Tangerine might not offer many credit cards, but the 2 it does are straightforward cash back Mastercards. Both put you in control of earning rewards and neither one charges an annual fee.
While many aspects of the Money-Back and World Mastercards are the same (we’re talking interest rates, welcome bonuses, and earn rates), the qualification requirements are different. We’ll cover the ins and outs of what makes these cards unique, and help you determine which card might be best for you.
Key Takeaways
- Both Tangerine credit cards are basic no-fee cash back credit cards.
- The Money-Back Mastercard has a lower income requirement, making it easier to qualify for.
- The World Mastercard has higher income requirements but comes with more insurance and World Mastercard Benefits.
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Tangerine World Mastercard vs. Money-Back Mastercard at a glance
Tangerine only offers 2 Mastercards – and they’re pretty similar:
| Feature | Tangerine World Mastercard | Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 | $0 |
| Welcome bonus |  $125 GeniusCash + 10% extra cash back for the first 2 months (terms) | $125 GeniusCash + 10% extra cash back for the first 2 months (terms) |
| Maximum rewards | 2% cash back | 2% cash back |
| Highest earning categories | Select up to 3 top earning categories | Select up to 3 top earning categories |
| Insurance types included | * Extended warranty * Purchase protection * Mobile device * Rental car theft and damage | * Extended warranty * Purchase protection |
| Special feature | World Mastercard benefits | Ability to change earning categories as spending habits change |
| Best for | People who qualify with higher incomes and want more insurance coverage | People who might struggle to qualify for a credit card or who are looking for simple ways to earn cash back |
| Get started | Apply now | Apply now |
Both cards include helpful budgeting features like Left to Spend. Enter a few details into this free tool and you’ll get a customized budget tailored to your financial goals. When you log in, you’ll get updates on your monthly money habits and see how you’re doing with your spending and saving targets.
You can also sign up for Orange Alerts to receive texts or emails about important account information and changes.
Plus, you can add either Tangerine card to your mobile wallet (like Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay) to easily access it any time.
What we love about the Tangerine World Mastercard
GC: $125
Pros:
- No annual fee
- Includes mobile device coverage
- 1.95% on balance transfers for the first 6
Cons:
- Only earns 0.5% cash back on non-category purchases
- Income requirements of $50,000 personal or $80,000 household
With higher income requirements, you’d expect to get more from the Tangerine World Mastercard – and you do. You’ll get a few more types of insurance coverage (mobile device and rental car theft/damage), along with World Mastercard benefits:
- Mastercard Travel Pass operated by DragonPass gives discounts and offers when shopping at over 650 airport retailers and gives you access to over 1,300 airport lounges (at $32 USD per visit)
- Mastercard Travel Rewards gives you cash back offers outside of Canada
- On-Demand and Subscription Services gives you special rewards and offers from select apps and subscription services
Rewards:
- 2% cash back on purchases in up to 3 Money-Back Categories
- 0.5% cash back on all other purchases
If you apply for the Money-Back Mastercard but qualify for the World card, Tangerine typically approves you for the higher-tier card; it’s a better option for eligible cardholders looking for a bit more out of their credit card and costs you nothing to carry.
What we love about the Tangerine Money-Back Mastercard
×1 Award winner GC: $125
1x Award winner Pros:
- Receive cash back awards monthly
- No annual fee
- Low income requirements
Cons:
- Limited insurance included
- Only earns 0.5% on non-category purchases
The Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card makes it easy to earn cash back. Just select 2 categories (3 if you deposit your rewards into a Tangerine savings account) and enjoy 2% back on purchases in those categories. Your rewards are deposited into your account every month – no waiting until the end of the year to get a statement credit.
Plus, Tangerine allows you to add up to 5 authorized users for free, making it even easier for you to accumulate rewards!
Rewards:
- 2% cash back on purchases in up to 3 Money-Back Categories
- 0.5% cash back on all other purchases
This card might not be the flashiest cash back option around, but it’s a good option for people looking to build credit. Whether you’re a student, a newcomer to Canada, or you have low income, this is a good option to get you started. You can always upgrade to a premium card to earn more rewards later.
How do the Tangerine World Mastercard and Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card compare?
These Tangerine cards have a lot in common but there are a few key differences that set them apart. Here’s how they stack up.
Best benefits: Tangerine World Mastercard
When it comes to benefits, the Money-Back card doesn’t hold up to the World Mastercard, which comes with World Mastercard benefits. Enjoy offers and rewards at airport merchants around the world, get access to airport lounges (though no free passes), and explore valuable offers for subscription services.
Best insurance: Tangerine World Mastercard
There aren’t many things that separate the World Mastercard from the Money-Back Mastercard, but insurance coverage is one of them. The World card boasts more extensive insurance, including:
- Mobile device coverage (up to $1,000)
- Rental car collision insurance
- Rental car loss damage insurance
- Purchase assurance (up to 90 days)
- Extended warranty (doubled up to 1 year)
- Zero-liability protection
If you go with the Money-Back Mastercard, you’ll only get purchase assurance, extended warranty, and zero-liability protection.
Best rewards: tie
Unlike credit cards with complicated earning structures, it’s fairly simple to figure out your cash back with both Tangerine offerings. You select 2 of the following categories to earn 2% cash back – or 3 if you deposit your cash back into a Tangerine account. On purchases outside of these categories, you’ll earn 0.5% back.
Highest acceptance: tie
Given that both of these cards are Mastercards, which are widely accepted around the world, you should have no trouble using either the Money-Back or World Mastercard.
Highest welcome bonus: tie
Tangerine includes a nice welcome bonus of 10% cash back on the purchases you make in the first 2 months of having either the Money-Back or World Mastercard. But remember: your bonus cash back maxes out at $100.
Interest fees: tie
Whether you have the World Mastercard or Money-Back Mastercard, you’ll get the same interest rates:
| Tangerine World Mastercard | Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card | |
|---|---|---|
| Purchases | 20.95% | 20.95% |
| Cash advances | 22.95% | 22.95% |
| Balance transfers | 1.95% for 6 months, then 22.95% | 1.95% for 6 months, then 22.95% |
Lowest eligibility requirements: Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card
If you want the lowest income requirement, the Money-Back card is your best bet since it only requires $12,000 in personal income per year. That said, if you apply for the Money-Back card and your income meets the qualifications for the World Mastercard, you might get an offer for the premium card.
The World Mastercard requires $50,000 personal or $80,000 household income per year. You may also qualify if you have $250,000 in a Tangerine savings or investment fund account.
The winner: Tangerine World Mastercard
If you’re on the fence about which card to get, we’d recommend applying for the Tangerine World Mastercard. It offers more value in the way of insurance and benefits than the basic cash back card. Since there’s no annual fee, you won’t lose out by choosing the premium Tangerine Mastercard.
Top non-Tangerine alternatives
While the Tangerine Money-Back card made our best cash back card list as top choice for newcomers, the other cards on our list are also worth considering.
×4 Award winner GC: $125 + $25
4x Award winner 
Awards are given out once a year but rating and rankings can shift throughout the year. The #1 card for 2025 is pinned to the top.
Our top pick is the MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard. If you’re not bothered by the high income requirement, this card comes with 30,000 bonus points and gives you the opportunity to earn up to 5 points per $1. You’ll also get a 10% cash back bonus every year on your birthday! Plus, the card’s extensive insurance package includes 12 types of coverage, helping to offset the $120 annual fee.
Here are a few more non-Tangerine cards for you to check out:
- Best flat rate card: Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard
- Best for gas and groceries: SimplyCash Preferred Card from American Express
- Best for restaurants: BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Card
- Best for recurring bills: Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card
By selecting a cash back card that matches your spending habits, you’ll typically earn the maximum available awards.
FAQ
What is the difference between Mastercard and World Mastercard?
The Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card is an entry-level cash back card with lower qualifications, limited insurance, and no benefits. Although the Tangerine World Mastercard has a heftier income requirement, it comes with more insurance coverage and World Mastercard benefits.
What is the minimum income for a Tangerine World Mastercard?
Tangerine asks for $50,000 personal or $80,000 household income per year, but you could also qualify if you have $250,000 in a Tangerine savings account or investment fund.
What is the currency conversion fee for a Tangerine World Mastercard?
Tangerine charges a 2.5% fee to convert foreign currencies into CAD – the same amount as the Money-Back card.
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