Avion Rewards, the loyalty initiative by the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), is designed to simplify the process of earning and using points for Canadians. As a participant of the Avion Rewards program, you can accumulate points effortlessly through everyday transactions. Additionally, you have a variety of options for redeeming these points, which include travel experiences, products, and financial incentives.
By understanding the mechanics of the program and making wise decisions, you can optimize the value of your points and enhance your banking experience.
Value of Avion Rewards Points
The value of Avion Rewards points fluctuates based on your chosen redemption method, making it crucial to evaluate your options. Generally, redeeming points for travel provides the best return, with a standard value of 1 cent per point when exchanging 1,000 points for $10 in travel credits. Utilizing the Air Travel Redemption Schedule could even yield up to 2.33 cents per point, offering an excellent way to maximize your rewards.
Your points’ value is also influenced by the specific RBC card you possess. Avion points are particularly advantageous when accrued through an RBC Avion credit card, such as the RBC Avion Visa Platinum, RBC Avion Visa Infinite, or RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege. Conversely, using an RBC ION Visa card reduces the travel redemption value to approximately 0.71 cents per point, as it costs 172 Avion points for every dollar redeemed.
Here’s a summary of redemption values:
| Redemption Type | Redemption Value |
|---|---|
| Travel | 1 cent per point |
| Travel Redemption Schedule | Up to 2.33 cents per point |
| Gift Cards | 0.71 – 1 cent per point |
| Financial Rewards | 0.83 cents per point |
| Merchandise | 0.60 – 0.75 cents per point |
| Statement Credit | 0.58 cents per point |
When redeeming for travel, particularly for flights, you often see the highest returns on your Avion points. Alternatives such as merchandise, financial rewards, or statement credits offer less value. You can check your balance or explore redemption options on the Avion Rewards portal.
It’s important to distinguish between RBC Rewards and RBC Avion, as they do have different benefits. While many RBC credit cards let you earn RBC Rewards, the full advantages of RBC Avion features may not apply.
For optimal benefits, you’ll want to enroll in one of the following RBC Avion cards:
- RBC Avion Visa Platinum
- RBC Avion Visa Infinite
- RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege
Redemption of RBC Avion Points for Travel
You can redeem your RBC Avion points for travel directly through the Avion Rewards portal or app. The flexibility of points allows for their application towards flights, accommodations, cruises, holiday packages, and car rentals. Notably, there are no blackout dates or seat restrictions for flights, and points can cover the entire travel cost, including taxes and fees.
If you lack sufficient points for a full redemption, you may cover the difference using your RBC Rewards credit card, with no minimum redemption required. Bookings need to be made through the RBC platform or by calling the travel center, although a $30 fee applies for phone bookings.
Your RBC Avion points can be used for seats on any flight without blackout dates or restrictions. Points can pay for the full airfare, including taxes. Should your points be inadequate, you can use as few points as desired without a minimum requirement; the remainder will be charged to your RBC Rewards credit card. Do note that RBC Rewards cannot apply to travel you book independently.
Understanding the RBC Avion Air Travel Redemption Schedule
The RBC Avion Air Travel Redemption Schedule enables you to use your Avion points for economy or business-class flights based on specified point levels. This program details the necessary points for specific destinations and sets a maximum base fare for each redemption. To complete a redemption, you must have the total amount of points as partial redemptions are not an option.
Here’s an overview of points required and maximum base fares for various destinations:
| Points Required | Destination | Max. Ticket Price |
|---|---|---|
| 15,000 | Within or to an adjacent Province/Territory/U.S. State | $350 |
| 35,000 | Anywhere in Canada/U.S. except Hawaii and Alaska | $750 |
| 45,000 | In western Canada/U.S. to Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska; Eastern Canada to Bermuda, Central America, Caribbean | $900 |
| 55,000 | In eastern Canada/U.S. to Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska; Western Canada to Bermuda, Central America, Caribbean | $1,100 |
| 65,000 | From any major gateway in Canada/U.S. to destinations in Europe | $1,300 |
| 100,000 | From any major gateway in Canada/U.S. to destinations in Asia, Australia, New Zealand, South Pacific, Middle East, Africa, South America | $2,000 |
Redemptions according to this schedule cover the base fare up to the set maximum ticket price, but any taxes, fees, and additional carrier charges beyond this must be paid by you. Should the total fare exceed the maximum allowable for your redemption, the difference will need to be covered in cash.
Utilizing the schedule can often yield a value of 2–2.33 cents per point, particularly for high-cost routes such as short notice flights or long-distance journeys to European destinations. For instance, a flight from Canada to Europe can be tapped into for 65,000 Avion points plus applicable taxes and fees, assuming the base fare does not exceed $1,300. If it does, you would need to pay the excess.
There are no blackout dates, and all carriers and available seats can be booked, providing an easy and flexible process. With this, you are free to select any airline and reserve a seat during any available travel times without restrictions.
When contemplating the redemption of your points, assess the value compared to other methods, such as transferring points to different programs. Generally, the stable value and flexibility of the RBC Avion Air Travel Redemption Schedule make it appealing for costly or last-minute trips.
This schedule and the ability to convert your RBC Rewards points into other loyalty programs are crucial reasons why I rank RBC Rewards second on my list of Canada’s best bank travel rewards programs.
How to Redeem Avion Rewards Points for Gift Cards
You can utilize your Avion Rewards points to acquire gift cards from numerous merchants, including Amazon, Bath & Body Works, Beer Store, Best Buy, Air Canada, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Food Basics, and Golf Town. The point requirements and values differ by retailer.
| Merchant | Points Needed | Card Value |
| Amazon | 1,400 | $10 |
| Bath & Body Works | 3,500 | $25 |
| The Beer Store | 3,500 | $25 |
| Best Buy | 7,000 | $50 |
| Air Canada | 10,000 | $100 |
| Fairmont Hotels | 10,000 | $100 |
| Food Basics | 14,000 | $100 |
| Golf Town | 35,000 | $250 |
The value per point can vary depending on the vendor. For example, Food Basics requires 14,000 points for a $100 card, equating to about 0.71 cents per point. Gift cards related to travel, like Air Canada, often present superior redemption value, typically around 1 cent per point.
To redeem your points, log into avionrewards.com or use the Avion Rewards app. After signing in, navigate to the gift cards section, pick your desired brand, and proceed with the redemption process.
Occasionally, Avion Rewards may offer promotional bonuses on select gift cards, including 10% to 30% more value based on point usage. It’s a good idea to check for any current promotions prior to redeeming points.
Redeeming Avion Rewards Points for Financial Rewards
You can apply your points toward financial incentives that facilitate your savings or contribute to reducing debt. To do this, log into your RBC Rewards account and select RBC Financial Rewards from the “Shop & Redeem” menu, provided you hold qualifying RBC financial products.
A minimum of 12,000 points is required to redeem $100 towards these financial initiatives:
- Boost existing investments (e.g., RRSP, TFSA)
- Mortgage Payments
- Repaying your line of credit
| Financial Reward | Minimum Points | Dollar Value |
| RRSP, TFSA, FHSA | 12,000 | $100 |
| Mortgage Pre-payment | 12,000 | $100 |
| Line of Credit Payment | 12,000 | $100 |
Using points for financial rewards can save you on interest as you pay off loans or lines of credit sooner. Adding to investments like your RRSP may offer tax benefits, while contributing to a TFSA enables you to save with tax-free growth.
Other Redemption Options: Merchandise, Statement Credits, and Charitable Donations
Your RBC Rewards points can also be redeemed for various merchandise, statement credits, or charitable contributions. The merchandise catalog showcases a range of items, but the points required for redemption often yield a lower value, except during occasional promotions.
For statement credits, redeemers will find that 17,200 points equal a $100 credit, translating to just 0.58 cents per point—one of the least favorable options in comparison to travel or gift cards. While cash back isn’t directly provided, a statement credit serves a similar purpose by lowering your existing balance.
Additionally, there are opportunities to support charitable organizations using your points.
| Redemption Option | Points Required | Approximate Value |
| Merchandise | Varies (often high) | Low |
| Statement Credit | 17,200 = $100 | 0.58 cents per point |
| Charitable Donations | Varies | Variable |
RBC Avion Points Transfer Partners
RBC Avion points offer numerous flexible transfer options for both travel and retail loyalty programs, allowing you to maximize their worth when planning your travel or shopping endeavors. Below is a rundown of the key transfer partners, including corresponding ratios and brief descriptions.
| Airline Partner | Transfer Ratio |
| WestJet (WestJet Rewards) | 1,000 RBC points = 1,000 WestJet Points |
| American Airlines (AAdvantage) | 10,000 RBC points = 7,000 miles |
| Cathay Pacific (Asia Miles) | 10,000 RBC points = 10,000 miles |
| British Airways (Avios) | 10,000 RBC points = 10,000 Avios |
While it’s challenging to assign a precise value to airline miles given the varying factors, they are generally estimated to be worth at least 1.5¢ per mile for economy tickets, and potentially double that for business-class bookings. WestJet Rewards points are valued near 1 cent each.
Points transferred to Cathay Pacific Asia Miles and British Airways Avios use a 1:1 ratio, which is advantageous for international journeys. Although American Airlines AAdvantage offers a slightly varied ratio, it can still yield high return value, especially if you secure good award seat availability.
Key Benefits and Tips
- Promotions & Bonuses: RBC Rewards frequently runs transfer bonus opportunities for select partners, letting you increase your conversion rate by up to 30%. These promotions are commonly available for airline programs like WestJet, British Airways Avios, Cathay Pacific Asia Miles, and American Airlines AAdvantage. Check your RBC Rewards account for these promotions to extract maximum value.
- Leveraging RBC WestJet Products: If you own both an RBC Avion card and an RBC WestJet World Elite Mastercard, you can combine initial bonuses and swiftly accrue WestJet points. Avion points transfer seamlessly to WestJet at a straightforward fixed rate.
- Redemption Value: The value of airline miles is contingent on route, service class, and availability; generally, you should expect at least 1.5¢ per mile, and potentially much higher for premium bookings.
Expiration of RBC Avion Points
Your RBC Avion Rewards points remain valid as long as your RBC Royal Bank credit card account is active and eligible. If you choose to close your credit card, you have a 90-day window to redeem remaining points; otherwise, they will be lost.
- Points do not expire while your account is active and in good standing
- You have 90 days to redeem points after account closure
If you have inquiries about your points, it’s advisable to contact RBC customer service for further details or clarification.
Comparison of RBC Avion to Other Programs
RBC Avion Rewards distinguishes itself among prominent Canadian loyalty programs through its versatile redemption methods, including no blackout dates and no minimum point requirements for redemptions. The program features regular promotions, which can substantially enhance your overall value.
| Program | Key Features |
| RBC Avion | Fixed points flights, transfer partners, flexible redemptions including financial rewards |
| American Express MR | Travel booking flexibility, multiple transfer partners, leading credit card offerings |
| CIBC Rewards | Flexible travel options without transfer partners |
| BMO Rewards | Open travel booking with multiple transfer partners and strong credit card options |
| TD Rewards | Utilizes Expedia for TD, not always offering the best prices. |
| Scene+ | Fixed points flights, varied transfer partners, flexible redemption options including financial rewards |
One drawback when compared to American Express Membership Rewards is the requirement to book travel exclusively through the RBC platform, and the absence of Aeroplan or Marriott Bonvoy as transfer partners. Additionally, RBC may not offer the most competitive earning rates via Avion cards compared to other financial institutions. Learn more by exploring these links: CIBC Rewards, BMO Rewards, TD Rewards, Scene+, and American Express Membership Rewards.
Ways to Earn RBC Avion Rewards
You can accumulate Avion points by utilizing an eligible RBC Avion credit card for various purchases. These cards enable you to gather points effortlessly through transactions ranging from groceries to gas, bill payments, and even travel arrangements. The selection includes six personal credit cards, such as the RBC Visa Infinite Avion Card, and two business credit cards.
RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card
Apply now
- $120 annual fee
- 35,000 Avion points upon approval
- 20,000 Avion points after spending $5,000 in the first 6 months
- 15,000 Avion points for maintaining account open until month 16
- Earn 1.25 Avion points for every $1 spent on travel purchases
- Earn 1 Avion point per $1 on all other expenses
- Comprehensive travel insurance coverage
- Mobile device insurance coverage up to $1,500
The sign-up incentive for new cardholders typically ranges between 35,000 and 55,000 points, competitive with some of the top travel credit cards available in Canada.
The earning rate of 1.25 points per dollar on travel-related expenses is decent, while acquiring 1 RBC Reward point per dollar on other purchases is standard. Additionally, the RBC Visa Infinite Avion Card provides extensive travel insurance when you travel outside Canada, covering a range of issues from medical concerns to trip interruptions and lost baggage. Be sure to read the full insurance certificate for detailed terms.
Avion Rewards Retail Partners
You can also accrue Avion points by shopping at selected Avion Rewards retail partners. This encompasses purchases made through partner retailers online, in-store, or through the Avion Rewards app. By linking your RBC Avion credit or debit card, you ensure the automatic earning of points on eligible spending.
Tips for Maximizing Earnings with Retail Partners:
- Shop through the Avion Rewards portal or app for special promotions and bonus earning opportunities.
- Keep an eye out for exclusive deals where additional points can be earned on specific categories such as electronics, clothing, or travel bookings.
- Utilize Avion Rewards program tools, including the rewards app and RBC online banking, to track participating partner offers and your transaction history.
- Combine points earned via credit cards with bonus points from partner promotions for a faster accumulation of rewards.
Final Observations
Avion Rewards is recognized as one of the top bank travel reward programs available.