Newcomers to Canada can qualify for a credit card with no credit history when they apply under the RBC Newcomer Advantage program.
This program makes it easy for new immigrants to access banking products, such as chequing, savings, credit cards, and mortgages while saving on fees in their first year.
The Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) is one of several big banks with newcomer offers. Read on to learn about the best RBC newcomer credit cards for 2023.
RBC Newcomer Credit Cards
You can choose from various credit cards when applying, from those that offer cash back on purchases to those with travel insurance and perks.
Popular RBC credit cards include:
- RBC Cash Back Mastercard
- RBC ION Visa
- RBC Avion Visa Infinite
- RBC ION+ Visa
- WestJet RBC Mastercard
- WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard
You can apply for other RBC credit cards as well, depending on your needs.
Through its newcomer program, you get up to a $15,000 credit card limit.
RBC Cash Back Mastercard
Best for: First credit card to earn cash back on all purchases. No annual fee.
RBC Cash Back Mastercard
Entry-level RBC cash back card
Annual fee: $0
Rewards: Earn up to 2% cash back on high-spend categories.
Interest rates: 19.99% on purchases and 22.99% on cash advances.
Minimum income requirement: $0
Recommended credit score:
Good
On RBC’s website
In addition to the regular benefits offered by RBC credit card, you get access to additional perks, such as:
Fuel savings at Petro-Canada: Link your credit card to your Petro-Points Card to save 3 cents per litre when you purchase fuel at Petro-Canada.
Earn more Be Well points at Rexall: Link your credit card to your Be Well card and get 50 Be Well points for every $1 spent on eligible purchases at Rexall pharmacies.
Here are more details for the RBC Cash Back Mastercard, or you can apply here.
RBC ION Visa
Best for: No annual fee credit card for everyday purchases and Avion points.
RBC ION Visa
Entry-level RBC rewards credit card
Annual fee: $0
Welcome offer: Get 6,000 bonus Avion points following approval.
Rewards: Earn 1.5x Avion points per $1 spent on groceries, rides, gas, streaming, subscriptions, digital gaming, and EV charging; 1 Avion point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
Interest rates: 19.99% on purchases and 22.99% on cash advances.
Minimum income requirement: None
Recommended credit score:
Good or better
On RBC’s website
Read our detailed RBC ION Visa review for more information, or apply here.
RBC Avion Visa Infinite
Best for: Premium credit card for travel rewards and perks.
RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card
Competitive RBC rewards credit card
Annual fee: $120
Rewards: Earn 25% extra points on travel-related purchases.
Interest rates: 19.99% on purchases and 22.99% on cash advances.
Minimum income requirement: A minimum annual personal income of $60,000 or household income of $100,000.
Recommended credit score:
Good or better
On RBC’s website
While the RBC Avion Visa Infinite will cost you $120 annually, it offers a solid welcome bonus and comes with several useful perks, including:
- Comprehensive travel insurance coverage.
- Mobile device insurance.
- Savings at Hertz car rental locations.
- Visa Infinite benefits and more.
RBC ION+ Visa
Best for: Low-fee credit card for earning RBC rewards.
RBC ION+ Visa
Entry-level RBC credit card
Annual fee: $48
Welcome offer: Get 12,000 bonus Avion points following approval.
Rewards: Earn 3x Avion points per $1 spent on groceries, rides, gas, streaming, subscriptions, digital gaming, and EV charging; 1 Avion point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
Interest rates: 19.99% on purchases and 22.99% on cash advances.
Minimum income requirement: None
Recommended credit score:
Good or better
On RBC’s website
Read our detailed RBC ION+ Visa review or apply here to earn 12,000 Avion bonus points.
WestJet RBC Mastercard
Best for: Low-fee credit card to earn WestJet dollars and an annual round-trip companion voucher.
WestJet RBC Mastercard
RBC credit card for earning WestJet dollars
Annual fee: $39
Rewards: Earn up to 1.5% back in WestJet dollars on eligible travel purchases.
Welcome offer: Get up to 100 bonus WestJet dollars with $1,000 spend in the first 3 months.
Interest rates: 19.99% on purchases and 22.99% on cash advances.
Minimum income requirement: None.
Recommended credit score:
Good or better
On WestJet RBC’s website
Here’s a detailed RBC WestJet Mastercard breakdown. This card also offers savings at Petro-Canada, Rexall, and DoorDash.
WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard
Best for: Earning WestJet dollars, airport lounge access, and travel insurance.
WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard
Premium credit card for earning WestJet dollars
Annual fee: $39
Rewards: Earn up to 2% back in WestJet dollars on eligible travel purchases.
Welcome offer: Get up to 450 bonus WestJet dollars in the first 3 months.
Interest rates: 19.99% on purchases and 22.99% on cash advances.
Minimum income requirement: $80,000 for personal income and $150,000 for household income.
Recommended credit score:
Good or better
On WestJet RBC’s website
The WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard is a premium credit card that makes sense if you travel frequently.
It comes with comprehensive travel insurance coverage and offers access to the Mastercard Travel Pass Program provided by DragonPass (access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide).
Types of RBC Credit Cards in Canada
RBC offers credit cards in the following categories:
- Travel credit cards
- Rewards credit cards
- No Annual Fee Credit Cards
- Low interest credit cards
- Student credit cards
- Business credit cards
- US dollar credit cards
Here’s a breakdown of credit card types in Canada and how they work.
Pros and Cons of RBC Newcomer Credit Cards
Canadian credit history is not required, which makes it easy to qualify for a card and start improving your credit score.
RBC has many credit card types to choose from to suit your needs. All of them offer savings at Petro-Canada and rewards points at Rexall.
In addition to applying for a credit card, RBC offers newcomers a free chequing account with unlimited transactions for 12 months.
Lastly, if your card offers Avion points, you can easily redeem them for travel, gift cards, merchandise, credit card payments, and more.
Related: Best Newcomer Credit Cards.
Downsides
The no-annual-fee RBC credit cards are limited in the insurance coverage they provide. For premium cards, annual fees apply.
How to Apply for an RBC Newcomer Credit Card
RBC newcomer credit card account offers are provided to permanent residents who arrived in Canada within the last 12 months and temporary workers who arrived within the last 48 months.
You can start the application process online or visit an RBC bank branch.
Bring along documents to verify and residency status in Canada, such as:
- Permanent Resident Card or landing paper
- Study permit
- Work permit
Frequently Asked Questions
The RBC Cash Back Mastercard and RBC ION Visa are the best entry-level credit cards offered by RBC.
Yes, new immigrants can apply for a regular credit card without a credit history at some banks. Sometimes, you may need to apply for a secured credit card after providing a security deposit.
RBC’s entry-level credit cards do not have a minimum income threshold. If you apply for a premium credit card like the RBC Cash Back Preferred World Elite Mastercard, a minimum personal income of $80,000 is required.
Newcomers can get up to a $15,000 credit limit when they are approved for an RBC credit card.
You can build your credit score by paying off your credit card balances on time, using no more than 30% of your total credit limit, and using credit wisely. Here are eight credit-building strategies.
Related: Best First Credit Cards in Canada.
