The RBC Business Cash Back Mastercard is a no-annual-fee business credit card designed for Canadian small business owners who want simple, predictable cash back without a steep fee commitment. With a flat 1% cash back on all purchases and Mastercard acceptance everywhere, it’s an uncomplicated entry point into business credit.
Quick Verdict
Best for: New businesses or sole proprietors who want a no-fee business card with straightforward cash back and wide acceptance.
Not ideal for: Established businesses with significant spending where a premium business card’s higher earn rates and perks would deliver more value.
Key Card Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 CAD |
| Employee Cards | Available (fee may apply) |
| Network | Mastercard |
| Purchase Interest Rate | 19.99% |
| Cash Advance Rate | 22.99% |
| Income Requirement | None specified |
| Credit Score Recommended | Good |
Welcome Bonus
RBC periodically offers welcome bonuses on its business cards—check RBC’s website for any current limited-time offers on this card. Welcome bonuses for no-fee business cards are typically modest (e.g., a small statement credit after first purchase).
Earn Rates
| Spending Category | Earn Rate |
|---|---|
| All eligible purchases | 1% cash back |
Cash back is straightforward—no rotating categories, no caps, no envelopes. At the end of each year, your earned cash back appears as a statement credit on your business account.
For a business spending $4,000/month across all categories, that’s roughly $480 in cash back per year with no annual fee to offset.
Benefits and Perks
- No annual fee — maximize net cash back on a zero-cost card
- Employee cards — consolidate business spending under one account
- Mastercard acceptance — accepted at millions of Canadian and international merchants
- RBC Online Banking for Business — manage your account, view transactions, and download statements for bookkeeping
- Purchase security — eligible purchases may be covered against theft or damage for 90 days
- Extended warranty — doubles the manufacturer’s warranty on eligible items
Fees and Rates
| Fee / Rate | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 CAD |
| Additional Employee Cards | Verify with RBC |
| Purchase Interest | 19.99% |
| Cash Advance | 22.99% |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 2.5% |
| Returned Payment | $48 |
Who Is This Card Best For?
The RBC Business Cash Back Mastercard suits:
- New businesses that don’t want to commit to an annual fee while establishing credit history
- Low-volume spenders who still want to earn something back on everyday purchases
- Sole proprietors looking for the simplest possible business card from a major Canadian bank
- RBC business banking clients who want to consolidate business finances at one institution
If your business spends more than $6,000–$8,000 per month, a premium business card with a $150–$200 annual fee and 2–3× earn rates will likely outperform this card in net returns.
Alternatives
| Card | Annual Fee | Best Earn Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMO Business Mastercard | $0 | 1% cash back | No-fee business simplicity |
| RBC Avion Visa Business | $175 | Avion travel points | RBC loyalists who travel |
| TD Business Cash Back Visa Infinite | $149 | 3% on gas/office | Higher-volume businesses |
Bottom Line
The RBC Business Cash Back Mastercard is a solid no-commitment option for small Canadian businesses. Zero annual fee and 1% cash back across the board keep things simple—and if your spending grows, RBC’s higher-tier business cards are an easy upgrade path within the same banking relationship.
Disclaimer: Card terms, rates, and offers are subject to change. Verify all current details at rbc.com before applying.