Best cash back credit cards in Canada for 2026
Cash back cards ranked by 3-year value on a couple's spending. Each card shows Year 1 against every year after, so a card that's mostly its welcome bonus is easy to spot.
Advertiser disclosure: we may earn a commission when you apply through some links on this page. It never affects rank: cards are ordered by the value worked out from your spending. How we make money · Methodology
Spending: Couple · $2,555/moRank these on my own spending
- #1
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1$873Year 2+$6733 years $2,270 after fees· pays for itself in month 1
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$873Year 2+$673Welcome or anniversary bonus$200 / $0Rewards on spending$793 / $793Fees (taken off the end)−$120 / −$120 Pays for itself in month 1 · value so far covers fees so far Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
4%GrocGroceries2%DineDining and takeout4%GasGas and EV charging2%AirFlights2%HotelHotels and car rentals2%TransitTransit and rideshare2%StreamStreaming2%DrugDrugstores2%OnlineOnline shopping2%BillsPhone, internet and utilities2%OtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #1 of 15. By 3-year value on the couple preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $2,270 after fees.
- Year 1. $873 = welcome bonus $200 + rewards $793 − fee $120.
- Each year after. $673 = rewards $793 − fee $120.
- Against #2. Beats Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite by $210 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (+$380).
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption - #2
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1$967Year 2+$5473 years $2,060 after fees· pays for itself in month 1
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$967Year 2+$547Welcome or anniversary bonus$300 / $0Rewards on spending$667 / $667Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / −$120 Pays for itself in month 1 · value so far covers fees so far Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
4%GrocGroceries1%DineDining and takeout2%GasGas and EV charging1%AirFlights1%HotelHotels and car rentals2%TransitTransit and rideshare4%StreamStreaming1%DrugDrugstores1%OnlineOnline shopping4%BillsPhone, internet and utilities1%OtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #2 of 15. By 3-year value on the couple preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $2,060 after fees.
- Year 1. $967 = welcome bonus $300 + rewards $667.
- Each year after. $547 = rewards $667 − fee $120.
- Against #1. Trails American Express SimplyCash Preferred by $210 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (−$380).
- Against #3. Beats CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite by $104 over 3 years, mostly on welcome bonus (+$100).
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption - #3
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1$865Year 2+$5453 years $1,956 after fees· pays for itself in month 1
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$865Year 2+$545Welcome or anniversary bonus$200 / $0Rewards on spending$665 / $665Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / −$120 Pays for itself in month 1 · value so far covers fees so far Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
4%GrocGroceries2%DineDining and takeout4%GasGas and EV charging1%AirFlights1%HotelHotels and car rentals2%TransitTransit and rideshare2%StreamStreaming1%DrugDrugstores1%OnlineOnline shopping2%BillsPhone, internet and utilities1%OtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #3 of 15. By 3-year value on the couple preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $1,956 after fees.
- Year 1. $865 = welcome bonus $200 + rewards $665.
- Each year after. $545 = rewards $665 − fee $120.
- Against #2. Trails Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite by $104 over 3 years, mostly on welcome bonus (−$100).
- Against #4. Beats TD Cash Back Visa Infinite by $144 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (+$256).
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption - #4
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1$930Year 2+$4413 years $1,813 after fees· pays for itself in month 1
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$930Year 2+$441Welcome or anniversary bonus$350 / $0Rewards on spending$580 / $580Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / −$139 Pays for itself in month 1 · value so far covers fees so far Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
3%GrocGroceries1%DineDining and takeout3%GasGas and EV charging1%AirFlights1%HotelHotels and car rentals3%TransitTransit and rideshare3%StreamStreaming1%DrugDrugstores1%OnlineOnline shopping3%BillsPhone, internet and utilities1%OtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #4 of 15. By 3-year value on the couple preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $1,813 after fees.
- Year 1. $930 = welcome bonus $350 + rewards $580.
- Each year after. $441 = rewards $580 − fee $139.
- Against #3. Trails CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite by $144 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (−$256).
- Against #5. Beats RBC Cash Back Preferred World Elite Mastercard by $96 over 3 years, mostly on annual fees (+$82).
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption - #5
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1$772Year 2+$4723 years $1,717 after fees· pays for itself in month 1
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$772Year 2+$472Welcome or anniversary bonus$300 / $0Rewards on spending$592 / $592Fees (taken off the end)−$120 / −$120 Pays for itself in month 1 · value so far covers fees so far Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
3%GrocGroceries3%DineDining and takeout3%GasGas and EV charging1%AirFlights1%HotelHotels and car rentals3%TransitTransit and rideshare3%StreamStreaming1%DrugDrugstores1%OnlineOnline shopping1%BillsPhone, internet and utilities1%OtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #5 of 15. By 3-year value on the couple preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $1,717 after fees.
- Year 1. $772 = welcome bonus $300 + rewards $592 − fee $120.
- Each year after. $472 = rewards $592 − fee $120.
- Against #4. Trails TD Cash Back Visa Infinite by $96 over 3 years, mostly on annual fees (−$82).
- Against #6. Beats Desjardins Cash Back World Elite Mastercard by $154 over 3 years, mostly on welcome bonus (+$300).
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption - #6
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1$521Year 2+$5213 years $1,563 after fees· pays for itself in month 2
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$521Year 2+$521Rewards on spending$621 / $621Fees (taken off the end)−$100 / −$100 Pays for itself in month 2 · value so far covers fees so far Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
4%GrocGroceries3%DineDining and takeout1%GasGas and EV charging1%AirFlights1%HotelHotels and car rentals3%TransitTransit and rideshare1%StreamStreaming1%DrugDrugstores1%OnlineOnline shopping1%BillsPhone, internet and utilities1%OtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #6 of 15. By 3-year value on the couple preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $1,563 after fees.
- Year 1. $521 = rewards $621 − fee $100.
- Each year after. $521 = rewards $621 − fee $100.
- Against #5. Trails RBC Cash Back Preferred World Elite Mastercard by $154 over 3 years, mostly on welcome bonus (−$300).
- Against #7. Beats PC Financial PC World Elite Mastercard by $111 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (+$461).
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption - #7
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1$517Year 2+$4673 years $1,452 after fees· no fee to cover
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$517Year 2+$467Welcome or anniversary bonus$50 / $0Rewards on spending$467 / $467Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / -$0 No annual fee Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
30xGrocGroceries10xDineDining and takeout10xGasGas and EV charging10xAirFlights10xHotelHotels and car rentals10xTransitTransit and rideshare10xStreamStreaming45xDrugDrugstores10xOnlineOnline shopping10xBillsPhone, internet and utilities10xOtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #7 of 15. By 3-year value on the couple preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $1,452 after fees.
- Year 1. $517 = welcome bonus $50 + rewards $467.
- Each year after. $467 = rewards $467.
- Against #6. Trails Desjardins Cash Back World Elite Mastercard by $111 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (−$461).
- Against #8. Beats Simplii Financial Cash Back Visa by $59 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (+$109).
Points valued at 0.10¢ each; move the "Value points as" slider above to see what they're worth transferred.
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption - #8
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1$531Year 2+$4313 years $1,393 after fees· no fee to cover
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$531Year 2+$431Welcome or anniversary bonus$100 / $0Rewards on spending$431 / $431Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / -$0 No annual fee Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
1.5%GrocGroceries4%DineDining and takeout1.5%GasGas and EV charging0.5%AirFlights0.5%HotelHotels and car rentals0.5%TransitTransit and rideshare0.5%StreamStreaming1.5%DrugDrugstores0.5%OnlineOnline shopping1.5%BillsPhone, internet and utilities0.5%OtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #8 of 15. By 3-year value on the couple preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $1,393 after fees.
- Year 1. $531 = welcome bonus $100 + rewards $431.
- Each year after. $431 = rewards $431.
- Against #7. Trails PC Financial PC World Elite Mastercard by $59 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (−$109).
- Against #9. Beats Rogers Bank Red World Elite Mastercard by $14 over 3 years, mostly on welcome bonus (+$100).
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption - #9
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1$460Year 2+$4603 years $1,380 after fees· no fee to cover
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$460Year 2+$460Rewards on spending$460 / $460Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / -$0 No annual fee Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
1.5%GrocGroceries1.5%DineDining and takeout1.5%GasGas and EV charging1.5%AirFlights1.5%HotelHotels and car rentals1.5%TransitTransit and rideshare1.5%StreamStreaming1.5%DrugDrugstores1.5%OnlineOnline shopping1.5%BillsPhone, internet and utilities1.5%OtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #9 of 15. By 3-year value on the couple preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $1,380 after fees.
- Year 1. $460 = rewards $460.
- Each year after. $460 = rewards $460.
- Against #8. Trails Simplii Financial Cash Back Visa by $14 over 3 years, mostly on welcome bonus (−$100).
- Against #10. Beats Scotiabank Momentum Visa by $182 over 3 years, mostly on annual fees (+$147).
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption - #10
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1$399Year 2+$3993 years $1,198 after fees· pays for itself in month 2
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$399Year 2+$399Rewards on spending$448 / $448Fees (taken off the end)−$49 / −$49 Pays for itself in month 2 · value so far covers fees so far Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
2%GrocGroceries1%DineDining and takeout2%GasGas and EV charging1%AirFlights1%HotelHotels and car rentals2%TransitTransit and rideshare2%StreamStreaming2%DrugDrugstores1%OnlineOnline shopping2%BillsPhone, internet and utilities1%OtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #10 of 15. By 3-year value on the couple preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $1,198 after fees.
- Year 1. $399 = rewards $448 − fee $49.
- Each year after. $399 = rewards $448 − fee $49.
- Against #9. Trails Rogers Bank Red World Elite Mastercard by $182 over 3 years, mostly on annual fees (−$147).
- Against #11. Beats Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card by $125 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (+$372).
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption - #11
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1$424Year 2+$3243 years $1,073 after fees· no fee to cover
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$424Year 2+$324Welcome or anniversary bonus$100 / $0Rewards on spending$324 / $324Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / -$0 No annual fee Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
2%GrocGroceries2%DineDining and takeout2%GasGas and EV charging0.5%AirFlights2%HotelHotels and car rentals2%TransitTransit and rideshare0.5%StreamStreaming2%DrugDrugstores0.5%OnlineOnline shopping2%BillsPhone, internet and utilities0.5%OtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #11 of 15. By 3-year value on the couple preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $1,073 after fees.
- Year 1. $424 = welcome bonus $100 + rewards $324.
- Each year after. $324 = rewards $324.
- Against #10. Trails Scotiabank Momentum Visa by $125 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (−$372).
- Against #12. Beats RBC Cash Back Mastercard by $151 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (+$151).
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption - #12
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1$374Year 2+$2743 years $922 after fees· no fee to cover
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$374Year 2+$274Welcome or anniversary bonus$100 / $0Rewards on spending$274 / $274Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / -$0 No annual fee Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
2%GrocGroceries0.5%DineDining and takeout1%GasGas and EV charging0.5%AirFlights0.5%HotelHotels and car rentals1%TransitTransit and rideshare0.5%StreamStreaming0.5%DrugDrugstores0.5%OnlineOnline shopping0.5%BillsPhone, internet and utilities0.5%OtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #12 of 15. By 3-year value on the couple preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $922 after fees.
- Year 1. $374 = welcome bonus $100 + rewards $274.
- Each year after. $274 = rewards $274.
- Against #11. Trails Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card by $151 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (−$151).
- Against #13. Beats Scotiabank Momentum No-Fee Visa by $149 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (+$149).
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption - #13
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1$324Year 2+$2243 years $772 after fees· no fee to cover
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$324Year 2+$224Welcome or anniversary bonus$100 / $0Rewards on spending$224 / $224Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / -$0 No annual fee Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
1%GrocGroceries0.5%DineDining and takeout1%GasGas and EV charging0.5%AirFlights0.5%HotelHotels and car rentals1%TransitTransit and rideshare1%StreamStreaming1%DrugDrugstores0.5%OnlineOnline shopping1%BillsPhone, internet and utilities0.5%OtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #13 of 15. By 3-year value on the couple preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $772 after fees.
- Year 1. $324 = welcome bonus $100 + rewards $224.
- Each year after. $224 = rewards $224.
- Against #12. Trails RBC Cash Back Mastercard by $149 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (−$149).
- Against #14. Beats Brim Financial World Elite Mastercard by $120 over 3 years, mostly on annual fees (+$267).
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption - #14
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1$218Year 2+$2183 years $653 after fees· pays for itself in month 4
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$218Year 2+$218Rewards on spending$307 / $307Fees (taken off the end)−$89 / −$89 Pays for itself in month 4 · value so far covers fees so far Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
1%GrocGroceries1%DineDining and takeout1%GasGas and EV charging1%AirFlights1%HotelHotels and car rentals1%TransitTransit and rideshare1%StreamStreaming1%DrugDrugstores1%OnlineOnline shopping1%BillsPhone, internet and utilities1%OtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #14 of 15. By 3-year value on the couple preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $653 after fees.
- Year 1. $218 = rewards $307 − fee $89.
- Each year after. $218 = rewards $307 − fee $89.
- Against #13. Trails Scotiabank Momentum No-Fee Visa by $120 over 3 years, mostly on annual fees (−$267).
- Against #15. Beats TD Cash Back Visa by $21 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (+$288).
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption - #15
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1$211Year 2+$2113 years $632 after fees· no fee to cover
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$211Year 2+$211Rewards on spending$211 / $211Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / -$0 No annual fee Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
1%GrocGroceries0.5%DineDining and takeout1%GasGas and EV charging0.5%AirFlights0.5%HotelHotels and car rentals1%TransitTransit and rideshare1%StreamStreaming0.5%DrugDrugstores0.5%OnlineOnline shopping1%BillsPhone, internet and utilities0.5%OtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #15 of 15. By 3-year value on the couple preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $632 after fees.
- Year 1. $211 = rewards $211.
- Each year after. $211 = rewards $211.
- Against #14. Trails Brim Financial World Elite Mastercard by $21 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (−$288).
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption
All values are after each card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees when you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime or Instacart+) aren't included.
Rates, fees and offers are set by the issuer and may change. Check the issuer's terms before you apply. We don't estimate approval odds.
Values for points and miles are estimates based on published redemption valuations; actual value depends on how you redeem.
More best-of lists
The ranking in numbers
Couple preset, $2,555 a month, after fees. "~" marks estimates.
| Card | Year 1 | Year 2+ | 3 years |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Express SimplyCash Preferred | $873 | $673 | $2,270 |
| Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite | $967 | $547 | $2,060 |
| CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite | $865 | $545 | $1,956 |
| TD Cash Back Visa Infinite | $930 | $441 | $1,813 |
| RBC Cash Back Preferred World Elite Mastercard | $772 | $472 | $1,717 |
| Desjardins Cash Back World Elite Mastercard | $521 | $521 | $1,563 |
| PC Financial PC World Elite Mastercard | $517 | $467 | $1,452 |
| Simplii Financial Cash Back Visa | $531 | $431 | $1,393 |
| Rogers Bank Red World Elite Mastercard | $460 | $460 | $1,380 |
| Scotiabank Momentum Visa | $399 | $399 | $1,198 |
Frequently asked questions
What are the best cash back credit cards?
On couple spending ($2,555 a month), American Express SimplyCash Preferred ranks first: $873 in year 1 and $673 a year after fees.
How were these cards picked?
Cash back cards ranked by 3-year value on a couple's spending. The order comes from the same calculation as the comparison tool, with the same tie-breakers; commission never changes it.
Will the order be the same for me?
Only if you spend like the preset. Spending more in a card's bonus categories moves it up. Set your own numbers in the tool to see your order.
Sources
- Amex Cobalt card page
- Milesopedia points valuations, in effect since September 1, 2026
- Prince of Travel points valuations (cross-check, high end of range)
- CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite card page
- RBC Avion Visa Infinite card page
- PC World Elite Mastercard page
- WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard page (70,000 points = up to $700 off travel)
- National Bank World Elite Mastercard page (redemption examples)
Estimates for information only; not financial advice. See how cards are ranked.

