The best RBC credit cards in Canada for 2024
February 20, 2024
Explore the best variety of RBC credit cards, tailored to meet your unique needs. Compare, choose, and apply today for a card that matches your purchasing habits.
Compare Canada’s best RBC credit cards
Best RBC credit card by category
Best overall RBC credit card and best travel RBC credit card
based on spending $2,200/mo after $120 annual fee
- Earn rewards
1pt – 1.25pts / dollar earn rate
- Welcome bonus
55,000 bonus points (a $1,100 value)
- Annual fee
$120
Perks
Get 35,000 Welcome Points on approval and 20,000 bonus points when you spend $5,000 in your first 6 months*. Apply by April 30, 2024. Apply online and get a response in as little as 60 seconds.
- Earn 1 Avion point for every dollar you spend* and an extra 25% on eligible travel purchases.
- Avioners can book flights with points on any airline, on any flight, at any time, early or last minute, with no blackout periods or restrictions.
- Avioners earn points that never expire so your points will be waiting for your next adventure.
- Redeem your points for travel and more. Use points for anything from paying bills and paying your card balance to redeeming for Gift Cards and Merchandise at top brands like Apple. The Avion Rewards program gives you the freedom of choice to use your points your way, and helps you make the most as an Avioner.
- Eligible Avion rewards members can also convert points to other loyalty programs including WestJet dollars, British Airways Avios points and Hudson’s Bay Rewards points.
- Link your RBC card with a Petro-Points membership to instantly save 3₵ per litre on fuel at Petro-Canada stations and earn 20% more Petro-Points and 20% more Avion points
- Link your RBC card with a Rexall Be Well account and get 50 Be Well points for every $1 spent on eligible products at Rexall. Redeem Be Well points faster for savings in store on eligible purchases where 25,000 Be Well points = $10
- Get $0 delivery fees for 12 months from DoorDash^
- Add your eligible RBC credit card to your DoorDash account to:
- Get a 12-month complimentary DashPass subscription± – a value of almost $120
- Enjoy unlimited deliveries with $0 delivery fees on orders of $15 or more when you pay with your eligible RBC credit card
Features
Ratehub’s take
The RBC Avion Visa Infinite credit card is a versatile travel credit card that offers flexible rewards for frequent flyers. With a strong emphasis on travel perks and a valuable rewards program, it’s an excellent option for travellers looking to elevate their experience.
Pros
- Flexible travel redemption: This card provides unparalleled choice when it comes to redeeming points as it does not have blackout dates or seat restrictions. You can book flights, hotels, car rentals, and more with your points
- Comprehensive travel insurance: Benefit from extensive travel insurance coverage most notably including trip cancellation and interruption and emergency medical. Travel with peace of mind knowing you are protected
- Exclusive concert access: Enjoy exclusive access to concert tickets, like the highly sought-after Taylor Swift Eras concert. With this perk, you’ll have the opportunity to secure tickets before they are available to the general public.
Cons
- Annual fee: This card comes with an annual fee of $120 which may be high for some. However, for frequent travelers who take full advantage of the card’s perks, the benefits can often outweigh the cost.
- No waived foreign transaction fees: Foreign transaction fees are not waived, so consider this if you plan to use the card for shopping abroad
- Low earn rate: The standard earn rate of 1 point per $1 may not be as competitive as other travel credit cards
Eligibility requirements
Minimum income: $60,000/yr
Interest rates
Purchase interest: 20.99%
Cash advance: 22.99%
Balance transfer: 22.99%
Ratehub.ca's take
The RBC Avion Visa Infinite credit card is a versatile travel credit card that offers flexibility and impressive rewards for frequent flyers. With a strong emphasis on travel perks and a valuable rewards program, it's an excellent option for travellers looking to elevate their experience.
Pros
- Flexible travel redemption: This card provides unparalleled flexibility when it comes to redeeming points as it does not have blackout dates or seat restrictions. You can book flights, hotels, car rentals, and more with your points
- Comprehensive travel insurance: Benefit from extensive travel insurance coverage most notably including trip cancellation and interruption and emergency medical. Travel with peace of mind knowing you are protected
- Exclusive concert access: Enjoy exclusive access to concert tickets, including the highly sought-after Taylor Swift concert. With this perk, you'll have the opportunity to secure tickets before they are available to the general public.
Cons
- Annual fee: This card comes with an annual fee of $120 which may be prohibitive to some. However, for frequent travelers who take full advantage of the card's perks, the benefits can often outweigh the cost.
- No waived foreign transaction fees: Foreign transaction fees are not waived, so consider this if you plan to use the card for shopping abroad
- Low earn rate: The standard earn rate of 1 point per $1 may is not as competitive as other travel credit cards
Best airline RBC credit card
based on spending $2,200/mo after $119 annual fee
- Earn rewards
1.5pts – 2pts / dollar earn rate
- Welcome bonus
450 bonus points (a $450 value)
- Annual fee
$119
Perks
- Get up to 450 WestJet dollars1 (a value of up to $450 off the base fare):
- 250 WestJet dollars upon your first purchase1
- 200 WestJet dollars when you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months1
- Plus, get a Round-Trip Companion Voucher Every Year – for any WestJet destination starting from $119 CAD3 (plus taxes, fees, charges and other ATC).
- Reach higher with WestJet Rewards Status Lift
- Now everyday purchases on the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard can bring you closer to achieving status with WestJet5. Learn more at www.westjet.com/statuslift
- First free checked bags for the primary cardholder on WestJet flights4 and up to 8 guests on the same reservation
- Earn 1.5% back in WestJet dollars for everyday purchases you make on your card8
- Earn 2% back in WestJet dollars on WestJet flights or WestJet Vacations packages using your card8
- Receive an annual World Elite round-trip companion voucher to anywhere WestJet flies3, it allows you to book a full fare and then book a companion fare at a reduced rate. Or choose to exchange your annual round-trip companion voucher for 4 lounge vouchers7
- Redeem your WestJet dollars toward all or part of a WestJet flight or WestJet Vacations packages9 — no blackout periods and your WestJet dollars don’t expire10 — to destinations across North America, Central America, the Caribbean and Europe.
- Travel coverage including emergency medical insurance20 as well as trip interruption insurance21, hotel burglary18 and rental car insurance19. Even eligible purchases you make on the card are protected.
Features
Ratehub’s take
In search of an airline credit card? RBC partnered with WestJet to bring you the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard offering impressive travel benefits and a generous earn rate for WestJet dollars.
Pros
- Generous earn rate for WestJet dollars: Earn WestJet dollars on every purchase allowing you to save on future WestJet flights, covering not only base fares but also taxes and fees
- Travel perks: Enjoy a range of travel benefits, including free first checked bag for the primary cardholder and up to eight companions and priority boarding,
- Companion voucher: Receive one annual round-trip companion voucher that allows you to bring a travel companion along for a WestJet flight at a significantly reduced fare
- Comprehensive travel insurance: Enjoy coverage for emergency medical, trip interruption, flight delay, and more
Cons
- Annual fee: While the card offers exceptional WestJet travel benefits, it does come with an annual fee of $119
- Limited airline choice: The card’s rewards are primarily designed for WestJet flights, which may limit your travel options depending on your flight path
- Income requirement: A minimum personal income of $80,00 may limit eligibility for some
Eligibility requirements
Minimum income: N/A
Interest rates
Purchase interest: 20.99%
Cash advance: 22.99%
Balance transfer: 22.99%
Ratehub.ca's take
In search of an airline credit card? RBC partnered with WestJet to bring you the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard offering impressive travel benefits and a generous earn rate for WestJet dollars.
Pros
- Generous earn rate for WestJet dollars: Earn WestJet dollars on every purchase allowing you to save on future WestJet flights, covering not only base fares but also taxes and fees
- Travel perks: Enjoy a range of travel benefits, including free first checked bag for the primary cardholder and up to eight companions and priority boarding,
- Companion voucher: Receive one annual round-trip companion voucher that allows you to bring a travel companion along for a WestJet flight at a significantly reduced fare
- Comprehensive travel insurance: Enjoy coverage for emergency medical, trip interruption, flight delay, and more
Cons
- Annual fee: While the card offers exceptional WestJet travel benefits, it does come with an annual fee of $119
- Limited airline choice: The card's rewards are primarily designed for WestJet flights, which may limit your travel options depending on your flight path
- Income requirement: A minimum personal income of $80,00 may limit eligibility for some
Best cash back RBC credit card
based on spending $2,200/mo after $99 annual fee
- Earn rewards
1.5% earn rate
- Annual fee
$99
Perks
- Earn up to 1.5% cash back on all your purchases1
- Get unlimited cash back, no limit to what you can get back*
- Stay connected with Boingo‡ Wi-Fi at one million hotspots worldwide
- Get exclusive benefits and offers4 from a variety of on-demand apps and subscription services, like foodora‡ and Ritual‡.
- Premium purchase protection for 120 days2
- Extended warranty triples the manufacturer’s original Canadian warranty2
- Protect your rental car with Auto Rental collision/Loss Damage Insurance3
- Instantly save 3₵ per litre on gas▲ & earn 20% more Petro-Points§ when you link your Petro-Points card to any RBC Card online.
- Cash Advance Rate/Balance Transfer Rate for Residents of Quebec is 21.99%
Features
Ratehub’s take
The RBC Cash Back Preferred World Elite Mastercard is considered to be RBC’s best cash back credit card, earning impressive cash back rewards for everyday spending. It is an excellent card for those seeking generous rewards and benefits.
Pros
- High cash back earnings: Earn 1.5% cash back on the first $25,000 in annual spend, making this card ideal for those who want substantial rewards on various spending categories
- Flexible cash back redemption: Redeem cash back at any time in increments of $25
Cons
- Limited insurance coverage: This card is lacking in travel medical, accident and trip delay insurance but does offer rental car coverage and standard purchase protection
- Income requirement: A minimum personal income of $80,000 may limit eligibility for some
- Limited perks and extras: While you do benefit from some perks like Mastercard travel rewards offers and a complimentary DragonPass airport lounge membership, you’ll have to pay $32 USD for each airport lounge visit with the card
Eligibility requirements
Minimum income: N/A
Interest rates
Purchase interest: 20.99%
Cash advance: 22.99%
Balance transfer: 22.99%
Ratehub.ca's take
The RBC Cash Back Preferred World Elite Mastercard is considered to be RBC's best cash back credit card earning impressive cash back rewards for everyday spending. It is an excellent card for those seeking generous rewards and benefits.
Pros
- High cash back earnings: Earn 1.5% cash back on the first $25,000 in annual spend, making this card ideal for those who want substantial rewards on various spending categories
- Flexible cash back redemption: Redeem cash back at any time in increments of $25
Cons
- Limited insurance coverage
- Income requirement: A minimum personal income of $80,00 may limit eligibility for some
Best no fee RBC credit card
based on spending $2,200/mo after $0 annual fee
- Earn rewards
1pt – 1.5pts / dollar earn rate
- Welcome bonus
3,500 bonus points (a $70 value)
- Annual fee
$0
Perks
Enjoy 3,500 Avion points upon approval
- Earn 1.5X Avion points on:
- Grocery – Satisfy your taste buds by earning points on groceries
- Rides, Gas & EV Charging – Enjoy earning points on gas, rideshare, daily public transit, electric vehicle charging, and more
- Streaming, Digital Gaming & Subscriptions – Stay entertained while earning points on streaming, gaming, eligible digital subscriptions, eligible digital downloads, and in-game purchases
- Earn 1 Avion point for every $1 spent on all other qualifying purchases
- Exclusive savings and rewards
- Automatically become an Avion Rewards Premium member when you get the RBC ION Visa. Download the Avion Rewards app to access points, cash back deals, and savings all in one program. Plus, download the Avion Rewards ShopPlus browser extension to save with cash back deals right where you shop online from 1,900+ retailers.
Features
Ratehub’s take
The RBC Ion Visa is the best entry-level card offered by RBC with no annual fee allowing you to earn 1.5 points per dollar spent on groceries and dining and 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
Pros
- No annual fee or income requirement
- Flexible redemption options: You can use your points for merchandise, travel or even for bill payments and e-transfers
Cons
- Limited insurance coverage
- Low points value: With this card, you earn a slightly modified Avion Rewards point which are worth less than those earned through other RBC Avion cards
Eligibility requirements
Minimum income: N/A
Interest rates
Purchase interest: 20.99%
Cash advance: 22.99%
Balance transfer: 22.99%
Ratehub.ca's take
The RBC Ion Visa is the best entry-level card offered by RBC with no annual fee allowing you to earn 1.5 points per dollar spent on groceries and dining and 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
Pros
- No annual fee or income requirement
Cons
- Limited insurance coverage
- Low points value: With this card, you earn a slightly modified Avion Rewards point which are worth less than those earned through other RBC Avion cards
Additional considerations for RBC credit cards
As of September 28th, HSBC credit cards are no longer available as they have been acquired by RBC. Equivalent cards and details on the acquisition will be released soon.
Note: at the request of the card issuer, we have been asked not to display these credit cards.
RBC credit card partnerships
RBC has teamed up with select retailers to offer credit cards tailored to reward their loyal customers. RBC’s credit card partnerships include:
- The RBC Esso VISA for gas and auto rewards
- The WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard lets you earn rewards towards eligible flights or vacation packages provided by WestJet.
More on RBC
The Royal Bank of Canada is Canada's largest bank as measured by assets and market capitalization, and is among the largest banks in the world, based on market capitalization. It is a diversified financial services company, with personal and commercial banking, wealth management services, insurance, and corporate and investment banking. It employs approximately 78,000 employees who serve close to 18 million personal, business, public sector and institutional clients through offices in Canada, the U.S. and 51 other countries. In Canada, RBC serves approximately 10 million clients through its 1,209 branches.
Natasha Macmillan, Business Director of Everyday Banking
With over a decade of experience in the finance industry, Natasha works closely with Canada's top financial institutions - from banks to credit unions - to help Ratehub.ca's 1,200,000 monthly users get matched with the right banking products. read full bio
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