The RBC Avion Visa Platinum is a travel-focused credit card designed to offer flexibility, convenience, and an impressive array of benefits for frequent travelers. It’s part of the Royal Bank of Canada’s suite of premium travel cards, and although it carries an annual fee, the perks and rewards it offers are designed to outweigh the cost for users who regularly travel and want to earn points quickly.
This guide will walk you through all the important details of the RBC Avion Visa Platinum, including how it works, its benefits, and whether it’s the right choice for you.
Main information about the card
The RBC Avion Visa Platinum stands out primarily for its reward system, offering 1 Avion point per dollar spent on qualifying purchases. One of the biggest draws of this card is its flexibility when it comes to redeeming points. With no blackout dates, no seat restrictions, and the ability to choose any airline for your travel, this card offers travel rewards without the typical limitations you might face with other cards.
Upon approval, you can earn 35,000 Avion points, which hold a travel value of up to $750. There’s an additional 20,000 bonus points if you spend $5,000 in the first six months, providing an extra incentive to use the card for bigger purchases early on. The card has an annual fee of $120, with an additional $50 for supplementary cards. Its purchase interest rate is 20.99%, while the cash advance rate stands at 22.99%.
Qualification requirements
To qualify for the RBC Avion Visa Platinum, applicants must meet certain criteria. Generally, you’ll need a good to excellent credit score, usually around 670 or higher, to be considered for approval. RBC may also look at your income to ensure you can handle the credit limits provided by the card. The bank doesn’t specify a minimum income requirement, but having a stable income will likely strengthen your application.
Applicants must be Canadian residents and of the age of majority in their respective province or territory. The process to apply is simple and can be done online through RBC’s secure portal, where you can receive a decision within 60 seconds.
Benefits
The RBC Avion Visa Platinum comes packed with a wide range of benefits, starting with its impressive travel rewards system. Unlike many other cards, there are no blackout dates or restrictions on seat availability, meaning you can book flights on your own terms, regardless of peak travel times.
You can also redeem points for more than just flights. Avion points can be used for gift cards, merchandise, or even statement credits, giving cardholders the flexibility to choose how they want to spend their points.
For those who frequently fuel up at Petro-Canada, the RBC Avion Visa Platinum offers a chance to save 3¢ per liter on gas and earn 20% more Avion points and Petro-Points when using the card.
In addition to these rewards, the card offers comprehensive travel insurance. Cardholders are covered for trip cancellation and interruption, hotel burglary, and even travel accident insurance. These insurance policies add peace of mind, making your trips smoother and more secure.
Pros
The RBC Avion Visa Platinum card provides exceptional flexibility and valuable rewards, making it a solid option for frequent travelers. The extensive travel benefits and ease of point redemption make it a popular choice among those looking for a premium experience.
- Flexible travel rewards with no blackout periods.
- 35,000 welcome points, plus the potential for 20,000 bonus points.
- Points can be redeemed for flights, merchandise, gift cards, and more.
- Comprehensive travel insurance, including trip cancellation and hotel burglary.
- Savings on gas at Petro-Canada and bonus Avion points at partnered retailers.
- No seat restrictions for flight bookings.
Cons
While the RBC Avion Visa Platinum offers a wealth of benefits, it might not be ideal for everyone. The annual fee and interest rates can be considered downsides for those who don’t frequently travel or carry a balance on their card.
- $120 annual fee.
- 20.99% purchase interest rate and 22.99% cash advance rate.
- Points earning potential may not be competitive with other cards for everyday purchases.
- Supplemental cardholders incur an additional $50 annual fee.
- Lack of multipliers on specific spending categories like dining or groceries.
How to apply
Applying for the RBC Avion Visa Platinum is straightforward. You can apply online through RBC’s secure website, where you’ll be asked to provide personal details such as your income, employment information, and credit history. Once you’ve submitted your application, RBC typically responds within 60 seconds with a decision.
If approved, you’ll receive your card within 5-10 business days. RBC also offers the ability to link your card to a Petro-Canada account immediately, so you can start earning gas rewards right away. Alternatively, you can apply at an RBC branch, where a representative can walk you through the application process.
Is the card worth it after all?
The RBC Avion Visa Platinum card offers excellent value for frequent travelers. If you’re someone who takes multiple trips a year and values flexibility in how and when you can book your travel, this card is a great fit.
The extensive insurance coverage alone is a major selling point, as it provides valuable protection for those who are on the go frequently. The welcome bonus of 35,000 Avion points, which can be worth up to $750 in travel, helps to offset the $120 annual fee for the first year.
However, if you don’t travel often or prefer to use your credit card for non-travel-related rewards, this card may not be as appealing, given the lack of rewards in categories like dining, groceries, or gas (outside of Petro-Canada).
Conclusion
The RBC Avion Visa Platinum is a premium travel rewards card that offers exceptional value for those who prioritize flexible travel and frequent flyer points. Its extensive range of travel benefits, including no blackout dates and comprehensive insurance coverage, make it a competitive choice in the Canadian travel card market. However, the annual fee and higher interest rates may deter those who don’t travel as frequently or who tend to carry a balance month-to-month.
Overall, if you’re a traveler who values flexibility and enjoys collecting points for travel rewards, the RBC Avion Visa Platinum offers a wide range of benefits that can enhance your travel experience. But for someone seeking a more general-purpose rewards card, there are other options with lower fees and more robust everyday rewards programs.
