Lena Hayes
The RBC Cash Back Mastercard is a no-fee everyday card offering simple, automatic cash back. Earn up to 2% back on groceries and 0.5% on other purchases — with extra flexibility once you hit the $6,000 annual spend threshold.
Quick highlights
- 💸 No annual fee for primary and secondary cardholders.
- 🛒 Earn 2% cash back on groceries (up to $6,000 annually).
- 💰 Earn 0.5% on all other purchases up to $6,000, then 1% after that.
- 🔐 Includes Purchase Security and Extended Warranty Insurance.
Why we like the RBC Cash Back Mastercard
This simple, no-fee card helps Canadians earn cash back easily on groceries and everyday spending. The 2% grocery earn rate and post-threshold boost to 1% on all purchases make it a solid everyday earner without the need for category juggling or annual fees.
Stand-out features
- ✅ 2% cash back on groceries up to $6,000 annually.
- ✅ 0.5% cash back on other purchases up to $6,000, then 1% after.
- ✅ Redeem cash back automatically as statement credit.
- ✅ No annual fee — easy to keep forever.
Good to know
- ⚠️ Lower earn rate on general spending until the annual cap is reached.
- ⚠️ Foreign purchases incur a 2.5% fee.
- ⚠️ No travel insurance coverage or bonus categories.
Pros
- No annual fee.
- Strong 2% grocery earn rate.
- Automatic redemption into your balance.
- Basic purchase protection coverage.
- Ideal for first-time or budget-conscious users.
Cons
- 0.5% on most spending until annual threshold is met.
- No travel perks or extended rewards program.
- Foreign exchange fee of 2.5%.
Rewards program
- 🛒 2% cash back on groceries (up to $6,000 annually).
- 💡 0.5% on other purchases until $6,000 total spend, then 1% after.
How to maximize rewards
- 🛒 Use the card for all grocery purchases to hit the 2% cap early in the year.
- 💳 Continue using it after $6,000 spend for 1% on all purchases.
- 🎯 Pair with a travel or gas rewards card for broader coverage.
- 📆 Pay in full monthly to make your cash back pure profit.
Insurance & benefits
Included
- 🛍️ Purchase Security — covers eligible items from theft or damage for 90 days.
- 🕒 Extended Warranty — doubles manufacturer’s warranty up to one year.
- 💳 Zero Liability protection for unauthorized transactions.
- 🌍 24/7 fraud monitoring.
Not included
- ❌ No travel or medical coverage.
- ❌ No car rental insurance.
- ❌ No premium extras or rewards boosts.
Rates & fees
| Annual fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Purchase APR | 19.99% |
| Cash advance APR | 22.99% (21.99% in Quebec) |
| Foreign transaction fee | 2.5% |
| Grace period | 21 days on new purchases |
Best for
- 🛍️ Grocery shoppers wanting a no-fee way to earn cash back.
- 📈 Everyday spenders who want automatic statement credits.
- 💸 Budget-conscious Canadians building credit responsibly.
Where it falls short
- Limited 0.5% rate before threshold.
- No insurance or travel benefits beyond basics.
- Foreign currency fees apply.
Customer reviews
Positive feedback
“Reliable and simple — I earn on groceries without thinking.”
“Love the automatic cash back credit every month.”
Critiques
“Wish the 2% applied to more categories.”
“Basic benefits, but perfect for a free card.”
Community insights
The RBC Cash Back Mastercard is a go-to no-fee option for everyday earners. Many Canadians use it alongside premium rewards cards for groceries and regular purchases thanks to its reliability and straightforward cash-back structure.
AI review (straight talk)
If you want effortless rewards with no fees, this card is hard to beat. The earn rates are modest but consistent, and the simplicity of automatic redemption makes it ideal for anyone wanting predictable savings on daily spending.
Alternatives & comparison
| Card | Annual Fee | Groceries | Other Purchases | Key Perks | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RBC Cash Back Mastercard | $0 | 2% | 0.5–1% | Automatic cash back | Everyday spenders |
| BMO CashBack® Mastercard® | $0 | 3% | 0.5% | Flexible redemptions | Grocery shoppers |
| Tangerine Money-Back Mastercard® | $0 | 2% (chosen categories) | 0.5% | Customizable categories | Flexible users |
| CIBC Dividend® Visa Card | $0 | 2% | 1% | Simple cash back | Balanced earners |
FAQ
Is there an annual fee?
No, the RBC Cash Back Mastercard has no annual fee.
How much can I earn on groceries?
You earn 2% on groceries up to $6,000 annually, then 1% after that.
How are rewards paid?
Cash back is automatically credited to your account as a statement credit.
Does this card include travel insurance?
No, this is a basic cash-back card with purchase protection only.
Final verdict & ratings
Our take The RBC Cash Back Mastercard is a great starter or secondary card for Canadians seeking effortless cash-back rewards with no annual fee. Its 2% grocery rate and automatic redemption system make it a reliable, no-maintenance option.
| Overall | ★★★★☆ 4.2 / 5 |
|---|---|
| Rewards value | 4.0 / 5 — steady everyday earnings |
| Benefits & protections | 3.4 / 5 — basic but useful |
| Fees & costs | 5.0 / 5 — no annual fee |
| Ease of approval | 4.4 / 5 — suitable for most Canadians |
