How do I earn the $150 cash back on the MBNA Smart Cash Platinum Plus Mastercard?

The current promotion on the MBNA Smart Cash Platinum Plus® Mastercard® grants 5% cash back on gas and grocery purchases for the first 6 months, capped at $500 in monthly purchases per category. At maximum participation, that equals $25 per month for 6 months = $150 in cash back. After the introductory period, the rate drops to the regular 2% on those categories. The card has no annual fee, so the welcome cash back is pure upside on top of the regular earn structure.

What are the ongoing cash back rates after the introductory period?

Once the 6-month welcome period ends, the MBNA Smart Cash Platinum Plus® Mastercard® earns:- 2% cash back on gas station purchases (up to $500/month spend, then 0.5%); - 2% cash back on grocery store purchases (up to $500/month spend, then 0.5%); - 0.5% cash back on all other purchases, including Costco; The $500 monthly cap on each category means a maximum of $240 per year at the 2% rate, beyond which all spend defaults to 0.5%. This makes the card best as a complement, not a primary, for households with above-average gas/grocery budgets.

Is the MBNA Smart Cash Platinum Plus Mastercard accepted at Costco?

Yes. The MBNA Smart Cash Platinum Plus® Mastercard® is a Mastercard, which is the network currently accepted at Costco Canada warehouses (Visa is not). However, Costco purchases earn the base 0.5% cash back rate — not the elevated 2% grocery rate — because Costco is classified as a warehouse club, not a grocery store. If your household does most of its grocery shopping at Costco, this is the wrong card to maximize that spend; pair it with a card that offers a better warehouse-club return.

Does the MBNA Smart Cash Platinum Plus Mastercard include travel insurance?

For a no-annual-fee card, the insurance package is fairly comprehensive:- Travel accident insurance up to $1,000,000 in accidental death/dismemberment coverage; - Unexpected return home insurance up to $2,000; - Extended warranty doubling the manufacturer’s warranty up to 1 additional year; - Purchase protection for 90 days against theft or accidental damage; It does not include emergency medical insurance, trip cancellation, or rental car coverage, so this card should be paired with a dedicated travel card or standalone travel medical insurance for international trips.

Jean-Maximilien Voisine

Jean-Maximilien Voisine is the President and Founder of Milesopedia and a leading expert in rewards programs, credit cards, and travel across Canada, France, and the U.S.A. Now 40 years old and a father of two, he has explored more than 100 countries—many of them alongside his wife Audrey and their children. Specializing in loyalty programs such as Aeroplan, Flying Blue, American Express Membership Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy, Jean-Maximilien helps travellers unlock the full potential of their points and benefits. His mission: empower others to travel better and smarter across North America and Europe.

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