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

The BMO Student 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 Student 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 Student CashBack Mastercard edges ahead by $88/yr

BMO Student CashBack Mastercard earns $128 more on groceries

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

BMO Student 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

$487

/first year

1.2% effective$41/mo

vs 1% no-fee card: +$68

Annual rewards earned+$517

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 Student CashBack Mastercard—$487Year 1 value

+$88 more than Smart Cash Platinum Plus

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Earn Rates by Category

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The Bottom Line

BMO Student CashBack Mastercard edges ahead by $88/yr

BMO Student CashBack Mastercard earns $128 more on groceries

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

Showing Year 1 analysis

BMO Student 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

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