MBNA Amazon.ca Rewards Mastercard review

Quick overview of the MBNA Amazon.ca Rewards Mastercard®

Amazon has a number of competitive advantages that contribute to its customer loyalty, but consistently low prices might be the main metal in its magnetism. The MBNA Amazon.ca Rewards Mastercard offers additional savings on Amazon.ca purchases, and it’s really a no-brainer credit card for Amazon Prime members, who have the most to gain from signing up.

But those who aren’t already paying for Amazon Prime should consider other no-annual-fee credit cards that offer better returns on spending, more favourable terms for foreign currency transactions, and/or more flexible rewards redemption policies.

Who is this Amazon credit card for?

This Amazon Mastercard is specifically designed for Amazon Prime members who frequently make substantial purchases on Amazon.ca and Whole Foods Market. With this impressive rewards rate, these loyal customers can maximize their benefits and enjoy significant savings on their purchases.

However, the Amazon Mastercard from MBNA offers far more than just savings with Amazon.ca. The following Canadian consumers can expect to find significant value for money with the MBNA Amazon.ca Rewards Mastercard®:

• Globetrotting travellers: Got a serious case of wanderlust? This card's got your back when you're gallivanting across borders. That's because eligible Prime members always get 2.5% back on foreign currency transactions. It's like a little "sorry about the exchange rate" consolation prize. Most cards slap you with a 2.5% foreign transaction fee faster than you can say "loonie." This card helps offset that sting, making it a solid sidekick for your adventures.
• Budget-savvy everyday spenders: If you're the type who uses plastic for everything from your morning double-double to your weekly grocery haul, listen up: Get 5% back at Amazon.ca, Whole Foods Market stores in Canada, grocery stores and restaurants. Valid for the first 6 months, on your first $3,000 in eligible purchases††.

If you are one of the types outlined above, you're on the hunt for a credit card that'll make your wallet sing, the Amazon.ca Rewards Mastercard might just be your ticket to savings paradise.

Pros and cons

Pros

• No annual fee

• Good returns on Amazon.ca, Whole Foods Market stores and foreign currency transactions

• Competitive welcome bonus

• Serviceable for regular Costco and No Frills shoppers

Cons

• Earning maximum rewards requires paying for Amazon Prime

• Other cards have higher earn rates on non-Amazon.ca purchases

• Rewards points are only redeemable for Amazon.ca gift cards

• Relatively few Whole Foods locations in Canada

MBNA Amazon.ca Rewards Mastercard welcome bonus

New cardholders get access to special rate. Get 5% back at Amazon.ca, Whole Foods Market stores in Canada, grocery stores and restaurants. Valid for the first 6 months, on your first $3,000 in eligible purchases††.

A free Amazon gift card is sometimes included as well, though it’s not a guaranteed component of the bonus and the amount you might be offered can vary substantially depending on when you sign up. The first time I simulated the application process I was offered a $50 gift card; that was reduced to $15 when I tried signing up a second time about a week later.

Related: Best credit card sign-up bonuses in Canada

How to Earn cash back with the Amazon.ca Rewards Mastercard® from MBNA

The card has different earn rates depending on where you shop:

• Unlimited 1.5% back on eligible purchases at Amazon.ca and Whole Foods Market stores (regular)
• Unlimited 2.5% back at Amazon.ca, Whole Foods Market stores, and on foreign currency transactions (Amazon Prime and Prime Student members only)
• Unlimited 1% back everywhere else that accepts Mastercard

Amazon Prime costs $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year as of 2025. But keep in mind that the extra rewards you earn from the card, combined with Prime’s free shipping benefits, can potentially cover this cost if you shop at Amazon.ca frequently. Furthermore, Amazon Prime Student only costs $49 per year or $4.99 monthly, potentially making this an excellent student card option.

Amazon top tip: Default payment

Add the MBNA Amazon Mastercard as your default payment method on Amazon.ca. It's like putting your rewards on autopilot. You'll be racking up points faster than a hockey player in the penalty box!

Redeeming rewards with this Amazon credit card from MBNA

Though I expressed the earn rates above in percentages, the MNBA Amazon.ca Rewards Mastercard technically pays you back for your spending in points. When you accrue 2,000 points they will automatically redeem for a $20 Amazon.ca gift card (100 points equals $1 in gift card value). Unlike regular cash back cards, you can’t apply what you earn back with the card directly against your credit card statements. In that sense the Amazon.ca Rewards Mastercard falls short if you value flexibility when the time comes to redeem your points, and you’d prefer to redeem what you earn against any purchase you like and not just Amazon.ca purchases.

That said, one benefit of the points you earn from this card is that they don’t expire as long as your card remains open and in good standing, i.e., you make your minimum payment on time.

Read our guide to learn more about the respective advantages and disadvantages of earning cash back vs. rewards points.

MBNA Amazon Mastercard benefits

The main advantage of the MBNA Amazon.ca Rewards credit card is the significant amount of rewards it earns with Amazon brands. Cardholders earn 1.5% back on eligible purchases at Amazon.ca and Whole Foods Market stores, as well as 1% back on all other eligible purchases made with the card. This earning rate is impressive, considering it is a no-annual-fee card. Additionally, the welcome bonus is equally impressive, offering 5% back on your first $3,000 in eligible purchases at Amazon.ca, Whole Foods Market stores, grocery stores, and restaurants.

Equally nice is the 1% cashback on eligible foreign currency transactions, which can help cover transaction fees when traveling or shopping abroad. Foreign transaction fees are never enjoyable, so even a little breather from those charges is a welcome relief.

Finally, the addition of no annual fee is great as it provides you with lucrative rewards, a gift card welcome bonus, and more - without the monthly or yearly service fee. Of course, you'll need an eligible Prime account to really get the most out of the card, but then again, doesn't everybody have Prime nowadays?

MBNA Amazon.ca Rewards credit card insurance coverage

Because this card falls under MBNA’s Platinum Plus umbrella, cardholders are entitled to several special benefits:

Furthermore, you automatically upgrade to Mastercard’s World Elite status if you apply for this card with a personal annual income over $80,000 or a household income of $150,000 or more. This unlocks extra Mastercard perks like price protection, more travel insurance, extra rental car insurance, and concierge support.

Note that purchase assurance and extended warranty benefits have a slight catch. To qualify for either perk, you must make the full purchase with your credit card, so using a gift card for part of your purchase voids coverage. This means you should avoid using the Amazon.ca gift cards you earn on purchases like electronics or appliances, where an extended warranty can be clutch.

Amazon top tip: Add an authorized user for more rewards

Add authorized users to your account. Their purchases can help you rack up points faster than a Zamboni clears ice.

Extra Benefits of the MBNA Amazon.ca Mastercard

The MBNA Amazon Mastercard offers an array of additional benefits aimed at providing you with peace of mind both domestically and internationally:

• MBNA payment plan: Pay for eligible purchases of $100 or more by making monthly installment payments. Payment plan terms can be 6, 12, or 18 months. 
• Rental car discounts: Up to 10% off at Canadian and U.S. Avis Rent A Car and Budget Rent A Car locations; 5% off at other international branches.
• Trip assistance: Enjoy comprehensive support for lost luggage, lost documents and ticket replacement, pre-trip information, and legal assistance.
• Emergency card replacement: Gain access to emergency card replacement and emergency support.
• Mastercard contactless payments: Experience the convenience of making contactless payments with your Mastercard.
• Card Verification Codes (CVC) and chip & pin technology: Benefit from an extra layer of security provided by CVC and chip & PIN technology.

What people have to say about the MBNA Amazon.ca Rewards Mastercard®

Here are some reviews from current Amazon.ca credit cardholders:

• "Having a Credit card is a privilege. Getting a Gift card is cool. Combining Amazon purchases I already need to earn free gift cards with the privilege of using their exclusive Credit card is a win-win for all. It was a nice surprise to receive a gift card and something I will look forward to with each purchase I make. Thank you, Amazon." David F.
• "If you have Amazon Prime, this is a great card. Using it on Amazon.ca is a no-brainer. 2.5% cash back beats any card out there." Greg
• "I'm super happy with this card, I buy everyday stuff like groceries and cleaning supplies and get Amazon cash back. I buy my pet food on a subscription, so the cash back goes towards that and sometimes it's free! Amazing!" Kylie

Great card for travel if you're a Prime member. No annual, it works perfectly in Google Wallet or Apple Pay, charges FX fee but reimburses it via Amazon gift cards in the order of 2.5%, thus no FX fee. The only drawback is customer service during banker's hours.

cardholder Terry

How the MBNA Amazon.ca Rewards Mastercard® compares

The Amazon.ca Rewards Mastercard is a great option for those who routinely shop at Amazon.ca and Whole Foods, and who prefer not to pay an annual fee for their credit card. However, there are other no annual fee cards in Canada that might be more of a draw, depending on what attracted you to the Amazon.ca card in the first place.

MBNA Amazon.ca Rewards Mastercard® vs. SimplyCashTM Card from American Express

MBNA Amazon.ca Rewards Mastercard® vs. BMO CashBack® MasterCard®*

You can check out other competing cards by reviewing our lists of the best no-annual-fee cards in Canada and the best credit cards for Amazon.ca purchases.

Is the MBNA Amazon.ca Rewards Mastercard worth it?

Earning unlimited 1.5% cash back on Amazon.ca and Whole Foods purchases is a compelling offer. Throw in a 5% back welcome bonus, cash back for foreign currency purchases, and no annual fee, and the Amazon.ca Rewards Mastercard is a respectable rewards card. But its maximum value is accessible only to Amazon Prime members. If you’re already a Prime member and regularly shop on Amazon.ca, this card absolutely belongs in your wallet. If you don’t have Prime and only occasionally shop on Amazon.ca, this might not be the right card for you.

Debating between the Amazon.ca Rewards Mastercard and another no-annual-fee card? Consider getting both and making purchases with the Amazon.ca card on Amazon.ca and at Whole Foods, while putting the rest of your spending on the other card. That way you can have your Whole Foods flourless chocolate cake and eat it too, provided you pay each card off in full and on time.

MBNA Amazon.ca Rewards Mastercard eligibility requirements

Though MBNA, a division of Toronto Dominion Bank, is the issuer of this credit card and the company that oversees approvals, you apply for the card directly on Amazon.ca, so you need an Amazon.ca account to begin the application process.

You must be a Canadian resident and the age of majority in your province or territory to apply. Amazon and MBNA don’t specify what credit score you need in order to be approved, but given that it’s a no-annual fee card, it seems likely that an average to good score (around 650+) will suffice.

Amazon credit card FAQs

Tom Blake Freelance contributor

Tom Blake Freelance contributor

Tom Blake is a personal finance blogger originally from Burlington, Ontario. His work has featured in Business Insider, Frugal Rules, MoneyCrashers, and a number of other financial blogs.

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