Which card is better for groceries, BMO CashBack Mastercard or RBC Cash Back Mastercard?

The BMO CashBack Mastercard earns 3% on groceries, while the RBC Cash Back Mastercard earns 0.5%. The better choice depends on your grocery spending and the specific merchants you shop at.

BMO CashBack Mastercard vs RBC Cash Back Mastercard — Which Is Better? | Churnr

Header Quick Take Value Earn Rates Merchants Wallet Bonus FX Benefits Eligibility Perks Downgrade Verdict

BMO CashBack Mastercard wins by $342/yr — strongest in groceries

BMO CashBack Mastercard earns $320 more on groceries
BMO CashBack Mastercard earns $24 more on bills & utilities

Groceries: +$320Bills & Utilities: +$24

BMO CashBack Mastercard: $30/yr in foreign transaction fees

RBC Cash Back Mastercard: $30/yr in foreign transaction fees

Showing Year 1 analysis

Dollar Value

Winner

$492

/first year

1.2% effective$41/mo

vs 1% no-fee card: +$73

Annual rewards earned+$517

Welcome bonus+$5

FX costs−$30

Annual fee−$0

$150

/first year

0.4% effective$13/mo

vs 1% no-fee card: −$268

Annual rewards earned+$173

Welcome bonus+$7

FX costs−$30

Annual fee−$0

Best for your spendingBMO CashBack Mastercard—$492Year 1 value

+$342 more than RBC Cash Back Mastercard

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The Bottom Line

BMO CashBack Mastercard wins by $342/yr — strongest in groceries

BMO CashBack Mastercard earns $320 more on groceries
BMO CashBack Mastercard earns $24 more on bills & utilities

Groceries: +$320Bills & Utilities: +$24

Showing Year 1 analysis

BMO CashBack Mastercard wins in both Year 1 and Year 2+ — consistent long-term value.

Data Sources

Issuer terms & conditions (verified Feb 2026)

Merchant MCC verification (239 merchants)

Insurance certificates (PDF review)

Reward program documentation

User-reported acceptance data

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