RBC Cash Back Mastercard Redemption Changes: $1 Minimum on December 2, 2026
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RBC is changing how cash back is redeemed on the RBC Cash Back Mastercard and the RBC Cash Back Preferred World Elite Mastercard on December 2, 2026. The minimum redemption drops from $25 to $1, and you will be able to redeem anytime through RBC Online Banking or the RBC Mobile app instead of only by phone, according to RBC's cash back updates page.
The other half of the change matters more if you never think about your balance: the automatic cash back payout in December is going away. From December 2, your RBC cash back redemption happens only when you ask for it.
As of November 2026, RBC Cash Back cardholders can redeem only by calling RBC once their balance reaches $25. Starting December 2, 2026, they can redeem any amount from $1 at any time in Online Banking, the RBC Mobile app or by phone, and RBC no longer pays out cash back automatically in December.
What changes on December 2, 2026
RBC says both cash back cards move to the same redemption rules on December 2, 2026:
- Minimum redemption: $1, down from $25
- Where to redeem: RBC Online Banking, the RBC Mobile app or by phone at 1-800-ROYAL-1-2, instead of by phone only
- When to redeem: anytime, for your full balance or any amount between $1 and your balance, as long as your account is in good standing
- Automatic December redemption: no longer available
- Balance tracking: in Online Banking and, for the first time, in the RBC Mobile app
| Rule | Until December 1, 2026 | From December 2, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum redemption | $25 | $1 |
| How to redeem | By phone only | Online Banking, RBC Mobile app or phone |
| When | On request, or automatically in December | Anytime, on request only |
| Amount | Your full balance | Full balance or any amount from $1 |
| Balance check | Online Banking | Online Banking or RBC Mobile app |
RBC also says rewards accumulate indefinitely under the new rules, so there is no deadline to cash out.
The end of automatic redemption: what it means for your balance
Until now, the default was simple: if you did nothing, RBC credited your cash back once a year in December. After December 2, a balance you never redeem stays in your account. It keeps growing, but it does not lower your bill until you request it.
RBC's updates page does not say whether a balance that would normally have been paid out automatically in December 2026 will still be credited this year. If you have a large balance, two moves remove the doubt: redeem it by phone before December 2 if it is at least $25, or redeem it yourself in Online Banking or the app on or after December 2.
What to do before and after December 2
- Check your balance now in RBC Online Banking.
- If it is $25 or more and you want it on your statement this year, call 1-800-ROYAL-1-2 before December 2, 2026.
- From December 2, redeem in the RBC Mobile app or Online Banking whenever you want, from $1.
- Set a reminder to redeem regularly, since nothing will be paid automatically anymore.
- If you plan to close the card, redeem your cash back first.
The October 1 changes still apply
The redemption update is the second part of a broader change to both cards. Since October 1, 2026, RBC has applied new earn rates with no annual spending cap, and a higher purchase interest rate.
- RBC Cash Back Mastercard: $0 annual fee, 2% cash back on groceries, 1% on gas, EV charging, transit and rideshare, 0.5% on all other purchases
- RBC Cash Back Preferred World Elite Mastercard: $120 annual fee (up from $99), $50 per additional card (up from $0), 3% cash back on groceries, dining and food delivery, gas, EV charging, transit, rideshare, streaming and digital gaming, 1% on everything else
- Purchase interest rate on both cards: 21.99%, up from 20.99%
Purchases at Costco and Walmart are classified as warehouse clubs, so RBC says they earn the base rate, not the grocery rate. RBC VIP Banking clients can still get up to a $120 rebate on the Preferred card's annual fee. To see how these cards now stack up, compare them with our best cash back credit cards and our list of the best RBC credit cards.
Can you refuse the changes?
Yes. RBC says you can close your account and cancel your credit card agreement without cost, penalty or cancellation indemnity by notifying RBC before December 30, 2026 and paying the total amount you owe. You can also switch to another RBC credit card in Online Banking, in the mobile app or by calling 1-800-769-2512.
If you are shopping for a replacement, the Capital One Quicksilver cards and our credit card comparison tool are good places to start.
Bottom Line
Before December 2, 2026, decide what you want to do with your current RBC cash back balance: redeem it by phone if it is $25 or more, or wait and redeem it yourself in the app from $1. After that date, nothing happens automatically, so build a habit of redeeming. If the October fee and rate increases changed the math for you, notify RBC before December 30, 2026 to close or switch without penalty. For updates like this one every week, sign up for our newsletter.
When do the new RBC cash back redemption rules start?
The new rules start on December 2, 2026 for both the RBC Cash Back Mastercard and the RBC Cash Back Preferred World Elite Mastercard. From that date, RBC lets you redeem anytime with a $1 minimum through Online Banking, the RBC Mobile app or by phone. Until December 1, 2026, redemption is by phone only with a $25 minimum.
What is the minimum RBC cash back redemption from December 2, 2026?
The minimum drops to $1 on December 2, 2026, down from $25. RBC says you can redeem your full cash back balance or any amount between $1 and your balance, as long as your credit card account is in good standing when you make the request. The same $1 minimum applies online, in the app and by phone.
Will RBC still pay my cash back automatically in December?
No. RBC says automatic redemption in December will no longer be available once the new rules take effect on December 2, 2026. After that date, your cash back stays in your account until you request it. RBC does not say on its updates page whether a balance due for the usual December payout in 2026 will still be credited.
How do I redeem RBC cash back before December 2, 2026?
Before December 2, 2026, you redeem by calling RBC at 1-800-ROYAL-1-2 once your balance is at least $25. RBC says the credit is applied within 5 business days of your request, provided your account is in good standing. The $25 minimum applies to each phone request until December 1, 2026.
Does RBC cash back expire under the new rules?
No. RBC says cash back rewards accumulate indefinitely once the new redemption features go live in December 2026, so there is no deadline to cash out. The trade-off is that nothing is paid automatically anymore: a balance of $200 sitting in your account does not reduce your credit card bill until you redeem it yourself.
Can I close my RBC Cash Back card without a penalty?
Yes. RBC says you can close your account and cancel your credit card agreement without cost, penalty or cancellation indemnity if you notify RBC before December 30, 2026 and pay the total amount you owe. You can also switch to another RBC credit card through Online Banking, the mobile app or by calling 1-800-769-2512.
What does the RBC Cash Back Preferred World Elite Mastercard cost now?
Since October 1, 2026, the RBC Cash Back Preferred World Elite Mastercard has a $120 annual fee, up from $99, and each additional card costs $50, up from $0. Its purchase interest rate rose to 21.99% from 20.99%. RBC VIP Banking clients remain eligible for a rebate of up to $120 on annual credit card fees.
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