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MBNA Smart Cash Platinum Plus Mastercard review
Earn a generous welcome bonus and a decent return on cash back when you make everyday purchases.
If you want a no-frills credit card that will let you earn cash back on every purchase you make, then you might like to check out the MBNA Smart Cash Platinum Plus Mastercard.
Please note: All information about MBNA Smart Cash Platinum Plus Mastercard has been collected independently by Finder and this product is not available through this site.
The MBNA Smart Cash Platinum Plus Mastercard is a fee-free card offered by MBNA bank. It lets you rack up 2% cash back when you spend money on gas and groceries and 0.5% on everything else. You'll also earn an accelerated 5% cash back rate on gas and groceries in your first six months
30-second take
Think about this card if you want to get a decent return on cash back for no annual fee.
Choose something else if you want low interest or comprehensive benefits.
There is no minimum annual income needed to qualify for this card.
The basics
If you want a no-frills credit card that will let you earn cash back on every purchase you make, then you might like to check out the MBNA Smart Cash Platinum Plus Mastercard.
No annual fee. There’s no annual fee to maintain this card.
Accelerated cash back. Get an accelerated cash back rate when you shop for daily purchases.
Welcome offer. Earn 5% cash back on eligible gas and groceries purchases in your first six months.
Purchase assurance. Get 90 days protection against loss and damage on products you purchase with your card.
Extended warranty coverage. Get up to an additional year added to your manufacturer’s warranty when you buy eligible consumer goods.
Additional cards. There’s no fee for additional cards and you can add up to 9 on your account.
The perks
Car rental discounts. Get a discount on any vehicle you rent through Avis or Budget.
Enhanced security. Protect your purchases with security features like PIN and chip technology and online verification codes.
Zero liability insurance. Avoid paying for fraudulent purchases on your account with Zero liability insurance.
Reliable customer support. Contact MBNA at any time of day or night to speak to a customer service rep about your account.
Trip assistance. Call in for specialized assistance with lost items (like tickets, luggage or credit cards) when you travel overseas.
Easy to qualify. You won’t have to meet any minimum income requirements to qualify for this card.
What to watch out for
High interest. You’ll pay 19.99% interest on purchases and 24.99% on cash advances.
Earning caps. There’s a $500 monthly spending cap that limits the accelerated rate you can earn on gas and groceries.
Maximum bonus. You’ll only be able to earn a maximum of $150 with the welcome bonus offer before you’re downgraded to a reduced rate.
Few benefits. This card doesn’t offer comprehensive benefits like travel insurance, mobile device protection or roadside assistance.
MBNA Smart Cash Platinum Plus Mastercard interest rates
Interest Type
Interest Rate
Purchase interest rate
19.99%
Cash advance rate
24.99%
Standard balance transfer rate
22.99%
What should I know before I apply
To apply for an MBNA Smart Cash Platinum Plus Mastercard, you need to meet the following criteria:
Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who is at least 18 years old (19 in some provinces).
Your name, residential status and contact information.
Your social insurance number and date of birth.
Your email address and phone number.
How to apply
Head to the MBNA website to begin your application.
Complete the application, which includes providing your name, email address, social insurance number and birth date.
Review and submit your application.
Bottom line
The MBNA Smart Cash Platinum Plus Mastercard lets you earn cash back on every dollar you spend on daily purchases. This card comes with a welcome offer and a handful of basic features for no annual fee. The downside is that you won’t get low interest or comprehensive benefits.
Frequently asked questions about the MBNA Smart Cash Platinum Plus Mastercard
It sure does. You’ll earn an accelerated 5% cash back rate on gas and groceries in your first six months. Once you earn $150 in cash back at this rate, you’ll be downgraded to the normal 2% cash back rate for this spending category.
Yes. You’ll only earn accelerated cash back rates for gas and groceries on purchases up to $500 each month. After that, you’ll earn a reduced rate of 0.5% cash back.
The short answer is no. As long as you keep your account open and in good standing, your cash back dollars won’t expire.
Yes, you can apply by visiting the MBNA bank website.
Claire Horwood is a writer at Finder, specializing in credit cards, loans and other financial products. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Gender Studies from the University of Victoria, and an Associate’s Degree in Science from Camosun College. Much of Claire’s coursework has focused on writing and statistics, with a healthy dose of social and cultural analysis mixed in for good measure. In her spare time, Claire enjoys rock climbing, travelling and drinking inordinate amounts of coffee.
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