Best RBC credit cards in Canada 2024
Updated: April 01, 2024
Royal Bank of Canada (a.k.a. RBC) currently offers 20+ credit cards to choose from, processed by both Mastercard and Visa, and armed with a wide range of features appealing to different types of people, like cash back, travel rewards, and low interest.
The selection can be overwhelming, but we’ll save you from the analysis paralysis by picking out RBC’s top credit cards in different categories and identifying their strengths and weaknesses.
Best RBC credit card
RBC Avion Visa Infinite
1 Earn 1 Avion point for every dollar you spend*.
25% extra Avion points on eligible travel purchases
$1,500 mobile device insurance
3¢/L savings on fuel at Petro-Canada and always earn 20% more Avion points
50 Be Well points for every $1 spent on eligible products at Rexall
20% off at Hertz and earn 3x the Avion points
$0 delivery fees for 12 months from DoorDash
$120 Annual Fee $50 for each additional card
20.99% Purchase APR
22.99% Cash Advance APR
22.99% Balance Transfer Rate
Very Good Recommended Credit Score
$60,000 Required Annual Personal Income
Best RBC credit card for students
RBC Ion Plus
3 Avion Ion points† per $1 on qualifying grocery, dining, food delivery, gas, rideshare, public transit, EV charging, streaming, digital gaming and online subscriptions
1 Avion Ion point per $1 on all other purchases
$48 Annual Fee $4 per month
20.99% Purchase APR
22.99% Cash Advance APR 21.99% for residents of Quebec
22.99% Balance Transfer Rate 21.99 for Quebec residents
Good Recommended Credit Score
Best RBC credit card for travel
WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard
2% Earn 2% back in WestJet dollars on WestJet flights or WestJet vacation packages.
1.5% Earn 1.5% back in WestJet dollars for everyday purchases.
Wi-Fi access to over 1 million Wi-Fi hotsports around the world with Boingo Wi-Fi for Mastercard
1 annual companion voucher (starting at $119)
3¢/L savings at Petro-Canada and 20% more Petro-Points
$0 delivery fees for 12 months from DoorDash
$119 Annual Fee $59 for additional cards
20.99% Purchase APR
22.99% Cash Advance APR
Good Recommended Credit Score
$80,000 Required Annual Personal Income
$150,000 Required Annual Household Income
Best RBC cash back credit card
RBC Cash Back Mastercard
2% Up to 2% unlimited cash back on groceries
1% Up to 1% unlimited cash back on everything else
$0.03 Link your card and instantly save 3¢/L on fuel and 20% more Petro-Points at Petro Canada
50 Get 50 Be Well points for every $1 spent on eligible products at Rexall
$0 Annual Fee No annual fee
20.99% Purchase APR
22.99% Cash Advance APR $3.50 fee
22.99% Balance Transfer Rate
3.50% Balance Transfer Fee
Good Recommended Credit Score
Best RBC credit card to build credit
RBC Visa Classic Low Rate Option
$20 Annual Fee
12.99% Purchase APR
12.99% Cash Advance APR
12.99% Balance Transfer Rate
3.50% Balance Transfer Fee $5.00 fee for cash advances outside of Canada
Fair Recommended Credit Score
Welcome Offer
No annual fee for the first year and get a 0.99% introductory interest rate for the first 10 months on balance transfers and cash advances
Learn moreBest RBC credit card no annual fee
RBC Ion Visa
1.5x Avion points for every $1 spent on groceries, transportation (gas, rideshare, transit, EV charging), and streaming services and subscriptions
1 Avion point for every $1 spent on all other qualifying purchases
1 year extension on manufacturer's warranty
90 days of purchase security protection
3¢/L savings at Petro-Canada
50 Be Well points at Rexall for every $1 spent
3 month DashPass subscription to enjoy unlimited deliveries with $0 delivery fees from DoorDash.
$0 Annual Fee $0 for additional cards
20.99% Purchase APR
22.99% Cash Advance APR
Fair Recommended Credit Score
6 Best RBC credit cards: summary
| RBC best credit card | Best for | Get started |
|---|---|---|
| RBC Avion Visa Infinite | Best credit card from RBC | Apply now |
| RBC Ion+ Visa | Students | Apply now |
| WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard | Travel | Apply now |
| RBC Cash back credit card | Cash back | Apply now |
| RBC Classic Low Rate Option | Building credit | Apply now |
| RBC Ion Visa | No annual fee | Apply now |
Expert Tip: How to save money by bundling an RBC credit card with an RBC bank account
RBC is one of Canada’s biggest banks with dozens of financial products including a suite of credit card options with access to programs such RBC Avion Rewards and WestJet Rewards. Choosing an RBC credit card as an RBC client can be a great option to keep all of your finances in one place. This can make it easier when it comes time to pay off your credit card bill, increase your credit limit, or even switch your credit card. RBC clients may also benefit from discounts or rebates for having multiple RBC products so getting an RBC credit card as an RBC client may actually help save you money on your finance products.
—Hannah Logan, Money.ca credit card, saving and travel expert
How to apply for an RBC credit cardYou can start your RBC credit card application online.
To begin the application process for an RBC credit card, simply click the 'Apply Now' button located beneath the credit card that best suits your needs on our website. This will redirect you to the official RBC application page. There, you will be asked to fill out an application form with your personal and financial details, such as your name, address, income, and employment information. After completing this form, you can finalize your application online.
Alternative application methods:
If you prefer not to apply online or if you have specific questions you'd like to discuss, RBC also offers the following application methods:
- 1.
In-person: You can visit an RBC branch to apply for a credit card in person. This option allows you to speak directly with a bank representative who can guide you through the application process and answer any questions you might have.
- 2.
Over the phone: RBC also offers the option to apply over the phone. This method combines the convenience of applying from home with the benefit of having a direct conversation with an RBC representative.
Remember, no matter which method you choose, it's important to have all the necessary information and documentation on hand to ensure a smooth application process.
Which RBC credit card is best?
For Money.ca, our pick of the best credit card from RBC is the Avion Visa Infinite for its mid-tier annual fee, easy earning, and flexible rewards. Choosing the "best" RBC credit card largely depends on your financial situation, spending habits, and what you value most in a card. RBC offers a variety of credit cards, each catering to different needs.
When deciding, consider the following factors:
- Annual Fee: Some cards have high fees, but offer more rewards and benefits.
- Interest Rates: Important if you plan to carry a balance.
- Rewards: Choose between cash back, travel points, merchandise, etc., based on what you will use most.
- Additional Benefits: Such as insurance coverage, extended warranty, and exclusive offers.
It's always a good idea to read the most recent cardholder agreements and terms and conditions directly from RBC's website or contact them for the most current information, as credit card offerings and features can change.
How to pay your RBC credit card from another bank online
Paying your RBC credit card from an account at another bank online can typically be done in a few steps. Here's a general guide on how to proceed, but remember that the exact process may vary slightly depending on the bank you're using to make the payment:
- 1.
Log into your bank's online banking: Access your online banking account at the bank where you have your checking or savings account.
- 2.
Add your RBC Credit Card as a payee: Before you can make a payment, you need to add your RBC credit card as a payee in your online banking system. Look for an option to "Add Payee", "Manage Payees", or something similar in the payments section.
- 3.
Find the correct payee name: When adding a new payee, you will need to search for the correct name. It's usually listed as "RBC Credit Card" or "Royal Bank Credit Card".
- 4.
Enter your credit card number: You will be prompted to enter your RBC credit card number. This is the account number for the payee, and it ensures the payment is credited to your card.
- 5.
Confirm the payee details: Double-check that you've entered the correct credit card number and that the payee is correctly identified as RBC.
- 6.
Make a payment: Once your RBC credit card is added as a payee, go to the payments section of your online banking, select the RBC credit card as the payee, enter the amount you wish to pay, and confirm the transaction.
- 7.
Allow time for processing: Keep in mind that it may take a few business days for the payment to be processed and appear on your RBC credit card account. Be sure to pay your balance (or at least the minimum) a few days before it due to avoid any extra interest charges or late fees.
It's important to ensure that you make your payment well before the due date, considering the processing time, to avoid any late payment fees or charges. If you're unsure about any step of the process or if your bank has a different procedure, it's a good idea to contact your bank's customer service for assistance.
How long does it take for a credit card payment to process with RBC?
| Payment method | Details |
|---|---|
| Payments made from an RBC bank account | If you're making a payment to your RBC credit card from an RBC checking or savings account (via online banking, telephone banking, or at an ATM), the payment is usually processed and reflected in your credit card balance immediately. However, it's always good to check your account to confirm the payment has been applied. |
| Payments made from another bank | If you're paying your RBC credit card from a non-RBC bank account, the processing time can be longer. Typically, it takes about 2-3 business days for the payment to be processed and reflected on your RBC credit card account. This timeframe can vary depending on the other bank's processing times and any intermediary steps involved in the transaction. |
NOTE: Payments made on weekends or holidays may take longer to process. Banks typically process transactions on business days, so a payment made on a Friday evening might not be processed until the following Monday.
It's important to make your credit card payments ahead of the due date to ensure they are processed on time, especially if you're paying from an external bank. Late payments can result in fees and affect your credit score.
What credit score do you need for an RBC credit card?
The required credit score for an RBC (Royal Bank of Canada) credit card can vary depending on the specific card you are applying for. Credit card issuers like RBC generally do not publish the exact credit score requirements for their cards, but here is a general guideline:
- 1.
Basic or Student Cards: For basic credit cards or student credit cards, the required credit score might be more lenient. Applicants might be approved with a fair credit score, typically in the range of 600-650.
- 2.
Standard Cards: For standard RBC credit cards, a good credit score, usually around 650-700, is often expected. This range indicates a responsible credit history and a lower risk for the lender.
- 3.
Premium Cards: For premium or elite credit cards, such as those offering extensive rewards or travel benefits, a higher credit score is usually required. This could be in the range of 700-750 or higher. These cards often come with more benefits and higher credit limits, so the financial institution takes on more risk.
It's important to note that credit score is not the only factor considered in credit card applications. Banks also look at your income, employment status, debt-to-income ratio, and credit history. A lower credit score might be acceptable if other aspects of your financial profile are strong.
If you're unsure about your credit score or your eligibility for an RBC credit card, you might consider contacting RBC directly or checking your credit score through a reputable credit bureau or free credit score service. Additionally, applying for a card that aligns with your current credit profile can help increase your chances of approval.
Still undecided?
RBC’s massive footprint in Canadian banking extends to its mammoth credit card offering, and it’s very possible that you might find a great match among such a large catalogue of cards.
But be wary of your own brand bias; just because RBC might be the bank you’re most familiar with, doesn’t necessarily mean it offers the perfect credit card for you. If you’re not 100% sold on the RBC cards listed here, navigate to the left hand menu on the top left of your screen and check out our lists of the top credit cards in Canada from all banks and issuers, including RBC and all its competitors.
Refer to RBC Page for up to date offer terms and conditions.
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