MBNA Canada is a subsidiary of TD Bank Group and one of Canada’s largest credit card issuers by portfolio size. It offers a focused lineup covering four distinct niches: premium cash back (Smart Cash), low interest rates (True Line), co-branded retail partnerships (Amazon.ca, Shell), and airline co-branding (Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan).
MBNA was acquired by TD in 2011 and operates as a separate brand, issuing all cards on the Mastercard network.
MBNA Cash Back and Rewards Cards
| MBNA Smart Cash Platinum Plus Mastercard | $0 | No-fee Smart Cash entry | | MBNA Smart Cash World Mastercard | $0 | No-fee World tier cash back |
| Card | Annual Fee | Key Earn Rate |
|---|---|---|
| MBNA Smart Cash World Elite Mastercard | $120 | 5% groceries & gas (up to $500/month combined); 2% everywhere else |
| MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard | $120 | 5x MBNA Rewards on groceries, restaurants & gas; 1x elsewhere |
| MBNA Rewards Platinum Plus Mastercard | $0 | 2x MBNA Rewards on groceries, restaurants & gas; 1x elsewhere |
| MBNA Platinum Plus Mastercard | $0 | MBNA Rewards entry-level |
| MBNA World Mastercard | $0 | World Mastercard benefits; basic earn rate |
MBNA Low-Rate Cards
| Card | Annual Fee | Interest Rate |
|---|---|---|
| MBNA True Line Gold Mastercard | $39 | 8.99% — lowest purchase rate in Canada |
| MBNA True Line Mastercard | $0 | 12.99% — lowest no-fee rate in Canada |
MBNA Co-Branded Cards
| Card | Annual Fee | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon.ca Mastercard | $0 | 2.5% back at Amazon.ca with Prime; 1.5% without |
| MBNA Alaska Airlines Mastercard | $75 | Alaska Mileage Plan miles; oneworld partners |
| Shell Mastercard | $0 | Bonus fuel savings at Shell stations |
The MBNA Smart Cash: Canada’s Best Grocery + Gas Card
The MBNA Smart Cash World Elite Mastercard consistently ranks among Canada’s top cash back cards. At 5% on groceries and gas, it outperforms most competitors in those two categories:
| Card | Grocery Rate | Gas Rate | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBNA Smart Cash World Elite | 5% | 5% | $120 |
| CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite | 4% | 4% | $120 |
| BMO CashBack World Elite | 5% | 1% | $120 |
| Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite | 4% | 3% | $120 |
Cap: The 5% rate applies to the first $500/month combined across groceries and gas. Spending above the cap earns 2%. For households spending more than $500/month on these categories, see CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite — it offers 4% with no stated combined monthly cap.
The True Line Cards: Lowest Rates in Canada
If you carry a balance, MBNA’s True Line cards offer the cheapest interest in Canada:
- True Line Gold Mastercard (8.99%): At this rate, a $3,000 balance costs roughly $270/year in interest vs. $600/year on a standard 19.99% card — a saving of $330 annually. The $39 annual fee pays for itself within two months of carrying a $3,000 balance.
- True Line Mastercard (12.99%): No annual fee, no frills, 12.99% on purchases and cash advances. Best for occasional balance carriers who want a lower rate safety net.
For those choosing between the two, the $39 fee on the Gold card breaks even at roughly $450 in average balance carried throughout the year.
The Amazon.ca Mastercard: Best for Prime Members
The MBNA Amazon.ca Mastercard earns:
- 2.5% back on Amazon.ca purchases with an active Amazon Prime membership
- 1.5% back on Amazon.ca purchases without Prime
- 1% back everywhere else (in Amazon Rewards, redeemable at checkout)
Unlike credit card cash back, Amazon Rewards are redeemed at Amazon.ca checkout — not as a bank statement credit. This makes the card most valuable for frequent Amazon shoppers who will actually use those rewards points.
The Alaska Airlines Mastercard: A Unique Canada–US Niche
MBNA is the only Canadian bank issuing an Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan co-branded card. This is valuable for:
- Travellers who fly Alaska Airlines routes (Seattle hub, US West Coast)
- Canadians earning oneworld miles — Alaska is a oneworld partner, so miles can be used on American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and others
- Cardholders who want an alternative to Aeroplan miles at 1 mile per dollar
The card earns 1.25 miles per dollar on eligible purchases and includes a companion fare certificate benefit.
MBNA and TD Bank
As a TD subsidiary, MBNA cards are separate from TD’s own credit card lineup. Key differences:
- MBNA cards do not earn TD Rewards points — they earn MBNA Rewards or cash back
- MBNA True Line cards are issued independently of TD’s preferred rate offerings
- Applying for an MBNA card does not affect TD credit card applications (separate underwriting)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MBNA a Canadian bank? MBNA Canada is a subsidiary of TD Bank Group, one of Canada’s Big Five banks. MBNA is a federally regulated financial institution in Canada and its deposits are covered by CDIC through TD.
Does MBNA Smart Cash have an annual cap on the 5% rate? Yes — the 5% rate applies to the first $500 per month in combined grocery and gas purchases. All spending above that threshold earns 2% cash back.
Can I earn Aeroplan points with an MBNA card? No. MBNA cards earn MBNA Rewards or cash back — not Aeroplan, TD Rewards, or other bank programme currencies. If you want Aeroplan, consider TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite or CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite.
Is MBNA available in Quebec? MBNA credit cards are available in Quebec. Some promotional offers may have different terms for Quebec residents.
How do I redeem Amazon Rewards from the Amazon.ca Mastercard? Amazon Rewards points are automatically applied at checkout on Amazon.ca. They appear in your account as a payment method alongside your credit card.
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Card details current as of June 2026. Earn rates, caps, and product availability subject to change — verify at mbna.ca before applying.