Overview
RBC Avion Rewards is the loyalty program of the Royal Bank of Canada. Formerly known as RBC Rewards until August 2022, it allows you to earn Avion points on everyday purchases and use them for travel, gift cards, or transfers to other airline loyalty programs.
You can join the program for free, or earn points faster with an RBC credit card. Your card is what sets your level: Avion Elite cards can transfer points to airline partners, while Avion Select cards redeem travel at 172 points per dollar. Here’s how the program works, how to maximize your points, and which Avion card suits your profile. To check your balance right now, go straight to the Avion Rewards login section.
Avion Rewards Login: How to Access Your Account
Avion Rewards login. To check your Avion points balance, sign in at avionrewards.com. If you are already an RBC client, you can also reach your Avion Rewards account directly from RBC Online Banking, without a separate password. If you have an RBC credit card but have never activated your Avion Rewards membership, enrol first at avionrewards.com, then your points balance appears within a few days.
Avion Rewards Membership Levels: Elite and Select
Avion Rewards is split into two card families, and the card in your wallet is what decides your membership level.
Avion Elite cards can transfer Avion points to airline partners: The British Airways Club, Cathay Pacific Asia Miles, American Airlines AAdvantage and WestJet Rewards. Transfers are reserved for Avion Elite cards, so this is the level to aim for if award flights are your goal.
Avion Select cards cannot transfer points to airline partners. Their travel redemption rate is also lower, at 172 Avion points per dollar instead of 100 points per dollar on an Avion Elite card. Select cards still earn Avion points on every purchase and still give you the Avion Rewards store, the app and the partner offers.
You do not pick your level separately: it comes with the card you hold. For the full breakdown of each level, read our guide on Avion Rewards membership levels.
RBC Avion Rewards: Program Overview
RBC Avion Rewards comes in two families, which offer different point redemption options:
- Avion Elite: Points can be transferred to airline partners (British Airways, Asia Miles, AAdvantage, WestJet) and used with the fixed-rate flight redemption schedule, up to 2¢ per point.
- Avion Select: Points cannot be transferred to other programs. The exchange rate for travel is lower (172 points = $1 compared to 100 points = $1 for Avion Elite).
If you’re earning Avion points with the goal of traveling, aim for an Avion Elite card.
How to Join RBC Avion Rewards
Joining Avion Rewards is free. There are two possible paths:
- Free Membership: Without any RBC credit card, you can create an account on the Avion Rewards website to take advantage of the store, purchases with points, and the AchatsExtra extension.
- Membership with an RBC credit card: This gives you access to point multipliers on your everyday spending and a substantial welcome bonus, which can reach up to 100,000 Avion points depending on the card.
To enroll in the program, visit avionrewards.com. If you are already an RBC client, you can activate your account directly via Online Banking.
Earning RBC Avion Points
Several ways exist to earn Avion points. You can combine them to boost your balance without changing your shopping habits.
With an RBC Avion Credit Card
This is the fastest method. Depending on the card, you earn 1 to 1.25 Avion points per dollar spent on all your purchases, in addition to a substantial welcome bonus.
| RBC Avion Card | Purchase Multiplier | Current Welcome Bonus | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card | 1 pt/$ (1.25 pt/$ travel) | Up to 70,000 pts | $120 |
| RBC Avion Visa Platinum | 1 pt/$ | Up to 55,000 pts | $120 |
| RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege Card | 1.25 pt/$ | Up to 100,000 pts | $399 |
| RBC Avion Visa Infinite Business | 1.25 pt/$ | 35,000 pts | $175 |
To compare current offers, consult our page on RBC Avion card offers.
No Fee with RBC Partners
By linking your RBC credit card to several partner programs, you earn additional points on everyday spending. Here are the available links:
- Petro-Canada: Save 3¢ per litre of fuel and get 20% more Petro-Points, plus 1.2 Avion points per dollar at the pump.
- Rexall Be Well: 50 Be Well points per dollar on eligible product purchases. The redemption ratio is 25,000 Be Well points = $10.
- Triangle (Canadian Tire): 3x Canadian Tire Money on your eligible purchases at Canadian Tire, Sport Chek, Mark’s, and other participating establishments.
- Moi Rewards: 1 additional Moi point per $2 spent at Metro, Food Basics, Super C, Jean Coutu, Brunet, and Première Moisson.
- More Rewards: 2x More Rewards points at Save-On-Foods, Quality Foods, Buy-Low Foods, PriceSmart Foods, Nesters Market, and Urban Fare.
- DoorDash: 12 months of free DashPass subscription (up to $120 value) by linking your eligible RBC credit card to your DoorDash account.
On the RBC Avion Rewards Website and App
The avionrewards.com website and mobile app (iOS and Android) feature over 2,000 partner brands. You’ll find reduced prices and earn points on brands you already frequent.
The app also gives you access to cash back and personalized offers. Download it from the App Store or Google Play.
With the AchatsExtra Extension
AchatsExtra is the Avion Rewards browser extension. It installs for free on Chrome (desktop) and iOS. It automatically compares prices and applies available discounts while you shop online.
You also earn points on your eligible online purchases, without changing your routine. It’s free and works with hundreds of Canadian merchants.
Using Your RBC Avion Points
Here are the main ways to use your Avion points, ranked from most to least advantageous.
Fixed-Rate Redemption Schedule (Most Rewarding)
This is where you get the most out of your Avion points. RBC offers a six-tier schedule based on the flight destination:
| Type of flight | Points required | Maximum ticket price excluding taxes |
|---|---|---|
| Short Getaways: Within a province, territory, or U.S. state, or to a contiguous province, territory, or U.S. state | 15 000 | $350 |
| Discover North America: Any flight within Canada or the United States, excluding Hawaii or Alaska | 35 000 | $750 |
| Vacation Destinations: Western Canada or the U.S. to Mexico, Hawaii, or Alaska, or Eastern Canada to Bermuda, Central America, or the West Indies | 45 000 | $900 |
| Go on Vacation: Eastern Canada or the U.S. to Mexico, Hawaii, or Alaska, or Western Canada to Bermuda, Central America, or the West Indies | 55 000 | $1,100 |
| Visit Europe: Any flight from a major departure point in Canada or the United States to Europe | 65 000 | $1,300 |
| World Destination: Any flight to Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, or South America | 100 000 | $2,000 |
The trick: choose a flight whose fare approaches the maximum price (excluding taxes) for the tier. The more expensive the ticket (without exceeding the cap), the better the value of your points.
The flights are direct, operated by Air Canada Rouge but sold by United.
Looking at the fare details on ITA Matrix, we see that the ticket price excluding taxes is $370 + $345 = $715, which is below RBC’s $750 cap for tickets costing 35,000 points.
Flexible Redemption Schedule (Simplest)
The flexible schedule allows you to use your points on any travel purchase, without being tied to the fixed scale. The ratio depends on the type of card you hold.
For Avion Elite cards, 100 points = $1.
For Avion Select cards, 172 points = $1.
Use this flexible schedule when:
- You’re redeeming points for a hotel night, car rental, cruise, or vacation package.
- You’re booking a one-way flight, in business or first class.
- You’re booking travel less than 14 days in advance.
- The fare exceeds the fixed-rate cap for the targeted category.
- You’re paying taxes, fees, and surcharges (Avion Elite cards only).
Transfers to Other Programs
One of the great strengths of Avion Rewards is the ability to transfer your points to partner programs. This option is only available with Avion Elite cards.
| Frequent Flyer program | Conversion Rate |
|---|---|
| WestJet Rewards | 1,000 Avion points = 10 WestJet dollars |
| British Airways Club | 10,000 Avion points = 10,000 Avios |
| Cathay Pacific Asia Miles | 10,000 Avion points = 10,000 Asia Miles |
| American Airlines AAdvantage | 5,000 Avion points = 3,500 AAdvantage miles |
With British Airways Avios, you can also travel on Qatar Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, and all Oneworld partners. With Asia Miles, you also get access to Cathay Pacific and Oneworld partners.
Gift Cards and Shopping
You can use your Avion points to purchase gift cards, Apple products, Best Buy electronics, or items from the Avion Rewards online store.
Gift cards are not always the best option, but Avion Rewards regularly offers attractive promotions. A past promotion, found in the Milesopedia Facebook group, for example, allowed you to get a $250 hotels.com gift card for 18,750 Avion points (approximately 1.3¢ per point).
Pay Bills, Donations, and Investments
RBC also allows you to use your points for financial purposes:
- Pay a bill or an RBC credit card balance: Starting from 12,000 Avion points for a $100 credit.
- Contribute to an RBC RRSP or TFSA: Points are converted into dollars invested directly into your RBC investment account.
- Make a donation to a charity: Points are converted into a donation. Note that tax receipts may take 10 to 12 weeks to arrive.
These options are less rewarding than flights, but they exist if you don’t have short-term travel plans.
Our Review of the Avion Program
RBC Avion Rewards is one of the few Canadian programs to combine three levers at once: a fixed-rate redemption schedule with clear caps, transfers to airline partners, and an ecosystem of partners (Petro-Canada, Rexall, Triangle, Moi, More Rewards) that multiplies points on everyday spending.
- What we like: The 6-tier fixed-rate redemption schedule, which can reach 2¢ per point on North American and international flights when you choose your destination well.
- The power of transfers: Periodic +30% promotions to British Airways or Asia Miles transform Avion points into very advantageous premium travel currency.
- The ecosystem: Few Canadian programs have as many everyday partners. If you fill up at Petro-Canada and grocery shop at Metro, you’ll earn points without even thinking about it.
- The Elite/Select distinction can be confusing: Points earned on a Select card do not transfer, and their redemption value is significantly lower. Read carefully which type of card you hold before planning your strategy.
- No Star Alliance partner: Unlike Aeroplan, you cannot fly with Air Canada using your Avion points via a transfer. The RBC fixed schedule is your primary option for Air Canada.
In our opinion, this is an excellent program for North American travelers aiming for flights to the United States, Europe, or Asia, who appreciate a predictable pricing structure. If you are more loyal to Air Canada, Aeroplan remains more relevant.
Which RBC Avion Card to Choose
The choice depends on your spending profile, income, and how you plan to use your points. Here are the four Avion Elite cards to consider. For most Canadians, the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card is the entry point to Avion Elite, with a $120 annual fee.
RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card
This is the most popular card in the lineup. You earn 1 Avion point per dollar on all your purchases and 1.25 Avion points per dollar on eligible travel purchases.
RBC Avion Visa Platinum
The entry-level option for the Avion Elite program. You get 1 Avion point per dollar on all your purchases. It is accessible with a minimum income of $15,000. If you want access to transfers and the fixed schedule without the income requirement for the Visa Infinite, this is your best entry point.
RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege Card
RBC’s premium card. You get 1.25 Avion points per dollar on all your purchases, with no categories.
RBC Avion Visa Infinite Business
For small business owners and self-employed individuals. You earn 1.25 Avion points per net dollar spent up to $75,000 per year. The welcome bonus is 35,000 Avion points. It includes access to the Visa Airport Companion program, which provides access to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide.
Compare All RBC Avion Cards
Benefits Linked to Your RBC Card
In addition to earning Avion points, your RBC credit card gives you access to several exclusive benefits.
- Savings at Petro-Canada pumps: 3¢ immediate discount per litre, plus 20% Petro-Points and 1.2 Avion points per dollar.
- 5x more Be Well points at Rexall: 50 Be Well points per dollar on eligible product purchases.
- Free DoorDash DashPass for 12 months: Unlimited free deliveries on orders of $15 or more, up to $120 value.
- 2-for-1 ski tickets: On Fridays at participating resorts in Canada, during the winter season.
- Hertz: 20% off and 3x Avion points: On the base rental rate.
- Visa Infinite and Visa Infinite Privilege: Premium benefits (no-wait service for events, hotels, dining) and, for Privilege, 6 airport lounge passes per year.
To learn more about using points, consult our guide on how to use your RBC Avion points for travel rewards. You can also consult our selection of the best credit cards in Canada.
RBC Avion Rewards – Frequently Asked Questions
How do I log in to my Avion Rewards account?
Sign in at avionrewards.com to see your Avion points balance and browse redemptions. If you already bank with RBC, you can reach your Avion Rewards account from RBC Online Banking without a second login. If you hold an RBC credit card but have never enrolled, sign up at avionrewards.com first.
What is the value of an RBC Avion point?
The value depends on the usage. With the fixed-rate flight redemption schedule, an Avion point can reach 2¢. With the flexible schedule and an Avion Elite card, it’s 1¢ per point. With an Avion Select card, it’s approximately 0.58¢ per point. Our average estimate for Avion Elite is 1.5¢ per point.
Do RBC Avion points expire?
As long as your RBC credit card account remains open, your points do not expire. If you voluntarily close your account or if RBC closes it for a reason other than a justified one, points are cancelled 12 months after closure.
What is the difference between Avion Elite and Avion Select?
Avion Elite cards (Visa Infinite, Visa Platinum, Visa Infinite Privilege, Visa Infinite Business) allow you to transfer your points to British Airways, Asia Miles, AAdvantage, and WestJet, and offer a better redemption ratio (100 points = $1). Avion Select cards (ION, ION+, RBC Rewards Visa Preferred) do not allow transfers and have a ratio of 172 points = $1.
What are the Avion Rewards transfer partners?
Four airline partners: British Airways Executive Club (10,000 points = 10,000 Avios), Cathay Pacific Asia Miles (10,000 points = 10,000 Asia Miles), American Airlines AAdvantage (5,000 points = 3,500 miles), and WestJet Rewards (1,000 points = 10 WestJet dollars). Transfers are only available with Avion Elite cards.
How to maximize the value of my Avion points?
Three main levers: use the fixed-rate flight redemption schedule for flights whose fare approaches the tier’s cap, transfer your points to British Airways or Asia Miles during RBC’s +30% promotions, and combine multiple partners (Petro-Canada, Rexall, Triangle, Moi, More Rewards) to earn points without changing your habits.
Can you join Avion Rewards without an RBC credit card?
Yes. Membership is free. You can create an account on avionrewards.com without an RBC credit card to take advantage of the online store, purchases with points, and the AchatsExtra extension. However, earning is faster with an RBC credit card, which also provides access to welcome bonuses.
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Point values
| Redemption type | ¢ / point | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| otherdefault | 1.50 | medium |
