The MBNA True Line® Gold Mastercard® is built for people who care more about predictable borrowing costs than flashy rewards.
It keeps things simple: a modest annual fee, a low everyday purchase rate, and a clean online application process.
If you occasionally carry a balance and want to reduce interest charges, this card is designed to do that job without distractions.
At a Glance: The Essentials You Need
This card is positioned as MBNA’s lowest purchase rate option. It carries a $39 annual fee and a standard purchase APR of 10.99%.
Balance transfers and cash advances follow their own standard rates, and the cash-advance rate differs for Québec compared with most other regions.
Issuing and servicing are handled by The Toronto-Dominion Bank (MBNA is a division of TD).
You can apply securely online and add authorized users later if you want a shared household setup.
Note on geography: MBNA indicates that product rates and fees may vary across regions in Canada. Always check the region selector and disclosures during the application.
Who Gets the Most Value
If you tend to revolve part of your statement, a lower everyday purchase rate can materially reduce interest costs over time.
No accrual charts, transfer partners, or rotating bonuses. Just a straightforward rate and a clear fee.
Authorized users can be added to streamline household purchases under a single account and a single annual fee.
What You Won’t Find Here
This product isn’t about sign-up bonuses or travel perks.
If your primary goal is maximizing rewards on groceries, gas, or flights, a different card may suit you better.
Likewise, if you never carry a balance, a no-annual-fee rewards card could deliver more value—even if its purchase APR is higher.
How the Low Rate Helps (practical example)
Consider two otherwise similar cards: one with a purchase APR around the level offered here and another with a typical market APR near the high-teens.
Suppose you carry a $2,000 balance for a full year while paying it down on a steady schedule.
Even with simplified math, the lower-rate option can save you a meaningful amount in interest over those months.
That difference can be redirected to principal reduction, helping you reach a zero balance sooner.
Benefits and Protections You Can Actually Use
New items bought with the card are typically covered for accidental damage or theft for a short period after purchase.
You get access to help services for travel-related or legal referrals that can guide you in stressful situations. These services are advisory.
As a Mastercard, the product supports contactless tap, Chip & PIN, and zero-liability protection for unauthorized transactions.
You can add the card to compatible mobile wallets to pay with your phone or watch in stores and apps.
How to Apply For MBNA True Line® Gold Mastercard®
You must be a Canadian resident and at least the age of majority in your province or territory.
Like all mainstream issuers, MBNA will assess your application using information such as income, existing obligations, and credit history.
A credit inquiry is part of the process. Approval amount (your credit limit) depends on that assessment, not just your stated income.
- Open MBNA True Line® Gold Mastercard® official product page and select Apply now.
- Choose your region to ensure the disclosures match where you live.
- Enter your personal details (name, contact, residential status), employment and income, and possibly other information used for identity and credit evaluation.
- Read the disclosures carefully. Confirm the rates, fees, and any special terms that appear at the moment you apply.
- Submit the application. If approved, you’ll receive account details and next steps for activation.
- After activation, consider setting up alerts, mobile wallet payments, and e-statements.
If you plan to add other cardholders, do that after you’ve reviewed your agreement so you know the responsibilities and liability rules.
Using The Card Strategically
Cash advances typically carry a higher rate and often start accruing interest immediately.
Even an extra $20–$50 above the minimum each month can reduce interest and shorten payoff time.
A recurring transfer from your chequing account lowers the risk of late fees and protects your good standing.
A low purchase APR is not a permission slip to overspend. It’s a tool to make necessary borrowing less costly while you pay balances down.
Managing The Account Day to Day
Switch to electronic statements for faster access and set up text or email alerts for due dates and unusual activity.
If you add household members as cardholders, monitor transactions and reconcile receipts weekly. You remain responsible for the full account balance.
If your income rises or your utilization drops, you can ask the issuer to review your credit limit. Approval is not guaranteed.
If a charge looks wrong, contact the merchant first to request a correction, then escalate to MBNA if needed. Keep documentation.
When This Card is Not Ideal
You never revolve. If you always pay in full, a rewards product that offers cash back or points may be a better match.
Frequent travelers often want built-in trip medical, interruption, or rental car coverage. This product focuses on rate rather than premium insurance.
If you’re specifically chasing time-limited balance-transfer promotions, check other options in MBNA’s lineup or from competitors.
Fees and Fine Print to Watch
Beyond the annual fee, standard credit-card charges can include foreign transaction fees, dishonoured payment fees, and fees for certain optional services.
Exact amounts and conditions appear in your disclosure at application and in your Account Agreement.
Read those documents end-to-end—especially sections on how interest is calculated, when it starts, and what happens if a payment arrives after the due date.
Resolving Problems and Getting Help
General customer service (Canada & U.S. toll-free): 1-888-876-6262. TTY/TDD:
1-800-872-5758. From outside Canada (call collect): 1-613-907-3505.
Account billing inquiries/disputes (mail): MBNA Account Billing Inquiries, P.O. Box 9614, Ottawa, ON K1G 6E6 (do not send payments here).
Credit-card payments by mail (remittance address): MBNA, P.O. Box 4369, Station A, Toronto, ON M5W 3P2.
Responsible Use: Protect Your Credit Profile
On-time payments protect your score. Payment history is the single biggest input to most scoring models.
Using a small fraction of your available limit signals lower risk. If you plan a big purchase, consider paying mid-cycle to minimize the reported balance.
Avoid simultaneous applications. Multiple credit inquiries in a short window can depress scores temporarily.
Review your report annually. Check for errors and request corrections if needed.
Final Verdict
The MBNA True Line Gold Mastercard focuses on one thing: keeping your borrowing costs down.
If you carry balances from time to time and want a straightforward card with few distractions, it’s a solid, no-nonsense option.
Apply securely online through MBNA and call their service lines if you need help before or after you apply.
Disclaimer: This article is for information only and not financial advice. Terms, rates, fees, and features change and can differ by province or territory and by applicant profile. Always review the official disclosures and your Account Agreement during the online application and again when your card arrives. The card is issued by The Toronto-Dominion Bank; MBNA is a division of TD.
