This is RBC's entry-level cash back card: no fee, no income bar in RBC's card data, and an unlimited 2% at grocery stores. I'd point it at someone who already banks with RBC, buys most of their food at a supermarket and wants a simple card with no points to manage.
What I'd flag is the rate on everything outside groceries. Gas, transit and rideshare earn 1% and the rest earns 0.5%, which is half of what many no-fee cards pay as a base rate. It works as a grocery card; as an only card it leaves money on the table.
Welcome offer
RBC is offering 5% extra cash back on your first $2,000 in net purchases, including pre-authorized bill payments, during the first six months, verified on the RBC page on October 13, 2026. That works out to up to $100, paid on top of the card's standard rates, so groceries effectively earn 7% during the offer. Applications must be received by February 2, 2027.
The bonus is credited 4 to 6 weeks after each statement date in the six-month window, as long as the account is in good standing. It is not open to additional cardholders or to existing RBC cardholders switching into this card, and closing or changing the card before the bonus posts can cost you the bonus.
$2,000 in six months is about $335 a month, which a household's groceries and recurring bills cover without trying. Once you reach $2,000 the extra 5% stops, so there is no reason to push spending past that point for the offer.
Fees & eligibility
The card has a $0 annual fee, and additional cards are also $0. RBC publishes no minimum income for this card in its card data. Purchases carry a 21.99% interest rate and cash advances 22.99% (21.99% if you live in Quebec), and RBC's terms treat balance transfers as cash advances.
The product page does not state a foreign transaction fee, so check the cardholder agreement before using the card abroad. Interest at 21.99% costs far more than 2% cash back returns, so this card only pays if you clear the statement each month.
Earning rewards
Cash back is earned at three flat rates with no caps: 2% at grocery stores, 1% on gas, EV charging, public transit and rideshare, and 0.5% on everything else, including pre-authorized bill payments.
The categories are set by merchant category code. Groceries means merchants classed as grocery stores and supermarkets (MCC 5411), so other stores that sell food, such as big-box retailers or pharmacies, may earn only 0.5%. Transit means local commuter transit and taxis or rideshare; intercity trains and buses do not count.
Redeeming rewards
Cash back is paid as a statement credit to the card. Until December 1, 2026 you request it by phone once the balance reaches $25, and the whole balance is credited. From December 2, 2026, RBC's program terms let you redeem any amount from $1, in full or in part, through Online Banking, the RBC Mobile app or by phone, credited within 5 business days.
The product page also mentions an automatic credit every January, but RBC's current program terms say Mastercard cash back is not credited automatically and simply accrues until you ask for it. A credit does not count toward your minimum payment.
Perks & benefits
The perks are partner deals rather than card benefits. The most useful are a 6-month complimentary DashPass from DoorDash ($0 delivery fees on eligible orders of $15 or more), 3 cents per litre off fuel plus 20% more Petro-Points at Petro-Canada with a linked card, and 3X Canadian Tire Money when you link the card to Triangle Rewards.
You can also link the card to Rexall Be Well for 50 points per $1 on eligible purchases and to Avion Rewards for percentage-off deals from participating brands. There is no travel credit, no lounge access and no mobile device insurance.
Insurance
The insurance covers purchases only. Purchase security protects eligible items against loss, theft or damage for 90 days, up to $50,000 per account per calendar year, and extended warranty doubles the manufacturer's warranty by up to 1 extra year, to a combined maximum of five years.
There is no travel insurance of any kind: no emergency medical, trip cancellation, delay, baggage or rental car coverage, and no mobile device insurance. RBC sells travel insurance as an optional add-on.
My take
I'd get this card if you want a free grocery card from RBC and will use another card for everything else; if you want one card for all your spending, I'd skip it.
What I like is the 2% at grocery stores with no cap, plus partner perks like Petro-Canada savings and six months of DashPass, all at $0. The welcome offer is simple too: an extra 5% on the first $2,000, worth up to $100.
The 0.5% base rate is my problem with it. Dining, shopping, bills and anything outside a supermarket earn half a percent, so I'd pair it with a card that pays more on those. If your grocery spend is high and you can justify a fee, I'd look at RBC's own Cash Back Preferred World Elite, which earns 3% on groceries, dining and food delivery under the same program terms.
The good
- Unlimited 2% at grocery stores with no annual fee
- Extra 5% on the first $2,000 for six months (up to $100)
- Partner perks: Petro-Canada savings and 6 months of DashPass
The catch
- Only 0.5% on everything outside the bonus categories
- Groceries limited to MCC 5411; other stores selling food may earn 0.5%
- Purchase cover only; no travel or mobile device insurance