Best RBC credit card by category

The range of RBC credit card options cover a vast variety of standard, premium, business, rewards, student and balance transfer credit cards. Depending on the RBC credit card you choose, you may be rewarded with points per dollar spent, low interest rates, zero or low annual fees, complimentary perks and many other rewards.

Our best RBC credit card guide below covers the different types of RBC credit cards offered, as well as the features and benefits of the different cards. Learn about the eligibility requirements, as well as how to apply for an RBC credit card. Finally, we cover some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to RBC credit cards.

Best RBC credit card by category

• Best RBC credit card for earning rewards on everyday spending: RBC ION Visa
• Best RBC no-fee cash back card: RBC Cash Back Mastercard
• Best RBC Avion credit card: RBC Avion Visa Infinite
• Best RBC cash back credit card: RBC Cash Back Preferred World Elite Mastercard
• Best RBC airline travel credit card: WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard

• How we chose the best RBC credit cards in Canada

  We’ve chosen the credit cards on this page by considering a number of factors like rewards points, cash back, annual fees, interest rates, balance transfer offers and additional card benefits like signup bonuses. Since no single credit card will be the best choice for everyone, compare your options before deciding on the right card for your needs.

Types of RBC credit cards available

RBC offers a wide range of credit cards, including low rate and balance transfer cards, travel and rewards cards, student cards and business cards. There are also premium credit cards, including platinum, black and gold cards, that offer more benefits and complimentary extras, such as travel insurance, airport lounge access, concierge services and more points earning potential. Here’s a summary of each of the main types of RBC credit cards you can choose from:

• RBC Balance Transfer credit cards

RBC offers a selection of low interest rate credit cards that typically have zero or low annual fees. These types of credit cards come with purchase security and extended warranty insurance, as well as optional extras like RBC Road Assist, Travel Insurance and Balance Protector Insurance.

• RBC Travel Rewards credit cards

RBC offers a wide range of travel rewards credit cards that have partnerships with a variety of different airline providers including WestJet and British Airways. Receive bonus points on new card sign-ups, earn points per dollar spent and receive complimentary extras including travel insurance, vouchers and upgrades. RBC travel cards include the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card, RBC Avion Visa Platinum Card, and Westjet RBC Mastercard.

• Avion Rewards credit cards

Earn RBC Avion Rewards 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 including insurance and purchase security. Avion rewards cards include the RBC ION Visa and RBC ION+ Visa.

• RBC Cash Back credit cards

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

• RBC Student credit cards

RBC offers students lower rate and no annual fee credit cards. Earn more points per dollar spent, cash back rewards, bonus points and other perks. Student credit cards typically come with complimentary insurance and purchase protection.

• RBC Business credit cards

Earn points for every dollar spent, as well as cash back or bonus welcome points. Choose from flexible and affordable cards with zero to low annual fees and low interest rates. Check out the RBC Business Cash Back Mastercard and the RBC Visa Business Card as examples.

• RBC US dollar credit cards

RBC offers a US 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.

The benefits of RBC credit cards

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

• RBC rewards

With an RBC credit card, you typically earn 1 point per $1-2 spent. Use your points to pay back your credit card balance or spend the points on merchandise through the online store.

• RBC Internet and mobile banking

If you have an RBC credit card, you can access your account, including any debit or investment accounts, through RBC Online Banking. Furthermore, you can download the RBC app for your smartphone and access your accounts that way too. This means you can manage your account, pay bills, send transfers to other accounts in Canada and overseas, request a credit limit increase or apply for another RBC product at any time online or via the mobile app.

• RBC credit card complimentary extras

Many RBC credit cards come with complimentary extras including Purchase Security and Extended Warranty Insurance. Premium cards, including black, gold and platinum credit cards, come with additional complimentary extras which may include travel insurance, car rental insurance, concierge services, airport lounge access, vouchers, memberships, luxury travel benefits and other extensive insurance coverage.

• RBC credit cards security

RBC protect clients from any fraudulent activities with their state-of-the-art fraud monitoring system. You will be contacted immediately if there is an suspicious or unusual activity on your credit card. Alternatively, if you detect fraudulent activity on your credit, contact RBC immediately.

• Gas rewards

RBC have teamed up with Petro Canada to offer more points per dollar spent at Petro Canada locations when you use an RBC credit card.

How to apply for an RBC credit card

If you’ve done your research and compared different credit card providers and have decided you’d like to apply for an RBC credit card, you can begin your secure online application by heading to the RBC website. This will take you to a secure RBC credit card application page, where you will be able to begin the application process if you have all of the necessary documents and details ready.

Before you get started on your application, ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements for the specific credit card and make sure that you have the necessary documents on hand. Eligibility requirements typically vary between cards but generally include the following:

RBC credit card eligibility requirements

• How old are you? You should be at least 18 years old to apply for your own credit card.
• What is your Canadian residency status? You usually need to be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada to apply for a Canadian credit card.
• What is your credit history like? Ideally, you should have a good to excellent credit score and no recent evidence of defaults or bankruptcy. Some cards will accept fair to poor credit, however check with the provider on the specific card before you apply if you have less than good credit.

Information you will need for your RBC credit card application

If you meet the eligibility requirements for the credit card, you can proceed with your application by collecting the following information:

• Personal information. You’ll need to provide personal information such as your address and your contact information. You’ll also need to verify your identity by providing an accepted form of identification, such as your driver’s licence number or passport number.
• Financial information. You will also need to detail information about your current employment, income and assets like shares or property and your employer’s contact details. If you’re self-employed, you may need to provide information regarding your expenses, liabilities and your accountant’s contact information.

Compare RBC credit cards vs. other credit cards

Related: Compare Canada's big 5 banks

RBC credit card FAQs

We’ve curated a list of the most commonly asked questions about RBC credit cards. If you can’t find the answer to your question here, or if you’d like to leave us some feedback, get in touch with us using the form at the bottom of this page.

• How do I activate my RBC credit card?

  You will receive your new RBC credit card in the mail and the card will have a phone number on it. You will need to call this number to activate your card. You will be required to confirm your identity and provide some details of the new card. Once you have activated your card via telephone, you will be able to use it immediately.

• How do I access RBC Online Banking?

  You can access RBC Online Banking via the secure RBC website. Alternatively, you can access your online banking details through the official RBC mobile app.

• 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 0% (for balance transfer credit cards) to as high as 36%. Typical interest rates sit between 19.99% – 22.99%.

• 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, reach out to RBC directly.

• How do I dispute a transaction or report an unauthorized transaction on my RBC credit card?

  If you think there has been an error regarding a transaction on your statement, contact the seller to try to resolve the issue. Be sure to carefully review the seller's return, refund and cancellation policies to make sure you've followed every one.

  If you can't resolve matters with the seller or your card has been used to make an unauthorized transaction, call RBC credit card support at 1-800-769-2512. You can also send RBC a secure message through the Online Banking Message Centre. Under the Customer Service tab, click Communications > Contact us > Email. View your email in the Sent Messages folder of the Message Centre.

• How do I close my RBC credit card account?

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

• What other financial products does RBC offer?

  RBC offers a multitude of other products including bank accounts, mortgages, investment accounts (RBC Direct Investing), savings and borrowing options, car insurance, home insurance, business solutions and financial advice.

• What are Avion points worth?

  The value of RBC Avion points depend on how you are redeeming them. When redeeming Avion points for gift cards, 140 Avion points is equal to $1 (0.71 CPP); when redeeming for travel: 172 Avion points equals $1 (0.58 CPP) and when using your Avion as Pay with Points, 172 Avion points is equal to $1 (0.58 CPP). For more on the Avion program, read our Avion guide.