The MBNA Smart Cash Platinum Plus Mastercard stands out as a solid option for Canadians looking to earn real value from their everyday spending—without the burden of an annual fee. If you’re someone who regularly shops for groceries or fills up the tank, this card offers rewards that can make a noticeable difference on your monthly expenses. It’s simple, rewarding, and designed to keep things easy.
What makes the MBNA Smart Cash Platinum Plus Mastercard even more appealing is its generous introductory cash back rate. For the first six months, you’ll get 5% cash back on eligible gas and grocery purchases—up to $500 in monthly spending. After that, you’ll still earn 2% cash back in those categories and 0.5% on all other eligible purchases. It’s a card that rewards consistent, everyday use.
Key information about the credit card
The MBNA Smart Cash Platinum Plus Mastercard is built with the average spender in mind. It doesn’t ask for fees up front, and it gives you a straightforward way to earn on things you already buy each week. Whether you use it for grocery runs, fuel stops, or smaller purchases, it’s a practical tool for putting a little money back in your pocket every single month.
Beyond the cash back, the card comes with extras like purchase protection, extended warranties, and access to emergency services. It’s also tap-to-pay enabled, which makes checkout quicker, more secure, and less of a hassle in busy stores. In short, you’re getting much more than just cash back—you’re getting added peace of mind with every swipe and added confidence in your purchases.
How does the annual fee work?
There’s no annual fee for the MBNA Smart Cash Platinum Plus Mastercard, and that’s a big plus. You don’t need to pay just to hold the card, which is especially helpful if you’re looking to minimize your costs while still enjoying the benefits of a rewards program. It’s a stress-free way to ease into using a credit card for cash back. Even though there’s no annual fee, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on other potential costs, like interest if you carry a balance or charges for using the card abroad. Make sure to read the fine print so you know exactly what to expect.
How Is the credit limit determined?
Your credit limit on the MBNA Smart Cash Platinum Plus Mastercard depends on your financial profile. When you apply, MBNA looks at things like your income, credit score, and how much debt you already have. Based on that, they’ll assign a limit that matches your situation and helps ensure responsible use. If your financial picture improves—say, your income goes up or your credit score climbs—you can request a credit limit increase. A higher limit can also help with your credit utilization ratio, which is a key factor in your overall credit health.
Advantages and disadvantages of the credit card
The MBNA Smart Cash Platinum Plus Mastercard offers a strong mix of perks for people who want to earn while they spend. The initial 5% cash back is a standout, and not having to pay a yearly fee makes it even more appealing. You’ll also benefit from protection features and easy contactless payments, making daily transactions smoother.
Still, it’s not perfect. The 2% cash back on gas and groceries only applies to the first $500 you spend in those categories each month. After that, or on other purchases, the rewards drop to 0.5%, which might not be ideal for high-volume spenders. If your spending is more varied or you spend heavily, that limit might feel restrictive or disappointing.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 5% cash back on gas and groceries for 6 months | 2% cash back capped at $500 monthly spend |
| No annual fee | 0.5% cash back on other eligible purchases |
| Purchase assurance and extended warranty | Higher interest rates on cash advances and balance transfers |
| Emergency services and legal assistance | Not available to residents of Quebec |
Who can apply for this credit card?
To apply for the MBNA Smart Cash Platinum Plus Mastercard, you need to be a Canadian resident and have reached the age of majority in your province or territory. While MBNA doesn’t set a specific income requirement, having a good credit score and stable income will definitely help your chances. On-time payments and a low debt load also make you a stronger candidate for approval.
Unfortunately, residents of Quebec aren’t eligible for this card at this time. During the application, be ready to share basic details about your job, income, and possibly provide documentation for verification. This could include recent pay stubs, a tax return, or something official to confirm your address and ensure everything checks out properly.
How to apply for the card?
Applying for the MBNA Smart Cash Platinum Plus Mastercard is pretty easy and can be done in just a few minutes from home. You can do it online through the MBNA website using a secure connection. The form will ask for your personal and financial details, so make sure everything is accurate, honest, and up to date. That’ll help avoid delays in processing or even a denial due to incomplete information.
After submitting the application, MBNA usually responds within a few business days or sometimes even sooner. If you’re approved, you’ll get your card in the mail soon after, along with a welcome package that outlines benefits. In some cases, you may need to provide extra documents before your application is finalized, depending on what you submitted and whether they need clarification.
Via the website
To start your application, head to MBNA’s official website and look for the MBNA Smart Cash Platinum Plus Mastercard page. It’s a secure site, so you don’t have to worry about sharing personal info. Just fill out the form step by step. The application walks you through everything clearly. You’ll get a chance to review all your information before submitting.
Via the app
Right now, MBNA doesn’t offer a specific mobile app for applying to the Smart Cash Platinum Plus Mastercard. That said, once you’ve been approved and receive your card, you can manage your account through MBNA’s online banking site using your phone or tablet. The mobile platform lets you see transactions, pay bills, and get in touch with customer service. It’s optimized for mobile use, so it works well even without a dedicated app.
In-person at a branch
MBNA is mainly an online bank, so it doesn’t have physical branches where you can apply. All applications for the MBNA Smart Cash Platinum Plus Mastercard need to go through their website. But if you need help, their customer service line is open and ready. The support team can walk you through the application or answer any questions. While it’s a digital-first approach, MBNA still offers reliable assistance when you need it.
