Comparing RBC's Best Credit Cards 2023
RBC’s Avion rewards program sets their credit cards apart from other banks. The program allows you to earn points quickly and redeem them for various options, such as travel, shopping at partner retailers, or even paying down RBC debt. You can earn Avion points with their travel, rewards, and student credit cards. The membership gives you special deals and access to Canada's most extensive bank-owned loyalty program. These perks make RBC Credit Cards to be some of the best credit cards in Canada.
However, RBC offers more than just Avion rewards cards. They also offer cashback, low-interest cards, no foreign exchange, and more. Most RBC credit cards also have partnership benefits, such as free DoorDash deliveries and insurance. The table below summarizes the article. Clicking a card name will jump to the relevant section to learn more.
At the bottom of the article, we've also included information about RBC credit card contact information and how to activate a new RBC card. Continue reading to learn more about RBC's best credit cards.
Value of One Avion Rewards Point: $0.0058 - $0.023
*Value depends on redemption
RBC Avion Points Air Travel Redemptions
Max redemption value for round trip flights, excluding applicable taxes, surcharges and fees
Source: How many Avion points do you need to travel?
| The Best of RBC Credit Cards | |
|---|---|
| Travel: RBC Avion Visa Infinite | Annual Fee: $120 ($50/Additional Card) Interest Rate: 19.99% Purchase, 22.99% Cash Advance Income Requirement: $60,000 Personal, $100,000 Household Estimated Credit Score: 660 - 724 |
| Cashback: RBC Cash Back Preferred World Elite Mastercard | Annual Fee: $99 ($0/Additional Card) Interest Rate: 19.99% Purchase, 22.99% Cash Advance Income Requirement: $80,000 Personal, $150,000 Household Estimated Credit Score: 660 - 724 |
| Rewards: RBC ION+ Visa | Monthly Fee: $4 ($0/Additional Card) Interest Rate: 19.99% Purchase, 22.99% Cash Advance Income Requirement: N/A Estimated Credit Score: 725 - 759 |
| Student & No-Fee: RBC ION Visa | Annual Fee: $0 Interest Rate: 19.99% Purchase, 22.99% Cash Advance Income Requirement: N/A Estimated Credit Score: 660 - 724 |
| Low-Interest: RBC Visa Classic Low Rate Option | Annual Fee: $20 ($0/Additional Card) Interest Rate: 12.99% Purchase, 12.99% Cash Advance Income Requirement: N/A Estimated Credit Score: 725 - 759 |
| No-FX Fees: RBC U.S. Dollar Visa Gold | Annual Fee: $65 USD ($30/Additional Card) Interest Rate: 19.99% Purchase, 22.99% Cash Advance Income Requirement: N/A Estimated Credit Score: 760 - 900 |
Best RBC Travel Credit Cards
Travel credit cards are great for anyone who loves to travel, whether for work or pleasure. These cards earn points which you can redeem for free or discounted flights. Additionally, they tend to come with lounge access and many types of insurance. However, to compensate for the variety of benefits, travel credit cards tend to have higher annual fees and interest rates.
In general, the RBC Avion Visa Infinite is recommended. However, the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard is best for you if you frequently fly with WestJet. This is because the points earned on the WestJet card are best redeemed on flights of that airline. If you do not frequently fly with them, then Avion points will give you more airline options.
The WestJet card truly shines with the companion pass. This feature allows you to travel with a friend for a reduced rate. For example, the companion pass will enable you to buy an additional ticket for $119 for travel within Canada and the continental U.S. Bringing your companion along the rest of the WestJet network will only cost $399. However, these costs require additional taxes, fees, and charges.
Sign Up Bonuses +
- 35,000 Avion points upon approval
- 20,000 additional points when you spend $5,000 in your first six months
- Expires January 31, 2023
Rewards +
- 1.25 Avion points for travel-related purchases
- 1 Avion point for every dollar spent
- No blackout periods or seat restrictions on point redemptions
Additional Features +
- Insurance (mobile device, trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical, purchase insurance)
Sign Up Bonuses +
- 250 WestJet dollars upon first purchase
- 200 WestJet dollars when you spend $5,000 in your first three months
Rewards +
- 2% back on qualifying WestJet purchases
- 1.5% back on everyday purchases
- Annual companion voucher
Additional Features +
- Free worldwide Boingo Wi-Fi
- Save 3¢/L on fuel at Petro-Canada
- One year of $0 delivery fees from DoorDash
The RBC Avion Rewards program offers its members cash back, Avion points, and cash savings. Members can redeem their points for rewards such as travel, merchandise, and gift cards. To redeem points, you have to become an Avion rewards member. There are two tiers of membership, each depending on the type of card you have.
- Avion Premium: The ability to redeem points on cashback offers and discounts. You can also use points for gift cards, merchandise, and more. You won't be able to redeem points on flights.
- Avion Elite: Everything above with access to air travel and the Avion Collection experiences. With an Avion elite membership, you can redeem points on flights.
Best RBC Cashback Card
Next, cashback credit cards provide a percentage of your purchases back in cash. This is an excellent option for anyone who wants to earn money while they spend. Some cards provide cash-back lockup periods or minimum redemption values. For example, in some cases, you can only redeem your cashback once a year.
This is not true for RBC which offers flexible cashback redemption. Interestingly, this credit card also provides DragonPass airport experience access. This means you can use your RBC Cash Back Preferred World Elite Mastercard to access airport lounges around the world.
Cash Back +
- 1.5% cash back on everything up to $25,000 in annual net purchases
- 1% cash back on everything above $25,000 in annual net purchases
- Flexible cash-back redemption
Additional Features +
- Save 3¢/L on fuel at Petro-Canada
- One year of $0 delivery fees from DoorDash
- Earn 50 Be Well points for every dollar spent at Rexall
Best RBC Rewards Credit Card
RBC’s ION+ Visa is a great option for those looking to experiment with rewards credit cards. Unlike most alternatives, this choice has a low annual fee and no income requirements. Additionally, the card offers two years of mobile device insurance for up to $1,000. This rare coverage protects your mobile device if your phone is lost, stolen, or damaged. However, you’ll have to purchase the phone on this card to ensure it’s covered. Additionally, this card provides Avion Premium membership and not Avion Elite. This means you won’t be able to redeem points on travel.
Sign Up Bonuses +
- 12,000 Avion points upon approval
- Expires January 31, 2023
Rewards +
- 3 Avion points for every dollar spent on groceries, food delivery, rides, gas, streaming, subscriptions, digital gaming, and more
- 1 Avion point for every dollar spent on other qualifying purchases
- Points can be used to pay bills, Interac e-transfer, and shop the Avion Rewards Catalogue
Additional Features +
- Save 3¢/L on fuel at Petro-Canada
- One year of $0 delivery fees from DoorDash
- Earn 50 Be Well points for every dollar spent at Rexall
Best RBC Student & No Fee Credit Card
If you're a student looking to build your credit history, RBC offers student credit cards to help you do that. These cards typically have lower fees, making them excellent options for young people starting. RBC’s ION Visa is the category best for students and no-fee cards. This is why we’ve combined the two categories.
Sign Up Bonuses +
- 6,000 Avion points upon approval
- Expires January 31, 2023
Rewards +
- 1.5 Avion points for every dollar spent on groceries, food delivery, rides, gas, streaming, subscriptions, digital gaming, and more
- 1 Avion point for every dollar spent on other qualifying purchases
- Points can be used to pay bills, Interac e-transfer, and shop the Avion Rewards Catalogue
Additional Features +
- Save 3¢/L on fuel at Petro-Canada
- One year of $0 delivery fees from DoorDash
- Earn 50 Be Well points for every dollar spent at Rexall
Best Low-Interest RBC Credit Card
Low-interest credit cards are perfect for anyone who carries a balance from month to month. These cards typically offer lower interest rates than other options on the market, making them an excellent choice for anyone who wants to save money on their monthly payments.
Additional Features +
- Save 3¢/L on fuel at Petro-Canada
- One year of $0 delivery fees from DoorDash
- Earn 50 Be Well points for every dollar spent at Rexall
Best No-Foreign Exchange Fee RBC Credit Card
While RBC doesn’t have a multi-currency no-FX credit card, their U.S. Dollar Visa Gold is a great option for those who frequent the United States. This card carries a balance in USD, meaning you’ll need an associated USD bank account to make payments. In addition, this card offers a variety of travel-related insurance which is perfect for those visiting our neighbour to the south.
Rewards +
- 1 Avion point for every U.S. dollar you spend
- Redeem points for travel rewards, gift cards, RBC financial rewards, and more
Additional Features +
- Make transactions in U.S. dollars
- Save 3¢/L on fuel at Petro-Canada
- One year of $0 delivery fees from DoorDash
RBC Credit Card Contact
If you need to get in touch with RBC about your credit card, there are several ways to do so. You can call their toll-free number at 1-800-769-2512 or visit one of their branches in person. Some customers also have success reaching out to their social media.
Those who prefer written mail can use RBC's mailing address
Royal Bank of Canada
10 York Mills Rd. 3rd Floor
Toronto, ON M2P 0A2
RBC Activate Credit Card
All RBC credit cards can be activated online or by phone. There are three ways to activate your card;
- Online Banking: Sign in with your Client Card/Username and Password. Select your credit card on the Accounts Summary page, which will take you to the Credit Card Account Details page. Select "Activate My Credit Card" and follow the on-screen prompts.
- Online Activation Tool: If you don't already have Online Banking, visit the online activation tool to sign up. You can also enroll in Online Banking if desired.
- Phone Call: If you prefer to activate by phone, you can call the following toll-free numbers
- a. Personal or Business Banking: 1 877 900 5900
- b. Private Banking: 1 888 769 2585