Which card is better for groceries, BMO CashBack Mastercard or Smart Cash Platinum Plus?

The BMO CashBack Mastercard earns 3% on groceries, while the Smart Cash Platinum Plus earns 2%. The better choice depends on your grocery spending and the specific merchants you shop at.

BMO CashBack Mastercard vs Smart Cash Platinum Plus — Which Is Better? | Churnr

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

BMO CashBack Mastercard edges ahead by $93/yr

BMO CashBack Mastercard earns $128 more on groceries

Groceries: +$128Gas: +$18Dining & Restaurants: +$17

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

Smart Cash Platinum Plus: $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

$399

/first year

1.0% effective$33/mo

vs 1% no-fee card: −$20

Annual rewards earned+$424

Welcome bonus+$5

FX costs−$30

Annual fee−$0

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

+$93 more than Smart Cash Platinum Plus

Scroll down for the full breakdown

Earn Rates by Category

Wallet Optimizer

Downgrade

Coming soon

The Bottom Line

BMO CashBack Mastercard edges ahead by $93/yr

BMO CashBack Mastercard earns $128 more on groceries

Groceries: +$128Gas: +$18Dining & Restaurants: +$17

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 Mar 2026)

Merchant MCC verification (239 merchants)

Insurance certificates (PDF review)

Reward program documentation

User-reported acceptance data

Found an error? Report incorrect data