The Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) offers the Avion Rewards Program that lets you earn and save money effortlessly.
With this program, you can earn Avion points, previously known as RBC rewards, by simply using an Avion Rewards credit card or an eligible bank account. You can then redeem your Avion points for various purposes, including travel, bill payments, reducing your credit card balance, and more.
This article covers everything you need to know about earning and redeeming Avion points. Learn the benefits, downsides, and redemption process of this RBC rewards program to maximize its value for your financial goals.
Key Takeaways
- You can earn Avion points through your everyday purchases, welcome bonuses and by accessing special offers that let you earn extra rewards.
- Redeeming Avion points can be done on the Avion Rewards website or application.
- The RBC Avion points conversion rate varies depending on how you redeem your rewards, with travel offering the most favourable rate of up to 2.33 cents per point.
What Are Avion Points?
Avion points are the rewards currency of RBC bank’s Avion Rewards program. You can accumulate these points for every eligible financial transaction you make and redeem them for the rewards you prefer.
Avion points do not expire, but they will be forfeited 12 months after you voluntarily close your account, or RBC closes your account for you.
How to Earn Avion Points
Earning Avion points is pretty easy. First, simply apply for an eligible Avion Rewards Credit Card or enroll in an eligible bank account in RBC’s Value Program. Then, once you’re approved, use your credit card or account to earn points through the methods below.
Everyday Purchases
The primary way to earn Avion points is by using your credit card for eligible purchases. The number of points you earn for every dollar you spend on eligible purchases will depend on the Avion credit card you hold.
Welcome Bonus Points
You’ll get the chance to earn bonus Avion Points when you get approved for an eligible Avion rewards credit card.
Depending on the specific card you choose, you may either be required to meet a minimum spending requirement to unlock these points or enjoy the rewards as soon as your application is successfully processed.
Access to Special Offers
In RBC’s online banking, you’ll find an “Offers for You” dashboard where you can browse and load offers that let you earn extra Avion Points.
Linking RBC and Petro-Canada
You can also link your RBC credit card to a Petro-Points card and earn 20% more Avion points when you’re at Petro-Canada’s pumps.
Avion Points Redemption Chart
If you’re fond of travelling, this Avion Points redemption chart will be very handy for understanding how you can optimize your rewards for travel.
| Flight Destination | RBC Rewards Points Needed | Max Ticket Price You Can Cover |
| Within or to an adjacent Canadian province/territory or U.S. state | 15,000 | $350 |
| Anywhere in North America except Alaska and Hawaii | 35,000 | $750 |
| From Western Canada/U.S. to Hawaii, Alaska, or Mexico From Eastern Canada to Central America, Bermuda, or the Caribbean | 45,000 | $900 |
| From Eastern Canada/U.S. to Hawaii, Mexico, Alaska From Western Canada to Central America, Bermuda Caribbean | 55,000 | $1,100 |
| From a Major gateway in Canada or the U.S. to destinations in Europe | 65,000 | $1,300 |
| From a Major gateway in Canada or the U.S./ to destinations in Australia, Asia, the South Pacific, New Zealand, the Middle East, South America, Africa | 100,000 | $2,000 |
Although Avion rewards get their most value when redeemed for travel, especially the flight destinations above, you can also use your points to pay your:
- Credit card balance
- Eligible purchases
- Household bills
- Loan balance
Moreover, you can redeem your RBC rewards to send Interac e-transfers, contribute to investments, receive gift cards and donate to charity.
How to Redeem Avion Points
Redeeming Avion points is pretty easy. All you need to do is log in through the Avion Rewards website or mobile application, and you’ll be able to redeem your rewards by following the redemption instructions on either platform.
How to Redeem Avion Points for Travel
To redeem your RBC rewards for travel, simply sign in using the Avion Rewards website or application and click the “Book Travel” icon. After doing so, you’ll be taken to a portal to book flights, hotel stays, car rentals, vacation packages, and other travel-related purchases.
Benefits of the Avion Rewards Program
These are some of the main benefits of the Avion Rewards program:
- You can redeem your rewards in multiple ways, including converting your RBC rewards points to cash.
- There are no blackouts or seat restrictions when you book through RBC Avion Travel.
- An Avion point can have over 2 cents of value, which is relatively high compared to many other rewards programs’ currency.
Downsides to the Avion Rewards Program
These are the potential downsides you should look out for when joining the Avion Rewards program:
- The RBC Avion points conversion can be confusing as the points’ value differs depending on how you redeem your rewards.
- Avion credit cards often have higher minimum income requirements than other RBC credit cards do.
How to Sign Up for Avion Rewards
There are two ways to sign up for Avion Rewards:
- Get approved for an Avion Rewards credit card.
- Enroll an eligible RBC bank account in the Value Program.
Each method has specific eligibility requirements that vary depending on your chosen Avion credit card or bank account. So, simply adhere to the signup process of your chosen card or bank account to join the Avion Rewards program.
Avion Rewards App
The Avion Rewards app, available on both iOS and Android devices, is specifically designed to help you manage your rewards activity anytime and anywhere. With this application, you can load offers, redeem your points, and enjoy cash back deals provided by Avion Rewards.
RBC Avion Credit Cards
If you want to join the Avion Rewards program by getting an eligible credit card, these are the RBC Avion credit cards you can apply for.
RBC ION Visa Card
The RBC ION Visa Card is a no-fee credit card that lets you earn 1.5X Avion points for every eligible dollar you spend on groceries, rides and gas, and eligible digital purchases and subscriptions.
Your eligible card purchases will be protected by both purchase security and extended warranty insurance.
RBC ION Visa
Entry-level RBC rewards credit card
Annual fee: $0
Welcome offer: Get 3,500 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
RBC ION+ Visa Card
For a $48 annual fee, this RBC credit card lets you earn 3X Avion points for every eligible dollar you spend on select spending categories. You can earn the maximum points when you spend on grocery and dining, rides, gas and EV charging, and digital subscriptions.
For all other eligible purchases, though, you can only earn 1 Avion point for every dollar you spend.
Products bought using this card will be protected by purchase security and extended warranty insurance. Plus, your mobile device will get 2 years of insurance coverage against loss, damage, or theft of up to $1,000.
RBC ION+ Visa
Entry-level RBC credit card
Annual fee: $48
Welcome offer: Get 3,500 bonus Avion points following approval, and earn 3,500 bonus points when you spend $500 in the first 3 months.
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
RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card
The RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card has an annual fee of $120 and allows you to earn 1 Avion point for every dollar you spend. You won’t be limited to only earning rewards through a handful of spending categories, letting you maximize your Avion points.
With this card, your eligible purchases will be protected, and you’ll enjoy mobile device insurance of up to $1,500. Moreover, you’ll be financially shielded from trip interruptions, trip cancellations, and emergency medical when you fund your travel with this credit card.
RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card
Competitive RBC rewards credit card
Annual fee: $120
Rewards: Earn 1 Avion point for every dollar you spend, plus 25% more points on travel-related purchases.
Interest rates: 20.99% 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
RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege Card
For an annual fee of $399, the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege Card lets you earn 1.25 Avion points for every dollar you spend.
This card provides you with all the insurance perks provided by the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card. But it also lets you access exclusive lounges, fast track lanes, and dedicated parking spaces at select Canadian airports.
RBC Avion Visa Platinum Card
This Avion Visa card has an annual fee of $120 and lets you earn 1 Avion point for every dollar you spend. It’s very similar to the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card that has the same earn rate and insurance coverage packages.
However, the advantage of the RBC Avion Visa Platinum Card is that it doesn’t come with a $60,000 minimum income requirement like the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card.
Is the Avion Rewards Program Worth It?
Whether the Avion Rewards Program is worth trying highly depends on your specific financial situation and preferences. For many travellers, this card is ideal as its points have the most value when redeemed for travel-related purchases.
However, for those looking to minimize their credit card interest rates or who prioritize a different rewards program, the Avion Rewards program may not be the best option.
Always consider the pros and cons of the credit card or bank account you want to apply for to join the Avion Rewards Program before deciding whether a financial service actually suits your needs.
FAQs
The cash value of 100,000 Avion points varies depending on your redemption method. If you’re redeeming your rewards for travel, 100,000 points will cost $1,000 to more than $2,000. But if you’re redeeming your points through other means, like gift cards, for example, you may receive less than $700.
To convert RBC Avion points, simply log in to the Avion Rewards website or app. Then, follow the platform’s instructions to redeem your points as you prefer.
To book a flight that’s completely paid for by your Avion points, you should have at least 15,000 points. With this amount of rewards, you can cover the cost of a flight within or to an adjacent Canadian province/territory or U.S. state for up to $350.
Yes, you may transfer Avion points to Avios as often as you want. The usual conversion ratio between these rewards programs is 1:1, but if you convert at least 10,000 RBC rewards points, you can receive 30% more Avios points.
Related:
