RBC

The RBC Avion Visa Infinite delivers unmatched flexibility in travel rewards, allowing cardholders to book any airline, any flight, anytime without blackout dates or carrier restrictions, while earning up to 1.25 Avion points per dollar spent on travel purchases. With a substantial welcome bonus of 35,000 points worth up to $750 in travel value and a reasonable $120 annual fee, this card provides exceptional freedom for travelers who refuse to be locked into specific airline loyalty programs or limited by availability constraints.

What sets the RBC Avion Visa Infinite apart in Canada’s competitive travel card market is its revolutionary approach to flight redemptions, using a distance-based chart that often provides better value than revenue-based programs, especially for expensive last-minute bookings or peak season travel. Combined with comprehensive travel insurance, the ability to transfer points to airline partners including British Airways and American Airlines, and the option to use points for hotels, car rentals, and merchandise, this card offers versatility that appeals to both casual vacationers and frequent business travelers seeking maximum booking flexibility.

The RBC ION Visa offers a modern approach to credit card rewards with 1.5 Avion points per dollar spent on digital purchases (streaming, gaming, rideshare, food delivery), groceries, and transportation, plus 1 point per dollar on all other spending, with no annual fee. The card includes a welcome bonus of 7,000 Avion points upon approval (worth approximately $40-50) and practical benefits like a three-month complimentary DashPass subscription, 3¢ per liter fuel savings at Petro-Canada, and enhanced Be Well points earning at Rexall.

This card excels for digitally-engaged consumers whose spending heavily features streaming services, food delivery apps, rideshare usage, and online subscriptions that traditional cards often don’t reward specifically. However, the value proposition depends entirely on spending alignment with these enhanced categories, and the Avion points program requires more active management than simple cash back alternatives. While perfect for tech-savvy consumers comfortable with optimizing point redemptions, those with minimal digital service spending or preferring straightforward cash back rewards will likely find better value with traditional no-fee cards focused on conventional spending categories.

The RBC ION+ Visa represents a modern approach to rewards credit cards, offering 3x Avion points on contemporary spending categories including streaming services, online gaming, digital subscriptions, food delivery, rideshares, groceries, and transit, all for a modest $48 annual fee. With a welcome bonus of 14,000 Avion points, mobile device insurance up to $1,000, and practical perks like DashPass membership and Petro-Canada fuel savings, this card targets digitally-savvy Canadians whose spending patterns have shifted toward subscription services and app-based purchases.

While Avion points typically offer lower redemption values compared to premium rewards programs, requiring 172 points per dollar for most redemptions, the RBC ION+ Visa compensates through its broad 3x earning categories that capture modern spending habits often overlooked by traditional cards. The ability to waive the annual fee with eligible RBC banking packages and the absence of income requirements make this an accessible option for young professionals and students who spend heavily on digital services, food delivery, and urban transportation rather than traditional travel and entertainment.

The RBC Cash Back Mastercard offers a straightforward approach to cash back rewards with no annual fee, providing 2% cash back on the first $6,000 of annual grocery purchases and 1% on everything else. With no minimum income requirements, free additional cards for family members, and practical perks like Petro-Canada fuel savings and DoorDash delivery benefits, this card delivers accessible value for Canadian households seeking simple rewards without complicated tier structures or fees.

While the RBC Cash Back Mastercard won’t impress with premium travel benefits or high earning rates across multiple categories, its combination of grocery-focused rewards, purchase protection, extended warranty coverage, and partnership discounts creates genuine value for budget-conscious families. The automatic cash back credit every December provides a welcome bonus during the expensive holiday season, making this card particularly appealing for those who prefer predictable rewards over complex point systems or travel programs