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Canada's Top Cash Back Credit Cards May 2023



Canada's Top Travel Rewards Credit Cards

Welcome to Rewards Canada's seventh annual Top Cash back Credit Card rankings!

Last updated on January 1, 2023

The recently revamped SimplyCash Preferred Card from American Express keeps the position as the best cash back card in Canada! In late 2021 it knock down the American Express Cobalt Card which held top spot for about a year.

Outside of that very little has changed in the cash back market in Canada so the rest of the rankings remain as they have been for the better part of 2021.

The Rankings

While the rankings rely heavily on the actual cash back earned, the best card for you may not be the best card on this list. Some key aspects to take into consideration when choosing a cash back credit card are:

  • Where do I use my credit card the most? Groceries, Gas, Travel, Restaurants? We have a set percentage breakdown for our rankings of 30% to groceries, 10% to gas, 5% to dining and so forth. This breakdown may be different for you so it may affect which card you go for.
  • Card acceptance - not all retailers accept Amex and places like Costco don't accept Visa or Amex. Look at your shopping habits to see if you can make the most of an Amex card (remember putting 50% of your spending on a high earnning Amex card (which is very easily accomplished) and 50% on another card will reward you more than putting 100% of your spending on just that other card)
  • How often do I want to access my cash back? When you get your cash back will depend on the card you have. Some cards only give your cash back once per year while others are monthly and some are even better allowing you to cash out when you hit a small minimum reward balance
  • What insurance and/or other benefits do I require? Cash back cards in Canada vary widely with insurance benefits from very little on no fee cash back cards to a full suite of benefits on the Visa Infinite and World Elite Mastercard cards.
  • Be sure to take everything into consideration. The amount of cash back earned on the top 5 cards (and even others just outside the list) is very close. A card that earns $50 more in a year but only cashes out in November may not be better than one that allows you to cash out more frequently as it frees up cash for you to use right away.
  • If you are fine with getting your cash back once per year consider a card like the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card. Want quicker access to cash back consider the American Express Cobalt Card, CIBC, or TD cards. Don't make a lot of purchases on gas and groceries or other accelerator categories offered by some of the cards? Consider the American Express SimplyCash Preferred as its base earn rate is 2%.

While Rewards Canada takes into account all the aspects of the cards most Canadians apply for and use cash back cards for the cash back and all other features and benefits are secondary to that. Hence our rankings weigh heavily on the cash back earned. You can see our breakdown of the cash back earned below the rankings and card details.

Remember that our rankings are dynamic and not set in stone for one year as of the release date like our previous rankings. This list will be updated as required when welcome offers, card offerings and/or benefits change. Therefore cards can and will shift on this list.

You'll also want to visit our Ultimate Cash Back Credit Card Portfolio or Ultimate No Fee Cash Back Credit Card Portfolio to see what we think are the best combination of cards for your wallet.

We compared over 40 cash back card options for Canadians for the best of the best and from those comparisons these are our picks for the Top Cash Back Credit Cards in Canada:


Canada's Top Cash Back Credit Cards

These are the five best cash back cards in Canada.

1


SimplyCash Preferred Card from American Express

Revamped and taking the top spot back that it held a few years ago. The SimplyCash Preferred Card offers up to $400 in statement credits in the first 10 months. On top of this it offers 4% back on gas and groceries and 2% back on all other spending. In the first year it blows the competition away with its cash back earning. I just wish they would move away from awarding the cash back once per year with this card!

Cash back earnings (see below for more details)
Year 1: $530 to $1,630+
Each year after that: $150 to $1,230+

Cash Back Access (Liquidity): Once per year


2

American Express Cobalt Card
American Express Cobalt Card

Canada's Top Travel Rewards Credit Card for five years running is now the number two cash back card in Canada! Thanks to American Express changing the Use Points for Purchases rate from 1,000 points for $7 to 1,000 points for $10. This means the card earns a healthy 1%, 2%, 3% and 5% on spending. Even with paying the monthly fee on this card its cash back earning beats most of the other cards on the list that offer their first year free! In the first year it's welcome bonus of 30,000 points is worth $300 in cash back alone. There is a reason why we call this card 'The Destroyer'

Recommended reading: The best credit card in Canada doesn't just beat the competition - it destroys them now

Cash back earnings (see below for more details)
Year 1: $240 to $1,280+
Each year after that: $140 to $1,180+

Cash Back Access (Liquidity): Anytime your reward balance reaches 1,000 points ($10)

3


CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* Card

With a first year annual fee rebate and 15% cash back for the first 4 statements on net purchases of up to $2000† plus a strong 4% return on groceries and gas - two categories almost all Canadians spend the most money makes this card a high earner. Plus you will benefit from a high cap on earn categories ($20K), no limit to the cash back you can earn, and strong insurance benefits!

Cash back earnings (see below for more details)
Year 1: $465 to $1,297+
Each year after that: $100 to $930+

Cash Back Access (Liquidity): Anytime your reward balance reaches $25

4


Scotia Momentum® VISA* Infinite card

A veteran card in the Canadian market, the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite card has always been one of the better cash back cards and even the best a few years ago. It's strong earn rate of 4% on grocery and recurring bill payments and the first year annual fee being waived makes this card one of the top 5 in Canada.

Cash back earnings (see below for more details)
Year 1: $215 to $1,075+
Each year after that: $95 to $955+

Cash Back Access (Liquidity): Once per year

5


TD Cash Back Visa Infinite* Card

The TD Cash Back Visa Infinite Card is a decent contender in our market and has always ranked right around 5th or 6th spot. Right now it's strong earn rate of 3% on grocery, gas and recurring bill payments and the first year annual fee being waived makes this card one of the top 5 in Canada.

Cash back earnings (see below for more details)
Year 1: $416 to $1,136+
Each year after that: $60 to $720+

Cash Back Access (Liquidity): Anytime your reward balance reaches $25





Expanded details for the top 5 cards

 


SimplyCash Preferred Card from American Express

Top No Fee Travel Rewards Credit Card

SimplyCash® Preferred Card from American Express

2023 Top Cash Back Rewards Credit Card
Earn accelerated earn rates on eligible gas and grocery purchases

In your first 10 months as a new SimplyCash® Preferred Card from American Express Cardmember, you can earn a $40 statement credit for each monthly billing period in which you spend $750 in purchases on your Card. This could add up to $400 in statement credits in the first 10 months

Monthly Fee: $9.99 ($119.88 annually) | Additional Card Fee: $0 | Annual interest rate 20.99% on purchases and 21.99% on funds advances; Missed payment applicable rates, 24.99% - 26.99%



Terms & Conditions apply




  • Earn accelerated earn rates on eligible gas and grocery purchases
  • Earn 4% cash back on eligible gas station purchases in Canada, 4% cash back on eligible grocery store purchases in Canada (up to $1,200 cash back annually) and 2% cash back on all other purchases
  • Access events and special offers curated for Cardmembers with American Express® Experiences
  • Extensive insurance coverage and 24/7 Customer Service
  • American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information click the Apply now link. Conditions apply
  • Click here to apply for the SimplyCash® Preferred Card from American Express

 


American Express Cobalt Card

Top Overall Travel Rewards Credit Card Top Hybrid Travel Credit

American Express Cobalt® Card

2023 Top Overall Travel Rewards Card | 2023 Top Hybrid Travel Rewards Card
In your first year as a new Cobalt Cardmember, you can earn 2,500 Membership Rewards® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $500 in net purchases on your Card. This could add up to 30,000 points in a year. That’s up to $300 towards a weekend getaway or concert tickets

Monthly Fee $12.99/month of Cardmembership ($155.88 annually) | Additional Cards: $0 | Annual interest rate 20.99% on purchases and 21.99% on funds advances

  • Earn 5x the points on eligible eats and drinks in Canada, including groceries and food delivery
  • Earn 3x the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada
  • Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on eligible transit & gas purchases in Canada and eligible travel purchases. That's 2X the points on purchases that get you from point A to B 
  • Earn 1 point for every $1 in Card purchases everywhere else. We won't tell you where to spend, we'll just reward you on your Card purchases
  • Transfer points 1:1 to several frequent flyer and other loyalty programs
  • Cobalt Cardmembers receive regular Perks such as bonus reward offers and access to great events
  • Access Front Of The Line® Presale & Reserved Tickets to some of your favourite concerts and theatre performances and special offers and events curated for Cardmembers with American Express® Experiences
  • American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details, current product information and Terms and Conditions, click the Apply now link. Conditions Apply
  • Click here to apply for the American Express Cobalt Card

Effective August 15, 2023, Cobalt Cardmembers will earn 5x the points on all eligible eats & drinks charged to their Card up to $2,500 monthly, for the same total of $30,000 annually already in place today.  Cardmembers will also continue to earn 3x on streaming subscriptions, 2x on eligible transit, gas & travel purchases and 1x on everything else. T&Cs apply.  While the annual earn does not change, the new monthly construct intends to curb gaming activity. The change should have little to no impact on the majority of Cardmembers who utilize the Card and Membership Rewards program as it was intended.

 


CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* Card



CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* Card

The best cash back rewards Visa card in Canada

Welcome Offer: Get a first-year annual fee rebate and earn a 15% cash back welcome bonus of up to $300 (first 4 statements)!† After that, get 4% cash back on eligible gas, EV charging and grocery purchases.†

Annual Fee $120 | Additional Cards (Up to 3): $30 | Annual interest rate 20.99%† on purchases and 22.99%† on cash advances and 22.99% † on balance transfers | $60,000 personal or $100,000 household annual income †



Terms & Conditions apply




  • 4% cash back on eligible gas, EV charging and grocery purchases.†
  • 2% cash back on eligible transportation, dining purchases and recurring payments†
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases†
  • Get cash back on demand - redeem your cash back at any time when you have a minimum of $25 through CIBC Online and Mobile Banking®†

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

  • This offer is not available for residents of Quebec.

  • Click here to apply for the CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* Card

This is a digital-exclusive offer.† To be eligible for this offer, you must apply for a new eligible card using the “Learn More” link available on this webpage.†

†Conditions Apply





Scotia Momentum® Visa* Infinite card

Scotia Momentum® Visa* Infinite card

Ranked the 4th best cash back rewards credit card in Canada
SPECIAL OFFER: Earn 10% cash back on all purchases for the first 3 months (up to $2,000 in total purchases).
No annual fee in the first year, including on supplementary cards. Offer ends Oct 31, 2023

Annual Fee: $120 | Additional Cards: $50



Terms & Conditions apply




  • 4% on eligible recurring bill payments and grocery store purchases
  • 2% on eligible gas station and daily transit purchases
  • 1% cash back on all other eligible everyday purchases
  • Complimentary Concierge Services 24/7
  • Visa Infinite Dining Series
  • Visa Infinite Music Series
  • Wine Country Wonders
  • Luxury Hotel Privileges
  • Comprehensive Travel Insurance & New Mobile Device Insurance coverage
  • Click here to apply for Scotia Momentum® Visa* Infinite card

 


TD Cash Back Visa Infinite* Card

TD Cash Back Visa Infinite* Card

Limited Time Offer
Apply online by May 28, 2023 and earn 10% Cash Back on all Purchases for the first 3 months† up to a total spend of $2,000. After your first $2,000 in Purchases, Gas Purchases, Grocery Purchases and Pre-Authorized Payments will continue to earn 6% up to a total spend of $3,500 for the first 3 months. Plus, no Annual Fee† for the first year for the Primary and Additional Cardholders. To receive the first-year annual fee rebate, you must activate your Card and make your first Purchase on the Account within the first 3 months after Account opening.

Annual Fee: $139 | Additional Cards: $50 † | Annual interest rate 20.99% on purchases and 22.99% on funds advances | $60,000 personal or $100,000 household annual income



Terms & Conditions apply




  • Earn Cash Back Dollars on every eligible purchase.
  • Emergency Road Services with Deluxe TD Auto Club Membership
  • Travel with confidence with Travel Medical Insurance †
  • Complimentary Visa Infinite* Concierge service † available 24/7
  • Mobile Device Insurance†
Earning Cash Back
  • Earn 3% in Cash Back Dollars on eligible grocery Purchases and gas Purchases† and on regularly recurring bill payments† set up on your account.
  • Earn 1% Cash Back Dollars on all other Purchases made with your Card †
  • Redeem your Cash Back Dollars to help pay down your Accounts balance whenever you please - the choice is yours! †
  • Your Cash Back Dollars never expire as long as your account is open and in good standing

This offer is not available for residents of Quebec. For Quebec residents, please click here

† Terms and Conditions apply.

Sponsored advertising. The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) is not responsible for the contents of this site including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete and current information on any TD product, please click the Apply Now button.

Spend and Earn Comparison for the top five cards:

 

Card Annual Card Spend Year 1 Cash Earnings* Year 2 and beyond annual earnings*
SimplyCash Preferred Card from American Express $10,000 $550.12 $150.12
$30,000 $1090.12 $690.12
$50,000 $1630.12 $1230.12
American Express Cobalt Card $10,000 $240 $140
$30,000 $760 $660
$50,000 $1280 $1180
CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* Card $10,000 $465 $100
$30,000 $905 $540
$50,000 $1297.50 $930
Scotia Momentum® VISA* Infinite card $10,000 $215 $95
$30,000 $645 $525
$50,000 $1075 $955
TD Cash Back Visa Infinite* Card $10,000 $416 $60
$30,000 $776 $420
$50,000 $1136 $780

Spending assumption broken down as follows:

  • 30% Groceries
  • 5% Dining
  • 5% Gas
  • 10% Travel
  • 5% Recurring bills
  • 5% Transit
  • 5% Entertainment
  • 35% other (Meridian is 30% + 5% for pharmacies)

* Cash earnings include any welcome bonus and subtraction of annual fees.


 

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