The RBC Cash Back Mastercard is RBC’s no-annual-fee entry cash back card, earning elevated cash back on grocery purchases and a base rate on all other eligible spending. With no annual fee and no income requirement, it provides a cost-free path to RBC cash back rewards for everyday shoppers — particularly those whose grocery spend is within the annual earn cap. For RBC banking customers who want a rewards card at zero cost, it is a straightforward choice.
Quick Verdict
Best for: RBC banking customers who want a no-annual-fee cash back Mastercard with elevated grocery earn, particularly those below the $80,000 income requirement for the RBC Cash Back World Elite.
Not ideal for: High-spend households who qualify for the World Elite and would see significantly higher returns on groceries, gas, and recurring bills from that card.
Key Card Details
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 |
| Additional cardholder fee | $0 |
| Purchase interest rate | 20.99% |
| Cash advance rate | 22.99% |
| Foreign transaction fee | 2.5% |
| Income requirement | None |
| Network | Mastercard |
| Welcome bonus | Verify current offer at rbc.com |
Cash back rates, grocery earn cap, welcome bonus, and card terms are subject to change. Always verify current details at rbc.com before applying.
Welcome Bonus
RBC periodically offers a welcome cash back bonus for new Cash Back Mastercard cardholders.
Always verify the current welcome bonus at rbc.com before applying.
Cash Back Earn Rates
| Category | Cash Back Rate |
|---|---|
| Eligible grocery stores | Elevated — verify at rbc.com (annual cap applies) |
| All other eligible purchases | Base rate — verify at rbc.com |
Verify exact current earn rates and the annual grocery spend cap at rbc.com.
Monthly cash back payout
RBC pays cash back monthly as a statement credit on this card. Unlike cards that pay annually in November (Scotiabank Momentum, CIBC Dividend), monthly payouts mean the cash back benefit is available within the month it is earned.
RBC Cash Back Mastercard vs. World Elite
| Feature | RBC Cash Back Mastercard | RBC Cash Back World Elite |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 | $120 |
| Grocery earn | Elevated (lower, with cap) | Higher |
| Gas and recurring bills | Base | Higher |
| Income requirement | None | $80,000 personal |
| Travel insurance | None | Comprehensive |
| Monthly payout | Yes | Yes |
Upgrade math: At $700/month in groceries alone, if the base Mastercard earns, say, 2% = $14/month = $168/year. If the World Elite earns 4% = $28/month = $336/year. The World Elite earns $168 more — plus higher earn on gas and recurring bills, often adding another $100–$200/year. Total advantage can easily exceed the $120 annual fee. Verify actual rates at rbc.com.
Card Benefits
Verify at rbc.com, but expect at the no-fee tier:
- Basic purchase protection may apply
- Extended warranty may apply on some purchases
- Travel insurance: not expected
Fees and Rates
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 |
| Purchase interest rate | 20.99% |
| Cash advance rate | 22.99% |
| Foreign transaction fee | 2.5% |
Who Is the RBC Cash Back Mastercard Best For?
Ideal cardholders:
- RBC banking customers who want a no-fee rewards card with elevated grocery cash back
- Those below the $80,000 income requirement for the World Elite
- Light-to-moderate spenders for whom the World Elite fee is difficult to justify
- Those building a credit history within the RBC ecosystem
Less suitable if:
- You qualify for the RBC Cash Back World Elite — the higher earn rates on grocery, gas, and bills typically far exceed the $120 annual fee
- You prefer a flat-rate cash back card at 1.5% (Rogers Red Mastercard) over an elevated grocery card with a base rate elsewhere
Bottom Line
The RBC Cash Back Mastercard is a reasonable no-fee entry card for RBC banking customers who want cash back on groceries without a fee commitment. Its elevated grocery earn and monthly cash back payout make it a practical choice for light spenders or those building toward the World Elite qualification.
For those who can qualify on income and spend enough on groceries and gas, upgrading to the RBC Cash Back World Elite is almost always the more profitable decision.
Card terms, cash back rates, welcome bonus, and earn cap are subject to change. Always verify current details at rbc.com before applying.