🎁✈️ Enjoy 35,000 Avion points upon approval (travel value of up to $750)

If you’re a Canadian traveler, you’ve likely heard about the RBC Avion Visa Infinite card. This card is often hailed as one of the top options for those who frequent the skies. Explore its features, benefits, costs, pros, and cons to determine if it truly deserves the title of Canada’s best travel card.

Overview of the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card

The RBC Avion Visa Infinite card is designed specifically for travelers. It offers flexible rewards through the RBC Avion rewards program, making it a go-to choice for those seeking versatile travel redemption options, especially for flights. This premium Visa Infinite card carries exclusive perks tailored for a luxurious lifestyle and travel experience.

Main Features of the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card

The features of the RBC Avion Visa Infinite card are impressive and cater to the needs of frequent travelers. Let’s break down what makes this card stand out:

Avion Rewards Program

One of the most attractive aspects of the RBC Avion Visa Infinite card is its rewards program. Cardholders earn one Avion point for every dollar spent on purchases, with no cap on how many points can be accumulated. This means whether you’re buying groceries, traveling, or enjoying entertainment, you can consistently earn points.

Travel Redemption Options

The Avion card shines when it comes to travel redemption. With fixed point redemption, you can use a set number of points based on your destination rather than the actual cost of the flight. This feature gives you more control over your point usage and can offer great value, particularly during peak travel periods.

No Blackout Dates

Another significant benefit is the absence of blackout dates. You won’t have to worry about scheduling conflicts or limited availability when redeeming your points, making travel planning more straightforward.

Transferability of Points

RBC allows you to transfer Avion points to other loyalty programs, including British Airways Avios, American Airlines AAdvantage, and WestJet Rewards. This flexibility is ideal for travelers who are already enrolled in these programs or have specific airlines in mind for their travels.

Welcome Bonus

New cardholders typically receive a welcome bonus of 15,000 points after meeting a minimum spending threshold within the first three months. Depending on your travel needs, this bonus could equate to over $300 in flight value, giving you a fantastic head start on accumulating rewards.

Petro Canada Partnership

Another unique feature is the partnership with Petro Canada. By linking your RBC Avion Visa Infinite card to your Petro points account, you can save three cents per liter on fuel purchases at Petro Canada locations across Canada. You’ll also earn 20% more RBC reward points on these purchases, which is beneficial for regular drivers.

Purchase Protection and Extended Warranty

This card offers purchase protection and extended warranty coverage, ensuring eligible purchases made with the card are protected against theft or damage for up to 90 days. Additionally, you can receive an extra year added to the manufacturer’s warranty on most items. These features can save you money in case something goes wrong with a big-ticket item.

Pricing Structure

The RBC Avion Visa Infinite card comes with an annual fee of $120. If you choose to add an authorized user, there’s an additional fee of $50. While this isn’t the cheapest option on the market, it aligns with the standard range for premium travel cards. Interest rates are set at 20.99% for purchases and 22.99% for cash advances, so it’s advisable to pay off your balance monthly to avoid high interest charges.

Pros and Cons of the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card

Like any financial product, the RBC Avion Visa Infinite card has its strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a breakdown:

Pros

• Flexible Point Redemption: Book with nearly any airline, with no blackout dates.
• Good Welcome Bonus: The introductory points can significantly jumpstart your travel plans.
• Comprehensive Travel Insurance: Includes emergency medical insurance, trip cancellation, trip interruption, flight delay, and baggage loss coverage.
• Petro Canada Partner Savings: Earn extra rewards and save on fuel purchases.
• Visa Infinite Benefits: Access to concierge services and perks at luxury hotels.

Cons

• Annual Fee: At $120 per year, it may not be the best option for those seeking to minimize costs.
• Low Base Earn Rates: Earning one point per dollar may be lower compared to other travel cards that offer higher earn rates in specific categories.
• Limited Transfer Partners: Fewer transfer partners compared to other loyalty programs may restrict your redemption options.
• No Lounge Access: Unlike some premium cards, this one does not offer complimentary airport lounge access.

Who is the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card Good For?

The RBC Avion Visa Infinite card is particularly beneficial for:

• Frequent travelers who prioritize flexible travel redemption options.
• Individuals who value comprehensive travel insurance.
• RBC clients who prefer earning Avion points over other loyalty programs.