The RBC Rewards+ Visa Card is RBC’s entry-level no-annual-fee rewards credit card, earning RBC Rewards points on eligible purchases with elevated rates on groceries, gas stations, and drugstores. It is a straightforward introductory card for Canadians who want to participate in RBC’s rewards ecosystem without paying an annual fee — and a solid stepping stone toward the RBC Avion programme for those who want travel rewards.
Quick Verdict
Best for: RBC banking clients who want a no-fee entry into RBC’s rewards programme, earning points on groceries, gas, and drugstores, with the option to redeem for travel and merchandise.
Not ideal for: Those who want the highest possible grocery/gas cash back (cards like BMO CashBack, Tangerine offer higher category rates), or those who want points transferable to airline partners (Avion cards do that; Rewards+ does not).
Key Card Details
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 |
| Additional cardholder fee | Verify at rbcroyalbank.com |
| Purchase interest rate | Verify at rbcroyalbank.com |
| Cash advance rate | Verify at rbcroyalbank.com |
| Foreign transaction fee | 2.5% (typical) — verify at rbcroyalbank.com |
| Income requirement | None stated |
| Network | Visa |
| Rewards | RBC Rewards Points |
| Welcome bonus | Verify current offer at rbcroyalbank.com |
Card terms, earn rates, and all features are subject to change. Verify all current details at rbcroyalbank.com before applying.
Earn Rates
Verify all current earn rates at rbcroyalbank.com.
| Spending Category | RBC Rewards Points |
|---|---|
| Grocery stores | Elevated rate — verify at rbcroyalbank.com |
| Gas stations | Elevated rate — verify at rbcroyalbank.com |
| Drugstores | Elevated rate — verify at rbcroyalbank.com |
| All other eligible purchases | Base rate — verify at rbcroyalbank.com |
Annual points estimate
At an illustrative elevated rate of 2 points per $1 on grocery/gas/drugstore and 1 point per $1 elsewhere:
- $1,000/month grocery + gas + drugstore: 24,000 points/year
- $2,000/month other: 24,000 points/year
- Total: ~48,000 points/year
- Value at RBC portal: varies — verify at rbcroyalbank.com
RBC Rewards Redemption Options
| Redemption Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Travel | Book through RBC Rewards portal — flights, hotels, car rentals |
| Cash back | Redeem as statement credit — verify rate |
| Gift cards | RBC Rewards gift card catalogue |
| Merchandise | Electronics, housewares, other items through catalogue |
| Charitable donations | Verify at rbcroyalbank.com |
No airline transfer partners: RBC Rewards points from the Rewards+ Visa cannot be transferred to Aeroplan, WestJet, or other airline programmes. For airline transfers, the RBC Avion Visa (which earns Avion Points) is required.
RBC Rewards+ Visa vs. RBC Cash Back Mastercard
| Feature | RBC Rewards+ Visa | RBC Cash Back Mastercard |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 | $0 |
| Rewards type | RBC Rewards points | Cash back |
| Grocery | Elevated points | 2% cash back |
| Gas | Elevated points | 1% cash back |
| Flexibility | Portal redemption only | Statement credit (any purchase) |
| Simplicity | Moderate (portal) | High (automatic) |
For pure simplicity and flexibility, the RBC Cash Back Mastercard’s 2% on grocery as statement credit is easier and more universally useful. The Rewards+ Visa is appropriate for those who want the points model for travel redemptions.
Fees and Rates
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 |
| Purchase interest rate | Verify at rbcroyalbank.com |
| Cash advance rate | Verify at rbcroyalbank.com |
| Foreign transaction fee | Verify at rbcroyalbank.com (typically 2.5%) |
RBC Rewards+ Visa vs. Other No-Fee Grocery/Gas Cards
| Card | Annual Fee | Grocery Rate | Gas Rate | Redemption |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RBC Rewards+ Visa | $0 | Elevated RBC points | Elevated RBC points | RBC portal |
| RBC Cash Back Mastercard | $0 | 2% cash back | 1% cash back | Any purchase |
| BMO CashBack Mastercard | $0 | 3% cash back | 1% cash back | Statement credit |
| Tangerine Money-Back | $0 | 2% on category | 2% on gas (if chosen) | Statement credit |
| Rogers Red Mastercard | $0 | 1.5% everywhere | 1.5% everywhere | Statement credit |
The BMO CashBack Mastercard at 3% on grocery (at $0 annual fee) is harder to beat on the grocery category. If grocery cash back is your priority, BMO may deliver more value.
The Path to Avion: RBC’s Rewards Upgrade Strategy
The RBC Rewards+ Visa is often an entry point for customers who eventually upgrade to an Avion card:
| Stage | Card | Rewards | Next Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | RBC Rewards+ Visa | RBC Rewards (no transfer) | Learn points basics |
| Mid-tier | RBC Avion Visa Platinum | Avion Points (WestJet, Avios) | Transfer partners |
| Premium | RBC Avion Visa Infinite | Avion + Visa Infinite benefits | Full Avion experience |
| Ultra-premium | RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege | Highest Avion earn + VIP benefits | $200K+ income |
Who Is the RBC Rewards+ Visa Best For?
Ideal cardholders:
- RBC banking clients who want a no-fee card that earns points on everyday spending (grocery, gas, drugstore)
- Those new to credit card rewards who want a simple introduction to the points model without an annual fee
- RBC clients who already have a premium card and want a no-fee supplementary card for specific categories
- Those considering eventually upgrading to an Avion card and want to stay within the RBC ecosystem
Less suitable if:
- You want cash back applied automatically as a statement credit — RBC Cash Back Mastercard is simpler
- You want the highest grocery earn rate — BMO CashBack (3%) is stronger
- You want points transferable to airline partners — Avion cards are required for that
Bottom Line
The RBC Rewards+ Visa Card is a solid no-fee entry into RBC’s rewards programme. It earns elevated RBC Rewards points on groceries, gas, and drugstores — three of the most common everyday spending categories. The absence of an annual fee makes it a zero-risk starting card, and RBC Rewards points can be redeemed for travel, cash back, or merchandise.
The main limitation is that RBC Rewards points from this card cannot be transferred to airline partners. For those who want airline miles, an Avion card is the path forward.
Card terms, earn rates, and RBC Rewards redemption values are subject to change. Verify all current details at rbcroyalbank.com before applying.