Avion Rewards Pay is a brand-new feature developed by RBC Bank and the Avion Rewards program. Still in its testing phase, the new feature is available for members who wish to try it out in advance by downloading the RBC Launch app.
The digital card is accessible via the Apple Pay mobile wallet, only available on iOS for now. It allows you to use Avion points as a payment method for in-store or online purchases, wherever Visa is accepted (except for pre-authorized holds).
First, you need to download the RBC Launch app, available in the App Store (not available on Android). Log in with your usual RBC Bank credentials.
Next, tap on the New Avion Rewards Payment Card banner. Follow the on-screen instructions to request the card and add it to your Apple Pay virtual wallet.
Since the feature is still in development, the RBC Launch app is only available on iOS and the payment card only on Apple Pay.
The Avion Rewards payment card works like any virtual Visa card. You can use it in-store, with your virtual wallet via contactless payment. Additionally, you can use it online as a payment method since a digital card number is provided.
However, pre-authorized deposits such as at gas stations, hotels, or car rentals, for example, are not eligible. Purchases must be made in Canadian dollars in Canada or online on sites ending in .ca with billing in Canadian dollars.
It is not necessary to load points onto the card. Points will be drawn directly from your Avion Rewards account during the transaction.
The base exchange rate is 1,000 Avion points = $5.80, which values 0.58 cents per point. This is well below Milesopedia’s valuation of 1.50 cents per Avion point. Therefore, we do not recommend using Avion points with the Avion Rewards payment card.
However, for holders of an Avion Visa Infinite Privilege RBC card or RBC Private Banking clients, the rate is much better: 1,000 Avion points = $10.
Finally, RBC mentions that the exchange rate can change at any time and it is best to check the app before making a transaction.
In our opinion, Avion Rewards Pay with Points at a rate of 0.58 cents per point is not a good use of your Avion points. To get much greater value, consider:
Avion Rewards Pay with Points is a new feature that allows you to use your Avion points for everyday purchases, in-store or online. However, it is still in the testing phase and only accessible on iOS.
The exchange rate is 1,000 Avion points = $5.80. Although Milesopedia does not recommend this use of Avion points (except for holders of a RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege Card ), it is an additional option for members seeking flexibility.
Savings are here:
