Cash Back Mastercard

RBC

The RBC Cash Back Mastercard offers a straightforward approach to cash back rewards with no annual fee, providing 2% cash back on the first $6,000 of annual grocery purchases and 1% on everything else. With no minimum income requirements, free additional cards for family members, and practical perks like Petro-Canada fuel savings and DoorDash delivery benefits, this card delivers accessible value for Canadian households seeking simple rewards without complicated tier structures or fees.

While the RBC Cash Back Mastercard won't impress with premium travel benefits or high earning rates across multiple categories, its combination of grocery-focused rewards, purchase protection, extended warranty coverage, and partnership discounts creates genuine value for budget-conscious families. The automatic cash back credit every December provides a welcome bonus during the expensive holiday season, making this card particularly appealing for those who prefer predictable rewards over complex point systems or travel programs

Our Verdict

The RBC Cash Back Mastercard earns respectable marks for delivering reliable cash back on grocery purchases without any annual fee, making it accessible to a broad range of Canadians regardless of income level. The 2% rate on groceries, while capped at $6,000 annually, provides meaningful rewards on essential spending that every household incurs, while the inclusion of purchase protection and extended warranty coverage adds value typically missing from basic no-fee cards. The partnerships with Petro-Canada, Rexall, and DoorDash create additional savings opportunities that enhance the overall value proposition. Where the card disappoints is in its limited reward structure that fails to compete with more generous no-fee alternatives. The $6,000 cap on 2% grocery earnings means heavy grocery spenders exhaust this benefit by mid-year, while the 1% rate on all other purchases falls below many competing cards offering 1.25% or higher base rates. The absence of welcome bonuses, travel insurance, and other premium features limits its appeal to rewards enthusiasts. Despite these limitations, for RBC banking customers seeking a simple, reliable cash back card for everyday purchases without fees or complications, the RBC Cash Back Mastercard provides adequate value, particularly for smaller households with moderate grocery spending.

Our Score

6.7 / 10

Pros