Question 1

What is the difference between the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card and the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege Card?

Accepted Answer

Both cards share the same fixed redemption schedule and transfer partners. However, the Privilege version adds 6 annual DragonPass airport lounge visits, an enhanced earn rate of 1.25 points per dollar on all purchases, and a generally higher welcome bonus. In return, its annual fees are higher.

Question 2

What is the annual fee for the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card?

Accepted Answer

The annual fee is $120 for the primary cardholder, plus $50 per additional card. For the Privilege version, the fee increases to $399 per year. To find out the up-to-date conditions and the current welcome bonus, consult the card's full profile.

Question 3

What income criteria does RBC require for this card?

Accepted Answer

For the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card, RBC requires a minimum annual personal income of $60,000 or a household income of at least $100,000. For the Privilege version, the threshold rises to $200,000, whether for personal or household income. Additionally, a good credit score remains essential for approval.

Question 4

How does the Avion Rewards fixed redemption schedule work?

Accepted Answer

The fixed schedule determines in advance the number of points required to book a flight, depending on the destination and type of flight (short, medium, or long-haul). The price in points remains the same year-round, regardless of fluctuations in the cash fare. This is often the most cost-effective way to use your points, with a value of up to 2¢ per point.

Question 5

Who are the Avion program's transfer partners?

Accepted Answer

You can transfer your Avion points to four airline programs: American Airlines AAdvantage, British Airways Executive Club (and Qatar Airways Privilege Club), Cathay Pacific Asia Miles, and WestJet Rewards. The standard ratio is 1:1. Furthermore, enhanced conversion promotions return regularly, for example +30% to British Airways Executive Club, which significantly boosts the value of transferred points.

Question 6

Is Aeroplan an RBC Avion transfer partner?

Accepted Answer

No, Aeroplan is not one of the RBC Avion Rewards transfer partners. The airline programs available for conversion are British Airways Executive Club (Avios), Cathay Asia Miles, American Airlines AAdvantage, and WestJet Rewards. If you want to earn Aeroplan points, you will need to look at another credit card.

Question 7

Do Avion points expire?

Accepted Answer

No. As long as your credit card account remains open and in good standing, RBC Avion Rewards points do not expire. However, if you close your account, the points are quickly cancelled. It is therefore better to use them before any closure.

Question 8

Does the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card provide access to airport lounges?

Accepted Answer

No, this card does not include any lounge access. If lounge access is important to you, consider the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege Card instead, which includes a DragonPass membership with 6 free annual visits.

Question 9

Are there foreign transaction fees on purchases in foreign currencies?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Like most Canadian credit cards, the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card charges a 2.5% foreign transaction fee on purchases in foreign currencies. If you travel often, add a no-foreign-transaction-fee card to your wallet for spending abroad.

Question 10

What should I do if no seats are available via the fixed redemption schedule?

Accepted Answer

You have two options. First, you can book the ticket anyway via the fixed redemption schedule and pay the difference with your card or with additional points at the flexible rate (100 points = $1). Second, you can directly use the flexible redemption schedule for the entire ticket. The fixed redemption schedule almost always remains more advantageous, even with a supplement to pay.

Question 11

What are the best uses for Avion points?

Accepted Answer

The best uses are the fixed redemption schedule for tickets whose price approaches the category cap, and transfers to airline partners during enhanced conversion promotions (e.g., +30% to British Airways Executive Club). To avoid: paying for everyday purchases with points at a rate of 0.58¢ per point. This remains the least profitable use.

Question 12

How do I get the full welcome bonus?

Accepted Answer

You receive 35,000 points upon approval, then an additional 20,000 points when you reach $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months. Finally, the remaining 15,000 points (or 45,000 for the Privilege version) arrive on the account anniversary, after the first annual renewal. To maximize the bonus, plan your spending to cross the $5,000 threshold within the timeframe.