RBC · Mastercard · cash back
Cash Back Preferred World Elite Mastercard
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Terms read from RBC's page on Oct 16, 2026.
Year 1, after fees
$952
Year 2+, after fees
$652
every year after
3 years, after fees
$2,255
Break-even
Month 1
Earn rate by category
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.
Values for points and miles are estimates based on published redemption valuations; actual value depends on how you redeem.
On each spending preset
After fees; points at their cash value. "~" marks estimates.
| Spending | Year 1 | Year 2+ | 3 years | Break-even |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student ($985/mo) | $434 | $134 | $701 | Month 3 |
| Couple ($2,555/mo) | $772 | $472 | $1,717 | Month 1 |
| Family ($3,350/mo) | $952 | $652 | $2,255 | Month 1 |
| Frequent traveller ($3,880/mo) | $991 | $691 | $2,374 | Month 1 |
| Big spender ($7,960/mo) | $1,774 | $1,474 | $4,721 | Month 1 |
Who it suits
- People who spend a lot on groceries and dining, where it earns above its base rate.
- Even light spenders: on a student's $985 a month it still earns back its fee.
Who should skip it
- Anyone below the published income minimum ($80,000 personal or $150,000 household).
Fees and rates
- Annual fee
- $120
- Additional card
- $50
- Foreign transaction fee
- Not stated
- Purchase APR
- 21.99%
Rewards
- 3% on groceries, dining and delivery, gas, EV charging, rideshare, transit, streaming and gaming
- 1% on everything else
Eligibility and availability
- Income
- $80,000 personal or $150,000 household
- Provinces
- All (no restriction stated)
Published requirements only. We don't estimate approval odds.
Assumptions
- Cash back: Paid in cash, so the value is exact, not an estimate.
- Welcome bonus: 15% extra cash back on the first $2,000 in 3 months. Your spending meets it in month 1.
Not counted or not confirmed
- Foreign transaction fee isn't on the card page.
Earns more every year after year 1
On a family's spending, these keep more value from year 2 than this card's $652.
Scotiabank Gold American ExpressYear 2+ $940
American Express SimplyCash PreferredYear 2+ $936
CIBC Dividend Visa InfiniteYear 2+ $767
Frequently asked questions
Is the RBC Cash Back Preferred World Elite Mastercard worth it?
On a family's spending ($3,350 a month, points at their cash value), it's worth $952 in year 1 and $652 a year after that, after a $120 annual fee. It covers its fee by month 1.
What is the RBC Cash Back Preferred World Elite Mastercard welcome offer?
15% extra cash back on the first $2,000 in 3 months. The issuer lists it until Feb 2, 2027.
Does the RBC Cash Back Preferred World Elite Mastercard charge foreign transaction fees?
The issuer's page doesn't state its foreign transaction fee, so check the full terms before travelling.
What income do you need for the RBC Cash Back Preferred World Elite Mastercard?
RBC publishes a minimum of $80,000 personal income or $150,000 household income. Approval depends on more than income, and we don't estimate approval odds.
Sources
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.
Compare it with 39 other cards on the Canadian card comparison or read how cards are valued.