Top 5 Canadian Credit Cards That Give You the Most Cash Back for Online Purchases

Online shopping has become integral to our lives in today's digital age. Whether buying groceries, clothing, electronics, or even booking travel, chances are you're doing a significant portion of your online shopping. Why not make the most of your online purchases by earning cashback? We've researched the best Canadian credit cards to bring you the top 5 options offering the highest cash-back rewards for online spending.

1. Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card

The Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card is a standout choice for online shoppers. Here's why:

  • No annual fee
  • 2% cash back on up to three categories of your choice, including online purchases
  • 0.5% cash back on all other purchases
  • Flexibility to change your chosen categories

This card allows you to customize your rewards to fit your spending habits. If you do a lot of online shopping, simply select it as one of your 2% categories and watch your cash back grow.

2. Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card

For those who don't mind paying an annual fee in exchange for higher rewards, the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card is an excellent option:

  • 4% cash back on grocery purchases and recurring bills
  • 2% cash back on gas and daily transit
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases, including online shopping
  • Annual fee: $120 (often waived for the first year)

While this card doesn't offer a specific boost for online purchases, its high overall cash-back rate makes it a strong contender, especially if you use it for groceries and bills.

3. BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard

The BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard offers a solid cash-back rate across various categories:

  • 5% cash back on groceries
  • 4% on transit (including rideshares)
  • 3% on gas and electric vehicle charging
  • 2% on recurring bill payments
  • 1% on all other purchases, including online shopping
  • Annual fee: $120

While the 1% rate for online purchases isn't the highest, the excellent rewards in other categories can offset this, making it a great all-around card for many Canadians.

4. American Express SimplyCash Preferred Card

The American Express SimplyCash Preferred Card offers a straightforward and generous cash-back structure:

  • 2% cash back on all purchases, including online shopping
  • Welcome bonus of 10% cash back for the first four months (up to $400)
  • Annual fee: $99

This card is perfect for those who want a high cash-back rate without worrying about category restrictions. It's especially valuable for online shoppers who make purchases from various retailers.

5. CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite Card

Rounding out our list is the CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite Card:

  • 4% cash back on gas and grocery purchases
  • 2% cash back on dining, daily transit, and recurring payments
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases, including online shopping
  • Annual fee: $120 (often waived for the first year)

Like others on this list, the CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite doesn't offer a specific boost for online purchases. However, its strong overall rewards program and the potential for fee waivers make it a solid choice for many Canadians.

Choosing the Right Card for You

Consider your overall spending habits when selecting these best Canadian credit cards for online cash back. While some cards offer higher rates for online purchases, others provide better all-around value that could result in more cash back depending on your lifestyle.

Here are a few tips to maximize your rewards:

  1. Track your spending: Understand where you spend the most money to choose a card that aligns with your habits.
  2. Consider annual fees: Sometimes, cards with fees offer enough extra benefits to outweigh the cost.
  3. Look at welcome bonuses: Many cards offer increased cash-back rates for the first few months, which can provide significant value.
  4. Check for additional perks: Some cards offer insurance coverage, travel benefits, or other perks that add value beyond cash back.
  5. Use your card strategically: Once you have it, use it for all eligible purchases to maximize your rewards.

Remember, responsible credit card use is key. Always pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges that can quickly outweigh any cash-back benefits.

By choosing the right card and using it wisely, you can earn substantial cash back on your online purchases, putting money back in your pocket with every click.