2025's Best Cash Back Credit Cards for Canadians

Earn guaranteed cash back when you make everyday purchases with a cash back rewards credit card.

Select your priority

Select your rewards preference

Select your annual fees

credit cards image CashSurge

CashSurge increases the value of credit cards by introducing an additional cash bonus. We'll pay you up to $150 every time you are approved for a CashSurge credit card.

Neo Mastercard
Neo Mastercard

Get a $50 Cash Surge

Offer valid until: Jun 27th,2025

Jump straight to:

Let's get started

Please enter your postal code

What is a cash back credit card?

A cash back credit card is a rewards credit card that allows you to earn a small percentage (usually around 1-4%) of your purchase back in cash, helping you save money on everyday purchases. Cash back rewards can be based on a flat-rate, bonus, or flexible bonus structure. Each structure has its own benefits.

Most cash back cards allow you redeem your cash reward as either a deposit into your bank account or a statement credit that reduces how much you owe on your credit card statement. Start saving money by finding the best cash back credit card today.

Best Credit Cards for 2025: Best Cash Back Credit Card

First year value* Credit score required Winner

Best Overall Cash Back Credit Card

 $832 Excellent CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite*

Best No-Fee Cash Back Credit Card

 $480 Excellent Rogers Red World Elite® Mastercard®

*The RATESDOTCA Best of Finance methodology assumes the cardholder spends an average of $2,000 a month on their card to determine the first-year value. The calculation includes all welcome bonuses and promotional offers at the time of publishing.

Best Overall Cash Back Credit Card

It’s all right there in the name. Cash back credit cards allow cardholders to earn a small percentage of each purchase back in rewards. We compared the top cash back credit cards using our Best of Finance methodology and ranked the cards that provided the highest first-year value.

To determine our winners, our team has analyzed 80 credit cards using more than 100 data points over several weeks.

First year value* Credit score required Top features

WINNER

CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite*

 $832 Excellent Generous cash back earns in key spending categories (4% on gas and groceries, 2% on recurring bills, transportation, and dining, 1% on everything else). Great base travel insurance.

Runner up

SimplyCash® Card from American Express

 $790 Good Earn 4% cash back on gas and groceries, and 2% cash back on all other purchases.

Runner up

BMO CashBack World Elite* Mastercard*

 $795 Excellent The highest cash back earn rate on groceries in Canada at 5%.

Winner: CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite*

The CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* card is all about rewarding you with cash back. For the first four statements, you can earn 10% cash back on all your purchases, up to $2,000 in spending. That’s up to $200 in your pocket just for using your card. Plus, the card comes with a $250 welcome bonus, making the first year’s value go even further—up to $832 if you spend $2,000 per month.

After the initial promotion, the ongoing cash back rates keep accumulating. You’ll earn 4% on gas, EV charging, and groceries, 2% on transport, dining, and recurring bills, and 1% on all other purchases. Redeeming your cash back is simple. Once your balance hits $25, you can apply it as a statement credit whenever you want.

The fee is rebated after the first year (a savings of $120) and up to three additional cards can have their first-year fees rebated as well. Whether you're fueling up, dining out, or stocking your fridge, the CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* helps you maximize your cash back while keeping things flexible and rewarding. A card designed to fit your lifestyle.

The estimated dollar amount of benefits you’ll accumulate based on your monthly spending and rewards preference
+ Welcome bonus
$300
+ Annual rewards
$582
- Annual fee (First Year Rebated†)
$0
Total first year value
$882
CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite*

card image
Welcome bonus
$300
CIBC Cash Back Rewards
Annual rewards
$582
CIBC Cash Back Rewards
Annual fees:
$120 (First Year Rebated†)
Interest rates:
20.99% on purchases • 22.99% on cash advances
This offer is not available for residents of Quebec.
2025 Winner – Best Overall Cash Back Card
Generous cash back earns in key spending categories
Details at a glance Collapse details
CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite*
card image
Welcome bonus
$300
Annual rewards
$582
The estimated dollar amount of benefits you’ll accumulate based on your monthly spending and rewards preference
+ Welcome bonus
$300
+ Annual rewards
$582
- Annual fee (First Year Rebated†)
$0
Total first year value
$882
Annual fees:
$120 (First Year Rebated†)
Interest rates:
20.99% on purchases
22.99 on cash advances
This offer is not available for residents of Quebec.
2025 Winner – Best Overall Cash Back Card
Generous cash back earns in key spending categories
Details at a glance Collapse details

Credit score requirement for approval: Excellent (740+)

Annual fee: $120 (first year rebated)

Annual fee for additional cardholders: $30

Limited time offer/bonus: Get a first-year annual fee rebate and earn a 10% cash back welcome bonus of up to $250 (first 4 statements). After that, get 4% cash back on eligible gas and grocery purchases.

Offer expiry date: Ongoing Offer

Rewards:

4% cash back on eligible:

  • Gas and EV charging
  • Grocery

2% cash back on eligible

  • Transportation
  • Dining Purchases
  • Recurring payments

Earn 1% cashback on:

  • All other purchases

Earning potential: $832 the first year, $462 in following years

Insurance:

  • Purchase Protection - 90 days
  • Extended Warranty - 1 year
  • Emergency Medical - 10 days
  • Common Carrier Accident - $500,000
  • Rental Car Collision and Loss Damage Insurance
  • Mobile Device - $1,000

Other perks:

  • Save on gas with CIBC and Journie Rewards:
    • Link and use your CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* Card with Journie Rewards to save up to 10 cents per litre† at participating Pioneer, Fas Gas, Ultramar and Chevron gas stations.

Runners-up: Best Overall Cash Back Credit Card

SimplyCash® Card from American Express

The SimplyCash® Card from American Express offers 4% cash back on gas and grocery purchases. You earn 2% cash back on all other purchases.

The program is simple, and that's what makes it great. According to our Best of Finance methodology, you could potentially earn $790 in rewards annually with the SimplyCash® Card.

The card includes access to a decent travel insurance package and AMEX's well-known entertainment perks. You can earn more cash by way of Amex's friend referral bonus.

Annual fee: $120

Limited time offer/bonus: Earn a bonus of 10% cash back on all purchases for your first 3 months (up to $2,000 in purchases). Plus, earn a $50 statement credit when you make a purchase in month 13. This could add up to $250 in bonus value in your first 13 months

Offer expiry date: Ongoing Offer

Rewards: 4% cash back on eligible gas station and grocery store purchases in Canada (up to $1,200 cash back annually). 2% cash back on all purchases (after first 4 months)

BMO CashBack World Elite* Mastercard*

The BMO CashBack World Elite* Mastercard* allows you to earn 5% cash back on groceries, 4% on transit, and 3% on gas. The cash-back rewards and welcome bonus can help you secure $745 in the first year of card ownership, according to our Best of Finance methodology.

Additional benefits include complimentary roadside assistance, discounts at select car rental companies, and travel and medical insurance.

Annual fee

$120

Limited time offer/bonus

Get up to 10% cash back in your first three months and the $120 annual fee waived in the first year*.

Offer expiry date: Ongoing offer.

Rewards

With this card, you can earn the following:

  • 5% cash back on groceries
  • 4% cash back on transit
  • 3% cash back spent on gas
  • 2% cash back on recurring bills
  • 1% cash back on other eligible purchases

Back to top

Best No-Fee Cash Back Credit Card

Just because a card doesn’t charge an annual fee doesn’t mean it skimps on rewards. Many no-fee credit cards offer hundreds of dollars in cash back for making everyday purchases and feature additional benefits like shopping coverage or exclusive offers.

We compared the top no-fee cash back credit cards using our Best of Finance methodology and ranked the cards that provided the highest first-year value.

First year value* Credit score required Top features

WINNER

Rogers Red World Elite® Mastercard®

 $480 Excellent Rogers, Fido and Shaw customers can earn 2% cash back. A 3% cashback value when redeeming points on Rogers, Fido, and Shaw purchases.

Runner up

SimplyCash® Card from American Express

 $468 Good Earn 2% cash back on gas and grocery purchases.

Runner up

Simplii Financial™ Cash Back Visa* Card

 $425 Fair Up to 4% cash back on eligible restaurant, bar, and coffee shop purchases.

Winner: Rogers Red World Elite® Mastercard®

The Rogers Red World Elite® Mastercard® offers excellent cash back benefits, especially for Rogers, Fido, or Shaw customers. If you’re one of these customers, you can still earn up to $480 annually if you maintain a $2,000 monthly balance. You’ll earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases, and when you use your cash back rewards to pay for Rogers, Fido, or Shaw purchases, you’ll get 1.5x more value, letting you maximize your rewards.

For those who frequently pay in U.S. dollars—whether it’s traveling or shopping online—the card gives you 3% cash back on U.S. purchases. Even if you’re not a customer of Rogers, Fido, or Shaw, you can still earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on eligible non-U.S. dollar purchases. These features give all cardholders rewarding ways to save on daily spending.

According to our Best of Finance methodology, the average Canadian will have $480 within the first year.

The estimated dollar amount of benefits you’ll accumulate based on your monthly spending and rewards preference
+ Welcome bonus
$0
+ Annual rewards
$480
- Annual fee
$0
Total first year value
$480
Rogers Red World Elite® Mastercard®

card image
Welcome bonus
$0
Rogers Cash Back Rewards
Annual rewards
$480
Rogers Cash Back Rewards
Annual fees:
$0
Interest rates:
25.99% on purchases • 27.99% on cash advances
2025 Winner – Best No-Fee Cash Back Card
Includes great travel perks and benefits
Details at a glance Collapse details
Rogers Red World Elite® Mastercard®
card image
Welcome bonus
$0
Annual rewards
$480
The estimated dollar amount of benefits you’ll accumulate based on your monthly spending and rewards preference
+ Welcome bonus
$0
+ Annual rewards
$480
- Annual fee
$0
Total first year value
$480
Annual fees:
$0
Interest rates:
25.99% on purchases
27.99 on cash advances
2025 Winner – Best No-Fee Cash Back Card
Includes great travel perks and benefits
Details at a glance Collapse details

Annual fee

$0

Welcome bonus

N/A

Rewards

Rogers, Fido and Shaw customers:

  • Earn 2% cash back on eligible purchases
  • 1.5x redemption bonus on Rogers, Fido and Shaw purchases
  • U.S. dollar purchases

If you are not a Rogers customer:

  • Earn 1.5% cash back on all eligible purchases

Earning potential

How does this card stack up to other rewards credit cards? We crunched the numbers using our Best of Finance methodology to see how much an average Canadian could earn over a 12-month period.

Rewards earned over a 12-month period + Cash bonus + Welcome bonus = $480 + $0 = $480

Benefits

  • Complimentary membership to Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass
  • Access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide
  • Admission is USD $32 per person visit

Insurance coverage

  • Purchase Protection - 90 days
  • Extended Warranty - 1 Year
  • Emergency Medical Term - 10 days
  • Trip Cancellation - $1,000
  • Trip Interruption - $1,000
  • Rental Car Theft and Damage

Runners-up: Best No-Fee Cash Back Credit Card

Simplii Financial™ Cash Back Visa* Card

The Simplii Financial™ Cash Back Visa* Card is a great fit for people who love dining out and want to avoid paying an annual fee. You can earn up to 4% cash back at eligible restaurants and bars, which is the card’s top earn rate. It also offers 1.5% cash back on gas, groceries, and pre-authorized payments, helping you save on everyday expenses. For any other purchases, you’ll earn 0.5% cash back. It’s a simple and rewarding way to get more value from your spending without any added costs.

Annual fee

$0

Limited time offer/bonus

Earn up to 10% cash back† for your first 3 months up to $1,000 eligible spend

Offer expiry date: 

Ongoing

Rewards:

  • Up to 4% cash back on eligible restaurant, bar and coffee shop purchases
  • Up to 1.5% cash back on eligible gas, grocery, and drugstore purchases and pre-authorized payments
  • 0.5% cash back on all other purchases

SimplyCash® Card from American Express

Cardholders of the SimplyCash® Card from American Express earn 1.25% on all purchases, with no limit on how much cash back you can earn. As with all Amex cards, you get solid insurance and entertainment perks.

According to our Best of Finance methodology, the average Canadian would earn around $468 cash back in the first year and $368 a year thereafter.

Annual fee

$0

Annual fee for additional cardholders: $0

Limited time offer/bonus

  • In your first 3 months as a new SimplyCash® Card from American Express Cardmember, you can earn a bonus 5% cash back on all purchases (up to $2,000 in purchases). That’s on top of your everyday cash back earn rates. That’s up to $100 in bonus cash back.

Offer expiry date: N/A - subject to change without notice

Rewards

  • Earn 2% cash back on gas and groceries, with no limit to how much cash back you can earn.
Let's get started

Please enter your postal code

A woman pays for something by credit card on her laptop

What are the different types of cashback credit cards available?

Different cash back credit cards offer different perks. But generally, you can compare cash back credit cards in Canada that either have fees or don't.

The most important difference between the two is that cash back credit cards without an annual fee offer less cash back rewards than those with fees.

An example of this can be seen in some major bank credit card offerings. The Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite Card, for example, offers an introductory offer of up to $200, an annual fee of $120 (which is waived the first year), and a reward rate between 1% and 10%.

However, the HSBC Cash Rewards Card, without a fee, offers a lower reward rate between 0.5% and 1.5% and an introductory bonus of $100.

The choice is yours, but make sure you understand the nuances of rewards before deciding on which card is best for your spending needs.

Cash back credit cards rewards structure

Every cash back card has its own rewards structure. Here are the three different types of cash back rewards you’ll see when comparing cash back credit cards:

  • Bonus cash back: Bonus cash back credit cards are the most popular cashback credit cards. They offer cash back bonuses on purchases that fall under certain categories such as groceries, gas, entertainment and bill payments. Typically, the cash back rate on purchases in these categories is much higher than the flat rate you might earn on other cards. This specialization makes bonus cash back cards excellent choices for individuals who know they spend predominantly in these everyday categories.

    For example, the TD Cash Back Visa Infinite offers 3% back on gas, groceries and recurring bills, but only 1% on everything else. The Tangerine Money Back Card has no annual fee and offers 2% in up to three spending categories of your choice.
  • Flat-rate cash back: A flat-rate cash back credit card offers you a fixed cash back rate on every purchase. For example, an earn rate of 1.25% cash back on everything you buy. Cash back is usually applied as a statement credit every month or once per year on a specific date. It can also be deposited directly into a chequing or savings account. This is a good option for you if most of your purchases don’t tend to be focused around certain categories, such as groceries or if you aren’t sure of your monthly purchases.
  • Flexible bonus cash back: A flexible bonus cash back credit card is customizable. It allows you to choose your cash back bonus category, helping you align your rewards with your spending habits. Your bonus categories can be just about anything – from groceries, hotels and entertainment to public parking.

    A card like BMO’s Cashback World Elite Mastercard offers up to 5% cash back on purchases, free roadside assistance, 13 types of insurance and 10% cash back for the first three months, up to $2,600 in spend. But this type of card has a high-income threshold – between $80,000 personal or $150,000 household – and has low monthly spending caps on bonus categories.
  • Category cash back: This type of card rewards the user for shopping in specific spending categories, like gas or groceries, at an accelerated rate. For example, 4% cash back for some purchases and 1% back on everything else. Shoppers who routinely purchase items in privileged categories can maximize their rewards with a category card.

Frequently asked questions about cash back credit cards

Got more questions about cash back credit cards? We got you covered.

Ratesbot logo

What are the benefits of a cash back rewards credit card?

Using a cash back credit card allows you to earn a percentage of your money back when you make your purchases, meaning you don’t have to change any of your spending habits to start earning credit card rewards. Cash back rewards are just as good as cash because the cash back credit is instantly applied to your credit card statement. You have the flexibility of using your cash back rewards for anything you want.

Cash back cards do have their potential cons. Like most rewards credit cards, cash back credit cards may also come with a higher annual fee averaging $100-$120, so make sure that the cash back rewards structure helps you earn the maximum rewards on your day-to-day purchases (and offsets the annual fee). Also, many cash rewards programs have an annual maximum limit, meaning your cash back rewards will be capped at a certain amount.

How does a cash back credit card work?

Cash back credit cards usually work on a percentage formula. For example, if your cash back credit card promises you 3% instant cash back on grocery purchases, and you decide to purchase $500 worth of groceries with your card, you will earn $15 back into your credit account. This means you save 3% from your total amount spent.

If the same card promises you a bonus cash back of 5% on entertainment purchases and you purchase movie tickets for $200, you’ll receive an instant cash back of $10.

How can I redeem my cash back rewards?

When it comes to redeeming your cash back rewards, most credit card providers pay you the cash back in the form of a credit on your monthly statement. If you hold a bank account with the same credit card provider, you can also receive cash back deposits into your chequing account. The frequency of your cash back rewards payments depend on your credit card provider and the card itself. Some credit card providers allow you to redeem your cash back credit at intervals such as monthly, quarterly or annually, while others may set up an automatic redemption whenever you reach a certain balance, or even allow you to redeem whenever you choose.

Your credit card lender may also give you the option of receiving a cheque with your total cashback credit at the end of the calendar year.

Which is better – an annual fee cash back credit card or a no-fee cash back credit card?

It’s difficult to say which is better. If you are someone on a tight budget or a fixed income, you might appreciate the card that offers no fees but still allows you to earn some rewards on your purchases.

If, however, you are not as financially constrained and you frequent certain stores or categories of shopping, you might want to consider the cards with fees that offer greater rewards. It’s really a personal decision that can be helped by comparing cards and rewards options on sites like RATESDOTCA.

RATESDOTCA may receive compensation when you click on links to those products or services. however, our content and calculations are objective and free from bias. The opinions expressed are purely those of RATESDOTCA; thus, partners are not responsible for any editorials or reviews that may appear. For current term and conditions on any advertiser or partner’s product, please visit their website.

Best credit cards in other categories

Latest Credit Card Articles:

Which credit card program in Canada is the best for you?

Take a closer look at how you spend and find the credit card rewards program that delivers the best long-term value for you.

Arshi Hossain February 5, 2025
couple looking at credit card programs on laptop (1)
How to calculate your credit utilization ratio

Optimizing how you use your available credit can help you maintain or improve your credit score.

Hayley Osmond January 14, 2025
girl in swetaer looking at laptop with creidt card in hand (1)
Should you accept that pre-approved credit limit increase?

A pre-approved credit increase may signal warning bells. Why is your credit card company offering you more money? But don’t be alarmed; it may be a good thing for your credit score.

Caitlin McCormack January 7, 2025
pensive looking freelancer staring intensely at his credit card_Should you accept that pre-approved credit limit (1)
Holiday cheer and financial fear: 64% of Canadians set spending limits

A recent RATESDOTCA survey reveals that 39% of Canadians carry over $5,000 in non-mortgage debt, as inflation and high interest rates continue to impact budgets.

Aya AlHakim December 16, 2024
image (2)
This year's best rewards credit cards for groceries

Learn the best credit cards for grocery store purchases and rewards.

Aya AlHakim August 30, 2024
An older woman lets a man taste sauce off a wooden spoon in the kitchen
Top 3 credit cards with roadside assistance in Canada for 2024

Roadside assistance can help you with your car troubles — and with some credit cards, you can get it for free. Learn about the best plans for you.

Hayley Osmond August 7, 2024
distressed woman with a broken down car calling emergency roadside assistance

Find more great credit cards

Aeroplan Air Miles Balance Transfer Business Cash Back Gas Reward Guaranteed approval Low Cash Advance Low Interest No Fee No Foreign Transaction Fees Newcomers to Canada Rewards Secured Student Travel
American Express BMO CIBC Home Trust KOHO Mastercard MBNA Neo Financial PC Financial Royal Bank of Canada Scotiabank Tangerine TD Vancity Visa

Get money-saving tips in your inbox.

Stay on top of personal finance tips from our money experts!

Yes, I'd like to receive offers and newsletters via email from RATESDOTCA. I may unsubscribe at any time.