The best flat-rate credit card in Canada is the RBC Avion Visa Infinite, with a very impressive earn rate of 2.36% and premium Visa Infinite benefits. Other top contenders are the Rogers Red World Elite Mastercardand American Express Green Card.
The best flat-rate cards earn at least 1% back on all purchases, so you don't have to keep track of your spending across several reward categories.
Flat-rate cards typically offer a single, consistent return rate on all purchases. Some offer bonus rewards while still maintaining their reliable flat rate.
Here, we review the top flat-rate cards available, explore the differences between category and flat-rate cards, and more, so you can choose the right card with confidence.
Key Takeaways
- The best flat-rate credit card is the RBC Avion Visa Infinite, thanks to its high average earn rate and luxurious travel perks.
- Flat-rate credit cards earn you a specific reward rate across all purchases, though some also offer bonus categories with higher rates.
- These cards offer simplicity, consistency, and low to no fees, but they don't offer the highest earn rates and often have caps on the amounts you can earn each month.
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Best flat-rate cash back credit cards
Here's an overview of the best flat-rate cash back credit card in Canada:
| Card | Annual Fee | Rewards | Welcome Bonus | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RBC Avion Visa Infinite | $120 | * 1.25 points per $1 spent on travel * 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases | 70,000 bonus points (terms) | Learn more |
| Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard | $0 | * Earn 2% cash back on all eligible non-U.S. dollar purchases if you have 1 qualifying service with Rogers, Fido, Comwave, or Shaw * Earn up to 3% cash back on all eligible purchases made in U.S. dollars * Otherwise, earn 1.5% cash back on eligible non-U.S. dollar purchases | None | Learn more |
| Wealthsimple Visa Infinite + Credit Card | $240 | * 2% cash back on all purchases | 5% cash back for the first 35 days (terms) | Learn more |
| Neo World Elite Mastercard - Everywhere | $149 | * Average of 5% cash back at partner retailers * 2% cash back on all other purchases |  $25 GeniusCash + $100 bonus cash back, first year free (terms) | Learn more |
| American Express Green Card | $0 | * 1 point per $1 spent on all purchases | 10,000 bonus points (terms) | Learn more |
Best flat-rate cash back credit cards: RBC Avion Visa Infinite
×2 Award winner Up to 70,000 points + Up to 2.33% return on purchases.*
2x Award winner Up to 70,000 points + Up to 2.33% return on purchases.*
The RBC Avion Visa Infinite is one of the best overall cards in Canada and one of the best travel rewards cards, too. With an average earn rate of 2.36%, this card lets you earn points for the RBC Avion Rewards program and redeem them for flights, merchandise, gift cards, and more.
When redeeming points through the Avion Air Travel Redemption Schedule, you'll get a value of 2.33 cents per point (CPP). You can also transfer points to partner airline programs, including AAdvantage and WestJet Rewards, for a value of 1.75 CPP.
Pros:
- 12 types of insurance
- Huge welcome bonus
- Fuel Savings at Petro-Canada
- Earn bonus Be Well points
Cons:
- High income requirements
- Low earn rate compared to other cards
Best flat-rate cash back credit cards: Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard
It may have an unusual rewards structure, but the Rogers Red World Elite® Mastercard is worth it – it's the top no-fee cash back card in Canada. If you have at least 1 qualifying service with Rogers, Fido, Comwave, or Shaw, purchases made in CAD earn a solid 2% back. If you don't have a service, you'll only earn 1.5% back. Plus, all purchases made in USD earn a sweet 3% back.
This card really stands out for being a no-fee World Elite Mastercard, which means you'll get great travel insurance and access to airport lounges through your Mastercard Travel Pass membership.
Pros:
- 6 types of insurance
- $1 million in emergency medical travel insurance
- Boosted rates for USD spending
- No annual fee
Cons:
- High income requirements
- No free lounge visits
Best flat-rate cash back credit cards: Wealthsimple Visa Infinite + Credit Card
The Wealthsimple Visa Infinite +* Credit Card has the highest annual fee on our list of flat-rate cards – charged as $20per month – but you can waive it in several ways. If you have a Wealthsimple chequing account and direct deposit set up, your credit card fee is waived each month you deposit $4,000+. If you have $100,000+ in assets with Wealthsimple, the fee is also waived through your Premium or Generation client status.
With a high 2% flat earn rate, Visa Infinite benefits, comprehensive insurance, and no transaction fees – even if you do have to pay the annual fee, it's typically well worth it.
Pros:
- Solid 2% back on all purchases
- 9 types of insurance
- No foreign exchange fees
Cons:
- High annual fee
Best flat-rate cash back credit cards: Neo World Elite Mastercard - Everywhere
GC: $25
Neo recently changed its credit card lineup to offer cards tailored to how Canadians actually spend. Of these newly revamped cards, we like the Neo World Elite® Mastercard - Everywhere for its 1% flat rate on every purchase. It doesn't come with much in terms of insurance, but the extended warranty and purchase protection are still very convenient.
While this card technically has a 1% flat earn rate, there are also Neo partner offers to consider – you can earn up to 5% cash back. Big brands like Cabella's, The Keg, Simons, and Ray-Ban are just a few names you'll see on the partner list.
Pros:
- High reward rate with Neo partners
- Redeem cash back on demand
- Available as a secured credit card too
- No annual fee
Cons:
- High income requirements
- No welcome bonus
Best flat-rate cash back credit cards: American Express Green Card
If you're looking for a travel credit card with no annual fee, the American Express® Green Card is an excellent choice. The card earns American Express Membership Rewards points at 1 point per $1 spent, and these points are worth up to 1.75 CPP when redeemed for flights. It's one of the most flexible rewards programs available, offering transfers to Aeroplan, Marriott Bonvoy, and Hilton Honors at impressive rates.
Plus, as an Amex, you'll have access to Amex Offers for exclusive promos for partner brands. Front Of The Line and Amex Experiences are also available, providing exclusive access to all kinds of exciting events.
Pros:
- High-value rewards
- Access to exclusive Amex programs
- No income requirements
- No annual fee
Cons:
- Minimal insurance
- Lower acceptance as Amex
What is a flat-rate card?
A flat-rate credit card guarantees you a specific return on your purchases, typically around 1% back for every $1 spent, regardless of what you buy. There are a few cards that offer bonus categories with higher rates, but usually it's just the same rate across the board.
Once you've accumulated enough rewards, you can request your cash back – though some cards require you to wait until the card's anniversary.
Category vs. flat-rate credit cards
Many rewards and cash back cards are flat-rate cards, but there are some differences. The best one for you depends on how you tend to use your credit cards.
A flat-rate credit card is better for you if:
- You don't frequently shop at traditional grocery stores like Sobeys or Loblaws
- Your gas spending is relatively low
- You're a big online shopper
- Your spending is varied overall (no 2 or 3 basic categories dominate your spending)
On the other hand, category cards give you bonus rewards on specific categories, such as gas or groceries. These categories generally have higher earn rates than a flat-rate card.
The tradeoff is that purchases you make outside of those categories will have a lower earn rate.
A category credit card is better for you if:
- You mainly use your card for 2 or 3 types of purchases (like travel, dining out, or groceries)
- You don't mind tracking your spending habits or watching spending caps
- You want to use multiple credit cards to earn the most rewards for all of your spending types
Since your spending habits change over time, it's not a bad idea to evaluate them every so often to see if your credit cards are delivering real value.
Pros and cons of flat-rate credit cards
Flat-rate credit cards can be very convenient, offering a simple yet rewarding way to pay. But they typically don't have the highest earn rates, so you could be missing out on significant value.
Here's a look at the main pros and cons associated with flat-rate cards:
Pros:
- Simplicity and convenience: You don't have to think twice or select categories before shopping.
- Steady earnings across all categories: If your purchases tend to vary from month to month and are less focused on specific categories (like groceries or eating out), you'll likely see yourself earning more with a flat-rate credit card.
- Minimal or no annual fees: Unlike premium credit cards, which can charge up to $799 a year, most flat-rate cards have modest annual fees, if any.
Cons:
- Not getting the highest possible return on category purchases: Flat rates are typically pretty low, earning you anywhere from 0.5% to 1%. On the other hand, bonus categories can earn up to 5 points per $1.
- Less variety in bonuses: Some cards offer unique bonuses for specific types of spending. For instance, if you have recurring bills or subscription services, you could be earning more with a bonus category.
- Potential caps on earning: Read the card's terms and conditions carefully, since you might only earn specific rates up to a spending limit.
FAQ
What is the best flat-rate cash back credit card?
The best flat-rate cash back card is the RBC Avion Visa Infinite, which earns 1.25 points per $1 spent on travel and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases. It also comes with premium Visa Infinite perks. If you, the Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard and American Express Green Card are excellent Visa alternatives.
What is a flat-rate credit card?
A flat-rate credit card gives you the same rewards rate on every purchase, regardless of spending category, rather than offering bonus rates for specific categories like groceries or gas. Your chosen card may earn reward points or cash back and still offer other features like insurance coverage and/or travel perks.
Is a flat-rate credit card better than a category card?
A flat-rate card isn't necessarily better than a category card. Flat-rate cards make more sense if you dislike tracking your spending or your purchases span most categories. But if you primarily use your card for a few specific types of spending (like gas or groceries), you might get more value from a category card.
Which is the best no-fee cash back credit card in Canada?
The best no fee cash back credit card is the Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard. You'll get 2% back on non-USD purchases if you have 1 qualifying communications service (otherwise, you'll earn just 1.5% back). USD purchases give you a steady 3% back – more than offsetting any foreign exchange fees.
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