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RBC Cash Back Mastercard

RBC Cash Back Mastercard

Reviewed by Jen, founder of MoneyMint · Updated October 1, 2026

RBC Cash Back Mastercard
RBCNo Annual Fee

RBC Cash Back Mastercard

Our take: a simple no-fee card for grocery shoppers — 2% back at grocery stores, 1% on gas, EV charging, transit and rideshare, and 0.5% on everything else, plus up to $100 in welcome cash back.

Welcome bonus5% extra cash back for 6 months (on up to $2,000, max $100)
Apply on RBC’s site →

  • Goes straight to RBC
  • Our review

The RBC Cash Back Mastercard is a no-annual-fee credit card from Royal Bank of Canada. Since RBC’s October 1, 2026 update, it earns 2% cash back at grocery stores, 1% on gas, EV charging, transit and rideshare, and 0.5% on everything else, with no annual caps, and there’s no minimum income requirement. It’s a straightforward option for grocery-heavy households, though its 0.5% base rate is lower than several competing no-fee cash back cards.

3.5out of 5

MoneyMint rating

#14 of 34 no-fee rewards cards · How we rate

Rewards value
2/10
Insurance
4/10
Flexibility
10/10
Welcome bonus
1/10
Fee value
10/10
Perks
0/10

≈ $301

estimated first-year value after the annual fee, on a typical $2,050/month budget. See it for your spending →

At a Glance

Annual Fee

$0

Foreign Transaction Fee

2.5%

Rewards

~2%on groceries (est. value)

Purchase APR 21.99% · Cash Advance APR 22.99%

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • No annual fee and no stated income requirement
  • 2% cash back at grocery stores with no annual cap, plus 1% on gas, EV charging, transit and rideshare
  • Useful partner perks (Petro-Canada fuel savings, DashPass trial, Triangle Rewards)
  • Standard purchase protection and extended warranty insurance included at no cost
  • No cap on total cash back earned

Cons

  • Only 0.5% cash back on everything outside groceries, gas, EV charging, transit and rideshare, with no step-up for higher spending
  • No included travel insurance
  • 2.5% foreign transaction fee on purchases made abroad
  • Cash back isn’t paid out until it reaches $25 or the following January
  • Relatively high APRs if a balance is carried

Rewards & Earn Rates

Groceries (grocery stores and supermarkets)2% cash back
Gas, EV charging, transit and rideshare1% cash back
All other purchases0.5% cash back
RBC updated this card on October 1, 2026. It used to pay 2% on groceries and 0.5% on other purchases only on the first $6,000 a year, then 1% on everything. The new rates have no annual threshold, which helps big grocery spenders but means general purchases stay at 0.5% however much you spend. The 2% rate applies only at merchants coded as grocery stores and supermarkets, so groceries bought at a big-box or warehouse store may earn 0.5%.

Who It’s For

Best for

  • Canadians who want a simple, no-fee cash back card
  • Households whose spending is concentrated in groceries
  • People who pay their balance in full each month

Not ideal for

  • Frequent travelers or online shoppers paying in foreign currency
  • Big spenders on dining, gas, or general purchases seeking a strong flat-rate card
  • Anyone likely to carry a balance
IssuerRBC
Annual fee$0
Welcome bonus5% extra cash back for 6 months (up to $100)
Foreign transaction fee2.5%
MoneyMint rating3.5 / 5

Apply on RBC’s site →

This link goes directly to RBC’s official page. MoneyMint doesn’t currently have a paid partnership for this card, so this isn’t a monetized recommendation.

+ Compare with other cards

Not Sure? Three Cards People Compare It With

All everyday spending cards →

BMO CashBack Mastercard

BMO CashBack Mastercard

Pick this instead if most of your spending is groceries (~3% est.).

Fee $0Rating 3.7 ★Bonus $125

Read review

BMO CashBack Mastercard for Students

BMO CashBack Mastercard for Students

Pick this instead if most of your spending is groceries (~3% est.).

Fee $0Rating 3.7 ★Bonus $125

Read review

Triangle World Elite Mastercard

Triangle World Elite Mastercard

Pick this instead if travel insurance matters more to you.

Fee $0Rating 4.4 ★

Read review

Further Reading

3.5MoneyMint rating

RBC Cash Back Mastercard

Best for groceries · No annual fee · up to $100 welcome bonus

Apply on RBC’s site →Find a better fit

J

Jen, founder of MoneyMint

Reviewed by Jen. Every figure on this page was checked against RBC’s official card page on October 1, 2026. How we rate cards →

This is general information, not personalized financial advice — consider your own spending habits and consult a professional for decisions specific to your situation. Rates, fees, and offers are set by RBC and can change without notice; always confirm current terms on the issuer’s official page before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the annual fee for the RBC Cash Back Mastercard?

The RBC Cash Back Mastercard has an annual fee of $0.

What is the rewards rate on the RBC Cash Back Mastercard?

It earns 2% cash back on grocery store purchases, 1% on gas, EV charging, transit and rideshare, and 0.5% on all other purchases, with no annual caps.

Does the RBC Cash Back Mastercard have a welcome bonus?

Yes. New applicants approved between October 1, 2026 and February 2, 2027 earn an extra 5% cash back on up to $2,000 in purchases in the first 6 months, worth up to $100, on top of the regular earn rates. Additional cardholders and existing RBC cardholders switching to this card aren’t eligible. Double-check the current terms on RBC’s site before you apply.

What credit score do I need to qualify for the RBC Cash Back Mastercard?

Generally, you’ll want a good credit score to be considered for the RBC Cash Back Mastercard. Approval also depends on income and overall credit history, not credit score alone.

Does the RBC Cash Back Mastercard charge foreign transaction fees?

Yes. It charges 2.5% on purchases in a foreign currency.