RBC Avion Visa Platinum: benefits, limits, and how to apply

Travel can be a rewarding experience, but it also requires planning—and often, significant costs. A travel rewards credit card can be a useful tool for those who travel frequently, whether for leisure, business, or family visits. The RBC Avion Visa Platinum fits into this space by offering solid travel-related benefits without demanding a high income or charging excessive annual fees.

While it doesn’t belong to the elite card category, the Avion Visa Platinum includes comprehensive travel insurance, flexible redemption options, and access to airline loyalty program conversions. Its value lies not in luxury, but in convenience and autonomy, allowing cardholders to make the most of their everyday spending through a points system that delivers real-world flexibility. Below, we explore the card’s key features and what makes it stand out.

Benefits

One of the key strengths of the RBC Avion Visa Platinum lies in its combination of practical rewards and travel protections that go beyond what’s typically expected from a mid-tier credit card. While it doesn’t offer airport lounge access or concierge services, the card makes up for it by providing a high level of flexibility in point redemption and a solid insurance package. Here’s a breakdown of the main benefits:

• Avion Rewards Points: Earn 1 Avion point for every $1 spent on eligible purchases. Points never expire.
• Flight Redemption Flexibility: Book flights with over 500 airlines, any seat, at any time—no blackout dates.
• Transfer to Airline Partners: Convert points to programs like British Airways Avios, American Airlines AAdvantage, and Cathay Pacific Asia Miles.
• Travel Insurance Coverage: Includes travel accident insurance, trip cancellation/interruption, delayed baggage, and rental car damage.
• Extended Warranty and Purchase Protection: Doubles manufacturer warranties and protects new purchases against theft or damage.
• Fuel Discounts: Save 3¢/L at Petro-Canada when you link your card.
• Exclusive Offers: Includes partner benefits like a free 12-month DashPass subscription and 2-for-1 ski lift passes.

These benefits position the card as a practical solution for everyday users who want travel rewards without being locked into limited loyalty ecosystems.

Prerequisites

The RBC Avion Visa Platinum is designed to be accessible to a broad range of users and does not require a minimum income for approval—unlike some premium cards that target higher-income individuals. However, applicants must meet a few standard conditions to qualify:

• Be a permanent resident of Canada.
• Be the age of majority in your province or territory (typically 18 or 19).
• Have a good credit score (recommended 660 or higher for best approval chances).
• Have no recent bankruptcies or serious delinquencies on record.
• Provide personal and financial information, such as employment status and income level.

While there is no strict income requirement listed, card issuers like RBC still assess overall creditworthiness. That includes reviewing your existing debt load, repayment history, and overall financial stability.

About the Royal Bank of Canada

The Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) is one of the oldest and most established financial institutions in the country. Founded in 1864 in Halifax, RBC has grown into Canada’s largest bank by market capitalization and one of the most influential players in the global financial system. Today, RBC serves over 17 million clients across Canada, the United States, and 27 other countries.

RBC operates in a wide range of financial areas, including personal and commercial banking, wealth management, insurance, investor services, and capital markets. The bank has been recognized for its focus on digital innovation, customer service, and stability, maintaining strong credit ratings and a broad physical and digital presence. Its mobile app, for example, is consistently rated among the best in the country.

Beyond banking, RBC is known for its contributions to the community and its environmental and social governance (ESG) commitments. Programs like RBC Future Launch and investments in sustainable finance reflect a long-term commitment to Canada’s economic and social development.

Choosing a card issued by RBC means accessing a network of services supported by a legacy institution with a forward-thinking approach.

Who is this card for?

The RBC Avion Visa Platinum is best suited for individuals who travel regularly and want the flexibility to book trips on their own terms—without needing to commit to a single airline or hotel chain. It caters to users who value freedom over exclusivity, and who prefer the versatility of a points system that adapts to different travel needs and spending habits.

Because there is no minimum income requirement, the card is accessible to younger professionals, frequent travelers, and even retirees with stable finances and good credit. It’s ideal for people who don’t necessarily want or qualify for ultra-premium travel cards but still expect real value from their credit card, particularly in the form of travel-related perks and rewards.

This card may not appeal as strongly to those who focus on cashback or want luxury features like lounge access, travel concierge, or priority boarding. But for those who prioritize flexibility, simplicity, and practical travel benefits, it strikes a strong balance between affordability and functionality.

What rewards and programs does the card offer?

At the heart of the RBC Avion Visa Platinum is the Avion Rewards program, one of the more flexible and user-friendly loyalty systems among Canadian credit cards. The program allows cardholders to accumulate points on everyday purchases and redeem them in several practical ways, including flights, merchandise, gift cards, and even financial rewards like investment contributions or bill payments.

Here are the key features of the program:

• 1 Avion point per $1 spent on eligible purchases—without category restrictions.
• Points never expire, allowing users to accumulate over time for larger rewards.
• Travel redemptions with no blackout dates—flights can be booked on over 500 airlines with no seat or schedule restrictions.
• Transfer options to several frequent flyer programs such as British Airways Avios, American Airlines AAdvantage, and Cathay Pacific Asia Miles.
• Flexible non-travel redemptions including tech, home goods, gift cards, RBC financial products, and more.
• Bonus offers through limited-time promotions, RBC partnerships, or spending thresholds (e.g. up to 55,000 points as a welcome bonus).

While the rewards rate may not appear as high as some category-based cards, the value lies in the program’s flexibility, making it a solid choice for users who want to plan travel their way and use points for a range of lifestyle needs.

Initial Credit Limit

Like most personal credit cards in Canada, the RBC Avion Visa Platinum doesn’t guarantee a fixed credit limit upfront. Instead, RBC evaluates each application individually based on a number of financial factors, including credit score, income, current debts, and repayment history. That said, some general patterns are observed among cardholders:

• Minimum credit limit: Around $1,000–$3,000
• Typical starting limit: Often falls between $5,000 and $10,000 for applicants with strong credit and income
• Maximum credit limit: Can exceed $25,000, depending on the applicant’s profile and relationship with RBC

Unlike secured or entry-level cards, the Avion Visa Platinum is designed for users with established credit history. Applicants with low credit scores or irregular income may be approved at the minimum range, while those with a robust credit profile may qualify for significantly more.

If you’re an existing RBC customer with other accounts in good standing, this may also positively influence your assigned limit.

Official website of the Royal Bank of Canada. All rights to the brand, logo, and visual elements belong to the Royal Bank of Canada. The image is used here for informational and educational purposes only, in accordance with fair use principles.

Step by Step to Apply for the Card

Applying for the RBC Avion Visa Platinum is straightforward and can be done entirely online through the official Royal Bank of Canada website. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

1. Visit the official RBC application page
2. Click “Apply Now”: This will redirect you to a secure application form.
3. Fill in your personal information: Provide your name, contact details, date of birth, and address.
4. Enter employment and financial information: Include your job status, income, monthly housing costs, and any other required financial data.
5. Consent to a credit check: RBC will perform a credit check to assess your eligibility.
6. Review and submit your application: Double-check all information before clicking submit.
7. Wait for a decision: In most cases, you’ll receive an approval or denial within a few minutes.
8. If approved: Your card will be mailed to you and should arrive within 5–10 business days.

TAP TO ACCESS THE CARD PAGE

RBC Mobile App Downloads

If you are approved, managing your new card is easy via the RBC app:

• Android: Download on Google Play

• iOS: Download on the App Store

DOWNLOAD FOR ANDROID

DOWNLOAD FOR IOS

Card’s Pros and Cons

While the RBC Avion Visa Platinum offers strong travel features and point flexibility, it’s not without limitations. A realistic view of both sides helps determine if it aligns with your financial needs and lifestyle.

Pros

• No blackout dates on flights and broad airline availability.
• Comprehensive travel insurance including trip interruption, rental car protection, and delayed baggage.
• Points never expire, allowing users to save up over time.
• Transfer partnerships with major frequent flyer programs.
• Accessible to a wider audience, with no minimum income requirement.
• Strong security features and access to RBC’s mobile banking and support tools.

Cons

• Annual fee of $120, which may not appeal to users who prefer no-fee cards.
• No bonus categories (e.g. groceries or gas) for accelerated point earning.
• No luxury perks like airport lounge access, concierge service, or hotel status benefits.
• Relatively high interest rates: 20.99% on purchases and 22.99% on cash advances.
• Lower earning rate compared to competitor cards with 2x or 3x multipliers.

Overall, this card suits users who prioritize flexibility and insurance coverage over maximizing every dollar spent. It’s a dependable option—but not necessarily the most rewarding for high spenders or those seeking luxury perks.

How to Unlock the Card?

Once your RBC Avion Visa Platinum card arrives in the mail, you’ll need to activate (unlock) it before making purchases. RBC offers a few different methods to do this, each simple and secure. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

Option 1: Online via RBC Online Banking

1. Visit the site.

2. Sign in with your client card number and password.

3. Go to “Accounts” and select “Activate a Credit Card.”

4. Enter your new card’s 16-digit number and follow the prompts.

Option 2: Using the RBC Mobile App

1. Download and open the RBC Mobile App (Android / iOS)

2. Log in using your RBC credentials.

3. Tap on the Credit Card section, then choose “Activate Card.”

4. Enter the card number and complete the activation.

Option 3: By Phone

Call RBC’s customer service line:
1-800-769-2512 (Canada & U.S.)
1-514-392-9167 (Collect, outside North America)

After activation, sign the back of your card and set up your PIN if you haven’t already. Your card will be ready for use immediately.

Fees and Tariffs

The RBC Avion Visa Platinum comes with a standard fee structure for mid-tier travel credit cards. While it offers strong features, it’s important to understand the associated costs:

These charges can affect your overall cost of holding the card, especially if you carry a balance or use features like cash advances. It’s recommended to pay your full balance each month to avoid interest.

Customer Service

RBC provides a wide range of customer service options to help cardholders manage their RBC Avion Visa Platinum card. Whether you need to activate your card, report fraud, ask about transactions, or get assistance while traveling, support is available 24/7 through various channels:

Phone Support

• General Inquiries & Card Services (Canada/US):
  1-800-769-2512

• Outside North America (Collect Calls):
  1-514-392-9167

• Travel Insurance Claims (via Allianz Global Assistance):
  1-800-533-2778 (Canada/US)
  905-816-2581 (Collect from abroad)

Online Resources

Official Website

RBC Mobile Banking (account access, payments, customer support chat):

• Android App

• iOS App

Additional Support Options

• Secure messaging via RBC Online Banking
• Live Chat (available after login on RBC’s website)
• Branch Locator: Find RBC branches using this tool