The feature that attracts customers to this credit card the most is the flexible travel points redemption policy. Not only are points redeemable on flights, they can be redeemed on other eligible merchandise purchases or put towards paying down your card balance. Points can also be transferred from RBC to other rewards programs such as British Airways, WestJet, American Airlines or Cathay Pacfic Asia Miles loyalty programs. Another added bonus is when you’re booking flights, there are no black out periods or seat restrictions - ever!
When you make travel purchases, including, but not limited to, airfare, accommodations, cruises, tours and car rental purchases, you earn 1.25 points per dollar spent. On all other purchases, one point is earned for every dollar spent. Cardholders also benefit from travel insurance and are covered for items such as trip disruption, medical expenses, trip cancellation and hotel or motel burglary insurance, among others.
Other miscellaneous features of this credit card include shopping insurance, savings on gas from Petro Canada, additional Petro Canada point earnings when cards are linked, access to exclusive events and ability to lock the credit card at any time.
To receive all these benefits, an annual fee of $120 is required. The points to dollars ratio is subpar and there are little opportunities to enhance point earnings. Also, RBC is one of the greatest banks in Canada, but it is very traditional and rigid with their lending requirements. For individuals who don’t fit those requirements, this can be a challenging card to obtain and manage. Finally, if you aren’t willing to spend a lot to earn a lot, and don’t travel frequently, this card may not be right for you.
The RBC Avion Visa Infinite is an optimal choice for consumers who use their credit card for the bulk of their purchases and will be able to reap the travel benefits. Even if you don’t take advantage of all the travel benefits, rewards can be used towards paying down your balance or purchasing other merchandise. If you choose to proceed with this credit card, you’ll receive 15,000 points from RBC as a welcoming bonus!
The RBC Avion Visa Infinite has a close cousin, the RBC Avion Visa Platinum. The main difference between the two is the Infinite card has a minimum income requirement whereas the Platinum does not. If you don’t meet the minimum requirements of the RBC Avion Visa Infinite, you can still get the same benefits with the RBC Avion Visa Platinum!