RBC Cash Back Preferred World Elite Mastercard

RBC's FAQ wording: 'You'll earn 1.5% on the first $25,000 in all qualifying purchases and 1% thereafter.' There are no bonus categories. One flat rate applies to every category, which is why every category field is 1.5. Conservative reading: the effective rate falls to 1% once $25,000 of annual qualifying spend is reached. RBC does not state on the product page when the $25,000 threshold resets; cash back is credited automatically each January if the balance exceeds $25, and can otherwise be redeemed once the balance reaches $25.

'Get 12% cash back for the first 3 months on up to $2,000 in total purchases. Apply by September 30, 2026.' RBC breaks this down as 10.5% bonus cash back plus the 1.5% standard rate, so the maximum bonus is $210 of bonus cash back on $2,000 of spend ($240 including the base earn). This is an accelerated intro rate capped at $2,000 of spend, not a lump-sum bonus.

Purchase Security and Extended Warranty Protection covering eligible purchases against loss, theft or damage for up to 120 days and extending the manufacturer's warranty to two years. Auto Rental Collision/Loss Damage Insurance. No emergency travel medical, trip cancellation, trip interruption, flight delay or mobile device insurance is advertised on the product page despite the World Elite designation. The headline is 'up to 1.5% cash back on all purchases'. The rate drops to 1% after $25,000 of annual qualifying spend, so the marketing rate is the entry rate, not the effective rate. The '12% cash back' welcome offer is a 3-month intro rate capped at $2,000 of spend; the true maximum bonus is about $210. A $99 World Elite Mastercard with no travel medical, trip cancellation or mobile device insurance. Cash back is credited once a year in January, so a cardholder who cancels mid-year may forfeit accrued rewards. RBC does not publish when the $25,000 threshold resets.