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When it comes to the complex world of credit card rewards, there are few words as simple — or as sweet — as “cash back.” If you’re looking for a cash-back credit card in Canada, you have plenty of choices.
Partner spotlight
TD Cash Back Visa Infinite* Card
Our pick for the best tiered rewards rate credit card in Canada, with a strong intro offer: Earn 10% in Cash Back Dollars in the first 3 months on Bonus Eligible Purchases up to a total spend of $3,500† plus Annual Fee is waived for the first year†. Conditions Apply. Account must be approved by March 4, 2024.
Best Cash Back Credit Cards in Canada from Our Partners
Credit Card |
Intro Offer |
Rewards Rate |
Annual Fee |
|
---|---|---|---|---|
Best for overall cash backScotia Momentum® Visa Infinite* Card |
Up to $200
|
1%-10%
|
$120
Waived first year
|
|
Best cash back for groceriesBMO CashBack® World Elite®* Mastercard®* |
Up to $260
|
1%–10%
|
$120
Waived first year
|
|
Best cash back for online shoppingHSBC Cash Rewards Mastercard® |
Up to $100
|
0.5%-1.5%
|
$0
|
Partner spotlight
Neo Credit
Get $25 cash back and access up to $8,000 in credit when you sign up for Neo Credit. Skip the fees and earn up to 15% cash back on first-time purchases and an average of 5% cash back at 10,000+ partners.
Best cash-back credit cards in Canada
Best overall cash-back card
Scotia Momentum® Visa Infinite* Card
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Annual Fee$120Open a new Scotia Momentum® Visa Infinite* credit card account by October 31, 2023 to qualify.Waived first year
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Interest Rates20.99% / 22.99%20.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances.
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Rewards Rate1%-10%10% intro offer (Ends October 31, 2023), Earn 4% for every $1 you spend on grocery store purchases, recurring bill payments, and subscription purchases. Earn 2% for every $1 you spend on gas purchases and daily transit purchases. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases with no cash back limit.
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Intro OfferUp to $200Earn 10% cash back on all purchases for the first three months (up to $2,000 in total purchases). Must open a new account by October 31, 2023.
Earn up to $1,000 in cash back on grocery shopping and recurring bill payments with a 4% rewards rate in both categories.
Pros
- It’s rare for a credit card to offer 4% cash back on two major spending categories. It’s even rarer to set a $25,000 annual limit to that 4% — a $1,000 value — before reverting to the healthy 1% base rate.
- You can waive the $120 annual fee every single year by using the Scotiabank Ultimate Package.
Cons
- The cash back earned is hands-off. You have to wait until November, and then it’s only redeemable as a statement credit. If you have a Scotiabank account, that annual payout can be deposited into your bank account.
- The 4% rate won’t mean much to you if you don’t buy a lot of groceries or often buy your food at somewhere that Visa doesn’t classify as a grocery store or supermarket, such as Canadian Tire, FreshCo, London Drugs, Walmart and No Frills.
- SPECIAL OFFER: 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 supplementary cards. Offer ends October 31, 2023.
- Earn 4% for every $1 you spend on grocery store purchases, recurring bill payments, and subscription purchases.
- Earn 2% for every $1 you spend on gas purchases and daily transit purchases.
- Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases with no cash back limit.
- Redeem cash back as a statement credit in November.
- Visa Infinite benefits, including Visa Infinite* Concierge, Visa Infinite* Luxury Hotel Collection, Visa Infinite* Dining Series, and entertainment and lifestyle offers.
- Save up to 25% off base rates at participating AVIS locations and at participating Budget locations in Canada and the U.S.
- Access to Scotia SelectPay™.
- To be eligible, $60,000 (individual) or $100,000 (household) annual income is required, or $250,000 minimum assets under management. Also, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident that is the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
- Terms and Conditions Apply. Click ‘Apply Now’ for complete details.
Best for: Bad or no credit
Neo Secured Credit
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Annual Fee$0
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Interest Rates19.99%-29.99% / 22.99%-31.99%19.99%-29.99% on purchases, 22.99%-31.99% on cash advances.
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Min. Deposit$50
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Maximum Deposit$10,000
Pros
- A small $50 minimum deposit makes this card accessible to consumers of all budgets.
- Earn up to 15% cash back on purchases with select Neo partners.
Cons
- Interest rates could be as high as 29.99% for some users.
- Earn a 0.5% cash back guarantee, an average of 5% unlimited cash back at thousands of Neo partners, and up to 15% cash back on your first purchase at participating partners.
- No annual fee for the Standard rewards plan.
- $50 minimum security fund deposit required.
- $10,000 maximum security fund deposit.
- To apply, visit member.neofinancial.com and create an account. Select “Credit”, pick either the Neo Credit or the Hudson’s Bay Mastercard, and then choose “Secured Card” as the type of credit you are looking for.
- Hard credit checks are not made on applications.
- Guaranteed approval, as long as you meet eligibility requirements.
- Ability to upgrade to an unsecured rewards credit card.
- Link your account to a Neo Money™ account and earn 2.25% interest on savings.
- Purchase rates range from 19.99%-29.99%. The standard rate on purchases and cash advances is dependent on Neo Financial’s assessment of your credit application, credit profile, and your province.
- To be eligible, you must be able to provide security funds and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
- Customers can get up to 4% cashback on all purchases at Shell gas stations and convenience locations when they use their Neo Credit, Neo Secured Credit or Neo Money™ card. Earn 2% cashback at the pump or convenience store locations. Earn 4% cashback on transactions made through the Shell App. Offer available in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. Boost these offers by 50% when you add Everyday Essentials perks to your card.
Whether you’re looking to build credit from scratch or rebuild credit after a bad setback, a secured credit card can be an invaluable tool. See our selections for the best secured credit cards in Canada to find options that will help you strengthen your credit.
Best for: TD cash-back rewards
TD Cash Back Visa Infinite* Card
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Annual Fee$139To receive the first-year annual fee rebate, you must activate your Card and make your first Purchase on the Account within the first 3 months after Account opening and you must add your Additional Cardholders by March 5, 2024.Waived first year
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Interest Rates20.99% / 22.99%20.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances.
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Rewards Rate1%-10%Earn 10% on Bonus Eligible Purchases for the first 3 months (must be approved by March 4, 2024)†. Earn 3% on eligible grocery† and gas purchases†, and on regularly recurring bill payments† set up on your account. Earn 1% on everything else†.
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Intro OfferUp to $350Earn 10% in Cash Back Dollars in the first 3 months on Bonus Eligible Purchases up to a total spend of $3,500†. Conditions apply. Account must be approved by March 4, 2024.
The TD Cash Back Visa Infinite Card is a smart card for families who spend a lot on gas, groceries and automatic monthly purchases.
Pros
- Fantastic welcome offer with a $500 value.
- Up to $2 million of Travel Medical Insurance coverage for the first 10 days of your trip (four days if you or your spouse are over the age of 65).
Cons
- A $139 annual fee often comes with more perks and insurance. However, you can waive this cost every year if you’re a TD member with an All-Inclusive Chequing Account holding a minimum balance of $5,000.
- The accelerated earn rate of 3% cash back is limited to $15,000 annual spend across all categories. After that, you’ll earn a flat rate of 1% cash back on all purchases.
- Earn up to $500 in value†, including 10% in Cash Back Dollars in the first 3 months on Bonus Eligible Purchases up to a total spend of $3,500†. Conditions apply. Account must be approved by March 4, 2024.
- To receive the first-year annual fee rebate, you must activate your Card and make your first Purchase on the Account within the first 3 months after Account opening and you must add your Additional Cardholders by March 5, 2024.
- Earn 3% in Cash Back Dollars on eligible grocery Purchases and gas Purchases†, and on regularly recurring bill payments† set up on your account.
- Earn 1% Cash Back Dollars on all other Purchases made with your Card.†
- Redeem your Cash Back Dollars to help pay down your Account balance whenever you please – the choice is yours!†
- Your Cash Back Dollars never expire as long as your account is open and in good standing.
- Interest Rates: 20.99% on purchases and 22.99% on cash advances.
- Travel Medical Insurance† – Up to $2 million of coverage for the first 10 days. If you or your spouse is aged 65 or older, you are covered for the first 4 days of your trip. Additional top-up coverage is available.
- Delayed and Lost Baggage Insurance† – Up to $1,000 overall coverage per insured person toward the purchase of essentials such as clothes and toiletries if your baggage is delayed more than 6 hours or lost.
- Emergency Travel Assistance Services† – Help is just a call away. Toll-free access to help in the event of a personal emergency while travelling.
- Complimentary Visa Infinite* Concierge†: On call, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to help you get the most from life whenever you travel, shop and use your Card.
- Emergency Road Services with Deluxe TD Auto Club Membership† is included with the product.
- To be eligible, $60,000 (individual) or $100,000 (household) annual income is required. Also, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
- †Terms and conditions apply.
- This offer is not available for residents of Quebec.
- The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) is not responsible for the contents of this site including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete and current information on any TD product, please click the Apply Now button.
Best for: Cash back on groceries
BMO CashBack® World Elite®* Mastercard®*
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Annual Fee$120Waived first year
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Interest Rates20.99% / 23.99%20.99% on purchases, 23.99% on cash advances (21.99% for Quebec residents).
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Rewards Rate1%–10%10% intro offer, then 5% on groceries*, 4% on transit including ride sharing, taxis and public transportation*, 3% on gas and electric vehicle charging*, 2% on recurring bill payments like your monthly phone bill or favourite streaming service*, 1% unlimited cashback on all other purchases*.
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Intro OfferUp to $260Receive 10% cash back in the first three months, up to $2,600 in purchases (equal to $260 cash back). Must apply by July 31, 2023. Terms and conditions apply.
You won’t need a strategy to make the most out of this bonus-category card. The BMO CashBack® World Elite®* Mastercard®* spends like a flat-rate card thanks to stellar rates on four popular daily spending categories.
Pros
- Score generous cash-back rates for popular spending categories: 5% on groceries, 4% on transit, 3% on gas, 2% on recurring bills, and 1% on everything else.
- Feel protected with 13 types of insurance and fantastic travel benefits.
Cons
- Spending categories come with easily-hit spending caps, but the 1% base rate still earns you value once you hit your monthly bonus rate limits.
- The $120 annual fee is pretty steep. While we think you’ll more than make up for it through cash back savings, the no-fee BMO CashBack® Mastercard®* is a great alternative.
- Welcome offer: Get up to 10% cash back in your first 3 months and the $120 annual fee waived in the first year.*
- Earn more cash back on the categories that mean the most: 5% on groceries.* 4% on transit including ride sharing, taxis and public transportation.* 3% on gas and electric vehicle charging.* 2% on recurring bill payments like your monthly phone bill or favourite streaming service.* 1% unlimited cashback on all other purchases.*
- Get the highest cash back earn rate on groceries in Canada.†
- Get valuable benefits and offers for digital everyday services from a variety of on-demand apps and subscription services.
- Extended Warranty Plus.*
- Purchase Protection Plus.*
- Complimentary membership in Mastercard Airport Experiences provided by LoungeKey.*
- Access over 1 million Wi-Fi hotspots around the world – all at no added cost, and no added fees or roaming charges.*
- Complimentary Roadside Assistance Program.*
- BMO CashBack World Elite Travel and Medical Protection.*
- BMO Concierge Service.*
- Unlock Mastercard Travel Rewards cashback offers when you travel and shop outside of Canada.
- *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.
- BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information.
No single rewards card is right for everyone. It’s all about how you spend money and what kind of rewards you value. See our choices for the best rewards credit cards in Canada to select the best option for you.
Best for: Shell customers
Neo Credit
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Annual Fee$0
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Interest Rates19.99%-29.99% / 22.99%-31.99%19.99%-29.99% on purchases, 22.99%-31.99% on cash advances.
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Rewards Rate1%-15%Earn an average of 5% cashback at 10,000+ partners across the country.
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Intro Offer$25
- No annual fees.
- Earn instant unlimited cashback at thousands of partners that you can save for later or use immediately.
- Access exclusive welcome bonuses, like up to 15% cashback on first-time purchases.
- Earn an average of 5% cashback at 10,000+ partners across the country.
- Pay with Neo Credit to earn cashback. Then split the bill in the app to send multiple Interac e-Transfer® requests instantly. The payments will be directly deposited into your Neo Money™ account.
- Cash out the cashback you’ve earned with Neo Credit to a Neo Money™ account to take advantage of one of the highest everyday interest rates.
- Customers can get up to 4% cashback on all purchases at Shell gas stations and convenience locations when they use their Neo Credit, Neo Secured Credit or Neo Money™ card. Earn 2% cashback at the pump or convenience store locations. Earn 4% cashback on transactions made through the Shell App. Offer available in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. Boost these offers by 50% when you add Everyday Essentials perks to your card.
Best for: Customizable spending categories
Tangerine World Mastercard®
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Annual Fee$0
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Interest Rates19.95%19.95% on purchases and cash advances.
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Rewards Rate0.5%-10%10% intro offer, 2% unlimited cash back on up to three categories. 0.50% unlimited cash back on everything else.
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Intro OfferUp to $100Apply for a Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card by October 31st, 2023 and earn an extra 10% back (up to $100) when you spend up to $1,000 in everyday purchases within your first 2 months.*
You can earn unlimited cash back at a 2% rate in up to three categories of your choice — all while earning 0.50% back on everything else.
Pros
- You can tailor the 2% rewards to your spending by choosing up to three categories from Tangerine’s list of 10, which includes basics like gas and groceries as well as unusual picks like furniture and home improvement.
- Transfer balances within your first 30 days and pay only 1.95% interest on the transferred balance for the first six months (19.95% after that).
Cons
- 2% cash back is a competitive rate, but many cards offer double the rewards on specific categories.
- Tangerine is a virtual bank with no physical bank branches.
- 2% on two categories of your choice: grocery, furniture, restaurants, hotel-motel, gas, recurring bill payments, drug store, home improvement, entertainment, or public transportation and parking.
- Get a third cash-back category by choosing to have your rewards deposited into a Tangerine Savings Account.
- 0.50% on everything else.
- Redeem cash back monthly as a statement credit or deposited into a Tangerine Savings Account.
- No annual fee.
- Transfer balances within your first 30 days and pay only 1.95% interest on the transferred balance for the first six months (19.95% after that). 1% balance transfer fee applies to the amount transferred.
- Get free cards for any authorized users on your account.
- It only includes purchase assurance and extended protection insurance. For more insurance, consider the Tangerine World Mastercard which requires a minimum personal income of $60,000. If you meet this requirement, you will automatically be considered for the World card if you apply for the Money-Back card.
- Preferred rates: 19.95% for purchases and cash advances.
- To be eligible, a $12,000 (individual) annual income is required. Also, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
Best for: Newcomers
BMO CashBack® Mastercard®*
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Annual Fee$0
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Interest Rates20.99% / 22.99%20.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances (21.99% for Quebec residents).
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Rewards Rate0.5%-5%5% intro offer. Then earn 3% cash back on grocery purchases, 1% cash back on recurring bill payments and 0.5% unlimited cash back on all other purchases!*
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Intro OfferUp to $125Earn up to 5% cash back in the first three months on qualified spend up to $2,500. For new cardholders only. Expires on July 31, 2023. Terms and conditions apply.
The BMO CashBack® Mastercard®* offers attractive earn rates on everyday purchases like groceries and utility bills, making it easy to quickly rack up rewards that you can turn into cold hard cash.
Pros
- Attractive introductory offer, especially if you’re interested in a balance transfer.
- No minimum threshold for redeeming your cash-back rewards. Redeem as little as $1 if you want.
Cons
- Accelerated earn rates for groceries and recurring bills are capped at $500 per billing cycle, a ceiling that might be easy to hit if you have a family or higher monthly balances.
- Offers fewer travel perks and types of insurance than some other cards.
- Welcome offer: Get 5% cash back in your first 3 months.*
- Then get 3% cash back on grocery purchases, 1% cash back on recurring bill payments and 0.5% unlimited cash back on all other purchases!*
- Now earn the highest cash back on groceries in Canada without paying an annual fee!†
- Get a 0.99% introductory interest rate on Balance Transfers for 9 months, 2% fee applies to balance amounts transferred.*
- No Annual fee.*
- Want to get your cash back ASAP? Now you can redeem your cash back anytime through direct deposit, as a credit on your statement or into your BMO InvestorLine account.*
- Extended Warranty.*
- Purchase Protection.*
- Receive a discount on car rentals.*
- *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.
- BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information.
Best for: Online purchases
HSBC Cash Rewards Mastercard®
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Annual Fee$0
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Interest Rates20.99% / 22.99%20.99% for purchases, 22.99% for cash advances and balance transfers.1.99%).
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Rewards Rate0.5%-1.5%1.5% cash back on online purchases, 1% on gas, grocery and drugstores, 0.5% on everything else. Conditions apply.
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Intro OfferUp to $100Earn an additional 10% cash back* on all purchases for the first 60 days (up to $1,000 in total purchases). Must apply by September 29, 2023. Conditions apply.
An accelerated cash back rate on online purchases means those that prefer to shop online will get the most bang for their buck — up to an annual spend of $6,000. And the inclusion of mobile device insurance provides peace of mind should your phone be damaged, lost or stolen.
Pros
- Mobile device insurance.
- Earn cash back on all purchases.
Cons
- You can only earn accelerated cash back rewards for up to $6,000 in online purchases annually.
- Earn an additional 10% cashback* on up to $1,000 in purchases for the first 60 days! Must apply by September 29, 2023. Conditions apply.
- For the first 60 days, earn up to: 11.5% cash back on eligible online purchases, 11% cash back on eligible gas, grocery and drugstore, 10.5% cash back on all other everyday purchases.
- Ongoing cash back earnings as follows after the first 60 days:
- 1.5% cash back on up to $6,000 of your online purchases (including streaming services, online subscriptions and food delivery).
- 1% cash back on your gas, grocery and drugstore purchases.
- 0.5% cash back on (almost) everything else you buy with your card.
- Redeem sooner – You only need to reach $25 in cash back to redeem.
- Redeem when you want – Redeem for cash back as a statement credit online. See how easy it is at rewards.hsbc.ca.
- Redeem to pay down or save up – Use your cash back for a credit towards your residential mortgage account, or credit card, or to top up your savings account.
- Primary cardholder annual fee: $0
- Annual Interest on Purchases: 20.99%.
- Authorized User Annual Fee: $0 Per Card.
- *Terms and Conditions Apply.
- ®/TM Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. Used pursuant to license.
Best for: Businesses
BMO CashBack® Business Mastercard®*
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Annual Fee$0
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Interest Rates19.99% / 22.99%19.99% on purchases, and 22.99% on cash advances.
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Rewards Rate0.75%-10%10% intro offer. Earn 1.75% when you pay at the pump or shop in-store at Shell®. Earn 1.5% on gas, office supplies and cellphone and internet bill payments. Earn 0.75% on all other card purchases.
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Intro OfferUp to $150Earn 10% cash back for each dollar you spend at qualifying gas stations, office supply stores, and on your cell phone/internet (phone) bill payments in the first 3 months from the account open date up to a maximum of $150 cash back. Offer expires December 31, 2023.
The BMO CashBack® Business Mastercard®* offers strong earn rates on gas, office supplies and bill payments, making it a smart no-fee choice for businesses looking to be rewarded for buying daily essentials.
Pros
- No annual fee.
- Rewarding intro offer.
- Automatic rebates through the Mastercard Easy Savings program.
Cons
- If you don’t frequent Shell gas stations you’ll miss out on the most savings.
- Welcome Offer: Get 10% cash back on gas, office supplies and cell phone/internet bills for 3 months.*
- 0.00% introductory interest rate on Balance Transfers for 9 months with a 3% transfer fee.*
- Get 1.5% cash back on eligible gas stations, office supplies purchases and on your cell phone and internet recurring payments.*
- Get 1.75% cash back on purchases at Shell®†† gas stations.
- 0.75% cash back on all other card purchases.*
- 25 payment grace days.*
- Optional Employee Cards – empower employees with delegated purchasing authority.*
- Use your card at Costco locations across Canada.*
- Liability Waiver Program protects your business against employee card abuse.*
- Get cash advances at any BMO Bank of Montreal branch or at more than 1 million ATMs worldwide.*
- Worldwide Acceptance.
- *Terms and conditions apply.
- BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information.
From flat-rate rewards on office expenses to credit cards boasting low-interest rates, see our choices for Canada’s best business credit cards.
Best for: Students
BMO CashBack® Mastercard®* for Students
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Annual Fee$0
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Interest Rates20.99% / 22.99%20.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances.
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Rewards Rate0.5%–5%5% intro offer. Then earn 3% cash back on grocery purchases, 1% cash back on recurring bill payments and 0.5% unlimited cash back on all other purchases.*
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Intro OfferUp to $125Receive 5% cash back on all purchases made in the first three months. 5% rate applies to spending up to $2500 ($500 on grocery, $500 on recurring bill payments, and $1,500 on all other purchases). New cardmembers only. Must apply by July 31, 2023. Terms and conditions apply.
The BMO CashBack® Mastercard®* for Students has impressive earn rates — including 3% on groceries — and valuable perks, all without an annual fee.
Pros
- Earn flexible and easy-to-redeem cash rewards on everyday purchases.
- There’s no minimum threshold for redeeming your cash-back rewards. Redeem as little as $1 if you want.
Cons
- Accelerated earn rates for groceries and recurring bills are capped at $500 per billing cycle.
- Insurance is limited to extended warranty and purchase protection.
- Welcome offer: Get 5% cash back in your first 3 months.*
- Then get 3% cash back on grocery purchases, 1% cash back on recurring bill payments and 0.5% unlimited cash back on all other purchases!*
- Now earn the highest cash back on groceries in Canada without paying an annual fee!†
- Get cash back every time you spend, plus start building a healthy credit history.
- Want to get your cash back ASAP? Now you can redeem your cash back anytime through direct deposit, as a credit on your statement or into your BMO InvestorLine account.*
- No Annual fee.*
- Extended Warranty.*
- Purchase Protection.*
- Receive a discount on car rentals.*
- *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.
- BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information.
Finding a student credit card with the right combination of features for your lifestyle can be daunting, especially if it’s your first time choosing a card. Compare our picks for the best student credit cards in Canada to find the best choice for you.
Best for: Amex perks
SimplyCash® Card from American Express
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Annual Fee$0
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Interest Rates20.99% / 21.99%20.99% on purchases, 21.99% on cash advances.
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Rewards Rate1.25%-2%Earn 2% cash back on eligible gas purchases in Canada, 2% cash back on eligible grocery purchases in Canada (up to $300 cash back annually), and 1.25% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
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Intro OfferUp to $100In your first 10 months as a new SimplyCash® Card from American Express Cardmember, you can earn a $10 statement credit for each monthly billing period in which you spend $300 in purchases on your Card. This could add up to $100 in statement credits in the first 10 months.
Take advantage of an accelerated earn rate of 2% cash back on gas and groceries, then enjoy a flat rewards rate of 1.25%, which makes it easy to earn cash back on every purchase.
Pros
- An easy-to-understand rewards structure.
- Cardholders enjoy exclusive access, special offers and events, and more through American Express Experiences and Front of the Line Reserved tickets and presales.
Cons
- The accelerated 2% earn rate won’t earn you more than $300 in cash back annually.
- In your first 10 months as a new SimplyCash® Card from American Express Cardmember, you can earn a $10 statement credit for each monthly billing period in which you spend $300 in purchases on your Card. This could add up to $100 in statement credits in the first 10 months.
- Earn accelerated earn rates on eligible gas and grocery purchases.
- Earn 2% cash back on eligible gas purchases in Canada, 2% cash back on eligible grocery purchases in Canada (up to $300 cash back annually), and 1.25% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
- Access events and special offers curated for Cardmembers with American Express® Experiences.
- Insurance coverage and 24/7 Customer Service.
- American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information click the Apply now link. Conditions apply.
Best for: Prepaid cash-back rewards
KOHO Travel Mastercard®
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Annual Fee$0
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Rewards Rate0.5%-6%0.5% cash back all purchases, 2% cash back on transportation, groceries, and restaurants (with KOHO Premium), 6% cash back with Booking.com, and even more cash back with brand partners.
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Min. Deposit$0No minimum purchase amount required.
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Maximum Deposit$200,000KOHO Maximum Card Balance Limit for KOHO users who have opted into earning interest is $200,000. For users who have not opted into earning interest, the maximum card balance is $40,000.
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Intro OfferN/A
This prepaid card is a practical fit for those seeking a no-frills prepaid card that earns cold, hard cash back rewards — no credit check required. Earn up to 6% cash back on eligible purchases through KOHO’s brand partners, including Altitude Sports, Baskin Robins, Indigo, Reebok and more.
Pros
- Straightforward cash back rewards.
- 24/7 KOHO customer support.
Cons
- Not a traditional credit card, so you can’t borrow money — you can only use funds already in your account.
- Earn up to 2% cash back, with KOHO Premium on dining and eating out — even when travelling abroad.
- Earn even more cash back with KOHO’s brand partners, including 4% with Altitude Sports, 5% with Contiki and 6% with Booking.com.
- No annual fee.
- 1.5% foreign transaction fee (or no foreign transaction fees with KOHO Premium).
- Mastercard’s Zero Liability Policy.
- A 24/7 support team at your fingertips.
- Low to zero FX fees.
- Use the KOHO app to earn interest on your savings.
- Start building your credit history with KOHO Credit Building for $10 per month.
- To be eligible, you must be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
A prepaid credit card, more accurately known as a “prepaid card, ” can be a budgeting tool or an easy way to make convenient online or in-store purchases. Many of our choices for the best prepaid cards in Canada even earn rewards.
Best for: Cash back on groceries
Simplii Financial™ Cash Back Visa Card
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Annual Fee$0
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Interest Rates19.99% / 22.99%19.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances.
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Rewards Rate0.5%-20%20% intro offer. 4% at restaurants, bars and coffee shops, 1.5% on gas, groceries, drugstores and pre-authorized payments, and 0.5% on everything else.
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Intro OfferUp to $100Earn 20% cash back on eligible gas, groceries, drugstore purchases and pre-authorized payments made within your first 3 months (up to $500 spend).
The $0-annual-fee Simplii Financial Cash Back Visa Card earns bonus cash-back on the purchases you make almost every day.
Pros
- New cardmembers can earn a 9.99% introductory annual interest on purchases for the first six months.
Cons
- The 0.5% base rate isn’t exactly impressive, but it only applies after you hit the annual spending limits of bonus categories.
- It only includes purchase security and extended protection insurance.
- 4% on restaurant, bar and coffee shops, up to $5,000 per year.
- 1.5% on gas, groceries, drugstores and pre-authorized payments, up to $15,000 per year.
- 0.5% on everything else.
- Plus, for your first 3 months, enjoy 20% bonus cash back on eligible gas, groceries, drugstore purchases and pre-authorized payments (up to $500 spend).
- Redeem cash back as a statement credit in December.
- No annual fee.
- Cash back when you send money abroad with a Simplii Financial Global Money Transfer. No transaction fees and no interest charges.
- Purchase security and extended protection insurance provided.
- Preferred rates: 19.99% for purchases, 22.99% for cash advances.
- To be eligible, a $15,000 (individual) annual income is required. Also, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident (excluding Quebec) that is the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
Best for: Low annual fee
MBNA Smart Cash World Mastercard®
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Annual Fee$39
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Interest Rates19.99% / 24.99%19.99% on purchases, 24.99% on cash advances.
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Rewards Rate1%-2%2% on gas and groceries, 1% on all other eligible purchases.
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Intro OfferUp to $1505% Cash Back on eligible gas and groceries purchases for the first 6 months, up to $500 cap per month.
The MBNA Smart Cash World Mastercard’s 2% back on gas and groceries makes it a solid choice for big households with multiple cars.
Pros
- Low annual fee ($39).
- Add up to nine authorized users for free.
Cons
- High cash advance rate.
- Minimal insurance coverage.
- 2% back on gas and groceries, 1% back on everything else.
- Nine free additional cards.
- Low annual fee ($39).
- 10% off base car rental rates at Avis and Budget.
- Rental car insurance.
- MBNA payment plans for large purchases (6-, 12- and 18-month terms available).
- Purchase protection and extended warranty.
- Preferred rates: 19.99% for purchases, 24.99% for cash advances.
- o be eligible, $60,000 (individual) or $100,000 (household) annual income is required.
Best for: Cash back on gas
CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite Card
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Annual Fee$120Waived first year
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Interest Rates20.99% / 22.99%20.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances (21.99% for Quebec residents).
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Rewards Rate1%-4%4% on gas, electric vehicle charging, and groceries and , 2% on transportation, dining and recurring payments, and 1% on everything else.
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Intro OfferN/A
You can earn some extremely attractive rates on gas and groceries with the CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite Card — up to a $3,200 cash-back value.
Pros
- Flexible and easy redemption. You can redeem cash back anytime through CIBC Online and Mobile Banking.
- Generous cash back rates on five popular spending categories.
Cons
- You’ll only earn 1% cash back after spending $80,000 across bonus categories. Most credit cards have specific limits for each category, but the CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite collectively caps all bonus rates with an $80,000 limit.
- Insurance offerings are limited compared to what you might expect from a card with a $120 annual fee. However, you can avoid this cost every single year with a CIBC Smart Plus™ Account.
- 4% on groceries, gas, and electric vehicle charging, and 2% on transportation, dining and recurring payments. Accelerated rates apply to the first $80,000 spent per year.
- 1% on everything else, and after spending $80,000.
- 0.25% cash back for every $1 spent on a CIBC Global Money Transfer, with no foreign transaction fees.
- Redeem a minimum of $25 cash back at any time through CIBC Online and Mobile Banking.
- $120 annual fee.
- Visa Infinite benefits, including Visa Infinite Concierge, Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection, Visa Infinite Dining Series, and entertainment and lifestyle offers.
- Save up to 10 cents per litre at Chevron, Ultramar and Pioneer gas stations when you link your card with Journie Rewards.
- Access to CIBC Pace It.
- Five types of insurance provided, including 10-day out-of-province/out-of-country emergency medical benefits — up to $5 million in coverage.
- Preferred rates: 20.99% for purchases, 22.99% for cash advances.
- To be eligible, $60,000 (individual) or $100,000 (household) annual income is required. Also, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
Best for: Lowest interest rate on this list
Meridian Visa Infinite Cash Back Card
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Annual Fee$99Waived first year
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Interest Rates19.50% / 21.99%19.50% on purchases, 21.99% on cash advances.
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Rewards Rate1%-4%4% on gas and groceries, 2% on pharmacy purchases and utility bill payments, and 1% on everything else.
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Intro OfferN/A
Not only does this card offer up to 4% cash back on popular spending categories, but the Meridian Visa Infinite Cash Back Card also comes with impressive insurance coverage.
Pros
- The card includes 11 different types of insurance, including $5,000,000 in emergency health care coverage for up to 48 days for up to ages 75. It even comes with Intergenerational Insurance Coverage, which covers grandchildren travelling with grandparents.
- Price protection insurance for 60 days.
Cons
- There’s no welcome bonus for additional cash back.
- Accelerated bonus rates are limited to a $25,000 annual spend.
- 4% on gas and groceries, up to $25,000 per year.
- 2% on pharmacy purchases and utility bill payments, up to $25,000 per year.
- 1% on everything else.
- Redeem cashback for statement credits, gift cards, merchandise and event tickets.
- $99 annual fee.
- Visa Infinite benefits, including Visa Infinite Concierge, Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection, Visa Infinite Dining Series, and Canada’s Visa Infinite Wine Country Program.
- 11 types of insurance provided, including 48-day emergency medical benefits — up to $5 million in coverage.
- Intergenerational Insurance Coverage extends specific insurances to grandchildren travelling with grandparents.
- Preferred rates: 19.50% for purchases, 21.99% for cash advances.
- To be eligible, $60,000 (individual) or $100,000 (household) annual income is required. Also, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
Best for: Amazon shoppers
Amazon.ca Rewards Mastercard®
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Annual Fee$0
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Interest Rates19.99% / 22.99%19.99% for purchases, 22.99% for cash advances.
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Rewards Rate1%-5%5% intro offer. 2.5% on Amazon.ca and Whole Foods Market store purchases for Prime members (1.5% for non-Prime members). 1% on eligible foreign currency transactions and everywhere else Mastercard is accepted.
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Intro OfferUp to $150Get 5% back at Amazon.ca, Whole Foods Market stores in Canada, grocery stores and restaurants! Valid for the first 6 months, on your first $3,000 in eligible purchases.
Ideal for Amazon shoppers with 2.5% back on all eligible Amazon.ca and Whole Foods purchases. Plus, Amazon Prime members get 2.5% back on eligible foreign currency transactions.
Pros
- No annual fee.
- Apply rewards to eligible Amazon.ca purchases.
Cons
- Amazon Prime membership required for higher earn rate.
- Welcome offer: Get 5% back at Amazon.ca, Whole Foods Market stores, grocery stores, and restaurants for 6 months after approval, on first $3,000 in eligible purchases.
- Earn rewards on eligible purchases at Amazon.ca — including Whole Foods Market stores in Canada.
- After the welcome offer ends, eligible Prime members get 2.5% back on eligible purchases at Amazon.ca and Whole Foods Market stores.
- Eligible Prime members always get 2.5% back on eligible foreign currency transactions to help cover foreign transaction fees.
- After the welcome offer ends, non-Prime members get 1.5% back on eligible purchases at Amazon.ca and Whole Foods Market stores. Always get 1% back on eligible foreign currency transactions to help cover foreign transaction fees.
- Receive 1% back on eligible purchases everywhere else Mastercard is accepted.
- Rewards can be redeemed at Amazon.ca and applied directly to eligible Amazon.ca items.
- No annual credit card fee.
- The MBNA Payment Plan can make it more convenient to pay for large purchases and manage a budget. Pay for eligible credit card purchases of $100 or over by making monthly payments. Choose from three Payment Plan terms: 6, 12 or 18 months. Conditions and fees apply.
- Preferred rates: 19.99% for purchases, 22.99% for cash advances.
- To be eligible, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
Methodology to choose the best cash-back credit cards
NerdWallet Canada selects the best cash-back credit cards based on overall consumer value as well as their suitability for specific kinds of consumers. Factors in our evaluation methodology include each card’s cash-back earning rates, rewards structure (such as flat-rate or bonus categories), annual fee, redemption options, promotional APR period for purchases, bonus offers for new cardholders, and noteworthy features such as insurance, loyalty bonuses or the ability to choose one’s own rewards categories.
Summary of best cash-back credit cards
Card name | Card features | Annual fee | Intro offer |
---|---|---|---|
Scotia Momentum® Visa Infinite* card | Best overall cash-back card. | $120 | Up to $200 |
Neo Secured Credit | Best for: Bad or no credit. | $0 | $25 |
Simplii Financial™ Cash Back Visa Card | Best for: Cash back on groceries. | $0 | Up to $100 |
KOHO Travel Mastercard | Best for: Prepaid cash-back rewards. | $0 | N/A |
Amazon.ca Rewards Mastercard® | Best for: Amazon shoppers. | $0 | Up to $150 |
BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard | Best for: Cash back on groceries. | $120 | Up to $260 |
Tangerine World Mastercard | Best for: Customizable spending categories. | $0 | Up to $100 |
BMO CashBack Mastercard | Best for: Newcomers. | $0 | Up to $125 |
HSBC Cash Rewards Mastercard | Best for: Online purchases. | $0 | Up to $100 |
TD Cash Back Visa Infinite Card | Best for: TD cash-back rewards. | $139 | Up to $350 |
Meridian Visa Infinite Cash Back Card | Best for: Lowest interest rate on this list. | $99 | N/A |
BMO CashBack Business Mastercard | Best for: Businesses. | $0 | Up to $150 |
Neo Card | Best for: Shell customers. | $0 | $25 |
SimplyCash Card from American Express | Best for: Amex perks. | $0 | Up to $100 |
CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite Card | Best for: Cash back on gas. | $120 | N/A |
MBNA Smart Cash World Mastercard | Best for: Low annual fee. | $39 | Up to $3,000 |
BMO CashBack Mastercard for Students | Best for: Students. | $0 | Up to $125 |
How cash-back credit cards work in Canada
By Barry Choi and Clay Jarvis
Before deciding which cash-back credit card is right for you, it’s helpful to understand how the cash-back redemption process works, the many categories cash-back rewards can fall into, and how cash-back cards compare to other types of credit cards.
What is a cash-back credit card?
Cash-back credit cards are pretty straightforward: you use them as you would any other credit card, and in exchange for making eligible purchases, you get a certain percentage of what you’ve spent back in cash.
Advantages and Disadvantages of a cash-back credit card?
Advantages
- Simplicity — cash-back cards make it easy to earn valuable rewards.
- Welcome bonuses and introductory offers can be quite generous.
- Accumulated rewards can help pay down your card balance.
- High earn rates for items you buy regularly can yield big rewards.
Disadvantages
- You may not typically buy items that yield above-average earn rates.
- Amassing rewards can be slow depending on how much you spend each month, and whether you pay your bill in full.
- Bonus and introductory offers tend to come with conditions, including spending minimums, which may be challenging to meet.
- Should I choose cash-back or rewards points?
Types of cash-back credit cards
All cash-back credit cards work similarly, but even minor differences are worth noting as they can affect your earn rate.
Flat-rate
This type of cash-back credit card earns cash-back at the same rate for all purchases made.
Bonus rewards categories
Some cash-back credit cards offer an increased earn rate for rewards on select spending categories, such as groceries and restaurants.
Flexible bonus cash-back cards
Some cards allow you to choose the spending categories to earn your bonus rewards. By selecting categories that align with the types of items you buy frequently, you can maximize your cash-back rewards.
How to earn cash-back
You’ll need to make purchases to earn cash-back rewards with a credit card. For example, let’s say you have a card that offers 2% cash back on groceries. If tomorrow’s weekly run to the supermarket winds up costing you $100 and you pay with your card, you’ll earn $2 in cash-back rewards.
Cash-back rewards will accumulate as you continue using your cash-back credit card. The running total of how much cash you’ve earned should be easy to find on your monthly statement or via your online account.
Make sure to stay within your credit limit, keep your account in good standing, and look closely at your cash-back credit card’s details to find out how much you can earn on your purchases. Earn rates can vary based on time, such as when an introductory offer provides a higher rate of rewards and what kinds of products you purchase.
How to redeem cash-back
Once you have accumulated enough cash-back rewards, you can redeem them for statement credits, bank deposits, gift cards, or other rewards. Make sure to understand the redemption options and requirements of your card. Some may require you to meet a minimum threshold of cash-back rewards before redemption. If you don’t have enough points available, you’ll have to sit on them until you do.
Redemption requirements by issuers
Every credit card provider has different rules when it comes to redeeming your cash back. Some allow monthly redemption, while others pay out annually. Other providers allow redemption only after you’ve hit a certain threshold. The following are the payout requirements for the major cash-back credit card issuers:
- American Express. All cash back earned is paid out annually on your September statement.
- BMO. Redeem as little as $1 in cash back as a statement credit. You can also set up automatic direct deposits to your BMO chequing or savings account starting at $25.
- CIBC. Cash-back redemptions start at $25. Any unredeemed cash back will appear on your January statement annually.
- RBC. Once you earn $25 in cash back, you can have the balance credited to your account at any time by calling in. Alternatively, all accumulated cash back will be credited to your account every January.
- Scotiabank. All cash back earned appears as a credit on your November statement.
- Tangerine. Paid monthly to your savings account or applied to your credit card balance.
- TD. You can redeem your cash back when you have a minimum amount of $25. Another option is to take your cash back annually every January where there is no minimum amount required.
» MORE: Read our in-depth TD Cash Back Visa Infinite Review
When is a good time to redeem my cash-back rewards?
Many cash-back credit cards will allow you to redeem your rewards as soon as they reach a minimum threshold. But you can also save them up over time and cash them in for a more significant, single-shot pay-down of your credit card balance, for example.
Choosing to redeem cash rewards on a regular basis is certainly satisfying. But it could mean dipping below your minimum threshold. The next time you want — or need — to use your rewards, you may not have enough at your disposal. Saving your cash back rewards to generate more impact — to ease the blow of a particularly big purchase — is a worthy strategy, too. But know that if you fail to keep your account in good standing or decide to close it suddenly, you could lose out on accumulated rewards.
cash-back bonus rewards categories
Cash-back bonus rewards categories refer to the specific spending categories or types of purchases that earn higher cash-back rewards on a credit card.
For example, let’s say your credit card gives you 4% cash back on gas. If the card has a flat rate of 1%, this means you’ll earn cash back on gas with a bonus rate of 3%, making it so all your gas purchases would give you 4% cash back. Since many gas stations sell other things, such as snacks and gift cards, you’d also earn 4% cash back on any of those items.
Generally speaking, Canada’s best cash-back credit cards offer multiple bonus categories. Getting a cash-back card that aligns with your spending patterns can be pretty lucrative. For example, if you spend a lot on groceries, getting a cash-back credit card with an increased earn rate on groceries can significantly benefit you.
You’ll earn cash back at an increased rate when making purchases in specific spending categories, but you’ll still earn the base earn rate when you make purchases that don’t fall under a bonus category or after you have reached the bonus category cash-back limit. The base earn rate differs for each cash-back credit card but typically ranges between 0.5% and 2%.
Common rewards categories
Cash-back categories can vary depending on the credit card and issuer, but here are some common categories in Canada:
- Grocery. Any purchase made at grocery stores, such as Loblaws, No Frills and Metro.
- Gas. Includes any purchase made at a gas station or service station, like Shell, PetroCanada and Esso.
- Restaurants and dining. This usually includes takeout and food delivery services like Uber Eats, DoorDash and SkipTheDishes.
- Travel spending. Airline tickets, hotels, car rentals, etc.
- Transit and transportation. This may include taking an Uber, a taxi, or paying for public transportation.
- Streaming services. Monthly subscriptions to products like Netflix, Disney+, Spotify, etc.
- Drug stores and pharmacies. This may include purchases made at a drug store, like Shoppers Drug Mart.
- Entertainment. This may include money you spend on tickets to the movies, theater, or a live music concert.
- Bills and recurring payments. Including wireless phone, internet, and utility bills paid with a credit card.
The key thing to understand is that each credit card defines its categories differently and employs its own merchant category codes. For example, some cards may group gas and transportation. Some cards lump groceries and restaurants into a “food and drink” category. To further complicate things, some merchants don’t fall into the categories you would think they would. For example, Costco is not considered a grocery store. As far as credit card processors are concerned, Costco is a wholesale store.
Credit card companies do not typically reveal all of the stores associated with a merchant category publicly. Still, you should be able to contact your credit card provider’s customer service to ask about a specific store. Overall, it’s pretty easy to figure out what category your purchases will fall under, but you may need some trial and error.
How to choose a cash-back card
Before applying for a cash-back credit card, select the right one for you and ensure you’re eligible.
Compare cash-back credit card options
With dozens of cash-back credit cards available, comparing them all can be time-consuming. That said, there are a few things you should look at when considering any cash-back card.
- Interest rates. It’s important to look closely at the interest rates associated with any cash-back credit cards you’re considering; many start out in the 19.99% range. Zero interest is charged on balances paid in full every month, but if you don’t, it can significantly add to your debt and erode the benefit of any cash-back rewards you earn.
- Annual fee. Decide if you want to pay an annual fee or not. In most cases, paying a yearly fee means earning more cash back and getting better benefits. On the other hand, no-fee cash-back cards may have a lower earn rate, but if you don’t charge much to your card, you could come out ahead compared to a card with a fee.
- Welcome bonus or intro offer. Cash-back credit cards in Canada commonly offer a sign-up bonus for new applicants. The welcome bonus usually comes as a higher cash-back rate for a set period. For example, you might get 10% cash back on all purchases up to $3,000 in spending. If the earn rates are similar with two cards, but one has an excellent welcome bonus, then you might as well take advantage of the promotion. Credit card bonus offers nearly always come with terms and conditions to be met, but be sure you read over the offer thoroughly and understand how much you may need to spend to qualify.
- Bonus rewards categories. The increased earn rate on bonus categories is arguably the most critical factor when comparing cash-back cards. It’s ideal to choose a card that gives you the most cash-back in the categories where you do the most spending. Remember that the amount you spend in bonus categories every year could earn you more than any welcome bonus offered.
- Credit card insurance and additional perks. Many cash-back credit cards offer various forms of insurance and additional benefits that may appeal to you. Some perks to look out for include:
- Travel insurance.
- Roadside assistance.
- Mobile device insurance.
- Credit card concierge services.
- Extended warranties.
- Purchase protection.
Make sure you qualify
Even though the benefits of a cash-back credit card are relatively simple to understand, you’ll still have to reckon with a few eligibility requirements to consider before applying.
- Age and residency status. Most cash-back credit cards require you to be both a Canadian resident and the legal age of majority in the province where you live to apply for your own card. The age of majority is 18 in Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec and Saskatchewan. It’s 19 everywhere in all other provinces.
- Credit score. A good credit score is required in most cases to qualify for a cash-back credit card. In Canada, a credit score that ranges between 660 and 724 is considered good. If you do not have a good credit score, consider a credit card designed for bad or no credit, a prepaid card, or a secured credit card instead of a cash-back credit card.
- Personal or household income requirements. Some cash-back credit cards come with relatively lower income requirements, but if you want a higher-tier cash-back credit card, you’ll likely need a higher income.
How to maximize your cash-back rewards
There are plenty of tricks to help you get the most out of your cash-back credit cards. The more tips you adopt, the more cash back you’ll earn. That said, it’s best only to follow the advice that you’re comfortable with.
- Apply for a new card ahead of major expenses. Since many of Canada’s best cash-back credit cards have a generous welcome bonus, it’s often worth your trouble to apply for a new card before you make a major purchase. For example, let’s say you need to renew your home and auto insurance, which will cost you about $2,000. You could apply for a cash-back credit card offering 10% cash back as the welcome bonus. Then, when you charge your insurance to your card, you’d get $200 back.
- Keep your eye out for attractive intro offers and sign-up bonuses. Welcome offers are constantly changing, so watch for any current promotions. Getting 10% cash back for a set period is generous, but if the card also waives the annual fee for the first year, they’re practically paying you to sign up. When you get close to 12 months of card membership, you might cancel the card before your annual fee posts. You could then apply for a new cash-back credit card with a strong bonus.
- Pay attention to intro offer limits. Keep in mind that many cash-back credit cards have a limit on their sign-up offer. If you have a substantial purchase, you could apply for more than one card and split up your purchase to maximize your cash back. However, if you need to pay an annual fee for the new card, it may negate the cash back you earn, so pay attention to the details.
- Carry multiple cards. Many people focus on a single cash-back credit card, but there’s nothing wrong with having multiple credit cards. In fact, having more than one card is the easiest way to maximize your cash back. Start with a primary card that gives you an increased earn rate where you spend most of your spending. You could then complement that card with a no-fee card that gives you bonus categories where your primary card doesn’t. Just use the credit card that gives you the most cash back whenever you shop.
- Buy gift cards in bonus categories. Groceries and gas are two of the most popular merchant categories where you’ll earn additional cash back. Here’s the thing: grocery stores and gas stations sell gift cards that can be used at many retailers. That essentially allows you to earn extra cash back.
- Add supplementary users. Most credit cards allow you to add supplementary users. The advantage is that all authorized cardholders earn cash back on their purchases, including any bonus. Best of all, the cash back gets combined into a single pool, so you’ll be racking up that cash back in no time.
- Use cash-back websites. Various online sites allow you to earn additional cash whenever you shop online. First, you need to create an account. Afterwards, you would select the partner retailers through their online portal. When you do your shopping, eligible purchases will earn you cash back. You’ll earn cash back twice if you pay with your cash-back credit card.
Should I choose cash-back or rewards points?
Answering this question depends on what you’re looking to get out of your credit card.
- Cash-back rewards may be the route to take if you’re hoping for a little help paying your credit card bills, or want to earn rewards that are typically easy to calculate, collect and apply toward your balance.
- Rewards points, however, can generally be redeemed in a wider variety of ways, including discounts on travel or merchandise. That flexibility can be very attractive to some consumers. However, the value of the points you collect can fluctuate, making tracking your points a more complicated endeavour than cash-back rewards.
Are cash-back credit cards worth it?
There are two situations where a cash-back card might not be the right choice:
- If you’ll pay more in annual fees than you’d earn in cash-back.
- If you can get a better return with a points-based rewards card. For example, let’s say you got a travel rewards credit card and did the same spending. Would the points you earn be worth more than the cash back you could potentially earn? If so, it makes more sense to get a travel credit card.
FAQs for Canada’s cash-back credit cards
Most cash-back credit cards have limits on the cash back you can earn. Look at your card’s terms and conditions for rates and limits. Most cash-back credit cards set the limit per category, but they may also lump some categories together. Additionally, the limit would factor in any purchases made by supplementary users on the account.
Some cards give you unlimited cash back, even on bonus categories. That means you would get the full earn rate, regardless of how many purchases you put on your card. Shopping around and reviewing the terms and conditions of cards you’re interested in, will help you pick the right card.
Cash-back rewards are considered a rebate/discount by the Canada Revenue Agency, so you won’t be taxed. Cash back is really no different from a coupon, which is obviously not taxable.
That said, if you earn cash as part of your employment, it may be taxable. For example, let’s say you have a company cash-back credit card. Your employer allows you to deposit the cash back earned directly into your bank account. In this case, the cash back would be taxable since it’s a form of income.
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