The RBC Business Cash Back Mastercard is a smart option for Canadian entrepreneurs who want to keep business expenses under control while earning useful and consistent rewards. Issued by the Royal Bank of Canada and operating on the Mastercard network, the card offers cash-back simplicity and wide acceptance in both local and international markets.

This article presents a complete breakdown of the card, covering its features, benefits, disadvantages, and application steps. You’ll discover whether this no-fee card meets your business needs with enough value and flexibility to stand out in the market and help reduce expenses.

Main features of the RBC Business Cash Back Mastercard

The RBC Business Cash Back Mastercard is a basic-level card designed for small business owners looking for a practical, long-term solution. It has no annual fee, making it accessible for companies that want to avoid extra charges and maintain predictable operating costs. For the first three months, it offers 2% cash back on all eligible purchases made in any category.

After the introductory period, the ongoing rate is 1%, applied to every transaction without limits or exclusions by spending category. The card works through the Mastercard network, which ensures international acceptance and makes it suitable for both domestic and occasional global use in most regions.

Approval requirements

To apply for the RBC Business Cash Back, a good personal credit history and stable business income are typically required by RBC. While the bank does not publish a minimum income threshold, businesses with consistent monthly revenue are much more likely to be approved. The ideal profile includes small business owners with regular spending who seek low-cost, low-maintenance credit card options with fair approval conditions.

Benefits of the RBC Business Cash Back Mastercard

The card offers reliable rewards with no complex rules or rotating categories to track. Users earn 2% cash back during the first three months, followed by 1% on all eligible purchases afterward. Once you accumulate $25 in cash back, you can redeem it at any time, directly into your monthly statement without additional steps or limitations.

The card also includes valuable perks: fuel savings at Petro-Canada when linked to a Petro-Points account, access to Mastercard Easy Savings for business discounts, and optional employee cards to streamline company expenses.

Exclusive highlight

A unique advantage of the RBC Business Cash Back is access to RBC Offers, a platform that tailors cash-back promotions to your actual spending profile. Users can log in, load exclusive deals from partner merchants, and receive rebates automatically after eligible purchases. This tool adds targeted value and allows businesses to save more on items they already buy frequently from trusted vendors.

Disadvantages and considerations of the RBC Business Cash Back Mastercard

Although the RBC Business Cash Back Mastercard is generous in the first three months, the long-term 1% rate may not meet the expectations of businesses with higher spending volume or complex needs. If your company regularly exceeds $50,000 per year in expenses, other cards with higher or tiered rates may offer better total returns over time.

Another limitation is the foreign transaction fee of 2.7%, which applies to all non-Canadian purchases made abroad or online. This can significantly reduce the card’s appeal for businesses that import goods or travel frequently, making it less ideal for operations with a global supply chain or international service contracts.

Application process

Applying for the card is a quick and straightforward process that can be completed fully online. You can submit your application directly through the RBC website by providing your business name, type of organization, annual revenue, and basic personal information, including SIN and recent credit history or financial documents.

After submission, most applicants receive a decision within minutes from RBC. If approved, your card arrives in 7 to 10 business days by mail. Additional features, such as employee cards or expense tracking tools, may also be added to support your business’s financial management and help organize team-related purchases more efficiently.