The RBC Avion Visa Platinum is the entry point into RBC’s Avion Rewards travel ecosystem — a Visa Platinum card with no income requirement that earns Avion points redeemable for flexible travel or transferable to airline partner programmes. For Canadians who want access to transferable airline points without an income threshold, the Avion Platinum offers a practical path into the Avion programme.
Quick Verdict
Best for: Canadians who want access to the RBC Avion ecosystem and airline transfer partners without meeting the $60,000 income requirement for the Visa Infinite, and those new to travel rewards who want to build Avion points.
Not ideal for: High-spenders who would benefit more from the Avion Visa Infinite’s bonus travel earn rate, those who want the strongest possible everyday earn rates, or cardholders who want cash back rather than points.
Key Card Details
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Annual fee | $120 |
| Additional cardholder fee | $50 |
| Purchase interest rate | 20.99% |
| Cash advance rate | 22.99% |
| Foreign transaction fee | 2.5% |
| Income requirement | None stated |
| Network | Visa |
| Welcome bonus | Verify current offer with RBC |
Welcome bonus offers, earn rates, annual fee, and benefit details are subject to change. Always verify current terms at rbc.com before applying.
Welcome Bonus
RBC periodically offers welcome bonuses on the Avion Visa Platinum, typically as an Avion points bonus after a minimum spend in the first few months.
Always verify the current welcome bonus directly with RBC before applying.
Earn Rates
The RBC Avion Visa Platinum earns Avion points on all eligible purchases at a flat rate.
| Category | Earn Rate |
|---|---|
| All eligible purchases | 1 Avion point per dollar |
The RBC Avion Visa Infinite earns a bonus rate on travel purchases (1.25 points per dollar). The Platinum earns the base flat rate only. For heavy travel spenders, the Infinite’s bonus earn rate on travel purchases may justify the income requirement threshold.
Annual spend calculation
Based on a household spending $2,000/month:
| Monthly Spend | Rate | Monthly Points | Annual Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| $2,000 (all purchases) | 1x | 2,000 | 24,000 |
24,000 Avion points per year. Value depends on redemption method:
- Through RBC Rewards Travel Centre: approximately 1 cent per point = $240 in travel
- Transferred to British Airways Avios (1:1) and redeemed for short-haul flights: potentially higher value
After the $120 annual fee, the base earn rate alone is modest. The value proposition of the Avion Visa Platinum rests primarily on the welcome bonus and access to airline transfer partners, not on the ongoing earn rate.
Avion Points: Value and Redemption
Avion points are RBC’s travel rewards currency, redeemable through the RBC Rewards portal or transferred to airline partners.
Redemption options
1. Travel through RBC Rewards portal
Flights, hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages can be booked through the RBC Rewards Travel Centre at approximately 1 cent per point. This is a convenient, flexible option that works for any airline or hotel.
2. Transfer to airline partners (highest potential value)
Avion points can be transferred to airline frequent flyer programmes. Current partners include British Airways Avios and others — verify the full list and current transfer ratios at rbc.com.
British Airways Avios are particularly useful for:
- Short-haul North American flights on Avios partner airlines at attractive redemption rates
- Transatlantic business class on British Airways at distance-based pricing
Transfer ratios and available partners change over time. Confirm current options before planning a redemption.
3. Statement credits and merchandise
Lower per-point value. Not the recommended primary strategy.
Travel Insurance
The RBC Avion Visa Platinum includes travel insurance, though the coverage scope is more limited than the Visa Infinite tier.
Travel emergency medical insurance
Coverage for eligible cardholders and immediate family members when travelling outside their home province. Verify current coverage limits and trip duration terms at rbc.com.
Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
Coverage for non-refundable trip costs. Limits apply — review the Certificate of Insurance.
Rental car collision/loss damage insurance
Coverage for collision damage or theft of rental vehicles when the full rental cost is charged to the card.
Purchase security and extended warranty
- Purchase protection: Coverage against loss, theft, or accidental damage for a limited period
- Extended warranty: May extend the manufacturer’s warranty
For complete coverage details, request and review the Certificate of Insurance at rbc.com. Coverage limits and exclusions differ between the Visa Platinum and Visa Infinite tiers.
Fees and Rates
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual fee (primary) | $120 |
| Annual fee (additional) | $50 |
| Purchase interest rate | 20.99% |
| Cash advance rate | 22.99% |
| Foreign transaction fee | 2.5% |
Who Is the RBC Avion Visa Platinum Best For?
Ideal cardholders:
- Canadians who want access to Avion airline transfer partners (British Airways Avios, American Airlines AAdvantage) without a formal income requirement
- Those who do not meet the $60,000 personal income threshold for the Avion Visa Infinite and want to start accumulating Avion points
- RBC banking customers who want a travel rewards credit card that integrates with their existing RBC relationship
- Travellers who plan to leverage airline transfer partners for a specific award redemption and want to accumulate Avion points toward that goal
Less suitable if:
- You meet the income requirement for the Avion Visa Infinite — the Infinite offers a better earn rate on travel and a stronger insurance package
- You want the highest possible everyday earn rate — 1x on all purchases is below what the best travel cards deliver
- You prefer cash back over points
- You travel internationally and want to avoid a 2.5% foreign transaction fee
Avion Platinum vs. Avion Visa Infinite
| Feature | Avion Visa Platinum | Avion Visa Infinite |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $120 | $120 |
| Income requirement | None | $60,000 personal / $100,000 household |
| Travel earn rate | 1x on all purchases | 1.25x on travel purchases |
| Travel insurance | Standard | Enhanced |
| Airport benefits | None | None |
The annual fee is the same on both cards. The Visa Infinite earns 25% more on travel purchases and includes more comprehensive insurance. If you meet the Infinite’s income requirements, choose the Infinite. The Platinum’s value is in its accessibility — the absence of an income requirement.
Alternatives to the RBC Avion Visa Platinum
| Card | Annual Fee | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| RBC Avion Visa Infinite | $120 | 1.25x on travel, better insurance |
| TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite | $139 | 6x on dining/grocery, 8x Expedia for TD |
| BMO eclipse Visa Infinite | $120 | 5x on grocery/dining/gas/transit |
| Scotiabank Gold American Express | $120 | 5–6x Scene+, no FX fee |
| Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card | $0 | Up to 2% cash back, no fee |
Bottom Line
The RBC Avion Visa Platinum is best understood as an access card — it opens the Avion Rewards ecosystem and airline transfer partners for Canadians who do not qualify for the Visa Infinite tier. The 1x earn rate on all purchases is modest, and the card’s ongoing earning value is not its strength.
Where the Platinum shines is as a starting point: build points toward a specific airline redemption, then upgrade to the Avion Visa Infinite when your income threshold is met. For the right cardholder — someone who wants British Airways Avios or other Avion transfer currencies without an income ceiling — the Avion Visa Platinum serves that specific need.
Card terms, earn rates, welcome bonus offers, transfer partners, and annual fees are subject to change. Always verify current details at rbc.com before applying.