The TD Cash Back Visa Card is a no-annual-fee product aimed at Canadians who want simple cash back on everyday spending. It delivers 1% back on essential categories like groceries, gas, EV charging, transit, streaming and recurring bill payments, and 0.5% on other purchases, with a modest welcome bonus of up to $50 for new cardholders who meet early spending thresholds. With standard interest rates and limited insurance, it is best suited for people who pay their statement in full and value clarity over complex premium perks.
Main Advantages
- No annual fee and free additional cardholder: The primary cardholder pays no annual fee, and at least one additional cardholder can be added at no extra cost. This allows households to consolidate spending and earn more rewards.
- Strong everyday category earn rate: Earn 1% Cash Back Dollars on groceries, gas, EV charging, public transit, streaming/digital media and recurring bill payments—categories that dominate many Canadian budgets.
- Simple structure and flexible redemptions: With two earn rates—1% on selected categories and 0.5% on everything else—redemptions from $1 as a statement credit are easy and rewards never expire while the account is active.
- Welcome bonus that is realistic to earn: As of mid-2025, new cardholders can earn up to $50 in Cash Back Dollars: $10 on the first purchase and $40 after spending $1,500 in the first three months.
- Useful lifestyle and security features: Supports mobile wallets, offers emergency cash advances, optional TD Auto Club memberships, car-rental discounts, enhanced Starbucks Rewards earning and Visa security protections.
Main Disadvantages
- Standard rewards card interest rates: With a 21.99% purchase rate and 22.99% cash advance rate (21.99% in Quebec), carrying a balance becomes costly and outweighs rewards.
- Limited insurance and travel benefits: The card lacks extensive travel insurance such as emergency medical, trip cancellation or baggage coverage, making it less appealing to frequent travellers.
- Lower earn rate on non-bonus purchases: Spending outside enhanced categories earns only 0.5%, which may reduce total rewards for users with budgets concentrated elsewhere.
- Modest welcome offer compared to competitors: While easy to achieve, the up-to-$50 bonus is smaller than offers from some competing no-fee or first-year-free cards.
- Not ideal for heavy travellers or points maximizers: Since rewards are strictly cash back and not convertible to travel points, this card does not cater to travellers or loyalty program enthusiasts.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying
- Confirm you meet basic eligibility: Ensure you are a Canadian resident, of legal age in your province or territory, and that you meet TD’s credit requirements.
- Review the current offer and terms: Visit TD’s official page to confirm the latest welcome bonus, interest rates, and any temporary promotions, including Quebec-specific details.
- Gather required information: Prepare your personal details, employment status, income, and housing information such as rent or mortgage amounts.
- Complete the online application: Fill out the secure form, choose whether to add an additional cardholder, and consent to a credit check before submitting.
- Submit and wait for a decision: Many applicants receive an instant response, though TD may request additional documents for verification.
- Receive and activate your card: Once approved, the card will arrive by mail. Activate it online, through the mobile app, or by phone, then set your PIN.
- Link to Starbucks Rewards and set up digital wallets: Connect your card to Starbucks Rewards for bonus Stars and add it to Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay.
- Plan spending and redemptions responsibly: Focus spending on bonus categories to maximize earnings and redeem regularly to offset your balance. Enable alerts or autopay to avoid missed payments.
The TD Cash Back Visa Card is a solid choice if you want simple, no-fee rewards on everyday Canadian spending. With $0 annual fee, clear earn rates and flexible redemptions as statement credits, it turns routine purchases like groceries, commuting, streaming and bills into steady savings without complicating your wallet.
If you usually pay your balance in full and prefer cash back over travel points, this card can quietly reduce your monthly costs over time. Review the current offer on TD’s website, compare it to the cards you already use and, if it matches your habits and goals, apply online. Used responsibly, the TD Cash Back Visa Card helps turn the spending you’re already doing into ongoing, predictable cash back.
