[REVIEW] Amazon.ca Rewards Mastercard

It is finally here! Amazon is offering a Canadian co-branded card again. It is a long time coming since the discontinuation of the Chase co-branded Amazon card.

Highlights

The card is offered by MBNA and is being called the Amazon.ca Rewards MasterCard. Below are the highlights of the card:

• No annual fee
• Earn 5% back at Amazon.ca, grocery stores, and restaurants (for 6 months on the first $3,000 in eligible purchases)
• Earn 2.5% back (Prime members) on Amazon.ca, Whole Foods Market purchases, as well as foreign transactions
• Earn 1.5% back (non Prime members) on Amazon.ca and Whole Foods Market purchases
• Earn 1% back other purchases

*Other relevant notes to keep in mind is that you can redeem every $20 intervals in the form of an Amazon Gift Card. So it is not actually cash back for any use, but specifically for Amazon.ca purchases.

Furthermore, you can start using the credit card at Amazon.ca immediately upon approval.

Comparison

Just for fun, let’s compare it it to the old Canada Chase Amazon.ca Rewards Visa Card:

• No annual fee
• Earn $20 Amazon.ca sign up bonus gift certificate
• Earn 2% cash back on Amazon.ca purchases
• Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
• No foreign transaction fees

The main difference is the sign up bonus and no foreign transactions fees. The new card definitely has a better sign up bonus, giving 5% back, rather than $20 gift certificate. Basically, 5% back on $3,000 is $150 (5% x $3,000). Keep in mind that groceries and restaurants are included in that multiplier bonus.

However, the Chase card did waive all foreign transaction fees, which made it a more attractive card to more people.

Conclusion

When it comes down to it, this card is a no-brainer for Amazon Prime members, considering the 2.5% back (after the sign up bonus). This is even a great card for people who shop frequently at Whole Foods.

Otherwise, it is not necessarily a good day-to-day card for everyone else, as 1.5% back as a multiplier bonus is not that attractive, considering the cash back competition out there at the moment.