interest rates mean it’s not a good card to carry a balance on.
Rewards program
The Allure Mastercard keeps rewards simple: you earn points on eligible purchases, then those points are automatically converted into a statement credit once per year. There’s no “which redemption gives the best value?” stress here — the value is fixed, predictable, and hands-off.
- Earn rate: 1 point for every $2 spent on eligible purchases.
- Value: $10 statement credit for every 1,000 points.
- Redemption: automatically applied once per year as a credit on your card account.
- Extra perk: 10% discount on select gift-card purchases at participating Allure partners (fashion and wellness).
- Cause component: 1% of your purchases supports the Foundation.
How to maximize rewards
-
Use it as your “simple everything” card — or a purpose-built backup.
The earn structure is flat, so it’s easy: put everyday spending here when you want simplicity, or keep it as a backup Mastercard for places where Visa or Amex isn’t ideal. -
Lean into the gift-card discount when it matches your spending.
If you already buy gift cards (for gifts, planned shopping, or personal treats), the 10% partner discount can deliver better “real value” than the points alone. Just be sure the brands actually make sense for you. -
Don’t treat it like a “travel points” card.
This card’s rewards are more of a small annual rebate than a travel fund. If your goal is flights or big travel redemption value, pair this with a travel-focused points card. -
Pay in full to keep the value intact.
With standard interest rates, carrying even a small balance can erase a full year of rewards. This card shines as a pay-in-full tool. -
Use it consistently if the cause matters to you.
The 1% support element is meaningful over time if you actually use the card for everyday purchases. If the charity angle is your “why,” consistency is the win.
Insurance & benefits
Included coverage
- Purchase protection on many eligible new purchases against theft or accidental damage for a limited period after purchase.
- Extended warranty that can extend eligible manufacturers’ warranties on many items bought with the card.
Coverage depends on eligibility rules, time limits, exclusions and conditions in the insurance certificate. If you’re buying something expensive (phone, laptop, appliance), it’s worth skimming the policy to confirm the item and the type of claim you care about are covered.
Everyday perks
- 10% gift-card discount at participating Allure fashion and wellness partners.
- Cause-driven contribution: 1% of your purchases supports the Foundation.
- Digital wallet friendly (mobile pay and contactless convenience, depending on your setup).
- Mastercard acceptance is strong in Canada and internationally, which makes it a useful wallet staple.
Rates & fees
| Annual fee | $0 for the primary cardholder. |
|---|---|
| Additional cards | Often available at low or no cost (confirm current pricing at application). |
| Purchase APR | 20.99% on purchases (typical standard rate; may vary by province and cardholder agreement). |
| Cash advance APR | 22.49% on cash advances and cash-like transactions (interest starts immediately; terms may vary by province). |
| Foreign transaction fees | Standard foreign transaction fees typically apply on non-Canadian dollar purchases (confirm current terms in the card agreement). |
| Grace period | Typically 21 days interest-free on new purchases when you pay your full statement balance by the due date. No grace period on cash advances. |
| Minimum payment | Usually a percentage of the balance (plus any past-due amounts), as defined in your cardholder agreement. |
Best for
- 💗 People who like the idea that their everyday spending supports a breast cancer foundation without extra effort.
- 💳 Anyone who wants a no-annual-fee Mastercard to keep long-term (backup card, starter card, or “just in case” card).
- 🎁 Shoppers who can actually use the 10% gift-card discount at participating Allure partners.
- 🛍 Cardholders who value purchase protection and extended warranty on everyday purchases.
- 📌 People who prefer simple, predictable rewards and don’t care about maximizing every last percentage point.
Where it falls short
- The earn rate is modest (about 0.5% back), which is lower than many competing no-fee cash-back cards.
- Rewards are credited once per year, so it’s not great if you like faster, more frequent redemptions.
- Insurance is focused on purchases; it’s not built as a travel insurance or premium perks card.
- Partner gift-card discounts are niche — the value depends on whether you shop those brands.
- If you carry a balance, interest costs can dwarf the rewards quickly.
Customer reviews
Positive feedback
“I wanted a no-fee card that still gives something back. The yearly credit is small, but I like the charity aspect and it’s easy to keep as a backup.”
“The gift card discount is actually the perk I use most. If you already buy those brands, the 10% off feels more valuable than the points.”
Critiques
“I didn’t realize the rewards work out to about half a percent, and you only see the credit once a year. It’s fine, but not my main card.”
“I wish redemption was monthly or on demand. Waiting for the annual credit makes it easy to forget about the points.”
Community insights
In the broader Canadian credit card community, the Allure Mastercard is usually described as a “values-first” no-fee card. People don’t pick it because it’s the top cashback earner — they pick it because it’s simple, it has purchase protections, and it supports a cause they care about. The gift-card discount also gets a surprising amount of love from cardholders who genuinely shop those partner brands.
The most common hesitation is the rewards rate. In a world where many no-fee cards can hit 1% or higher (especially with category bonuses), 0.5% looks light. So the typical advice is: treat this as a solid no-fee card for everyday use and values alignment, and if you’re chasing pure return, pair it with a higher-earning cash-back card for your biggest spending categories.
AI review (straight talk)
If your main goal is “maximum cashback,” this isn’t the card. You can beat 0.5% back in Canada without paying an annual fee, and you can do it pretty easily. So if you’re a hardcore optimizer, you’ll probably look elsewhere for your daily driver.
But that’s not the point of the Allure. This is a card for people who want something clean and low-maintenance: no annual fee, automatic yearly credit, purchase protection, and a charitable contribution built into the experience. It’s the kind of card that feels good to keep — even if you use a different card for heavy spending — because it covers the basics and aligns with a cause.
Alternatives & comparison
| Card | Annual Fee | Top Categories / Earn | Other Purchases | Key Perks | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Bank Allure Mastercard | $0 | 1 point per $2 spent (about 0.5% back) | Same | 1% supports the Foundation, 10% off select gift cards, purchase protection, extended warranty | People who want simple no-fee rewards + cause-driven value |
| Typical no-fee cashback card | $0 | Often 1–2% in select categories | 0.5–1% | Simple cashback, sometimes faster redemption | Optimizers focused on higher everyday return |
| No-fee rewards travel card | $0 | Points per $ on eligible spend | Base points rate | Travel-focused redemption options | Occasional travellers who prefer points over cashback |
| Paid premium cashback card | $99–$150+ | 3–5% in key categories | 1–2% | Stronger insurance, premium perks, bigger welcome offers | High spenders who can justify an annual fee |
FAQ
What is the annual fee for the National Bank Allure Mastercard?
The National Bank Allure Mastercard has no annual fee for the primary cardholder.
How do the points convert to cashback?
You earn 1 point for every $2 spent. Once per year, your points are automatically converted into a statement credit at $10 for every 1,000 points and applied to your credit card account.
Is there a welcome bonus?
The Allure Mastercard is not typically a “big welcome bonus” card. Its value is in ongoing, simple rewards, the yearly credit, the gift-card discounts at partners, and the cause-driven contribution.
How does the 1% contribution work?
A portion equal to 1% of your purchases supports the Foundation (cause-driven component). This is separate from your points earnings and is part of the Allure card’s identity.
What does the 10% gift-card discount apply to?
Cardholders can receive 10% off select gift-card purchases at participating Allure fashion and wellness partners. Participating partners and eligibility can change over time, so it’s worth checking the current list if you plan to use this perk.
What insurance is included?
The Allure Mastercard includes purchase protection and extended warranty coverage on eligible items purchased with the card. Coverage details depend on the certificate of insurance and the specific item.
Is this a good card for travel?
It can work as a basic travel payment card (Mastercard acceptance is strong), but it’s not a travel-focused product. If you want robust travel insurance, lounge access, or strong travel multipliers, you’ll likely prefer a dedicated travel card.
Who should get the National Bank Allure Mastercard?
It’s best for people who want a no-fee, low-maintenance Mastercard with simple rewards, purchase protections, partner gift-card discounts, and a built-in charitable component — especially if you value the cause-driven angle as much as the cashback itself.
Final verdict & ratings
Our take The National Bank Allure Mastercard is a refreshing kind of no-fee card: it’s not trying to be the highest earner, and it’s not selling you a premium lifestyle. Instead, it offers clean basics — a predictable yearly cashback credit, purchase protection and extended warranty — and then adds the two things that make it memorable: the 1% Foundation support and gift-card discounts through Allure partners.
If you’re a rewards maximizer, you’ll probably use something else as your main card. But if you want a simple, easy keeper card that does “enough” while aligning with a cause and offering practical everyday perks, the Allure Mastercard is a very reasonable pick.
| Overall | ★★★★☆ 3.8 / 5 |
|---|---|
| Rewards value | 3.4 / 5 — simple, predictable, but a modest effective earn rate. |
| Benefits & protections | 3.9 / 5 — strong purchase protections plus unique partner and cause-driven perks for a no-fee card. |
| Fees & costs | 4.7 / 5 — $0 annual fee is hard to beat; just watch interest if you carry a balance. |
| Ease of approval | 3.8 / 5 — no-fee cards are generally accessible with solid credit, though approval depends on your overall profile. |
