What the Card Offers
MBNA markets the True Line Gold Mastercard as its lowest-rate card: 10.99% on purchases and 13.99% on balance transfers for a $39 annual fee, with purchase assurance, extended warranty and free authorized users.
- 10.99%
Lowest MBNA purchase rate1
A 10.99% annual interest rate on purchases.
- 13.99%
Balance transfer rate2
13.99% on balance transfers, with a 1% transfer fee (minimum $3.50).
- $39
Annual fee3
$39 a year for the primary cardholder; authorized users are free.
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- 90 days
Purchase assurance and extended warranty4
Theft or damage within 90 days of purchase, and double the manufacturer's warranty up to 1 extra year; $60,000 lifetime.
- 9
Free authorized users5
Add up to 9 authorized users at no extra fee. The primary cardholder pays for everything they charge.
Benefits as advertised by the issuer. The conditions attached to them are in the Fine Print Report below.
Sources (5)
- MBNA True Line Gold Mastercard Information Box (application disclosure, retrieved 2026-10-26), Annual Interest Rates
- MBNA True Line Gold Mastercard Information Box (application disclosure, retrieved 2026-10-26), Annual Interest Rates and Other Fees
- MBNA True Line Gold Mastercard Information Box (application disclosure, retrieved 2026-10-26), Annual Fees
- MBNA True Line Gold Mastercard product page (retrieved 2026-10-26), footnote A
- MBNA True Line Gold Mastercard product page (retrieved 2026-10-26), footnote ¤
The Fine Print Report
Light fine print. A plain low-rate card whose main catch is the late-payment penalty.
2 late payments: purchases go to 19.99%Impact level: High
Two late payments in 12 months nearly double your purchase rate, from 10.99% to 19.99%
If MBNA doesn't receive the minimum payment on time twice within 12 consecutive statement periods, purchases go from 10.99% to 19.99% and balance transfers from 13.99% to 24.99%. The higher rates last until you make 12 on-time payments in a row.
Why it matters: You'd still pay the $39 fee for a rate no better than many no-fee cards. Set up automatic minimum payments.
Fee pays off above a ~$1,950 balanceImpact level: Medium
The $39 fee only pays off if you carry more than about $1,950 on average
The no-fee MBNA True Line charges 12.99% on purchases. The Gold's 10.99% saves 2 percentage points, which covers the $39 fee only on an average purchase balance above about $1,950 over the year.
Why it matters: With a smaller balance, the no-fee True Line costs less.
Cash advances: 24.99% with no grace periodImpact level: Medium
Cash advances cost 24.99% from day one, plus a 1% fee
Cash advances, including cash-like purchases such as lottery tickets, money orders, gambling and cryptocurrency, are charged 24.99% from the transaction date with no grace period, plus a 1% fee (minimum $3.50).
Why it matters: The low rate covers purchases and transfers only; don't use the card for cash.
Carrying a balance ends interest-free daysImpact level: Medium
If you carry a balance, new purchases are charged interest from the day you make them
The interest-free grace period on new purchases applies only if you pay the full statement balance by the due date. Otherwise new purchases are charged interest from the transaction date.
Why it matters: This is normal for Canadian cards, but it means the low rate applies to everything you buy while a balance remains.
Missed payment: TD can use your depositsImpact level: Medium
After one missed payment, MBNA can take money from your other TD accounts without telling you
MBNA is a division of TD. If a minimum payment is missed, the account is no longer in good standing, and TD can deduct money from any other account the primary cardholder has with the TD Bank Group, with or without notice, and can demand the full balance.
Why it matters: If you bank with TD, a missed card payment can lead to a withdrawal you didn't schedule.
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2.5% FX fee, also charged on refundsImpact level: Low
Foreign currency purchases cost 2.5% extra, and refunds are charged the fee again
Purchases in a foreign currency are converted at the Mastercard rate plus a 2.5% fee. A refund is converted at the rate on the day it posts, minus another 2.5% fee.
Why it matters: Every $1,000 spent in a foreign currency costs about $25 in fees.
Who This Card Is For
Great fit if you...
- Carry a balance above about $2,000
- Want the lowest MBNA purchase rate
- Always pay at least the minimum on time
- Want purchase protection on a low-rate card
Consider alternatives if you...
- Pay in full every month
- Carry only a small balance
- Might miss payments (19.99% penalty rate)
- Want rewards or travel insurance
The Verdict
The MBNA True Line Gold Mastercard charges 10.99% on purchases and 13.99% on balance transfers for a $39 annual fee, with purchase assurance and extended warranty.
Two late payments in a year raise purchases to 19.99%, and the fee only beats the no-fee True Line on an average balance above about $1,950.
The Recommendation: A good fit if you carry a balance of a few thousand dollars and pay on time. For a smaller balance, the no-fee True Line costs less.
Before you apply: This teardown is general information, not financial, legal or insurance advice, and reflects the issuer's documents as of October 2026. Terms, rates, fees and offers change, and the issuer's own agreement, disclosure statement, insurance certificates and program terms are what govern your card. Read them in full and confirm details with the issuer before you apply. Full disclaimer