Quick overview of the MBNA Amazon.ca Rewards Mastercard®
Amazon has a number of competitive advantages that contribute to its customer loyalty, but consistently low prices might be the main metal in its magnetism. The MBNA Amazon.ca Rewards Mastercard offers additional savings on Amazon.ca purchases, and it’s really a no-brainer credit card for Amazon Prime members, who have the most to gain from signing up.
But those who aren’t already paying for Amazon Prime should consider other no-annual-fee credit cards that offer better returns on spending, more favourable terms for foreign currency transactions, and/or more flexible rewards redemption policies.
Who is this Amazon credit card for?
This Amazon Mastercard is specifically designed for Amazon Prime members who frequently make substantial purchases on Amazon.ca and Whole Foods Market. With this impressive rewards rate, these loyal customers can maximize their benefits and enjoy significant savings on their purchases.
However, the Amazon Mastercard from MBNA offers far more than just savings with Amazon.ca. The following Canadian consumers can expect to find significant value for money with the MBNA Amazon.ca Rewards Mastercard®:
- Globetrotting travellers: Got a serious case of wanderlust? This card's got your back when you're gallivanting across borders. That's because eligible Prime members always get 2.5% back on foreign currency transactions. It's like a little "sorry about the exchange rate" consolation prize. Most cards slap you with a 2.5% foreign transaction fee faster than you can say "loonie." This card helps offset that sting, making it a solid sidekick for your adventures.
- Budget-savvy everyday spenders: If you're the type who uses plastic for everything from your morning double-double to your weekly grocery haul, listen up: Get 5% back at Amazon.ca, Whole Foods Market stores in Canada, grocery stores and restaurants for the first 6 months† ($3,000 total spending cap).
If you are one of the types outlined above, you're on the hunt for a credit card that'll make your wallet sing, the Amazon.ca Rewards Mastercard might just be your ticket to savings paradise.
Pros and cons
- No annual fee
- Good returns on Amazon.ca, Whole Foods Market stores and foreign currency transactions
- Competitive welcome bonus
- Serviceable for regular Costco and No Frills shoppers
- Earning maximum rewards requires paying for Amazon Prime
- Other cards have higher earn rates on non-Amazon.ca purchases
- Rewards points are only redeemable for Amazon.ca gift cards
- Relatively few Whole Foods locations in Canada
MBNA Amazon.ca Rewards Mastercard welcome bonus
New cardholders get access to special rate. Get 5% back at Amazon.ca, Whole Foods Market stores in Canada, grocery stores and restaurants for the first 6 months† ($3,000 total spending cap).
A free Amazon gift card is sometimes included as well, though it’s not a guaranteed component of the bonus and the amount you might be offered can vary substantially depending on when you sign up. The first time I simulated the application process I was offered a $50 gift card; that was reduced to $15 when I tried signing up a second time about a week later.
Related: Best credit card sign-up bonuses in Canada
How to Earn cash back with the Amazon.ca Rewards Mastercard® from MBNA
The card has different earn rates depending on where you shop:
- Unlimited 1.5% back on eligible purchases at Amazon.ca and Whole Foods Market stores for non-Prime members (regular)
- Unlimited 2.5% back at Amazon.ca, Whole Foods Market stores, and on foreign currency transactions (Amazon Prime and Prime Student members only)
- Unlimited 1% back everywhere else that accepts Mastercard
Amazon Prime costs $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year as of 2025. But keep in mind that the extra rewards you earn from the card, combined with Prime’s free shipping benefits, can potentially cover this cost if you shop at Amazon.ca frequently. Furthermore, Amazon Prime Student only costs $49 per year or $4.99 monthly, potentially making this an excellent student card option.
Amazon top tip: Default payment
Add the MBNA Amazon Mastercard as your default payment method on Amazon.ca. It's like putting your rewards on autopilot. You'll be racking up points faster than a hockey player in the penalty box!
Redeeming rewards with this Amazon credit card from MBNA
Though I expressed the earn rates above in percentages, the MNBA Amazon.ca Rewards Mastercard technically pays you back for your spending in points. When you accrue 2,000 points they will automatically redeem for a $20 Amazon.ca gift card (100 points equals $1 in gift card value). Unlike regular cash back cards, you can’t apply what you earn back with the card directly against your credit card statements. In that sense the Amazon.ca Rewards Mastercard falls short if you value flexibility when the time comes to redeem your points, and you’d prefer to redeem what you earn against any purchase you like and not just Amazon.ca purchases.
That said, one benefit of the points you earn from this card is that they don’t expire as long as your card remains open and in good standing, i.e., you make your minimum payment on time.
Read our guide to learn more about the respective advantages and disadvantages of earning cash back vs. rewards points.
MBNA Amazon Mastercard benefits
The main advantage of the MBNA Amazon.ca Rewards credit card is the significant amount of rewards it earns with Amazon brands. Cardholders earn 1.5% back on eligible purchases at Amazon.ca and Whole Foods Market stores, as well as 1% back on all other eligible purchases made with the card. This earning rate is impressive, considering it is a no-annual-fee card. Additionally, the welcome bonus is equally impressive, offering 5% back on your first $3,000 in eligible purchases at Amazon.ca, Whole Foods Market stores, grocery stores, and restaurants.
Equally nice is the 1% cashback on eligible foreign currency transactions, which can help cover transaction fees when traveling or shopping abroad. Foreign transaction fees are never enjoyable, so even a little breather from those charges is a welcome relief.
Finally, the addition of no annual fee is great as it provides you with lucrative rewards, a gift card welcome bonus, and more - without the monthly or yearly service fee. Of course, you'll need an eligible Prime account to really get the most out of the card, but then again, doesn't everybody have Prime nowadays?
MBNA Amazon.ca Rewards credit card insurance coverage
Because this card falls under MBNA’s Platinum Plus umbrella, cardholders are entitled to several special benefits:
| Benefit | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Purchase assurance | Get coverage on most items you purchase with your card for the first 90 days. |
| Extended warranty | Doubles most purchases’ warranties for up to 1 year. |
| Common carrier travel accident | Up to $1,000,000 in coverage underwritten by TD Life Insurance. |
| Rental car | Up to 31 days of coverage if you fully charge the rental car to your card. |
Furthermore, you automatically upgrade to Mastercard’s World Elite status if you apply for this card with a personal annual income over $80,000 or a household income of $150,000 or more. This unlocks extra Mastercard perks like price protection, more travel insurance, extra rental car insurance, and concierge support.
Note that purchase assurance and extended warranty benefits have a slight catch. To qualify for either perk, you must make the full purchase with your credit card, so using a gift card for part of your purchase voids coverage. This means you should avoid using the Amazon.ca gift cards you earn on purchases like electronics or appliances, where an extended warranty can be clutch.
Amazon top tip: Add an authorized user for more rewards
Add authorized users to your account. Their purchases can help you rack up points faster than a Zamboni clears ice.
Extra Benefits of the MBNA Amazon.ca Mastercard
The MBNA Amazon Mastercard offers an array of additional benefits aimed at providing you with peace of mind both domestically and internationally:
- MBNA payment plan: Pay for eligible purchases of $100 or more by making monthly installment payments. Payment plan terms can be 6, 12, or 18 months.
- Rental car discounts: Up to 10% off at Canadian and U.S. Avis Rent A Car and Budget Rent A Car locations; 5% off at other international branches.
- Trip assistance: Enjoy comprehensive support for lost luggage, lost documents and ticket replacement, pre-trip information, and legal assistance.
- Emergency card replacement: Gain access to emergency card replacement and emergency support.
- Mastercard contactless payments: Experience the convenience of making contactless payments with your Mastercard.
- Card Verification Codes (CVC) and chip & pin technology: Benefit from an extra layer of security provided by CVC and chip & PIN technology.
What people have to say about the MBNA Amazon.ca Rewards Mastercard®
Here are some reviews from current Amazon.ca credit cardholders:
- "Having a Credit card is a privilege. Getting a Gift card is cool. Combining Amazon purchases I already need to earn free gift cards with the privilege of using their exclusive Credit card is a win-win for all. It was a nice surprise to receive a gift card and something I will look forward to with each purchase I make. Thank you, Amazon." David F.
- "If you have Amazon Prime, this is a great card. Using it on Amazon.ca is a no-brainer. 2.5% cash back beats any card out there." Greg
- "I'm super happy with this card, I buy everyday stuff like groceries and cleaning supplies and get Amazon cash back. I buy my pet food on a subscription, so the cash back goes towards that and sometimes it's free! Amazing!" Kylie
Great card for travel if you're a Prime member. No annual, it works perfectly in Google Wallet or Apple Pay, charges FX fee but reimburses it via Amazon gift cards in the order of 2.5%, thus no FX fee. The only drawback is customer service during banker's hours.
cardholder Terry
How the MBNA Amazon.ca Rewards Mastercard® compares
The Amazon.ca Rewards Mastercard is a great option for those who routinely shop at Amazon.ca and Whole Foods, and who prefer not to pay an annual fee for their credit card. However, there are other no annual fee cards in Canada that might be more of a draw, depending on what attracted you to the Amazon.ca card in the first place.
bonus 5% back
Welcome Bonus
$438
First Year Value
$338
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Earn a bonus 5% cash back on purchases in your first 3 months (up to $2,000 in purchases).
Get this card if you...
-
want to earn cash back, without an annual fee
-
value purchase protection and extended warranty coverage
-
want to maximize cash back rates, with no spending caps
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$0
Annual Fee
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
Our Take
The SimplyCash® Card from American Express is a no-annual-fee credit card offering cash back on everyday purchases, with elevated rates for eligible gas and grocery store purchases in Canada, up to a specified annual limit. Cardholders benefit from purchase protection and extended warranty coverage.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
Pros
-
No annual fee for primary or additional cardholders
-
Solid regular cash back rate on all eligible purchases - up to 2% cash back on all eligible purchases
-
No limit to the amount of cash back you can earn at the base rate
Cons
-
Cash back is only applied as a statement credit once a year
-
Amex cards aren’t accepted by every merchant
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
28.99%
Penalty
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
$45
Return Penalty
Rewards cash back
2%
cash back on eligible gas station purchases in Canada
2%
cash back on eligible grocery store purchases in Canada (up to $300 cash back annually)
1.25%
cash back on all other purchases
Insurance Benefits
$100,000
Travel accident insurance amount
Earn a bonus 5% cash back on purchases in your first 3 months (up to $2,000 in purchases).
That’s on top of your everyday cash back earn rates.
*Current or former Cardmembers with this Card are not eligible for this offer. Other terms apply.
Our Take
The SimplyCash® Card from American Express is a no-annual-fee credit card offering cash back on everyday purchases, with elevated rates for eligible gas and grocery store purchases in Canada, up to a specified annual limit. Cardholders benefit from purchase protection and extended warranty coverage.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
Pros
-
No annual fee for primary or additional cardholders
-
Solid regular cash back rate on all eligible purchases - up to 2% cash back on all eligible purchases
-
No limit to the amount of cash back you can earn at the base rate
Cons
-
Cash back is only applied as a statement credit once a year
-
Amex cards aren’t accepted by every merchant
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
28.99%
Penalty
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
$45
Return Penalty
Rewards cash back
2%
cash back on eligible gas station purchases in Canada
2%
cash back on eligible grocery store purchases in Canada (up to $300 cash back annually)
1.25%
cash back on all other purchases
Insurance Benefits
$100,000
Travel accident insurance amount
Earn a bonus 5% cash back on purchases in your first 3 months (up to $2,000 in purchases).
That’s on top of your everyday cash back earn rates.
*Current or former Cardmembers with this Card are not eligible for this offer. Other terms apply.
If the sheer cash back is what’s pulling you toward the Amazon.ca card, take a look at your shopping habits. Do Amazon.ca and Whole Foods represent a huge chunk of your purchases, or is your spending spread out among a variety of retailers? If the latter, the SimplyCash™ Card from American Express has a slightly higher cash back rate for non-Amazon purchases than the Amazon.ca Rewards Mastercard.
An extra 0.25% might not seem like much, but it adds up over time: if you spend $1,500 a month, that’s an added $45 in cash back over the course of a year. And that’s not even factoring in the more lucrative welcome offer from the Amex.
| Amazon.ca Rewards Mastercard | SimplyCash Card from American Express |
|---|---|
|
Annual fee:
$0 |
Annual fee:
$0 |
|
Welcome bonus:
Get 5% back at Amazon.ca, Whole Foods Market stores in Canada, grocery stores and restaurants for the first 6 months† ($3,000 total spending cap). |
Welcome bonus:
Earn a bonus 5% cash back on purchases in your first 3 months (up to $2,000 in purchases). |
|
Rewards:
1.5%-2.5% at Amazon.ca, Whole Foods, and on foreign currency transactions 1% |
Rewards:
1.25% |
| Apply Now | Apply Now |
Disclosures:
-
Contact American Express for the most up-to-date referral bonus figures.
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. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
5% cash back
Welcome Bonus
$401
First Year Value
$276
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Get up to 5% cash back in your first 3 months and a 0.99% introductory interest rate on Balance Transfers for 9 months with a 2% transfer fee.† Expires Jun 01, 2025
Get this card if you...
-
want to earn cash back on everyday purchases
-
value the flexibility to redeem cash back at any time
-
value a great welcome offer
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$0
Annual Fee
21.99%
Purchase
23.99%
Cash Advance
23.99%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The BMO CashBack® Mastercard®* is a no-annual-fee credit card that allows cardholders to earn cash back on everyday purchases, with elevated rates for categories such as groceries and recurring bill payments. It offers flexible redemption options and includes benefits like purchase protection and extended warranty.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$15,000
Required Annual Personal Income
Pros
-
No Annual Fee: A rare find in Canada for a cash back card
-
A generous 3% cash back on groceries (up to $500 monthly)
-
Easily redeem from $1, set up automatic redemptions, or use as a statement credit
-
Additional perks include discounts on rentals, free supplementary cards and show discounts
Cons
-
Outside of groceries and recurring payments, the standard earn rate drops to 0.5%
-
Monthly caps on top earn rates for groceries and recurring payments
-
A 2% balance transfer fee applies
-
The interest rate on the remaining balance transfer amount increases after the introductory period
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
23.99%
Cash Advance
23.99%
Balance Transfer
0.99%
Balance Transfer (Introductory)
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
Rewards cash back
3%
Cardholders earn 3% (up to a monthly max of $500) cash back on groceries
1%
Cardholders can earn 1% (up to $500 per month) on any recurring bill payments*
0.5%
Cardholders can earn 0.5% (no monthly max) on all other eligible purchases*
Get up to 5% cash back in your first 3 months and a 0.99% introductory interest rate on Balance Transfers for 9 months with a 2% transfer fee.†
Our Take
The BMO CashBack® Mastercard®* is a no-annual-fee credit card that allows cardholders to earn cash back on everyday purchases, with elevated rates for categories such as groceries and recurring bill payments. It offers flexible redemption options and includes benefits like purchase protection and extended warranty.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$15,000
Required Annual Personal Income
Pros
-
No Annual Fee: A rare find in Canada for a cash back card
-
A generous 3% cash back on groceries (up to $500 monthly)
-
Easily redeem from $1, set up automatic redemptions, or use as a statement credit
-
Additional perks include discounts on rentals, free supplementary cards and show discounts
Cons
-
Outside of groceries and recurring payments, the standard earn rate drops to 0.5%
-
Monthly caps on top earn rates for groceries and recurring payments
-
A 2% balance transfer fee applies
-
The interest rate on the remaining balance transfer amount increases after the introductory period
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
23.99%
Cash Advance
23.99%
Balance Transfer
0.99%
Balance Transfer (Introductory)
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
Rewards cash back
3%
Cardholders earn 3% (up to a monthly max of $500) cash back on groceries
1%
Cardholders can earn 1% (up to $500 per month) on any recurring bill payments*
0.5%
Cardholders can earn 0.5% (no monthly max) on all other eligible purchases*
Get up to 5% cash back in your first 3 months and a 0.99% introductory interest rate on Balance Transfers for 9 months with a 2% transfer fee.†
BMO CashBack® Mastercard®* 🏆- winner, best no annual fee card in the Money.ca Credit Card Awards
The BMO CashBack Mastercard is like that friend who always knows where to find the best deals on groceries. It's offering a mouth-watering 3% (up to a monthly max of $500) cash back on groceries, 1% cash back on recurring bill payments such as streaming services, subscriptions or monthly utilities and 0.50% cash back on all other purchases.. Plus, they're rolling out the red carpet for newbies with 5% cash back for the first three months. Not too shabby!
On the other hand, the MBNA Amazon.ca Rewards Mastercard is the ultimate wingman for Amazon Prime members. If you're the type who gets a dopamine hit every time you see an Amazon box on your doorstep, listen up! Prime members get a sweet 2.5% back on Amazon.ca and Whole Foods Market purchases, while non-Prime folks still snag a respectable 1.5%. And for everything else? You're looking at 1% back. Oh, and did I mention the 5% back on eligible purchases for the first six months? It's like finding an extra layer of cheese in your poutine – unexpectedly delightful!
When it comes to perks, both cards are bringing their A-game with extended warranties and purchase protection. But the MBNA card pulls ahead with a secret weapon for globetrotters – no foreign transaction fees for Prime members. It's like having a tiny exchange rate fairy looking out for your wallet!
| Amazon.ca Rewards Mastercard | BMO CashBack® Mastercard®* |
|---|---|
|
Annual fee:
$0 |
Annual fee:
$0 |
|
Welcome bonus:
Get 5% back at Amazon.ca, Whole Foods Market stores in Canada, grocery stores and restaurants for the first 6 months† ($3,000 total spending cap). |
Welcome bonus:
Get up to 5% cash back in your first 3 months and a 0.99% introductory interest rate on Balance Transfers for 9 months with a 2% transfer fee.† |
|
Rewards:
1.5%-2.5% at Amazon.ca, Whole Foods, and on foreign currency transactions 1% |
Rewards:
Earn 3% (up to a monthly max of $500) cash back on groceries. Earn 1% (up to $500 per month) on any recurring bill payments*. 0.50% cash back on all other purchases. Get up to seven cents off per litre on Shell fuel®. |
| Apply Now | Apply Now |
Disclosures:
- *Terms and conditions apply.
-
BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information.
You can check out other competing cards by reviewing our lists of the best no-annual-fee cards in Canada and the best credit cards for Amazon.ca purchases.
Is the MBNA Amazon.ca Rewards Mastercard worth it?
Earning unlimited 1.5% cash back on Amazon.ca and Whole Foods purchases is a compelling offer. Throw in a 5% back welcome bonus, cash back for foreign currency purchases, and no annual fee, and the Amazon.ca Rewards Mastercard is a respectable rewards card. But its maximum value is accessible only to Amazon Prime members. If you’re already a Prime member and regularly shop on Amazon.ca, this card absolutely belongs in your wallet. If you don’t have Prime and only occasionally shop on Amazon.ca, this might not be the right card for you.
Debating between the Amazon.ca Rewards Mastercard and another no-annual-fee card? Consider getting both and making purchases with the Amazon.ca card on Amazon.ca and at Whole Foods, while putting the rest of your spending on the other card. That way you can have your Whole Foods flourless chocolate cake and eat it too, provided you pay each card off in full and on time.
MBNA Amazon.ca Rewards Mastercard eligibility requirements
Though MBNA, a division of Toronto Dominion Bank, is the issuer of this credit card and the company that oversees approvals, you apply for the card directly on Amazon.ca, so you need an Amazon.ca account to begin the application process.
You must be a Canadian resident and the age of majority in your province or territory to apply. Amazon and MBNA don’t specify what credit score you need in order to be approved, but given that it’s a no-annual fee card, it seems likely that an average to good score (around 650+) will suffice.
