No fee everyday banking
Set up direct deposit and skip the monthly fee. Free to open, and the Easy plan has no monthly fee. Worth doing if you will actually move your pay or your CRA deposits over, not if the card sits unused. Code BREMO2026.
The RBC Cashback Mastercard is a no-annual-fee credit card designed for everyday Canadians who want simple cash back on groceries without the complexity or cost of premium rewards programs. It's one of RBC's entry-level cash back products and is often recommended as a first credit card or a secondary everyday spend card.
Annual fee: $0
Income requirement: None stated (flexible approval)
Interest rate: 19.99% purchases / 22.99% cash advances
Welcome bonus: Varies — typically a cash back boost for the first 3 months
Network: Mastercard
The RBC Cashback Mastercard earns:
Note: The 2% grocery rate is subject to a monthly cap of $6,000 in grocery purchases. Beyond that cap, grocery purchases earn 1%. For most households, this cap is never reached. The 1% base rate on everything else is solid for a no-fee card, though not exceptional compared to the Tangerine card's 2% in chosen categories.
Cash back on the RBC Cashback Mastercard is redeemable in January each year. It is applied as a statement credit and requires a minimum accumulated balance of $25. This once-a-year redemption schedule is the card's biggest limitation — many competing no-fee cards offer monthly cash back access.
Given the no-fee positioning, insurance coverage is minimal:
There is no travel insurance, roadside assistance, or Mastercard World Elite benefits on this card. For travellers or those wanting comprehensive coverage, a premium card would be more appropriate.
The RBC Cashback Mastercard holds up reasonably well as a no-fee grocery card, but the Tangerine Money-Back card offers 2% in up to three chosen categories (including groceries) with monthly cash back access — making it a stronger no-fee option for most Canadians.
Where the RBC card shines is simplicity: no category selection required, no minimum income, and the assurance of a major bank backing. For RBC banking customers who want a low-maintenance card, it does the job.
The RBC Cashback Mastercard is best suited for current RBC banking customers who want a simple, no-fee card with decent grocery rewards and no complexity. It also works well as a secondary card for someone who already has a premium card and wants a backup with no annual fee.
The RBC Cashback Mastercard is a serviceable no-fee card, but not the best in its class. If your primary goal is maximizing no-fee cash back, the Tangerine Money-Back or PC World Elite Mastercard will likely serve you better. However, for existing RBC customers who prefer banking loyalty and simplicity, it's a perfectly adequate choice.
KOHO offers up to 5% cashback with no annual fee and no interest charges ever. As a prepaid Mastercard, it removes the risk of credit card debt while still rewarding everyday spending. Many Canadians use KOHO alongside their main credit card.
Get $100 welcome bonus with code BREMO2026
Get $120 with KOHOTD Cash Back Visa Review · BMO CashBack Mastercard Review · Best No Annual Fee Cards · Best Cash Back Cards Canada