How a Cash Back Credit Card Works

Apr 4, 2022

Not every cash back credit card is the same — each card has a different earn rate, bonus categories and benefits. Consider your spending habits to choose your ideal rewards.

Written by Barry Choi

Contributing Writer

Edited by Athena Cocoves

Managing Editor

Written by Barry Choi

Contributing Writer

+ 1 more

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There’s no doubt that cash back credit cards offer the easiest rewards. Every time you make a purchase, you get a percentage back in cash. Deciding which is the best cash back credit card for you is hard, but it can be easy to narrow down your options once you know how cash back cards work.

» Our picks: Canada’s best cash-back credit cards

What is a cash back credit card?

When using cash back credit cards, you earn cash that can be deposited into your bank account or applied as a statement credit. How much you get depends on the card, earn rate, and where you’re shopping.

Cash back credit cards are popular because what you’re getting is easy to understand. Quite often, the cash back you’ve earned is displayed on your monthly statement or in the mobile app. Since you’re earning cash as your reward, you don’t need to worry about expiration dates or your points devaluing as with rewards credit cards. There’s also no need to report cash back earned as income since the Canada Revenue Agency considers it a discount/rebate.

How to choose a cash back credit card

If you’ve decided you want to go with a cash back credit card, you should look at a few specific details to help you narrow down your choices.

Bonus earn rate. See if the card offers you increased cash back for certain categories that line up with your spending.
Annual fee. Cards with an annual fee usually give you a higher earn rate, but you need to earn enough additional cash back to make that fee worthwhile.
Additional benefits. Travel insurance, roadside assistance, purchase protection, and extended warranty are just some of the benefits that come with cash back cards.
Annual income. Premium credit cards typically have a minimum income requirement. Your household earnings may determine what cards you qualify for.
Payout date. Cards can pay out monthly, annually, or when you’ve earned a minimum amount.

In most cases, the annual income requirement and earn rate are the first things you’ll want to review. There’s no point in applying for a card where you don’t meet the minimum income requirement as you won’t be approved. If you carry a balance on your card, also be sure to look for a comparatively low interest rate.

Choose a card where you get bonus cash back on the categories where you do the most spending. Finally, the additional benefits offered will help you choose the card that’s right for you.

How to get a cash back credit card

You can apply for a cash back credit card online or at your financial institution. Keep in mind that there are typically a few basic requirements that you need to meet to be approved:

You’re a Canadian resident
You’re at least the age of majority in your province or territory
You meet the minimum annual income requirement
You haven’t declared bankruptcy in the past seven years
Your address matches what’s on your credit bureau report
Your credit score is in good standing

Once approved, your card will be mailed to you. As soon as you get it, you just need to activate it before you can start reaping the rewards.

Cash back credit cards are great if you want rewards that are easy to use. Cash doesn’t expire and you’ll always know the value. The more you spend, the more cash you’ll earn.