5 Popular RBC Credit Cards in Canada

From cash back and travel rewards to low-rate and no-annual-fee cards, RBC credit cards offer perks to suit all types of spenders. In this guide, we explore some of the most popular RBC credit cards, their pros and cons, and how each card compares to other leading cards in Canada.

5 popular RBC credit cards

Types of RBC credit cards

RBC travel rewards credit cards

RBC offers a wide range of travel rewards credit cards through partnerships with various airline providers, including WestJet and British Airways. You can receive bonus points on new card sign-ups, earn points per dollar spent and receive complimentary extras, such as travel insurance, vouchers and upgrades. RBC travel cards include theRBC Avion Visa Infinite Card,RBC Avion Visa Platinum Card and Westjet RBC Mastercard.

RBC Avion rewards credit cards

These cards let you earn RBC Avion points on every dollar you spend, which can be redeemed for cash back, gas, travel rewards, merchandise and more. Most rewards cards come with complimentary extras, such as insurance and purchase security. Avion rewards cards include the RBC ION Visa and RBC ION+ Visa.

RBC cash back credit cards

RBC cash back credit cards allow you to earn a percentage of your spending back. Cash back can be used to pay your credit card balance, or it can be used toward new purchases or merchandise. RBC cash back cards include theRBC Cash Back Preferred World Elite Mastercard and RBC Cash Back Mastercard.

RBC low-interest and no-fee cards

Some RBC credit cards offer the benefit of either a low interest rate on purchases or no annual fee. Low-rate cards like the RBC Visa Classic Low Rate Option generally come with few perks but are worth considering if you don’t pay your card balance off in full each month. No-fee cards can also be classed as rewards cards, such as the RBC ION Visa, or they can pay cash back like the RBC Cash Back Mastercard.

RBC student credit cards

RBC offers students low-rate and no-annual-fee credit cards. These cards allow you to earn points per dollar spent, plus access cash back rewards, bonus points and other perks. Student credit cards typically come with complimentary insurance and purchase protection.

RBC U.S. dollar credit cards

RBC offers a U.S. dollar credit card that allows you to avoid paying foreign currency conversion fees by charging you directly in US dollars. This card comes with complimentary insurance as well as other travel and rewards perks.

Benefits of RBC credit cards

Some of the features you can enjoy when you get an RBC credit card include:

Earn Avion points

Many RBC credit cards pay Avion points for every dollar you spend using your card, with an accelerated earn rate often available for categories like groceries and gas. You can redeem your points for flights, accommodation, airline loyalty points, to pay back your credit card balance, or for gift cards and merchandise.

Earn cash back

Some RBC credit cards reward you with cash back on your spending. You can earn between across different spending categories, with bonus cash back available for a limited introductory period after you apply for a card.

RBC credit card complimentary extras

Many RBC credit cards come with free extras, including purchase security and extended warranty insurance. Premium cards come with additional extras, which may include travel insurance, car rental insurance, concierge services, airport lounge access, vouchers, memberships, luxury travel benefits and other insurance coverage.

RBC credit card security

RBC uses a fraud monitoring system and automatically sends text alerts about suspicious or unusual activity on your credit card. You can also create custom notifications so that you’re alerted to large transactions or a low card balance, and you can report a fraudulent transaction through RBC Online Banking or the RBC Mobile app.

Gas rewards

RBC has teamed up with Petro-Canada to offer more points per dollar spent at Petro-Canada locations when you use an RBC credit card. Linking your credit card to your Petro-Points account lets you save 3 cents per litre on gas, plus earn more Petro-Points and Avion points.

Welcome offers

RBC regularly runs special offers and welcome bonuses to encourage new customers to apply for a credit card. These allow you to earn extra points or bonus cash back for a limited introductory period, helping you get maximum rewards from your new card.

How to apply for an RBC credit card

You can apply for an RBC credit card by filling out an online form on the RBC website. Before you get started, make sure you meet the eligibility requirements and check that you have the necessary paperwork ready.

RBC credit card eligibility requirements

To qualify for an RBC credit card, you will need to:

• Be a Canadian resident
• Be the age of majority in your province or territory
• Meet a minimum income requirement (for some cards)
• Have a good to excellent credit score

Information you will need for your RBC credit card application

• Personal information. You’ll need to provide your name, date of birth, Social Insurance Number (SIN), address and contact information. You’ll also need to verify your identity by providing an accepted form of identification, such as your driver’s licence or passport.
• Financial information. You will also need to provide information about your current employment, income and monthly rent or mortgage costs. Proof of income (such as pay stubs or bank statements) may be requested in some cases.

Bottom line

Whether you want a low interest rate, cash back rewards, travel perks or no annual fee, there’s an RBC credit card to suit you. Compare RBC credit cards with other leading cards in Canada to find the card that’s right for you.

Frequently asked questions

• How do I activate my RBC credit card?

  You will receive your new RBC credit card in the mail. You can activate it by logging into RBC Online Banking, through the RBC Mobile app, or by phoning 1-877‑900‑5900. Once you have activated your card, you will be able to use it immediately.

• How is interest calculated on my RBC credit card?

  If you have a balance on your RBC credit card, interest will be calculated daily and charged monthly. Interest rates in Canada vary greatly, and can be as low as (for balance transfer credit cards) to as high as . Typical interest rates sit between .

• How can I increase my RBC credit card limit?

  You can increase your credit limit by contacting RBC. Alternatively, you can ask for an increase in your credit limit online or via the mobile app. You can also decrease your limit if you wish via the same methods.

• My RBC credit card is about to expire. How do I get a new one?

  You will automatically be sent a new credit card in the mail. If you don't receive one, you'll need to contact RBC.

• How do I close my RBC credit card account?

  You can close your RBC credit card account via Online Banking, by calling the bank or by visiting a teller in person at a branch.

• What are Avion points worth?

  The value of RBC Avion points depends on what you redeem them for, but they're commonly worth 1–2 cents per point. For more on the Avion program, read ourAvion guide.

• How much income do I need to earn to get an RBC credit card?

  The minimum income requirement varies depending on the card you choose. For example, the RBC Visa Classic Low Rate Option does not list a minimum income, but you'll need income of at least $200,000 to qualify for the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege. Check the fine print on the RBC website for any eligibility requirements before you apply for a card.

• Are there any RBC balance transfer credit cards?

  Yes, the RBC Visa Classic Low Rate Option is suitable for balance transfers. At the time of writing, RBC was offering a 0.99% introductory interest rate for the first 10 months on balance transfers, with no annual fee in the first year.