The Avion Rewards program, offered by the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), simplifies the process of earning and redeeming loyalty points for Canadians. As an Avion Rewards member, you have the convenience of accumulating points through daily transactions and enjoying a variety of flexible redemption alternatives, which include travel, retail items, and financial benefits.
To optimize the benefits of your points and enhance your banking journey, it’s crucial to understand how the program functions and to make well-informed decisions.
Value of Avion Rewards Points
The worth of Avion Rewards points fluctuates based on your choice of redemption. Generally, utilizing points for travel offers the most substantial value, starting at 1 cent per point when redeeming 1,000 points for $10 in travel. By using the Air Travel Redemption Schedule, you can achieve values as high as 2.33 cents per point, allowing you to make the most out of your rewards.
The RBC card you possess also influences the value of your points. Points acquired via RBC Avion cards, such as the RBC Avion Visa Platinum, RBC Avion Visa Infinite, or RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege, yield better rewards compared to those earned with the RBC ION Visa card, where redemption costs approximately 172 Avion points per dollar, leading to a value around 0.71 cents per point.
Here is a quick overview of redemption values:
| Redemption type | Redemption value |
|---|---|
| Travel | 1 cent per point |
| Travel Redemption Schedule | Up to 2.33 cents per point |
| Gift cards | .71 – 1 cent per point |
| Financial rewards | .83 cents per point |
| Merchandise | .60 – .75 cents per point |
| Statement credit | .58 cents per point |
For travel redemptions, especially for flights, you typically achieve the highest return on your Avion points. Conversely, other alternatives such as merchandise, financial incentives, or statement credits tend to yield lower values. You can monitor your balance or explore redemption choices via the Avion Rewards page.
It’s important to understand the distinction between RBC Rewards and RBC Avion. While many RBC cards enable you to earn RBC Rewards, they do not provide the extensive advantages offered by RBC Avion credit cards.
Standard RBC Rewards points come with fewer travel benefits, so it’s advisable to possess one of the three primary RBC Avion cards:
- RBC Avion Visa Platinum
- RBC Avion Visa Infinite
- RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege
Redeeming RBC Avion Points for Travel
To redeem your RBC Avion points for travel, access the Avion Rewards portal or the Avion Rewards app. You can use your points flexibly for flights, accommodations, cruises, vacation packages, and car hire. There are no blackout dates or seat restrictions for flights, and you may apply points towards the complete travel cost, including taxes and fees.
If your points are insufficient for the full cost, you can cover the remainder using your RBC Rewards credit card, with no minimum redemption necessary. All bookings should be processed through the RBC portal or by contacting the travel center, which incurs a $30 booking fee for phone reservations.
Points can be redeemed for any available seat on any flight, with no blackout restrictions. They can entirely cover airfare costs, including taxes. Should you lack enough points for a total redemption, you can use as many points as you like since there is no minimum, with any remaining amount charged to your RBC Rewards credit card. Note that RBC Rewards cannot be applied to travel booked independently.
RBC Avion Air Travel Redemption Schedule
The RBC Avion Air Travel Redemption Schedule allows you to use your Avion points for either economy or business class flights at specific point thresholds. The schedule includes a chart indicating the necessary points for particular destinations and a maximum base fare applicable for each redemption. Complete point amounts are required for redemption; partial redemptions are not available.
Below is a summary of points required and maximum ticket prices for different 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 |
Flights booked through the schedule cover the base fare up to the defined maximum, while you remain responsible for taxes, fees, and additional carrier surcharges. If the total base fare surpasses your redemption limit, you must pay the excess in cash.
Utilizing this schedule can yield values between 2 to 2.33 cents per point, particularly for high-cost routes, such as last-minute short-haul or long-haul flights to Europe. For instance, a trip from Canada to Europe could be secured for 65,000 Avion points plus applicable taxes and fees, provided the base fare does not exceed $1,300. If it does, you’ll be responsible for covering the difference.
With no blackout dates and access to all carriers, your travel options remain broad and flexible. You can select from any airline and book a seat during any available travel period without restriction.
As you consider point redemption, weigh the value received against alternative options like transferring points to other programs. The straightforward value and flexibility of the RBC Avion Air Travel Redemption Schedule often make it an appealing prospect, particularly for expensive or late-booking travel plans.
The RBC Air Travel Redemption Schedule, alongside the capability to transfer RBC Rewards points to additional loyalty programs, is why I rank RBC Rewards as the second-best bank travel rewards program in Canada.
Redeeming Avion Rewards Points for Gift Cards
Avion Rewards points can be exchanged for gift cards to numerous retailers such as Amazon, Bath & Body Works, Beer Store, Best Buy, Air Canada, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Food Basics, and Golf Town. The number of points required for each gift card, and its monetary value, varies depending on the 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 fluctuates based on the retailer. For instance, Food Basics offers $100 for 14,000 points, equating to about 0.71 cents per point, while travel-related gift cards, such as that for Air Canada, generally provide a better redemption value, averaging around 1 cent per point.
To redeem points, sign in at avionrewards.com or via the Avion Rewards app. Once logged in, navigate to the gift card section, select your desired brand, and complete your checkout.
Periodically, Avion Rewards may offer bonus promotions on specific gift cards, providing an additional 10% to 30% more value for the same points. These promotions can enhance the attractiveness of certain gift card offers, so it’s wise to check for current deals before making a redemption.
Using Avion Rewards Points for Financial Incentives
You can utilize your points to contribute to saving strategies or assist in debt repayment. Log into your RBC Rewards account and select RBC Financial Rewards under the “Shop & Redeem” menu if you already have qualifying RBC financial products.
To redeem $100 towards these financial options, a minimum of 12,000 points is required:
- Contribute to your existing investments (e.g., RRSP, TFSA)
- Make a mortgage payment
- Repay 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 |
Applying points for financial incentives can help reduce interest charges by settling loans or lines of credit sooner. Contributing to investments like an RRSP can lead to tax benefits, while utilizing a TFSA allows for tax-free growth.
Merchandise, Statement Credits, Charity Donations, and Alternative Redemptions
You also have the option to redeem your RBC Rewards points for physical goods, statement credits, or charitable contributions. The merchandise catalogue features various products, yet the points needed for redemption often result in lower value—unless discounts are available.
As for statement credits, 17,200 points convert to a $100 credit, giving an approximate value of only .58 cents per point, making this one of the least rewarding redemption methods compared to travel or gift card options. Although direct cash back isn’t available, the statement credit serves a similar purpose by lowering your balance.
You can donate points to charitable causes, allowing for meaningful contributions to various charities.
| Redemption Option | Points Required | Approximate Value |
| Merchandise | Varies (often high) | Low |
| Statement credit | 17,200 = $100 | .58 cents per point |
| Charitable donation | Varies | Variable |
RBC Avion Points Transfer Partners
Avion points provide numerous options for transferring to both travel and retail loyalty programs, giving you flexibility to maximize their worth according to your travel or shopping needs. Below is a summary of key transfer partners, their 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 pinpointing an exact value for airline miles can be complex due to numerous variables involved, they generally hover around a minimum value of 1.5¢ per mile for economy tickets, and often higher for business class. In contrast, WestJet Rewards points are valued at approximately 1 cent each.
Transfers to Cathay Pacific Asia Miles and British Airways Avios are made at a 1:1 ratio, which is advantageous for international travel. Although American Airlines AAdvantage has a different ratio, it can still convey significant value, especially when there’s favorable award seat availability.
Key Benefits and Tips
- Promotions & Bonuses: RBC Rewards frequently runs transfer bonuses for select partners, which can elevate your conversion value by up to 30%. Such bonuses typically apply to airline programs like WestJet, British Airways Avios, Cathay Pacific Asia Miles, and American Airlines AAdvantage. Always check your RBC Rewards account for promos to maximize value.
- Combining with RBC WestJet Products: By holding both an RBC Avion card and the RBC WestJet World Elite Mastercard, you can merge welcome bonuses, enabling you to accumulate WestJet points more quickly. Avion points transfer to WestJet at a defined rate.
- Redemption Value: The value of airline miles may change based on the route, the class of service booked, and availability. Generally, expect at least 1.5¢ per mile, with the possibility of much higher values for premium cabin bookings.
Expiration of RBC Avion Points
RBC Avion Rewards points do not have an expiration date as long as you maintain an eligible and active RBC Royal Bank credit card account. If you opt to close your credit card, you will have 90 days to redeem any remaining points before they are forfeited.
- Points remain valid while your account is open and in good standing
- You have 90 days after account closure to utilize points
For any inquiries regarding your points, it is advisable to contact RBC customer service for clarifications or additional information.
Comparing RBC Avion to Other Programs
RBC Avion Rewards distinguishes itself within major Canadian loyalty frameworks due to its adaptable redemption choices, absence of blackout dates, and no minimum points required for redemption. With fixed points flight options and frequent promotions, you stand to improve your overall benefits.
| Program | Special Features |
| RBC Avion | Fixed points flights, diverse transfer partners, flexible redemption avenues including financial rewards |
| American Express MR | Travel booking flexibility, numerous transfer partners, premier credit cards |
| CIBC Rewards | Flexible travel, lacks transfer partners |
| BMO Rewards | Travel booking flexibility, various transfer partners, and leading credit cards |
| TD Rewards | Utilizes Expedia for TD, which may not provide competitive prices. |
| Scene+ | Fixed points flights, transfer partners, flexible redemptions, including financial rewards |
Compared to American Express Membership Rewards, a limitation of RBC Avion is that travel must be booked through the RBC portal, and it does not include Aeroplan or Marriott Bonvoy as transfer partners. Additionally, RBC Avion cards may not have the most competitive earning rates when set against others in the market. For further exploration, check out these links: CIBC Rewards, BMO Rewards, TD Rewards, Scene+, and American Express Membership Rewards.
Earning RBC Avion Rewards
You can accumulate Avion points by utilizing an eligible RBC Avion credit card for your everyday spending. These cards facilitate point collection with each transaction, whether for groceries, gas, bill payments, or traveling. The selection includes six personal credit cards and two business credit cards (for instance, the RBC Visa Infinite Avion Card).
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 initial six months
- 15,000 Avion points upon maintaining your account active until the 16th month
- Earn 1.25 Avion points for every dollar spent on travel
- Earn 1 Avion point per dollar on other purchases
- Comprehensive travel insurance coverage
- Mobile device coverage up to $1,500
The sign-up bonus for new cardholders usually ranges from 35,000 to 55,000 points, which is competitive with some of the top travel credit cards available in Canada.
The earning rate of 1.25 points per dollar on travel expenses is respectable, while obtaining 1 RBC Reward point per dollar for other purchases, including bills, is standard across many cards.
Moreover, the RBC Visa Infinite Avion Card offers substantial travel insurance when going abroad. It includes medical coverage, trip interruptions or cancellations, delayed or misplaced luggage, hotel burglaries, and more. Be sure to review insurance certificates to familiarize yourself with the complete terms.
Avion Rewards Retail Partnerships
You can also accrue Avion points when shopping at select Avion Rewards retail partners by making purchases online, in-store, or through the Avion Rewards app. Ensure your RBC Avion credit or debit card is linked to automatically earn points on eligible purchases.
Tips to Maximize Earnings with Retail Partners:
- Shop through the Avion Rewards portal or app to access special promotions and earning multipliers.
- Keep an eye out for limited-time offers that provide extra points in categories like electronics, apparel, or travel bookings.
- Utilize the Avion Rewards program tools, including the rewards app and RBC online banking, to check participating partner offers and track your transaction history.
- Combine points earned from credit cards with promotional bonus points to accelerate accumulation.
Final Thoughts
Avion Rewards ranks among the leading bank travel rewards programs. While the RBC Visa Infinite Avion card may not offer the best sign-up bonuses or top-tier earning rates, the easy redemption process for points—without blackout dates or minimum point requirements—makes it a user-friendly option for those who enjoy banking with RBC. For more insight, consider my RBC InvestEase review to see how you could cut down on investment management fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book travel with my Avion Rewards points?
You can arrange travel by signing in to the Avion Rewards Travel portal. Once logged in, use your points to book flights, accommodations, car rentals, and more.
How can I log into my Avion Rewards account?
To access your account, visit the Avion Rewards website and click on “Sign In.” Alternatively, you can enter through RBC Online Banking if your card is linked.
Are there special rewards for events like concerts?
At times, Avion Rewards may provide exclusive access or early ticket sales for select concerts and live performances featuring popular artists. Such offers are limited-time only and are disclosed via the Avion Rewards website or member communications. Regularly check the rewards platform for the latest event offers.
Where can I find the Avion Rewards catalogue for redemption?
The Avion Rewards catalogue is accessible online at the Avion Rewards website, where you can explore various redevelopment options like merchandise, gift cards, and experiences. Signing in is necessary to view and redeem your points.
What is the contact number for Avion Rewards customer support?
Avion Rewards customer service can be reached at 1-800-769-2512. For further assistance, you can also utilize the “Help” feature available in your online account or travel portal.