11M
Readers
150+
Reviews
1,000+
Metrics
Partners on this page may provide us earnings.
11M
Readers
150+
Reviews
1,000+
Metrics
Partners on this page may provide us earnings.
Royal Bank of Canada, commonly known as RBC, currently offers 20+ great 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. Plus, don't forget to see our full Best Credit Cards Canada list afterwards.
35,000 Avion points
Welcome Bonus
$963
First Year Value
$213
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Enjoy 35,000 Avion points upon approval^ (a value of up to $750†).
Get this card if you...
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$120
Annual Fee
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card is a flexible travel rewards credit card that allows cardholders to earn Avion points on everyday purchases, with additional benefits such as comprehensive travel insurance and access to exclusive events. It is well-suited for frequent travelers seeking a versatile rewards program and value-added perks.
Eligibility
Very Good (671 - 739)
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$120
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
5.00%
Balance Transfer
Rewards Avion Elite
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
Insurance Benefits
$1,500
Mobile device insurance amount
3
Emergency medical insurance over 65 days
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$2,500
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Enjoy 35,000 Avion points^ (a value of up to $750†), that’s enough for a roundtrip flight to fly anywhere in Canada & the U.S (Alaska and Hawaii require more points). Taxes and fees extra.†
^This offer only applies to new applications for an RBC Avion Visa Infinite or RBC Avion Visa Platinum credit card (each, an “Eligible Credit Card”) approved by Royal Bank of Canada, subject to the conditions below. Additional cardholders(s) (co-applicant and authorized user(s)) on the Eligible Credit Card account, as well as existing cardholders on any RBC Royal Bank personal credit card transferring to an Eligible Credit Card account, are not eligible for this offer.
Our Take
The RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card is a flexible travel rewards credit card that allows cardholders to earn Avion points on everyday purchases, with additional benefits such as comprehensive travel insurance and access to exclusive events. It is well-suited for frequent travelers seeking a versatile rewards program and value-added perks.
Eligibility
Very Good (671 - 739)
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$120
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
5.00%
Balance Transfer
Rewards Avion Elite
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
Insurance Benefits
$1,500
Mobile device insurance amount
3
Emergency medical insurance over 65 days
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$2,500
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Enjoy 35,000 Avion points^ (a value of up to $750†), that’s enough for a roundtrip flight to fly anywhere in Canada & the U.S (Alaska and Hawaii require more points). Taxes and fees extra.†
^This offer only applies to new applications for an RBC Avion Visa Infinite or RBC Avion Visa Platinum credit card (each, an “Eligible Credit Card”) approved by Royal Bank of Canada, subject to the conditions below. Additional cardholders(s) (co-applicant and authorized user(s)) on the Eligible Credit Card account, as well as existing cardholders on any RBC Royal Bank personal credit card transferring to an Eligible Credit Card account, are not eligible for this offer.
I've personally owned this card for 5+ years despite being often enticed by competing offers. Its simple earn rate helps me rack up points quickly and the ability to book any airline anytime without restriction is a huge plus.
My wife and I have used this card for full refunds on trip cancellations (even when our Airbnb couldn't), the customer service is always incredibly helpful with removing fraudulent charges, too.
We didn't travel much in COVID and have accumulated enough points now that we're flying our family (2 kids) to Hawaii for less than $500 in taxes.
It doesn't come with Airport lounge access so I'm always on the lookout, but Scotia feels like it ties you to shopping at Freshco or Sobeys, TD feels like it ties you to ExpediaforTD, I haven't heard great things about the Aventura program for point redemption so, for ease of use and collecting points everywhere, I like the RBC Avion Visa Infinite.
Disclosures:
Refer to RBC page for up to date offer terms and conditions.
This post contains affiliate links. Please read disclaimer for more info.
Disclaimer: Money.ca may engage in affiliate marketing, which is done by embedding tracking links into Money.ca. If you click on a link for an affiliate partnership, a cookie will be placed on your browser to track any sales for purposes of commissions.
up to 7,000 points†
Welcome Bonus
$506
First Year Value
$456
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Get up to 7,000 Avion points^ - that’s up to $50 of value in gift cards!†
Get this card if you...
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$48
Annual Fee
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The RBC ION+ Visa is a rewards credit card offering elevated Avion points on categories such as groceries, dining, gas, rideshare, public transit, EV charging, streaming services, digital gaming, and online subscriptions, with a standard earn rate on all other purchases. Cardholders benefit from a welcome bonus, mobile device insurance, and savings on fuel at Petro-Canada; however, the card carries a modest annual fee, which is waived for students with an RBC Advantage Banking account.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$48
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
3.00%
Balance Transfer
$5
Cash Advance
Rewards Avion Premium
3
Avion points† per $1 on qualifying grocery, dining, food delivery, gas, rideshare, public transit, EV charging, streaming, digital gaming and online subscriptions
1
Avion point per $1 on all other purchases
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
Get up to 7,000 Avion points^ - that’s up to $50 of value in gift cards!†
Get 3,500 Welcome Points and earn 3,500 bonus points when you spend $500 in your first 3 months.^
Our Take
The RBC ION+ Visa is a rewards credit card offering elevated Avion points on categories such as groceries, dining, gas, rideshare, public transit, EV charging, streaming services, digital gaming, and online subscriptions, with a standard earn rate on all other purchases. Cardholders benefit from a welcome bonus, mobile device insurance, and savings on fuel at Petro-Canada; however, the card carries a modest annual fee, which is waived for students with an RBC Advantage Banking account.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$48
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
3.00%
Balance Transfer
$5
Cash Advance
Rewards Avion Premium
3
Avion points† per $1 on qualifying grocery, dining, food delivery, gas, rideshare, public transit, EV charging, streaming, digital gaming and online subscriptions
1
Avion point per $1 on all other purchases
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
Get up to 7,000 Avion points^ - that’s up to $50 of value in gift cards!†
Get 3,500 Welcome Points and earn 3,500 bonus points when you spend $500 in your first 3 months.^
A low annual fee of $48 in easy-to-pay installments of $4 per month while earning 3 Avion points† on grocery, dining, food delivery, gas, rideshare, public transit, EV charging, streaming, digital gaming and online subscriptions and 1 Avion point on all other purchases.
Or, hold on to that welcome bonus, exchange it for travel rewards from Avion, and get your annual fee rebated every month with the RBC Advantage Banking account for students. RBC online has NOMI which helps you manage your budget similar to other budgeting apps.
While it doesn't feature travel insurance, it comes with super valuable insurance for students: mobile device, 90-day purchase security, and an additional year on the manufacturer's original warranty.
Not only can you can your Apple Macbook covered by insurance, you can redeem your Avion points for Apply merchandise and over 50,000 other products at Best Buy through the Avion Rewards program.
Want even more points? Download the Avion app and Avion browser extension which help you find deals and discounts to rack up those points and start travelling sooner.
Disclosures:
Refer to RBC page for up to date offer terms and conditions.
This post contains affiliate links. Please read disclaimer for more info.
Disclaimer: Money.ca may engage in affiliate marketing, which is done by embedding tracking links into Money.ca. If you click on a link for an affiliate partnership, a cookie will be placed on your browser to track any sales for purposes of commissions.
$700 WestJet points†
Welcome Bonus
$667
First Year Value
$0
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Get up to $700 in WestJet points†. Expires Jul 08, 2025
Get this card if you...
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$119
Annual Fee
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard is a premium travel rewards credit card tailored for frequent WestJet travelers, offering elevated earn rates on WestJet flights and vacation packages, as well as on everyday purchases. Cardholders benefit from a generous welcome bonus, an annual companion voucher, complimentary first checked bags and access to over 1,300 global airport lounges; however, the card carries an annual fee and has high personal or household income requirements for eligibility.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$80,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$150,000
Required Annual Household Income
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$119
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
5.00%
Balance Transfer
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
Rewards Westjet dollars
2
Earn 2 WestJet points on WestJet flights or WestJet vacation packages.
1.5
Earn 1.5 WestJet points on 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
Insurance Benefits
$500,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$2,500
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Get up to $700 in WestJet points† with the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard. Plus, get a Round-Trip Companion Voucher Every Year†.
Get up to 70,000 WestJet points:
30,000 WestJet points upon your first purchase
• 30,000 WestJet points when you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months
• 10,000 WestJet points after your first year
Offer valid until May 28, 2025.
Our Take
The WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard is a premium travel rewards credit card tailored for frequent WestJet travelers, offering elevated earn rates on WestJet flights and vacation packages, as well as on everyday purchases. Cardholders benefit from a generous welcome bonus, an annual companion voucher, complimentary first checked bags and access to over 1,300 global airport lounges; however, the card carries an annual fee and has high personal or household income requirements for eligibility.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$80,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$150,000
Required Annual Household Income
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$119
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
5.00%
Balance Transfer
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
Rewards Westjet dollars
2
Earn 2 WestJet points on WestJet flights or WestJet vacation packages.
1.5
Earn 1.5 WestJet points on 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
Insurance Benefits
$500,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$2,500
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Get up to $700 in WestJet points† with the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard. Plus, get a Round-Trip Companion Voucher Every Year†.
Get up to 70,000 WestJet points:
30,000 WestJet points upon your first purchase
• 30,000 WestJet points when you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months
• 10,000 WestJet points after your first year
Offer valid until May 28, 2025.
With as much love as I have for the Visa Infinite, you'd think I'd vote for the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege (VIP).
The Avion VIP's annual fee is a bit of a deterrent. They do give you airport lounge passes, though. However, that essentially bundles the cost of lounge access into that fee..
So, at $119 annual fee and a decent welcome offer, the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard takes home the prize. Not just because of the lower price, but the value you can get from this card including an annual round-trip companion voucher to any WestJet destination starting from $119 (plus taxes, fees, charges, etc.).
Earn 2 WestJet points on WestJet flights or WestJet vacation packages. and 1.5 WestJet points on everyday purchases.
If you're not big on the companion voucher, you can exchange it for 4 airport lounge vouchers.
You'll also get free first checked bag for you and up to 8 guests on the same reservation, plus travel coverage including emergency medical insurance as well as trip interruption insurance hotel burglary, and rental car insurance. Even eligible purchases you make on the card are protected.
Disclosures:
Refer to RBC page for up to date offer terms and conditions.
This post contains affiliate links. Please read disclaimer for more info.
Disclaimer: Money.ca may engage in affiliate marketing, which is done by embedding tracking links into Money.ca. If you click on a link for an affiliate partnership, a cookie will be placed on your browser to track any sales for purposes of commissions.
up to 7% cash back^
Welcome Bonus
$346
First Year Value
$276
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Get up to 7% cash back in the first 3 months up to a total of $1,000 in purchases^. Expires Jul 08, 2025
Get this card if you...
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$0
Annual Fee
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The RBC Cash Back Mastercard® is a no-annual-fee credit card that offers cash back on everyday purchases, with elevated rates for grocery store spending. Cardholders benefit from features such as purchase security, extended warranty protection, and savings on fuel at Petro-Canada.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
5.00%
Balance Transfer
$5
Cash Advance
$45
Return Penalty
Rewards cash back
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 Delivery Fees
Get $0 delivery fees for 3 months from DoorDash when you add your eligible RBC credit card to your DoorDash account
Get up to 7% cash back in the first 3 months up to a total of $1,000 purchases^.
5% bonus cash back up to $1,000 spend for all purchases^, plus
2% cash back on groceries and 0.5% on all other purchases**
Thereafter, unlimited cash back & up to 2% cash back on groceries and up to 1% cash back on all other purchases**
Apply by July 8, 2025.
^ This offer only applies to new applications for an RBC Cash Back Mastercard credit card received between Feb 27, 2025 and July 8, 2025 (“Offer Period”) and approved by Royal Bank of Canada (“Royal Bank”), subject to the conditions below. Additional cardholders(s) (co-applicant and authorized user(s)) on the RBC Cash Back Mastercard credit card account, as well as existing cardholders on any RBC Royal Bank personal credit card transferring to an RBC Cash Back Mastercard credit card during the Offer Period, are not eligible for this offer.
Our Take
The RBC Cash Back Mastercard® is a no-annual-fee credit card that offers cash back on everyday purchases, with elevated rates for grocery store spending. Cardholders benefit from features such as purchase security, extended warranty protection, and savings on fuel at Petro-Canada.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
5.00%
Balance Transfer
$5
Cash Advance
$45
Return Penalty
Rewards cash back
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 Delivery Fees
Get $0 delivery fees for 3 months from DoorDash when you add your eligible RBC credit card to your DoorDash account
Get up to 7% cash back in the first 3 months up to a total of $1,000 purchases^.
5% bonus cash back up to $1,000 spend for all purchases^, plus
2% cash back on groceries and 0.5% on all other purchases**
Thereafter, unlimited cash back & up to 2% cash back on groceries and up to 1% cash back on all other purchases**
Apply by July 8, 2025.
^ This offer only applies to new applications for an RBC Cash Back Mastercard credit card received between Feb 27, 2025 and July 8, 2025 (“Offer Period”) and approved by Royal Bank of Canada (“Royal Bank”), subject to the conditions below. Additional cardholders(s) (co-applicant and authorized user(s)) on the RBC Cash Back Mastercard credit card account, as well as existing cardholders on any RBC Royal Bank personal credit card transferring to an RBC Cash Back Mastercard credit card during the Offer Period, are not eligible for this offer.
For no annual fee, unlimited cash back and up to 2% back on groceries (1% on other qualifying purchases), it's a great cash back credit card. Earn up to 1% unlimited cash back on everything else.
Now, there's also the RBC Cash Back Preferred World Elite Card for which gives you a complimentary Boingo Wi-Fi account, Mastercard Airport Experiences provided by Dragon Pass, and rental car credit card insurance.
But Dragon Pass access doesn't mean you have Dragon Pass vouchers, you'll have to pay around $30 to access the lounges.
While the Preferred gives you a higher earn rate, 1.5%, on everything, the numbers fail to add up in your favour.
For example, at $2,000 of monthly spending, the Preferred card gives you $360 cash back, while the RBC cash Back gives you $270 cash back. So, for $99, you get $90 more cash back (and Wi-Fi and credit card rental car insurance), but arguably, there's a reason to get one of the best travel credit cards to pair with this cash back credit card where you can get better travel benefits like insurance and airport lounge access.
Disclosures:
Our Take
The RBC® Visa‡ Classic Low Rate Option is a credit card designed for individuals who may carry a balance, offering a lower annual interest rate on purchases and cash advances compared to standard credit cards. However, it carries an annual fee, and there are alternative low-interest credit cards available that offer similar or lower rates without an annual fee, such as the MBNA True Line® Mastercard®.
Eligibility
Fair (300 - 619)
Recommended Credit Score
Annual Interest Rates
12.99%
Purchase
12.99%
Cash Advance
12.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$20
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
5.00%
Balance Transfer
$5
Cash Advance
$45
Return Penalty
Our Take
The RBC® Visa‡ Classic Low Rate Option is a credit card designed for individuals who may carry a balance, offering a lower annual interest rate on purchases and cash advances compared to standard credit cards. However, it carries an annual fee, and there are alternative low-interest credit cards available that offer similar or lower rates without an annual fee, such as the MBNA True Line® Mastercard®.
Eligibility
Fair (300 - 619)
Recommended Credit Score
Annual Interest Rates
12.99%
Purchase
12.99%
Cash Advance
12.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$20
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
5.00%
Balance Transfer
$5
Cash Advance
$45
Return Penalty
For a year, it's RBC's lowest interest rate credit card at only 12.99% for purchases and cash advance. If you're currently carrying a balance, you can transfer it for $5 to help you pay it down faster.
The card throws in extended warranty and purchase security too because if you're trying to rebuild your credit, you don't need any major expenses popping up from damage or theft.
If you're 100% going with RBC, we believe this to be your best choice. However, there are great prepaid cards from KOHO and EQ bank or you can check out the best secured credit cards in Canada.
Disclosures:
Refer to RBC page for up to date offer terms and conditions.
This post contains affiliate links. Please read disclaimer for more info.
Disclaimer: Money.ca may engage in affiliate marketing, which is done by embedding tracking links into Money.ca. If you click on a link for an affiliate partnership, a cookie will be placed on your browser to track any sales for purposes of commissions.
3,500 Avion points†
Welcome Bonus
$298
First Year Value
$273
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Get 3,500 Avion points on approval^ - that's a $25 value in gift cards†!
Get this card if you...
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$0
Annual Fee
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The RBC ION Visa Card is a no-annual-fee credit card that allows cardholders to earn Avion points on everyday purchases, with elevated rates for spending on groceries, transportation (including gas, rideshare, transit, and EV charging), and streaming services and subscriptions. Cardholders benefit from additional perks such as savings on fuel at Petro-Canada and earning Be Well points at Rexall.
Eligibility
Fair (300 - 619)
Recommended Credit Score
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
3.00%
Balance Transfer (Introductory)
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
3.00%
Balance Transfer
$5
Cash Advance
$45
Return Penalty
Rewards Avion Premium
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.
Get 3,500 Avion points on approval^ - that's a $25 value in gift cards†!
Our Take
The RBC ION Visa Card is a no-annual-fee credit card that allows cardholders to earn Avion points on everyday purchases, with elevated rates for spending on groceries, transportation (including gas, rideshare, transit, and EV charging), and streaming services and subscriptions. Cardholders benefit from additional perks such as savings on fuel at Petro-Canada and earning Be Well points at Rexall.
Eligibility
Fair (300 - 619)
Recommended Credit Score
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
3.00%
Balance Transfer (Introductory)
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
3.00%
Balance Transfer
$5
Cash Advance
$45
Return Penalty
Rewards Avion Premium
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.
Get 3,500 Avion points on approval^ - that's a $25 value in gift cards†!
We love no annual fee cards that still give you a welcome bonus and, with the RBC Ion Visa, a decent earn rate of 1.5 Avion points on groceries, transportation (gas, rideshare, transit, EV charging), and streaming services and subscriptions.
You can save and earn more with Petro-Canada and Rexall, too. Be sure to get the Avion Rewards app and Chrome extension for when you're shopping online to rack up those points even faster.
You can redeem your points for travel or gift cards or merchandise through the Avion Rewards program, so it offers loads of flexibility, too.
This could also be the best RBC credit card for newcomers to Canada given the rewards and lack of annual fee.
Disclosures:
Refer to RBC page for up to date offer terms and conditions.
This post contains affiliate links. Please read disclaimer for more info.
Disclaimer: Money.ca may engage in affiliate marketing, which is done by embedding tracking links into Money.ca. If you click on a link for an affiliate partnership, a cookie will be placed on your browser to track any sales for purposes of commissions.
Card
Welcome Offer
Royal Bank of Canada, or RBC as it's commonly known, isn't just another face in the financial crowd. We're talking about Canada's largest bank by market capitalization and a global powerhouse that's been flexing its financial muscles since 1864. That's right, this institution is older than Canada itself – talk about being ahead of the curve! RBC currently serves more than 17 million clients worldwide with a wide selection of products, including mortgages, investments, deposit accounts and credit cards.
Keep an eye out for limited-time offers. RBC occasionally rolls out the red carpet with boosted sign-up bonuses or extra points on specific categories.
You 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:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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:
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.
Whether you're a points-chasing traveler, a cash-back connoisseur, or a savvy student, RBC's got a card with your name on it:
RBC offers a variety of reward styles to suit your specific needs, including airline miles, cash back and the bank's own Avion Rewards program:
RBC's cash back credit cards are like finding money in your coat pocket, but better – they reward you for spending you'd do anyway. Cash back with RBC credit cards is automatically credited to your account and is applied on your January statement.
RBC Avion is Canada's largest bank-owned rewards program. The easiest way to earn Avion Rewards points is by making purchases with your eligible RBC credit card, including the RBC Avion Visa Infinite, our top RBC credit card. Avion points are worth one cent each and never expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing.
Read more: Check out our comprehensive RBC Avion guide
WestJet Rewards is the frequent flyer program of leading Canadian airline, WestJet. WestJet Rewards is getting a makeover for 2025, with the following changes:
RBC issues two co-branded credit cards with WestJet:
RBC also issues the RBC British Airways Visa Infinite with British Airways. That card earns Avios points which apply towards flights with British Airways, Aer Lingus and Iberia Airlines. Avios have a value of 2 cents per points and never expire, with the average base fare for an economy British Airways flight from Toronto to London usually requiring between 26,000 and 40,000 Avios.
As part of a recent Money.ca consumer survey, we asked a group of 2,000 Canadians which credit card they use. Here’s what the data reveals:
Just how satisfied are RBC customers? Here's how RBC ranks in the J.D. Power 2024 Canada Credit Card Satisfaction Study:
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
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.
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.
Tyler Wade has worked in personal finance for over 5 years writing for brands like Ratehub, Forbes, KOHO, and now Money.ca.
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