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ByBridget Casey&Doug Whiteman
Fact Checked:Scott Birke
🗓️
Updated:June 27, 2024
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Best Cash Back Credit Cards in Canada
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ByBridget Casey&Doug Whiteman
Fact Checked:Scott Birke
🗓️
Updated:June 27, 2024
Partners on this page provide us earnings.
The best cash back credit cards can help maximize your earnings on everyday spending. Cash back is one of the most attractive credit rewards options because you can spend it however you choose. There are no rules or restrictions on how you use your cash.
But which cash back credit card is best for you? We’ve done the leg work of comparing all the options to help you pick one of the best cash back credit cards for your spending.
Best overall
Best cash back credit card
up to 10%
Excellent
Apply now
Get up to 10% cash back in your first 3 months and the $120 annual fee waived in the first anniversary*.
Expires
Nov 30, 2024
Get up to 10% cash back in your first 3 months and the $120 annual fee waived in the first anniversary*.
Expires
Nov 30, 2024
Apply now
5%
Groceries: 5% cash back up to $500 spent per month ($25 in cash back)*
4%
Transit: 4% cash back up to $300 spent per month ($12 in cash back)*
3%
Gas: 3% cash back up to $300 spent per month ($9 in cash back)*
2%
Recurring Bills: 2% cash back up to $500 spent per month ($10 in cash back)*
1%
Everything Else: 1% cash back, unlimited*
Groceries: 5% cash back up to $500 spent per month ($25 in cash back)*
5%
Transit: 4% cash back up to $300 spent per month ($12 in cash back)*
4%
Gas: 3% cash back up to $300 spent per month ($9 in cash back)*
3%
Recurring Bills: 2% cash back up to $500 spent per month ($10 in cash back)*
2%
Everything Else: 1% cash back, unlimited*
1%
20.99%
Purchase APR
23.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
23.99%
Cash Advance APR21.99% for Quebec residents
$120
Annual Fee
2.90%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
20.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
23.99%
Cash Advance APR
23.99%
Annual Fee
$120
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.90%
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
$80,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$150,000
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
Required Annual Personal Income
$80,000
Required Annual Household Income
$150,000
Pros
Valuable sign-up bonus
High 5% cash back rate on groceries
Free roadside assistance
Excellent extended warranty and purchase protection terms
Cons
Restrictive spending limits for most cash back categories
Sign-up bonus structure is head-scratchingly complicated
High minimum income requirements
5%
Groceries: 5% cash back up to $500 spent per month ($25 in cash back)*
4%
Transit: 4% cash back up to $300 spent per month ($12 in cash back)*
3%
Gas: 3% cash back up to $300 spent per month ($9 in cash back)*
2%
Recurring Bills: 2% cash back up to $500 spent per month ($10 in cash back)*
1%
Everything Else: 1% cash back, unlimited*
Groceries: 5% cash back up to $500 spent per month ($25 in cash back)*
5%
Transit: 4% cash back up to $300 spent per month ($12 in cash back)*
4%
Gas: 3% cash back up to $300 spent per month ($9 in cash back)*
3%
Recurring Bills: 2% cash back up to $500 spent per month ($10 in cash back)*
2%
Everything Else: 1% cash back, unlimited*
1%
20.99%
Purchase APR
23.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
23.99%
Cash Advance APR21.99% for Quebec residents
$120
Annual Fee
2.90%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
20.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
23.99%
Cash Advance APR
23.99%
Annual Fee
$120
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.90%
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
$80,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$150,000
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
Required Annual Personal Income
$80,000
Required Annual Household Income
$150,000
Pros
Valuable sign-up bonus
High 5% cash back rate on groceries
Free roadside assistance
Excellent extended warranty and purchase protection terms
Cons
Restrictive spending limits for most cash back categories
Sign-up bonus structure is head-scratchingly complicated
High minimum income requirements
Why we picked the BMO CashBack® World Elite® Mastercard
+To start, you get a high 5% cash back rate on groceries and you can redeem that cash any time you like.
It's a long standing winner of the best overall cash back cards and needed a mention here.
You'll also get 3% back on gas, 4% back on transit (ride sharing, bus, and taxis), and 2% cash back on recurring bills (e.g. Spotify, Netflix, Gym membership).
It also throws in roadside assistance which is a pretty sweet perk you just never want to pay for. And, it has pretty decent travel insurance which is rare for cash back cards.
While you will have to pay the $120 annual fee, at least it's waived in the first year. However, you'll need to a minimum of $80k individual or $150k household income to qualify.
Welcome offer: Get up to 10% cash back in your first 3 months and the $120 annual fee waived in the first anniversary*
Cash back structure: After that 5% cash back on groceries (up to $500 per month); 4% cash back on eligible transit (up to $300 per month); 3% cash back on gas (up to $300 per month); 2% cash back on recurring bills (up to $500 spent per month); 1% cash back on all other purchases†.
*Terms and conditions apply
†Statement based on a comparison of the non-promotional grocery rewards earn rate on Canadian cash back credit cards as of June 1, 2024
Who's eligible?
Minimum credit score: Excellent
Minimum income: $80,000 individual or $150,000 household
Age: Age of majority in province
Residency: Canadian resident
Other: No bankruptcy for the past 7 years
Best for no fee
Best no annual fee cash back credit card:
10% back
Fair
Apply now
about new welcomeoffers by email
about new welcome offers byemail
Apply now
2%
Earn 2% cash back on 2 categories of your choice (e.g. groceries, recurring bills, gas, drug stores, etc.)
3
Get a Tangerine Savings account and add a 3rd 2% cash back category.
0.5%
Earn 0.50% on all your other everyday purchases.
Earn 2% cash back on 2 categories of your choice (e.g. groceries, recurring bills, gas, drug stores, etc.)
2%
Get a Tangerine Savings account and add a 3rd 2% cash back category.
3
Earn 0.50% on all your other everyday purchases.
0.5%
19.95%
Purchase APR
1.95%
Balance Transfer Rate1.95% interest for first 6 months, 19.95% after that.
19.95%
Cash Advance APR$3.50 within Canada, $5.00 outside Canada
$0
Annual Fee$0 for additional cardholders
2.50%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
19.95%
Balance Transfer Rate
1.95%
Cash Advance APR
19.95%
Annual Fee
$0
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.50%
Fair
Recommended Credit Score
$12,000
Required Annual Personal Income
Recommended Credit Score
Fair
Required Annual Personal Income
$12,000
Pros
No annual fee
Choose the spending categories where you want to earn the most cash back
Unlimited cash back—no maximum spending limit for any purchase category
Cash back is paid out monthly rather than annually
Periodically includes a special welcome offer where you can get extra cash back
1.95% interest on balance transfers for the first 6 months (1% transfer fee applies)*
Cons
Regular cash back rates are still lower than what you can get from a card with an annual fee
Limited extra perks or benefits beyond the cash back and balance transfer promotion
Generally not a good fit for shopping at warehouse clubs or wholesale grocers like Costco or Walmart
Tangerine does not have any physical bank branches
2%
Earn 2% cash back on 2 categories of your choice (e.g. groceries, recurring bills, gas, drug stores, etc.)
3
Get a Tangerine Savings account and add a 3rd 2% cash back category.
0.5%
Earn 0.50% on all your other everyday purchases.
Earn 2% cash back on 2 categories of your choice (e.g. groceries, recurring bills, gas, drug stores, etc.)
2%
Get a Tangerine Savings account and add a 3rd 2% cash back category.
3
Earn 0.50% on all your other everyday purchases.
0.5%
19.95%
Purchase APR
1.95%
Balance Transfer Rate1.95% interest for first 6 months, 19.95% after that.
19.95%
Cash Advance APR$3.50 within Canada, $5.00 outside Canada
$0
Annual Fee$0 for additional cardholders
2.50%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
19.95%
Balance Transfer Rate
1.95%
Cash Advance APR
19.95%
Annual Fee
$0
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.50%
Fair
Recommended Credit Score
$12,000
Required Annual Personal Income
Recommended Credit Score
Fair
Required Annual Personal Income
$12,000
Pros
No annual fee
Choose the spending categories where you want to earn the most cash back
Unlimited cash back—no maximum spending limit for any purchase category
Cash back is paid out monthly rather than annually
Periodically includes a special welcome offer where you can get extra cash back
1.95% interest on balance transfers for the first 6 months (1% transfer fee applies)*
Cons
Regular cash back rates are still lower than what you can get from a card with an annual fee
Limited extra perks or benefits beyond the cash back and balance transfer promotion
Generally not a good fit for shopping at warehouse clubs or wholesale grocers like Costco or Walmart
Tangerine does not have any physical bank branches
Overview of the Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card
+You want a free credit card with money rewards? The Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card lets you earn 2% cash back in two spending categories, or three spending categories if you deposit your cash back into a Tangerine Savings Account.
These spending categories are flexible enough to reflect your spending habits which, if they happen to change from time to time, you can choose new categories every 90 days. You’ll earn 0.5% cash back on all other purchases, without any tiers, caps, or limits. Your cash back is dispersed monthly, which means you never have to wait to reap the rewards of your spending.
For the first 30 days of card membership, cardholders can transfer a balance to Tangerine and pay just 1.95% interest for 6 months, 1% transfer fee applies* (19.95% after that).
However, if you have an annual personal income of $60K or household income of $100K, it makes sense to consider the Tangerine World Mastercard® instead, which offers the same rewards rates as the Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card, but it comes with more features like mobile device insurance, airport lounge access, and car rental insurance.
Annual fee: $0
Cash back structure: 2% cash back on two personal spending categories you select (can be changed every 90 days), 0.5% on all other purchases
Cash back perk: An extra purchase category (totaling three) to earn 2% cash back if you deposit the cash back you earn to a Tangerine Savings Account
Additional perks: Extended warranty doubles the manufacturers’ original warranty by up to one additional year
We think the Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card offers the best flexibility in earning cash back. Even though there’s a limit to how often you can change your spending categories, you still get to choose your own and there is no limit to the cash back you can earn, ensuring you’re truly getting the most bang for your buck on all your spending, plus there’s no annual fee.
Tangerine’s Money-Back Credit Card is the perfect option for pure cash back potential without any limits or fees. Tangerine will also give you an extra high earning cash back purchase category if you direct your cash back earned to a Tangerine Savings Account, making this the best card for anyone who’s using cash back towards a financial goal.
Who's eligible?
Minimum credit score: Fair/good
Minimum income: $12,000
Age: 18+/age of majority
Residency: Canadian resident/permanent resident
Other: No bankruptcy for the past 7 years
*Terms and Conditions apply
Best for flat rate
Best flat-rate cash back
up to $400
Excellent
Apply now
Welcome Bonus of up to $400 in Statement Credits
Welcome Bonus of up to $400 in Statement Credits
Apply now
4%
Earn 4% cash back on gas in Canada.
4%
Earn 4% cash back on grocery purchases in Canada, up to $1,200 cash back per year.
2%
Earn 2% cash back on everything else with no limit.
Earn 4% cash back on gas in Canada.
4%
Earn 4% cash back on grocery purchases in Canada, up to $1,200 cash back per year.
4%
Earn 2% cash back on everything else with no limit.
2%
21.99%
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash Advance APR
$119.88
Annual Fee$9.99 per month. Additional cards are free.
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash Advance APR
21.99%
Annual Fee
$119.88
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
Pros
Earn up to $400 in statement credits in first 10 months
Competitive cash back rates: Up to 4% on gas and groceries, and more
Refer-a-friend bonus up to $750 annually
Extra benefits like rental car insurance and travel accident coverage
Manufacturer's warranty doubled on purchases
Cons
$9.99/month fee ($119.88 annually)
Cash back redeemed annually in September
Requires spending $750 monthly for maximum bonus
Not all benefits may be relevant to all users
Limited to American Express acceptance
4%
Earn 4% cash back on gas in Canada.
4%
Earn 4% cash back on grocery purchases in Canada, up to $1,200 cash back per year.
2%
Earn 2% cash back on everything else with no limit.
Earn 4% cash back on gas in Canada.
4%
Earn 4% cash back on grocery purchases in Canada, up to $1,200 cash back per year.
4%
Earn 2% cash back on everything else with no limit.
2%
21.99%
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash Advance APR
$119.88
Annual Fee$9.99 per month. Additional cards are free.
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash Advance APR
21.99%
Annual Fee
$119.88
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
Pros
Earn up to $400 in statement credits in first 10 months
Competitive cash back rates: Up to 4% on gas and groceries, and more
Refer-a-friend bonus up to $750 annually
Extra benefits like rental car insurance and travel accident coverage
Manufacturer's warranty doubled on purchases
Cons
$9.99/month fee ($119.88 annually)
Cash back redeemed annually in September
Requires spending $750 monthly for maximum bonus
Not all benefits may be relevant to all users
Limited to American Express acceptance
Why we picked SimplyCash® Preferred Card from American Express
+Any Amex will allow you to earn cash back, but the best cash back credit card from American Express is the Simply Cash Preferred. You can convert American Express Membership Rewards points for cash, where 25,000 points is worth about $167.50, but for any travel rewards credit card, your points are better used for travel.
With Amex, your cash back rewards are earned on purchases less returns and other credits and are applied annually to your account and paid out in September of each year.
To start, they hit you with a nice welcome bonus: In your first 10 months as a new SimplyCash® Preferred Card from American Express Cardmember, you can earn a $40 statement credit for each monthly billing period in which you spend $750 in purchases on your card.
This could add up to $400 in statement credits in the first 10 months. Conditions apply. Earn 4% cash back on eligible gas station purchases in Canada, 4% cash back on eligible grocery store purchases in Canada (up to $1,200 cash back annually) and 2% cash back on all other purchases.
The card also offers buyer’s assurance and purchase protection, doubling the manufacturer’s warranty on purchases by up to one year while also insuring them against damage or theft.
Annual fee: $9.99/month (Equals a total fee of $119.88 annually)
Cash back structure: Earn 4% cash back on eligible gas station purchases in Canada, 4% cash back on eligible grocery store purchases in Canada (up to $1,200 cash back annually) and 2% cash back on all other purchases
Additional perks: Access events and special offers curated for Cardmembers with American Express® Experiences, $100,000 Travel Accident Insurance, Buyer’s Assurance Protection Plan and Purchase Protection Plan
We love that with the SimplyCash® Preferred Card from American Express, you’ll get value everywhere, all the time, with the base earn rate. The annual fee, although not the highest we’ve seen, is still an annual fee that other cards may forego.
Who's eligible?
Minimum credit score: Good/Excellent
Minimum income: N/A
Age: 18+/age of majority
Residency: Canadian resident
Best for travel
Best cash back for travel
$25 back
Excellent
Apply now
$25 Welcome Bonus in cash back rewards upon first card purchase within 3 months of receiving your card2
$25 Welcome Bonus in cash back rewards upon first card purchase within 3 months of receiving your card2
Apply now
3%
Earn 3% unlimited cash back on purchases made in U.S. dollars.
1.5%
Earn 1.5% unlimited cash back on everything else.
Earn 3% unlimited cash back on purchases made in U.S. dollars.
3%
Earn 1.5% unlimited cash back on everything else.
1.5%
19.99%
Purchase APRIncreasing to 20.99% April 2024
22.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
$0
Annual FeeTo maintain eligibility, you must spend at least $15,000/year.
Purchase APR
19.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
22.99%
Annual Fee
$0
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
$80,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$150,000
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
Required Annual Personal Income
$80,000
Required Annual Household Income
$150,000
Pros
Lucrative cash back rates on USD and CAD purchases
No annual fee with valuable insurance benefits
Competitive against foreign transaction fee cards
Convenient cash back redemption options
Travel insurance perks and airport lounge access
Welcome bonus in cash back rewards
Cons
High income requirement: $80,000 personal or $150,000 household
Foreign transaction fee applies
Limited redemption options for statement credits
3%
Earn 3% unlimited cash back on purchases made in U.S. dollars.
1.5%
Earn 1.5% unlimited cash back on everything else.
Earn 3% unlimited cash back on purchases made in U.S. dollars.
3%
Earn 1.5% unlimited cash back on everything else.
1.5%
19.99%
Purchase APRIncreasing to 20.99% April 2024
22.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
$0
Annual FeeTo maintain eligibility, you must spend at least $15,000/year.
Purchase APR
19.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
22.99%
Annual Fee
$0
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
$80,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$150,000
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
Required Annual Personal Income
$80,000
Required Annual Household Income
$150,000
Pros
Lucrative cash back rates on USD and CAD purchases
No annual fee with valuable insurance benefits
Competitive against foreign transaction fee cards
Convenient cash back redemption options
Travel insurance perks and airport lounge access
Welcome bonus in cash back rewards
Cons
High income requirement: $80,000 personal or $150,000 household
Foreign transaction fee applies
Limited redemption options for statement credits
Overview of the Rogers™ World Elite® Mastercard®
+The Rogers™ World Elite® Mastercard® gives you $25 in cash back rewards as soon as you make your first purchase. You’ll earn 3% cash back on purchases made in U.S. dollars, either online or abroad and 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
There is a foreign transaction fee of 2.5%, but there are some additional perks like the travel insurance coverage and complimentary membership to Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass
Annual fee: $0
Cash back structure: 3% cash back on purchases made in U.S. dollars and 1.5% cash back on all other purchases
Additional perks: purchase protection and extended warranties on purchases you make with the card.
For a no-fee card, the Rogers™ World Elite® Mastercard® truly delivers. Their earn rate on U.S. dollar purchases and everyday rate all purchases means this card puts money in your pocket, no matter where you’re shopping. Moreover, the sweet travel perks make it the perfect trip companion.
Cardholders will earn 3% cash back on each of their purchases made in U.S. dollars, which nets them 0.5% after factoring out the foreign transaction fee (2.5%). If you’re a U.S. frequent traveler and cash back is your favorite credit reward, this is the only card you should have in your wallet!
Who's eligible?
Minimum credit score: Good/Excellent
Minimum income: $80,000 (personal)
Age: 18+
Residency: Canadian resident
Best for groceries
Best cash back for groceries and bills
10% back
Excellent
Apply now
Earn 10% cash back on all purchases for the first 3 months (up to $2,000 in total purchases). No annual fee in the first year, including on additional cards.
Earn 10% cash back on all purchases for the first 3 months (up to $2,000 in total purchases). No annual fee in the first year, including on additional cards.
Apply now
4%
For every $1 you spend on grocery store purchases, recurring bill payments and subscription purchases
2%
For every $1 you spend on gas and daily transit purchases
1%
Cash back on all other purchases with no cash back limit
For every $1 you spend on grocery store purchases, recurring bill payments and subscription purchases
4%
For every $1 you spend on gas and daily transit purchases
2%
Cash back on all other purchases with no cash back limit
1%
20.99%
Purchase APR
22.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
$120
Annual Fee$50 per supplementary card
2.50%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
20.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
22.99%
Annual Fee
$120
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.50%
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
Required Annual Personal Income
$60,000
Required Annual Household Income
$100,000
Pros
High earn rate on everyday spending categories
Comprehensive travel and purchase insurance
Visa Infinite perks such as concierge, events, and special offers
25% Car rental discounts at Avis and Budget
Mobile device insurance
Up to $200 welcome bonus
Cons
Income requirements are higher: $60k personal or 100k household
Cash back can only be redeemed once a year
4%
For every $1 you spend on grocery store purchases, recurring bill payments and subscription purchases
2%
For every $1 you spend on gas and daily transit purchases
1%
Cash back on all other purchases with no cash back limit
For every $1 you spend on grocery store purchases, recurring bill payments and subscription purchases
4%
For every $1 you spend on gas and daily transit purchases
2%
Cash back on all other purchases with no cash back limit
1%
20.99%
Purchase APR
22.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
$120
Annual Fee$50 per supplementary card
2.50%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
20.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
22.99%
Annual Fee
$120
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.50%
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
Required Annual Personal Income
$60,000
Required Annual Household Income
$100,000
Pros
High earn rate on everyday spending categories
Comprehensive travel and purchase insurance
Visa Infinite perks such as concierge, events, and special offers
25% Car rental discounts at Avis and Budget
Mobile device insurance
Up to $200 welcome bonus
Cons
Income requirements are higher: $60k personal or 100k household
Cash back can only be redeemed once a year
Overview of the Scotia Momentum® Visa Infinite* card
+With the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite card, you’ll earn 4% for every $1 you spend on groceries, recurring bills, and subscription services, 2% on gas purchases and daily transit, and 1% on everything else with no cash back limit.
The 4% cash back at grocery stores as well as on subscriptions like Netflix, HelloFresh, or Chefs Plate is the highest earn rate for these budget items we pay. With 2% on on gas purchases and daily transit (including Uber) and 1% on everything else, the Scotia Momentum® Visa Infinite* card is an urban professional’s dream.
Annual fee: $120 (waived in the first year¹)
Cash back structure: 4% cash back on all grocery, recurring bills, and subscription services, 2% cash back on gas purchases and daily transit, and 1% cash back on everything else with no cash back limit
Additional perks: New mobile Device Insurance, Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption Insurance, plus Travel Emergency Medical Insurance, Flight Delay Insurance, Delayed and Lost Baggage Insurance
If you think about how many recurring bills you have, from cellphone bills to your gym membership, you can see how the Scotia Momentum® Visa Infinite* card will let you earn a ton of cash back easily. Few credit cards can keep up with the cash back earn rate of the Scotia Momentum® Visa Infinite* card.
However, there is one major downside: your cash back accumulates monthly but is only paid out once per year. If you like to get your hands on your rewards sooner rather than later, waiting for your annual payout can be a major bummer.
Nevertheless, the extra perks of the card including travel insurance and new mobile device insurance can make waiting for your cash back payout worth it.
Who's eligible?
Minimum credit score: Excellent
Minimum income: You must have a minimum annual income of $60,000 or a minimum household income of $100,000 or a minimum assets under management of $250,000
Age: 18+
Residency: Canadian resident/permanent resident
¹ Conditions Apply. Visit here for the Scotia Momentum® Visa Infinite* Card to learn more.
Best no fee groceries
Best no annual fee card for groceries
5% cash back
Good
Apply now
Get 5% cash back in your first 3 months*
Expires
Nov 30, 2024
Get 5% cash back in your first 3 months*
Expires
Nov 30, 2024
Apply now
3%
Cardholders earn 3% (up to a monthly max of $500) cash back on groceries
1%
Cardholders can earn 1% (up to $500 per month) on any recurring bill payments*
0.5%
Cardholders can earn 0.5% (no monthly max) on all other eligible purchases*
Cardholders earn 3% (up to a monthly max of $500) cash back on groceries
3%
Cardholders can earn 1% (up to $500 per month) on any recurring bill payments*
1%
Cardholders can earn 0.5% (no monthly max) on all other eligible purchases*
0.5%
20.99%
Purchase APR
22.99%
Cash Advance APR21.99% for Quebec residents
$0
Annual Fee
Purchase APR
20.99%
Cash Advance APR
22.99%
Annual Fee
$0
Good
Recommended Credit Score
$15,000
Required Annual Personal Income
Recommended Credit Score
Good
Required Annual Personal Income
$15,000
Pros
No Annual Fee: A rare find in Canada for a cash back card
A generous 3% cash back on groceries (up to $500 monthly)
Easily redeem from $1, set up automatic redemptions, or use as a statement credit
Additional perks include discounts on rentals, free supplementary cards and show discounts
Cons
Outside of groceries and recurring payments, the standard earn rate drops to 0.5%
Monthly caps on top earn rates for groceries and recurring payments
A 2% balance transfer fee applies
The interest rate on the remaining balance transfer amount increases after the introductory period
3%
Cardholders earn 3% (up to a monthly max of $500) cash back on groceries
1%
Cardholders can earn 1% (up to $500 per month) on any recurring bill payments*
0.5%
Cardholders can earn 0.5% (no monthly max) on all other eligible purchases*
Cardholders earn 3% (up to a monthly max of $500) cash back on groceries
3%
Cardholders can earn 1% (up to $500 per month) on any recurring bill payments*
1%
Cardholders can earn 0.5% (no monthly max) on all other eligible purchases*
0.5%
20.99%
Purchase APR
22.99%
Cash Advance APR21.99% for Quebec residents
$0
Annual Fee
Purchase APR
20.99%
Cash Advance APR
22.99%
Annual Fee
$0
Good
Recommended Credit Score
$15,000
Required Annual Personal Income
Recommended Credit Score
Good
Required Annual Personal Income
$15,000
Pros
No Annual Fee: A rare find in Canada for a cash back card
A generous 3% cash back on groceries (up to $500 monthly)
Easily redeem from $1, set up automatic redemptions, or use as a statement credit
Additional perks include discounts on rentals, free supplementary cards and show discounts
Cons
Outside of groceries and recurring payments, the standard earn rate drops to 0.5%
Monthly caps on top earn rates for groceries and recurring payments
A 2% balance transfer fee applies
The interest rate on the remaining balance transfer amount increases after the introductory period
Overview of the BMO CashBack® MasterCard®*
+The BMO CashBack MasterCard offers the highest cash back on groceries in Canada without paying an annual fee†, at 3%*. That’s competitive with a number of upper-tier cards charging annual fees in excess of $100+. It also offers a second accelerated earn rate of 1% on recurring bills, as well as a more standard 0.5% on all other eligible purchases*.
Annual fee: $0
Regular cash back structure: 3% on groceries*; 1% on recurring bills*; 0.5% on all other purchases*
Balance transfer promotion: 0.99% introductory interest rate on Balance Transfers for nine months, 2% fee applies to balance amounts transferred*.
If groceries represent a huge, ever-present expense for you (as they do for most people), it’s a smart move to get a credit card that pays back on your repeated trips to the market. The BMO CashBack® Mastercard®* is an accessible way to maximize return on spending for those who can’t stomach paying an annual fee, or who don’t meet the income requirements for some of the upper-tier cards on this list.
The card’s only real shortcoming is that the enhanced cash back rates are limited: You can earn at the 3% and 1% rates only on the first $500 worth of grocery and recurring bill payments respectively each month*. If your monthly expenditures in those categories exceed $500, you should probably shell out for a card with an annual fee, but with a higher ceiling on the amount of cash back you can accrue.
Who's eligible?
Minimum credit score: Good
Minimum income: $15,000
Age: Age of majority in province/territory
Residency: Canadian resident
*Terms and conditions apply
†Statement based on a comparison of the non-promotional grocery rewards earn rate on Canadian cash back credit cards as of January 4, 2023.
Best for gas
Best cash back credit card for gas
10% back†
Good
Apply now
Get a first-year annual fee rebate and earn 10% cash back welcome bonus of up to $250!†
Get a first-year annual fee rebate and earn 10% cash back welcome bonus of up to $250!†
Apply now
4%
cash back on eligible gas, EV charging, and grocery purchases.†
2%
cash back on eligible transportation, dining purchases and recurring payments†
1%
cash back on all other purchases†
10 cents
save up to 10 cents per litre† at participating Pioneer, Fas Gas, Ultramar and Chevron gas stations.†
cash back on eligible gas, EV charging, and grocery purchases.†
4%
cash back on eligible transportation, dining purchases and recurring payments†
2%
cash back on all other purchases†
1%
save up to 10 cents per litre† at participating Pioneer, Fas Gas, Ultramar and Chevron gas stations.†
10 cents
20.99%†
Purchase APRnon-Quebec residents†
22.99%†
Balance Transfer Ratenon-Quebec residents†
22.99%†
Cash Advance APRnon-Quebec residents†
$120
Annual FeeFirst year rebated. Each additional card is $30 per year, max 3.
Purchase APR
20.99%†
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%†
Cash Advance APR
22.99%†
Annual Fee
$120
Good
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000†
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000†
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Good
Required Annual Personal Income
$60,000†
Required Annual Household Income
$100,000†
Pros
Very high cash back rates on eligible groceries and gas and electric vehicle charging
Lucrative welcome offer
Flexible cash back redemption policy
Premium Visa Infinite benefits†
No limit on the total cash back you can earn†
Cons
Maximum annual spending limits in accelerated cash back
High-ish annual fee
Mid-level income requirement
4%
cash back on eligible gas, EV charging, and grocery purchases.†
2%
cash back on eligible transportation, dining purchases and recurring payments†
1%
cash back on all other purchases†
10 cents
save up to 10 cents per litre† at participating Pioneer, Fas Gas, Ultramar and Chevron gas stations.†
cash back on eligible gas, EV charging, and grocery purchases.†
4%
cash back on eligible transportation, dining purchases and recurring payments†
2%
cash back on all other purchases†
1%
save up to 10 cents per litre† at participating Pioneer, Fas Gas, Ultramar and Chevron gas stations.†
10 cents
20.99%†
Purchase APRnon-Quebec residents†
22.99%†
Balance Transfer Ratenon-Quebec residents†
22.99%†
Cash Advance APRnon-Quebec residents†
$120
Annual FeeFirst year rebated. Each additional card is $30 per year, max 3.
Purchase APR
20.99%†
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%†
Cash Advance APR
22.99%†
Annual Fee
$120
Good
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000†
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000†
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Good
Required Annual Personal Income
$60,000†
Required Annual Household Income
$100,000†
Pros
Very high cash back rates on eligible groceries and gas and electric vehicle charging
Lucrative welcome offer
Flexible cash back redemption policy
Premium Visa Infinite benefits†
No limit on the total cash back you can earn†
Cons
Maximum annual spending limits in accelerated cash back
High-ish annual fee
Mid-level income requirement
Why we picked the CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* Card
+If you're looking for the best Visa cash back credit card, you've found it. It's the credit card with the top cash back in Canada.
This CIBC cashback card caters to Canadians that dole out a substantial amount of their funds on eligible gas, EV charging, and grocery purchases, giving high 4% cash back rates for purchases in those categories after the welcome offer ends†. Though there are annual caps for earning at the card’s accelerated rates (see ‘Cash Back Restrictions’ below), the limits are quite high, and there’s no cap on how much cash back can be earned overall.
Annual fee: $120 primary cardholder, $30 each authorized user (up to 3)
Cash back structure: After that 4% cash back on eligible gas, EV charging, and grocery purchases†; 2% cash back on eligible transportation, dining purchases and recurring payments†; 1% cash back on all other purchases†. Also, get cash back on demand – redeem your cash back at any time when you have a minimum of $25 through CIBC Online and Mobile Banking®†
Cash back restrictions: 4% and 2% cash back rates apply up to high $20K worth of annual eligible grocery, gas, EV charging, transportation, dining, and recurring bills; or up to $80K in annual purchases overall.† After crossing one of those two milestones all eligible spending earns 1% until the rates are reset in December.
Take a look at your monthly spending. If gas and groceries took the biggest bite out of your budget, which is likely the case for many families and commuters, we recommend applying for the CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* Card and calling it a day. If you spend at least $250 on gas and groceries each month, you’ll earn enough cash back in a year to make up for the annual fee.
Note: If you don’t meet the CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* Card’s annual income requirements, check out the CIBC Dividend Platinum® Visa* Card instead. Its cash back features are almost as strong as the CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* Card’s, but it comes with a less comprehensive insurance package and a minimum annual household income requirement of just $15,000.†
Who's eligible?
Minimum credit score: Excellent
Minimum income: $60,000 individual or $100,000 household
Age: Age of majority in province
Residency: Canadian resident
Other: No bankruptcy for the past 7 years
This offer is not available for residents of Quebec.
†Terms and Conditions Apply
This is a digital-exclusive offer.†
To be eligible for this offer:
1) this offer must have been directly communicated to you from CIBC or from a partner/affiliate; and
2) you must apply for the eligible card through the link provided in the CIBC or partner/affiliate communication to you.†
This offer is reserved for you. Please do not forward it to anyone else. If you have opened, transferred or cancelled another eligible card within the last 12 months, we may approve your application, but you may not receive this offer.†
The information for the CIBC Dividend Platinum® Visa* Card has been collected independently by Money.ca. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Best for no FX fees
Best cash back credit card for perks
Fair
Apply now
about new welcomeoffers by email
about new welcome offers byemail
Apply now
3%
Get 3% cash back on your groceries in BONUSDOLLARS (up to $10,000).
2%
Get 2% cash back on restaurants, entertainment, and alternative transportation in BONUSDOLLARS (up to $6,000).
1.5%
Get 1.5% cash back on all other purchases in BONUSDOLLARS.
Get 3% cash back on your groceries in BONUSDOLLARS (up to $10,000).
3%
Get 2% cash back on restaurants, entertainment, and alternative transportation in BONUSDOLLARS (up to $6,000).
2%
Get 1.5% cash back on all other purchases in BONUSDOLLARS.
1.5%
20.90%
Purchase APR
21.90%
Cash Advance APR
$130
Annual Fee
Purchase APR
20.90%
Cash Advance APR
21.90%
Annual Fee
$130
Fair
Recommended Credit Score
$80,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$150,000
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Fair
Required Annual Personal Income
$80,000
Required Annual Household Income
$150,000
Pros
Get 3% cash back on groceries in BONUSDOLLARS, 2% cash back on restaurants, entertainment and alternative transportation in BONUSDOLLARS and 1.5% cash back on all other purchases in BONUSDOLLARS
20% BONUSDOLLARS® bonus for Desjardins members
Mobile device insurance included
No foreign transaction fees
Cons
High annual fee
Supplementary card fee
No sign-up bonus
Limited lounge access
3%
Get 3% cash back on your groceries in BONUSDOLLARS (up to $10,000).
2%
Get 2% cash back on restaurants, entertainment, and alternative transportation in BONUSDOLLARS (up to $6,000).
1.5%
Get 1.5% cash back on all other purchases in BONUSDOLLARS.
Get 3% cash back on your groceries in BONUSDOLLARS (up to $10,000).
3%
Get 2% cash back on restaurants, entertainment, and alternative transportation in BONUSDOLLARS (up to $6,000).
2%
Get 1.5% cash back on all other purchases in BONUSDOLLARS.
1.5%
20.90%
Purchase APR
21.90%
Cash Advance APR
$130
Annual Fee
Purchase APR
20.90%
Cash Advance APR
21.90%
Annual Fee
$130
Fair
Recommended Credit Score
$80,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$150,000
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Fair
Required Annual Personal Income
$80,000
Required Annual Household Income
$150,000
Pros
Get 3% cash back on groceries in BONUSDOLLARS, 2% cash back on restaurants, entertainment and alternative transportation in BONUSDOLLARS and 1.5% cash back on all other purchases in BONUSDOLLARS
20% BONUSDOLLARS® bonus for Desjardins members
Mobile device insurance included
No foreign transaction fees
Cons
High annual fee
Supplementary card fee
No sign-up bonus
Limited lounge access
Overview of the Desjardins Odyssey World Elite Mastercard
+No credit card “has it all,” but some come pretty close. The Desjardins Odyssey World Elite Mastercard makes sure you get what you want out of your credit card by, well, giving you a well-rounded rewards platform without a foreign transaction fee.
The Desjardins Odyssey® World Elite® Mastercard isn't the most well-known credit card in Canada but it provides a reliable earning platform and plenty of additional perks that make it one of the best cash back credit cards for those who want simplicity but hate to pay additional fees when traveling abroad.
Cardholders earn up to 3% cash back on groceries, 2% back on transit, dining and entertainment, and an unlimited 1.5% back on all other purchases. Additionally, cardholders enjoy no FX fees, comprehensive travel insurance and lounge access all for a reasonable $130 annual fee.
Annual fee: $130
Cash back structure: Earn 3% cash back on your groceries in BONUSDOLLARS (up to $10,000); 2% cash back on restaurants, entertainment, and alternative transportation in BONUSDOLLARS (up to $6,000); 1.5% cash back on all other purchases in BONUSDOLLARS.
Additional perks: No foreign transaction fees, mobile device insurance, trip cancellation coverage, baggage protection and DragonPass lounge access.
Who's eligible:
Minimum credit score: Fair/Good
Minimum income: $80,000 personal; $150,000 household
Age: Age of majority in province/territory
Residency: Canadian citizen/permanent resident
Best for RBC
Best cash back credit card from RBC with no annual fee
0.99% intro
Good
Apply now
about new welcomeoffers by email
about new welcome offers byemail
Apply now
2%
Up to 2% unlimited cash back on groceries
1%
Up to 1% unlimited cash back on everything else
$0.03
Link your card and instantly save 3¢/L on fuel and 20% more Petro-Points at Petro Canada
50
Get 50 Be Well points for every $1 spent on eligible products at Rexall
Up to 2% unlimited cash back on groceries
2%
Up to 1% unlimited cash back on everything else
1%
Link your card and instantly save 3¢/L on fuel and 20% more Petro-Points at Petro Canada
$0.03
Get 50 Be Well points for every $1 spent on eligible products at Rexall
50
20.99%
Purchase APR
22.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR$3.50 fee
$0
Annual FeeNo annual fee
Purchase APR
20.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
22.99%
Annual Fee
$0
Good
Recommended Credit Score
Recommended Credit Score
Good
Pros
No annual fee, no fee for additional cardholders
Up to 2% cash back on groceries², up to 1% cash back on everything else²
No limit on cash back earned¹
Save money on gas at Petro-Canada⁵
Easy approval requirements
Cons
Cash back rewards on groceries drop to 1% after you accumulate $6,000 in grocery charges
No travel insurance or other perks
No welcome bonus
0.5% applies to the cash back on everything else up to $6,000 but what is impressive is that for all non-grocery spend the cash back rate actually goes up from the 0.5% to 1% on spend over $6,000, rewarding as your spend more instead of diminishing
No travel insurance or other perks
No welcome bonus
2%
Up to 2% unlimited cash back on groceries
1%
Up to 1% unlimited cash back on everything else
$0.03
Link your card and instantly save 3¢/L on fuel and 20% more Petro-Points at Petro Canada
50
Get 50 Be Well points for every $1 spent on eligible products at Rexall
Up to 2% unlimited cash back on groceries
2%
Up to 1% unlimited cash back on everything else
1%
Link your card and instantly save 3¢/L on fuel and 20% more Petro-Points at Petro Canada
$0.03
Get 50 Be Well points for every $1 spent on eligible products at Rexall
50
20.99%
Purchase APR
22.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR$3.50 fee
$0
Annual FeeNo annual fee
Purchase APR
20.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
22.99%
Annual Fee
$0
Good
Recommended Credit Score
Recommended Credit Score
Good
Pros
No annual fee, no fee for additional cardholders
Up to 2% cash back on groceries², up to 1% cash back on everything else²
No limit on cash back earned¹
Save money on gas at Petro-Canada⁵
Easy approval requirements
Cons
Cash back rewards on groceries drop to 1% after you accumulate $6,000 in grocery charges
No travel insurance or other perks
No welcome bonus
0.5% applies to the cash back on everything else up to $6,000 but what is impressive is that for all non-grocery spend the cash back rate actually goes up from the 0.5% to 1% on spend over $6,000, rewarding as your spend more instead of diminishing
No travel insurance or other perks
No welcome bonus
Why we picked the RBC CashBack Mastercard
+First and foremost, there's no limit on cash back you can earn at 0.5% cash back with the RBC Mastercard.
With groceries, you can spend up to $6,000 per year and get cash back at 2%. After $6,000, it drops to 1%. But therein lies the good news. After $6,000 spend, your average cash back jumps up to 1% from 0.5%.
Unfortunately, there's no welcome bonus or travel perks, but you do get purchase security and extended warranty protection.
It's great for students as a shared cash back credit card because there are no fees for additional cards.
Expert tip: How to choose the best cash back credit card
Shop around for a cash back card that has an accelerated rate in spending categories that you will use the most but be mindful of spending caps. When it comes to rewards credit cards, cash back is a popular choice because it means your money can go towards any purchase. It’s often applied to your statement credit but some cards allow you to deposit the cash back into your savings account as well. Cash back cards vary in the percentages of cash back that you can earn, how often the cash back is paid out (ie: monthly or annually), as well as how much cash back you can actually earn. Some cash back credit cards have spending caps (monthly or annually) while others have no limits on how much cash back you can earn.
—Hannah Logan, Money.ca credit card, saving and travel expert
Summary of picks
Breakdown by annual cash back earned by credit cards with cash back
Card Name
Annual earnings based on $2,000 per month spending
BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard
$570
Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card
$384
SimplyCash® Preferred Card from American Express
$612
Rogers™ World Elite® Mastercard®
$324
Scotia Momentum® Visa Infinite* Card
$540
BMO CashBack®Mastercard®
$276
CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* Card
$558
RBC CashBack Mastercard
$390
Methodology: How we chose the best cash back credit cards in Canada
+Money.ca rates credit cards on a scale of 1 to 5 (with 5 being the best) and are based on the following criteria: annual percentage rate (APR), annual fee, balance transfer fee, foreign transaction fee, penalty fee and APR, rewards programs, sign-up bonuses, customer service, security, additional features, acceptance, and credit score requirements. For more, read Money.ca’s complete review methodology.
Different categories of cards are rated using different weightings and each card is rated according to its primary category. Money.ca’s business relationships have no effect on ratings. For the best cash back credit cards in Canada, read on!
Methodology
How we compared and chose the best cash back cards in Canada
For each cash back credit card there are some broad criteria we look at when assessing a card’s merit. To identify the best cash back credit cards, our methodology focuses on the critical features that Canadians value, including welcome bonuses, earn rates, annual fees, interest charges and other associated costs of card ownership.
Here are some of the factors we considered when determining the best credit card in every category and the best card overall:
- Cash back earn rate: The point of a cash back credit card is to earn cash back! However, which card will deliver the most cash back depends a lot on how you spend your money. Because most cash back credit cards provide more value in some purchase categories than others, your own spending patterns will determine if a tiered rewards or flat-rate earnings structure is best.
- Promotional bonuses: We love credit cards that deliver major perks sooner than later, which is why the promotional balance matters when signing up for a credit card. We did our main assessment without factoring any time-sensitive bonuses, but make sureyouconsider how extra cash back or a faster earn rate for a certain period can make one card stand out above the others for you.
- Annual fee: An annual fee can really cut into the value of a cash back credit card, so you have to ensure the dollar value it provides in cash back and other perks exceeds this cost. In order to come up with an accurate comparison, we presented the above cards’ net cash back earningsaftersubtracting the annual fee.
- Redemption structure: How you get your cash back is as important as earning it! Some cards disperse cash back monthly, others annually, and some only when you hit a minimum balance threshold. Since many cash back credit cards will only disperse cash back to a chequing or savings account at the same bank, you might want to stick with one of the financial institutions you’re already using if you really want cold hard cash. However, virtually all cash back credit cards let you use your cash back as statement credit, so you have your pick!
- Overall value relative to cost: Free isn’t always better. We determine if features like a big welcome bonus, strong redemption value, or high earn rate trump a card’s annual fee.
- Other fees: Annual fees aren’t always the only cost of owning a credit card. We factor in other charges like foreign transaction fees and balance transfer fees into the mix.
- Special features and perks: Benefits like extended warranties, discounts, premium insurance packages and exclusive invites warrant scrutiny. When assessing a card’s added perks, we also consider their relevance for the cardholder. We know cash back cards are a favorite of savvy shoppers, so discounts or freebies stand out as fringe perks.
How to choose a card
How to choose the best cash back credit card
When comparing cash back cards, make sure to consider how much cash back it will really deliver to your budget. Where and how you spend your money is the biggest determining factor! However, other things like where you bank, how often you want to receive cash back, how you want to use your cash back, and if you want other perks from your credit card will make it easier to choose. The items listed below are the most important to think about when applying for a cash back credit card.
Promotional earn rate
Many cash-back credit cards will offer a short term promotional earn rate, that will let you earn a supercharged amount of cash back on some or all of your purchases. This typically lasts for up to 3 months and can make a big difference in the card’s benefits to you. If you’re planning to make a large purchase with your credit card, like booking a vacation, a generous cash back promotion can really pay off!
Earn rate by spending category
Cash back credit cards either offer a flat rate of cash back, or they offer tiered rates, with higher returns in some spending categories than others. Knowing your personal budget and spending behavior will tell you where you spend the most money, and therefore can reap the most rewards! Many cards offer higher cash back earn rates on groceries and gas purchases, but a lower rate on everything else. Review your own spending patterns to determine if you’ll earn the most from a flat-rate cash back card, or if you can benefit from one that rewards specific categories of purchases.
Cash back caps
One of the more frustrating aspects of some cash back credit cards is a cap on how much cash back you can earn. Sometimes this cash back is only for the promotional period at a higher earn rate, but sometimes it’s for a specific spending category or overall for the card. Most cash back caps are quite high, but some are surprisingly low which can really put a damper on the value of a card. However, there are plenty of cash back credit cards out there that let you earn unlimited cash back! Knowing how much you’re planning to charge to your credit card before you apply will tell you if you’ll hit a cash back limit or not, so do the math before you apply.
Redemption frequency and flexibility
Virtually all cash back cards will give you the option to use your cash back for statement credit. Others will deposit it to a chequing or savings account. Some cash back cards require you to hit a minimum cash back balance of $25 or $50 to redeem, whereas others will automatically disperse any amount you’ve earned. There are cash back cards that pay monthly, and ones that pay annually! The schedule and threshold required to access your cash back that you feel comfortable with is totally personal to your spending habits.
Annual fee
Paying an annual fee for a cash back credit card seems counter-intuitive, but it can be worth it if the card offers a particularly high cash back rate and other perks. Don’t write off a card with a fee immediately, as the rewards sometimes pay off the fee. Do the math to find out if the amount you plan to spend on the card will generate enough cash back to justify the cost!
Processor
A card’s payment processor, whether Visa, Mastercard, or American Express, can tremendously impact its cash back value to you. If your favourite grocery store where you do most of your spending doesn’t accept American Express, it doesn’t matter how great the cash back rate is! To truly earn cash back from a credit card, you need to make sure it’s accepted where you shop, so take this into consideration before you apply.
Types of cash back
What are the types of cash back cards?
Cash-back credit cards come in three main categories:
Flat percentage: these cash-back cards are just as they sound --- they pay cash back at the same rate for all purchases.These cards are best for people who want something back without having to overthink it. The trade-off for this convenience is that you typically only earn 1% or 2% for each transaction.
Tiered rewards: These cash back cards are great for people who tend to spend more on certain things.If you do all the grocery shopping for your household and a lot of the driving, a tiered rewards card that pays a higher percentage for groceries and gasoline may be an excellent option. You’ll get a smaller return on other purchases.
Bonus category:These cards are for dedicated rewards earners. They offer high rebates of up to 5% in specific spending categories, such as at restaurants.The bonus categories can change every quarter, and you may have to register, or "opt in," for the bonus category each quarter.
Spending that earns the bonus may also be capped at a certain amount, like $1,500 during the quarter; and purchases in other categories will likely earn you just 1% cash back.
How to max rewards
What you need to know about merchant codes to max your cash rewards for credit
Merchant category codes, or MCC, help tell a credit card issuer what credit card category your purchase falls into for cash back.
Shoppers drug mart, for example, despite selling many grocery items, is still categorized as "Pharmacies/Drug Stores" and therefore its merchant code is MCC 5912. Grocery stores are 5411.
It gets a bit confusing, so let's show you an example comparing the Tangerine Money Back Card, PC Financial World Elite Mastercard, and our pick for the best cash back card, the CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite. To limit our results, let's pick Shoppers Drug Mart as our pharmacy of choice.
Let's also assume you're spending $1,000 per year on drugstore purchases that may include shampoo, soap, toilet paper, etc.
Tangerine | PC Financial World Elite Mastercard | CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite |
---|---|---|
Cash back potential: 2% cash back with drugstore category | Cash back potential: Earn 45 points per $1 spent. 10,000 points = $10 in cash back. | Cash back potential: Earn 4% cash back on groceries, supermarkets and gas. 2% cash back on transportation, dining, recurring bills, and 1% cash back on everything else. |
Spending cap: No cap, no limit on the cash back you can earn. | Spending cap: Unlimited points, unlimited cash back | Spending cap: $80,000 in net annual card purchases, or $20,000 by category |
What you get back in cash: $20 | What you get back in cash: $45 | What you get back in cash: $10 |
Why compare cards?
Why you need to compare cash back credit cards
You need to compare credit cards because despite a particularly enticing offer, it may not suit your needs.
In our example, PC Financial World Elite Mastercard wins, but that's because our pharmacy was Shoppers Drug Mart.
If we change our pharmacy to Rexall or Guardian, Tangerine will walk away the winner.
Finally, change our pharmacy to one within a grocery store, though (e.g. Metro or Walmart), and the winner is likely going to be the CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* Card which is why it's our top reward credit card for cash back.
How do you master cash back rewards?
Choose a card that best suits your lifestyle and spending habits and that won't lure you into spending more than you should, just to chase after rewards.
Never buy what you don’t need. Track your spending for a month, and then pick a card that matches what you already spend. Always make sure you pay off your balance each month.
Credit card interest rates have been hovering around 19-21% on average. That's way higher than rewards earnings. Rolling over your balance for a couple of months can quickly eat away at your returns.
Conclusion
The bottom line on cash back credit cards
Cash back is one of the most attractive credit card rewards options because it has the most flexibility. Instead of being limited to travel redemptions or merchandise purchases, you can use your cash however you want. The best cash back card for you depends on your spending behavior and earning preferences, but you can feel confident choosing one from our list.
FAQs
FAQs
How can I redeem my cash back?
+Depending on the card you choose, you can either redeem the cash back as statement credit or as rewards, which you'll have to complete another action in order to redeem. Most cash back can be redeemed online, some credit issuers do it by phone.
When can I redeem my cash back?
+Some issuers allow you to redeem your cash back at certain intervals (monthly/quarterly/yearly) where others allow you to set up automatic redemption whenever you reach a certain balance.
How long does it take for cash back to show up?
+Although the time will vary depending on the card you have, it can take an average of immediate to 14 business days to see your cash back in your account. *Note that some credit card providers might take longer.
Does Shoppers do cash back?
+You can earn cash back from Shopper drug mart with any of our recommended cash back cards
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Bridget CaseyAuthor
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Bridget CaseyAuthor
Bridget Casey is the award-winning entrepreneur behind Money After Graduation, a Canadian financial literacy website aimed at 20 and 30-somethings. She holds a BSc. from the University of Alberta, and an MBA in Finance from the University of Calgary. She has been featured as a millennial financial expert by Yahoo! Finance, TIME Magazine, Business Insider, CBC and BNN. Bridget was recognized as one of Alberta's Top Young Innovators in 2016.
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