3% cash back on grocery purchases with the BMO CashBack Mastercard
Loading article…
The BMO® CashBack® Mastercard®* (as well as the student version, the BMO® CashBack® Mastercard®* for students) have a new earning structure:
| Cash Back | Type |
| 5 % | the first 3 months up to $2,000 in purchases |
| 3 % | Grocery up to $500 in credit card purchases per month |
| 1 % | Recurring bill payments up to $500 in credit card purchases per month |
| 0,5 % | Other purchases no limit |
Now, with the BMO® CashBack® Mastercard®*, you can earn:
- 3% cash back for groceries
- 1% cash back for recurring payments
With a $500 monthly purchase limit for each of those two categories.
Beyond that, and for all other purchases, it’s 0.5% cashback.
This no-annual-fee card follows the movement of other cards focusing on everyday expenses such as groceries.
It will be suggested for people:
- beginning with credit cards rewards
- wanting to build their credit history
But in the long run, it will be better to apply for other cards offering more favourable rewards (such as our best credit card for groceries).
Anyway, this card comes with a 5% cashback welcome offer in the first three months up to $2,000 of purchases. That’s a $100 cash back.
This is in line with other credit cards with no annual fee. Find out how to earn your BMO Cash Back in this article.
- Annual fee
- $0
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$125Total$125Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $125
- Welcome offerAfter $2,500 in 3 months
- Up to $125 cash back
- Ends Oct 31, 2027
Apply Now
on BMO's website
Frequently Asked Questions about the BMO CashBack Mastercard
Here are frequently asked questions in the milesopedia community about this card.
Is there an annual fee for the BMO CashBack Mastercard?
No, the BMO CashBack Mastercard has no annual fee, making it one of the best free cash-back cards in Canada for grocery shoppers. There is also no minimum income requirement, so it is widely accessible to students, newcomers and those building their credit history. Combined with its 3% cash back on groceries, this card delivers strong value with zero ongoing cost as long as the account stays in good standing.
What is the welcome offer on the BMO CashBack Mastercard?
The current welcome offer for the BMO CashBack Mastercard is 5% cash back on all purchases for the first 3 months, capped at $2,000 in spending and $100 in welcome rewards. After the 3-month promo period, the regular earning rates apply: 3% on groceries (up to $500/month), 1% on recurring bill payments (up to $500/month), and 0.5% on everything else. The current offer expires June 30, 2026, so apply soon to secure the welcome bonus.
How much cash back can I earn on groceries each year?
The BMO CashBack Mastercard pays 3% cash back on grocery purchases up to $500 per month, which works out to a maximum of $180 per year on groceries alone ($500 x 12 months x 3%). Above the $500 monthly cap, grocery spending earns the base 0.5% rate. For households spending more than $500/month on groceries, pairing this card with the BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard (5% on $500 of monthly groceries) can stack the savings.
Is the BMO CashBack Mastercard accepted at Costco?
Yes, the BMO CashBack Mastercard is accepted at Costco Canada because Costco’s exclusive credit card network is Mastercard. However, Costco purchases earn the base 0.5% cash-back rate, not the 3% grocery rate (since Costco classifies as a wholesale club, not a grocery store). For higher Costco rewards, consider pairing this card with the BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard or stacking with another points-earning Mastercard like the National Bank World Elite, which earns 5 points per dollar in the grocery category.