travel credit card rbc

Sign In to Avion Rewards

Sign in with:

If you have a personal credit card or deposit account, you need to enrol in RBC Online Banking to enjoy Avion Rewards. It’s easy and secure.

Start planning your next adventure

All members can redeem Avion points, pay with a credit card or both

Fly on any airline with exclusive pricing & benefits for Avion Elite

Get exclusive deals on hotels, resorts and more around the world

Car rentals

Access a fleet of rental cars, trucks and vehicles at home and abroad

Book flights plus hotel packages to thousands of destinations

Things to do

Catch a show, tour sites & attractions, treat yourself to authentic local cuisine and more

Fly over 500 airlines with exclusive pricing & benefits for Avion Elite

Book all-inclusive vacations to thousands of destinations

Catch a show, tour sites & attractions, treat yourself to 5-star dining and more

Already a member? Sign in to get the latest travel offers

How many points do you need to travel?

Avion Elite members get there sooner with exclusive fixed-points pricing on any airline, any flight, any time. No blackout dates or advance seating restrictions, even during peak periods. 

Quick Getaways

• Within or to an adjacent province/territory
• Within or to an adjacent U.S. state

Max Ticket Price* $350

Explore North America

• Anywhere in Canada/U.S. except Hawaii and Alaska

Max Ticket Price* $750

Holiday Destinations

• Western Canada/U.S. to Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska
• Eastern Canada to Bermuda, Central America, Caribbean

Max Ticket Price* $900

Take a Vacation

• Eastern Canada/U.S. to Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska
• Western Canada to Bermuda, Central America, Caribbean

Max Ticket Price* $1,100

Visit Europe

• Major gateway in Canada/U.S. to destinations in Europe

Max Ticket Price* $1,300

100,000 pts

See the World

• Major gateway in Canada/U.S. to destinations in Asia, Australia, New Zealand, South Pacific, Middle East, Africa, South America

Max Ticket Price* $2,000

*Excluding any applicable taxes, surcharges and fees.

Max Ticket Price* $175

Max Ticket Price* $375

Max Ticket Price* $450

Max Ticket Price* $550

Max Ticket Price* $650

Max Ticket Price* $1,000

Avion Elite members can also redeem for hotel stays, car rentals and more, using this simple conversion:

You also have the flexibility to redeem for flights using this conversion, including paying taxes and fees * If you are an RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege for Private Banking, RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege, RBC Avion Visa Infinite Business or RBC Commercial Avion Visa cardholder, you can redeem your points at the rate of 100 points = $2 CAD for first or business class air fare, including paying taxes and fees.

Still have questions? Visit our Travel FAQs page

Family vacations or bucket-list trips, eligible Avion Premium members 1 can redeem using this conversion:

Redeem a minimum of 1,000 points – the remaining balance can be paid with a credit card.

ION & ION+ credit card holders and Avion Rewards Core Accounts redeem using a conversion rate of 172 points = $1 (minimum 2,500 points)

Road trips, weekend getaways or vacations, Avion Select members can redeem travel using this conversion:

Redeem a minimum of 2,500 points – the remaining balance can be paid with a credit card.

Travel sooner 2 as an Avion Elite member

Get the RBC Avion Visa Infinite card to become an Avion Elite member and enjoy exclusive benefits to help you travel sooner 2 on points with any airline, any flight and anytime.

Convert points for travel

Avion Premium and Elite members can convert points to other loyalty or frequent flyer programs, so you can fly and earn your own way. 1

WestJet Rewards

American Airlines

British Airways

Cathay Pacific

Frequently asked questions

Still have questions? Check our Travel FAQs

Avion Rewards travel

Redeem your points for flights, hotels, car rentals, and more.

How many Avion points do you need to travel?

Rbc avion visa credit card holders.

Choose any airline, any flight, any time. There are no blackout dates or advance booking restrictions, even during peak periods.

Avion credit card holders can also redeem for all type of travel, using this simple conversion:

Redeem points using this conversion rate for hotel stays, car rental, cruises, and more. You can also use it for flights when you don’t want to redeem from the Air Travel Redemption Grid above.

Want to travel sooner?

With an RBC Avion credit card, you could be travelling sooner with any airline, any flight, any time. Apply for an RBC Avion Visa Infinite card today and get.

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Redeeming Avion points for your travel needs is easy

Just use this conversion rate if you’re:

• redeeming for a flight not using the Air Travel Redemption Schedule;
• redeeming for a hotel stay, car rental, cruise or vacation package;
• paying any amount above the maximum dollar value within a category;
• paying taxes, surcharges and fees.

If you are an RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege for Private Banking, RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege, RBC Avion Visa Infinite Business or RBC Commercial Avion Visa cardholder, you can redeem your points at the rate of 100 points = $2 CAD for first or business class air fare, including paying taxes and surcharges and fees.

Don’t forget, if you’re short a few points, you can always purchase travel by redeeming your points and using your credit card.

For more information, see our Avion Rewards Terms and Conditions .

• Contact Customer Service
• Call 1-800-769-2553
• Locate a No-Fee 2 U.S. ATM
• RBC Bank (U.S.) Online Banking
• RBC Royal Bank Online Banking

Visa ‡ Platinum

Earn Rewards with Every Purchase You Make. Redeem for Cash Back, Travel, Gift Cards and More.

Annual Fee: $0 20

Additional Card: $0

Purchase Rate: Low introductory APR offer

0% introductory APR for 6 months. After the introductory period, a variable interest rate of between #include virtual="/cross-border/_assets-custom/includes/prime-rate-info-from.html" and #include virtual="/cross-border/_assets-custom/includes/prime-rate-info-to.html" will apply. This APR will vary with the market based on the prime rate 22 .

0% introductory APR for 6 months. After the introductory period, the Annual Percentage Rate which is Prime Rate plus a margin between 9.99% and 16.74% based on your credit worthiness will apply. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate 22 .

• Make your transaction in U.S. dollar and avoid daily currency fluctuations
• Earn 1 Avion point for every $1 spent on your card 6
• Redeem your Avion points for 1.00% cash back 24
• No annual fee 20

Use your card. Earn points. Get free stuff

Every time you make a purchase with your card, you automatically earn Avion points that you can redeem for travel, cash back, gift cards, merchandise and more.

Pool and transfer points 7

Get the rewards you want faster by pooling points with friends and family. You can also transfer them to your Canadian Avion Rewards account at face value. Points are transferred at a 1:1 value. One U.S. Avion point is equal to one Canadian Avion point.

So many rewards to choose from!

Redeem points for gift cards at some of your favorite spots—like Amazon, Best Buy, Publix, Panera and Starbucks. You can also redeem for the latest gadgets from today’s hottest brands.

Easy to Use, Easy to Pay Off

Use your RBC Bank credit card anywhere Visa is accepted in-store, online and over the phone. And pay your credit card bill by just clicking the “Pay Now” button in Online Banking. Sound simple? It is.

A Secure Way to Pay

Chip technology is embedded into your RBC Bank credit card, which means you’re protected by several layers of fraud prevention technology. And if something goes wrong, you’re protected by Visa’s Zero Liability 10 .

Insurance 9

Enjoy built-in insurance benefits that protect you and your money.

• Travel accident insurance up to $250,000
• Auto rental collision damage waiver

Plus a Few Extras That Offer Additional Benefits For Our Cardholders

• Roadside assistance
• Emergency cash and card replacement

Credit Card Features & Benefits

Credit Card Disclosures

Cardholder Agreement

Prince of Travel

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Points Programs

Hotel programs, best credit cards.

RBC® Avion Visa Infinite†

Updated on: September 4, 2024

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{post.custom_fields.card_benefits_1_b_title}, {post.custom_fields.card_benefits_2_b_title}, best offer available until november 25, 2024†, signup bonus:.

35,000 Avion points upon approval† 20,000 bonus Avion points when you spend $5,000 in your first six months† Total of up to 55,000 Avion points

Interest Rates:

20.99% purchases 22.99% cash advances (21.99% QC) 22.99% balance transfers (21.99% QC)

Earning rate:

1.25 RBC Avion points† per dollar spent on qualifying travel purchases 1 RBC Avion point† per dollar spent on all other qualifying purchases

The RBC ® Avion Visa Infinite † is RBC ® 's flagship product, and currently offers a record-high welcome bonus.

Bonuses & Fees

• 35,000 Avion points upon approval†
• 20,000 bonus Avion points when you spend $5,000 in your first six months†

Earning Rewards

The RBC ® Avion Visa Infinite † offers the following earning rates:

• 1.25 RBC Avion points per dollar spent † on qualifying travel purchases
• 1 RBC Avion point per dollar spent † on all other qualifying purchases

Redeeming Rewards

These can be some of highest value uses of RBC Avion points. If you signed up via the current offer for 55,000 Avion points, for example, and transferred the points over to Avios during a 30% promotion, you'd get 71,500 Avios — good for a number of short-haul flights, or enough to make solid progress towards a one-way flight in Qatar Airways Qsuites from North America to the Middle East or a multi-carrier ticket .

Perks & Benefits

The RBC ® Avion Visa Infinite † includes a host of interesting benefits, including 12 months of free DashPass from DoorDash as part of the wider partnership between RBC and DoorDash † . In addition to this perk, cardholders get to enjoy unlimited deliveries with $0 delivery fees on orders of $15 or more when you pay with your eligible RBC credit card † . It also includes a 3¢/L saving on fuel at Petro-Canada † , along with earning 20% more Petro-Points and RBC Avion points upon using your card to pay † . Furthermore, RBC Avion cardholders can save 20% at Hertz † , as well as earn 2x the points if using your card † . Finally, you can earn 50 Be Well points for every $1 spent on eligible products at Rexall † , as well as an improved redeeming ratio of 25,000 Be Well points = $10.

Insurance Coverage

The RBC ® Avion Visa Infinite † comes with pretty strong protection, as would be expected for a premium credit card:

Emergency medical insurance † for the first 15 days of any out-of-province trips for travellers under the age of 65 or the first three days for those 65 and up

Travel accident insurance † , covering death or dismemberment, of up to $500,000

Car rental collision/loss damage insurance † , which allows you to save on the daily insurance charged by car rental companies for vehicles up to a MSRP of $65,000

Trip cancellation insurance † of up to $5,000 and trip interruption insurance † of up to $25,000

Flight delay insurance † of up to $500 for reasonable expenses incurred

There's also a very compelling purchase protection scheme †  in place that will reimburse you for accidentally lost or damaged personal property within 90 days of purchase, up to a maximum of $50,000 per year, as well as an extended warranty †  feature that automatically doubles the original manufacturer's warranty.

Overall, the insurance on this card is on par with other premium cards in the market, making it a solid option for any big purchases.

†Terms and conditions apply. RBC Bank is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the 'Apply Now' link for the most up to date information.

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Home » Credit Cards » RBC ION vs Avion: Differences in Rewards Explained

RBC ION vs Avion: Differences in Rewards Explained

By: PiggyBank Staff

PiggyBank is reader-supported. We may be compensated if you use, sign-up or apply for services through our links. See our Advertising Disclosure .

Welcome Offer

Interest rates, points earning structure, rewards redemption options, insurance coverage.

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• No markups on international exchange rates.
• Available in dozens of countries.
• Standard fees can add up.
• There are faster and cheaper options for domestic transfers.

• No receiving limits.
• Convenient for on-the-go transfers.
• Only available in the US. fees can add up.
• Payment limits for senders.

Wealthsimple

• High interest for deposited cash.
• Easy-to-use.
• Only available in Canada.
• Lacks some typical account features.

While both cards earn Avion Rewards, the main difference is that RBC Avion credit cards can redeem points for flights using the travel redemption schedule, a predefined amount of points for each of 6 different zones around the world (Max ticket price applies).

The RBC ION Visa Credit Card can redeem for travel at a rate of 172 points to $1.

The RBC ION is known for its no annual fee and a rewards program focused on everyday spending, which contrasts with the RBC Avion Visa Platinum Credit Card, which offers extensive travel benefits.

The Avion Visa Platinum, with an annual fee and a more comprehensive rewards program, is ideal for frequent travelers.

It provides flexibility in flight booking without blackout dates or seat restrictions.

In contrast, the ION Visa targets regular expenses such as groceries, gas, and digital subscriptions, making it suitable for everyday use.

RBC ION Visa: Offers 3,500 Avion points upon approval, which translates to a value of around $25 in gift cards.

• RBC Avion Visa Platinum: Comes with a more generous welcome offer of up to 55,000 Avion points, enough for significant travel. This includes 35,000 points on approval and an additional 20,000 points after spending $5,000 in the first 6 months.

RBC ION Visa: There is no annual fee for this card, making it a cost-effective choice for everyday use. Additional cards also come without any extra charge.

• RBC Avion Visa Platinum: Has an annual fee of $120, with an additional $50 fee for each supplementary card. This fee reflects the card’s premium nature.

Both Cards: Share similar interest rates, with a purchase rate of 20.99% and a cash advance rate of 22.99%.

RBC ION Visa: This card excels in its specialized points earning structure, making it appealing for individuals who want to maximize rewards on their everyday spending. It offers 1.5 Avion points per $1 spent on specific categories like groceries, rides, gas, streaming services, digital gaming, and more. This targeted approach ensures that cardholders can accumulate points quickly on their regular expenses. Furthermore, for all other purchases, the card still provides a respectable 1 Avion point per $1, ensuring that no spending goes unrewarded.

RBC Avion Visa Platinum: In contrast, the Avion Visa Platinum offers a simpler but more universally applicable points earning structure. Cardholders earn a consistent 1 Avion point per $1 spent on all qualifying purchases. While it lacks the specificity of the ION Visa, this structure makes it straightforward to accumulate points without needing to consider specific spending categories. It may be a better fit for individuals who prefer a more general rewards approach or those whose spending doesn’t align with the specialized categories of the ION Visa.

RBC ION Visa Credit Card:

• Travel: Avion points can be used to book flights, hotels, and car rentals, offering great flexibility for travelers.
• Gift Cards: Points can be redeemed for gift cards from popular retailers, allowing cardholders to choose the rewards that best suit their needs.
• Merchandise: Avion points can be used to shop for a range of merchandise, from electronics to home goods.
• Pay With Points: Cardholders can also use their points to pay off their credit card balance or send money to friends through Interac e-Transfer, providing a convenient way to offset expenses.

RBC Avion Visa Platinum Credit Card:

• Travel: Avion points can be redeemed for flights, hotels, car rentals, and more, catering to the needs of frequent travelers. The card’s “no blackout dates, no seat restrictions” policy ensures flexibility in booking.
• Gift Cards: Cardholders can convert points into gift cards, which can be used for various purposes, including gifting or personal use.
• Merchandise: Like the ION Visa, Avion points can be used to shop for merchandise through the Avion Rewards Catalogue, including tech products and more.

RBC ION Visa: This card offers basic insurance coverage, including Purchase Security and Extended Warranty Insurance. These features provide protection for eligible card purchases by covering loss, theft, or damage within 90 days of purchase and extending the manufacturer’s warranty.

RBC Avion Visa Platinum: In contrast, the Avion Visa Platinum offers extensive insurance coverage, a key feature for frequent travelers. It includes coverage for trip cancellation and interruption, as well as insurance for purchases and belongings during travel. This level of coverage provides peace of mind for travelers facing unexpected situations and adds significant value to the card.

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10 Best RBC Credit Cards in Canada for 2024

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This may influence which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own.

The Royal Bank of Canada , commonly known as RBC, is one of Canada’s ‘Big Six’ banks . The issuer offers a range of credit cards, such as cashback, travel and rewards cards. Here are the best RBC credit cards.

Best RBC credit cards in Canada

• Summary of our selections

RBC credit cards: Types, features and cost

RBC ION+ Visa Credit Card

• Get 12,000 Avion points upon approval* – that’s $80 of value in gift cards⁺! Apply by November 4, 2024.
• Earn 3X Avion points for every $1 spent¹ on:
• Grocery, Dining & Food Delivery – Satisfy your taste buds by earning points on groceries, dining out, food delivery.ⁱ
• Rides, Gas & EV Charging – Enjoy earning points on gas, rideshare, daily public transit, electric vehicle charging.ⁱⁱ
• Streaming, Digital Gaming & Subscriptions– Stay entertained while earning points on streaming, gaming, eligible digital subscriptions, eligible digital downloads, and in-game purchases.ⁱⁱⁱ
• Earn 1 Avion point for every $1 spent on all other qualifying purchases.¹
• Annual Fee $48² ($4 charged monthly).
• Pay With Points – Redeem your Avion points to pay bills, your credit card balance or even send money to friends with Interac e-Transfer⁴. Minimum redemption is only $10, so you can use your points where you need them most.
• Save at Petro-Canada – Save 3¢/L on fuel and earn 20% more points when you pay with a linked RBC card.⁶
• Earn more Be Well points at Rexall – Earn 50 Be Well points for every $1 spent on eligible purchases at Rexall when you pay with your linked RBC card and scan your Be Well card.⁷
• Save Big on Delivery with DoorDash – Get a 3-month complimentary DashPass subscription – a value of almost $308. Enjoy unlimited deliveries with $0 delivery fees on qualifying orders of $15 or more when you pay with your eligible RBC credit card⁹. See how to save with DoorDash.
• Enjoy a Monthly Fee Rebate – Get a $4 rebate¹⁰ each month ($48/year) on the monthly fee of your credit card when you have an RBC Signature No Limit Banking or RBC Advantage Banking for students account.
• Mobile Device Insurance⁵ Included – Get 2 years of coverage up to $1,000 in the event your mobile device such as your cell phone is lost, stolen, accidentally damaged or experiences mechanical failure when you purchase your mobile device with this credit card.
• Purchase Security and Extended Warranty Insurance⁵ – Automatically protects eligible card purchases against loss, theft or damage within 90 days of purchase, and doubles the manufacturer’s original Canadian warranty by up to one additional year, to a maximum of five years.
• Corresponding legal references and product terms are available on the RBC website, which will be available and agreed upon in the customer onboarding process.

RBC ION Visa Credit Card

• Get 6,000 Avion points upon approval* – that’s $40 of value in gift cards⁺! Apply by November 4, 2024.
• Earn 1.5X Avion points¹ on:
• Grocery – Satisfy your taste buds by earning points on groceries.ⁱ
• Streaming, Digital Gaming & Subscriptions – Stay entertained while earning points on streaming, gaming, eligible digital subscriptions, eligible digital downloads, and in-game purchases.ⁱⁱⁱ
• Pay With Points – Redeem your Avion points to pay bills, your credit card balance or even send money to friends with Interac e-Transfer⁴. Minimum redemption is only $10, so you can use your points where you need them most.
• Save at Petro-Canada – Save 3¢/L on fuel and earn 20% more points when you pay with a linked RBC card.⁶
• Earn more Be Well points at Rexall – Earn 50 Be Well points for every $1 spent on eligible purchases at Rexall when you pay with your linked RBC card and scan your Be Well card.⁷
• Save Big on Delivery with DoorDash – Get a 3-month complimentary DashPass subscription – a value of almost $30.⁸ Enjoy unlimited deliveries with $0 delivery fees on qualifying orders of $15 or more when you pay with your eligible RBC credit card⁹. See how to save with DoorDash.
• Purchase Security and Extended Warranty Insurance⁵ – Automatically protects eligible card purchases against loss, theft or damage within 90 days of purchase, and doubles the manufacturer’s original Canadian warranty by up to one additional year, to a maximum of five years.

RBC Avion Visa Infinite

• Get up to 55,000 Avion points* (a value of up to $1,100†), that’s enough to fly anywhere in North America or the Caribbean!
• Earn 1 Avion point for every dollar you spend* and an extra 25% on eligible travel purchases.
• Avioners can book flights with points on any airline, on any flight, at any time, early or last minute, with no blackout periods or restrictions.
• Avioners earn points that never expire so your points will be waiting for your next adventure.
• Redeem your points for travel and more. Use points for anything from paying bills and paying your card balance to redeeming for Gift Cards and Merchandise at top brands like Apple. The Avion Rewards program gives you the freedom of choice to use your points your way, and helps you make the most as an Avioner.
• Eligible Avion Rewards members can also convert points to other loyalty programs including WestJet dollars, British Airways Avios points and Hudson’s Bay Rewards points.
• Link your RBC card with a Petro-Points membership to instantly save 3₵ per litre on fuel at Petro-Canada stations and earn 20% more Petro-Points and 20% more Avion points.
• Link your RBC card with a Rexall Be Well account and get 50 Be Well points for every $1 spent on eligible products at Rexall. Redeem Be Well points faster for savings in store on eligible purchases where 25,000 Be Well points = $10.
• Get access to RBC offers which provides access to earn points faster at specified brands.
• Extensive insurance including: mobile device insurance, travel insurance (trip cancellation, interruption and emergency medical) and other eligible purchases to protect you and your family.
• Avioners get access to luxury Visa Infinite benefits including first in line for exclusive events, and hotel and dining benefits.
• Avioners no longer need 14-days to book travel using the RBC grid.
• Get $0 delivery fees for 12 months from DoorDash¹⁷ – Add your eligible RBC credit card to your DoorDash account to:
• Get a 12-month complimentary DashPass subscription¹⁸ – a value of almost $120.
• Enjoy unlimited deliveries with $0 delivery fees on orders of $15 or more when you pay with your eligible RBC credit card.

RBC® British Airways Visa Infinite‡

• Intro offer: Get Up to 60,000 Aviosˆ: Receive 15,000 Avios as welcome bonus upon approval. 35,000 bonus Avios when you spend $6,000 CAD in the first 3 months. Another 10,000 bonus Avios after your first yearˆ.
• Earn 3 Avios for every $1 CAD spent at British Airways and British Airways Holidays
• Earn 2 Avios for every $1 CAD spent on qualifying dining spend
• Earn 1 Avios for every $1 CAD spent on all other qualifying net purchases
• Earn a companion voucher when you spend $30,000 CAD annually. You can either take a companion with you or fly solo instead for a 50% Avios discount on the cost of one reward seat ticket. Plus, you’ll have the flexibility to pay a lower, flat fee to cover taxes, fees and carrier charges and a fixed Avios amount when you make a Reward Flight booking.
• Eligible members who spend a minimum of $30,000 CAD on qualifying purchases on their card in a calendar year (“calendar year” refers to the time period starting from January 1 and ending December 31) will receive a maximum of one Companion Voucher for that calendar year. See ba.com/rbc-visa for full terms and conditions.
• 10% off British Airways flights when you book and pay with your card∞
• Redeem for flights and more – you can spend your Avios on all of the travel things you love, including cabin upgrades with British Airways or reward flights with British Airways and any of the oneworld partner airlines to almost 1,000 destinations worldwide**
• Comprehensive Insurances including 31–day out of country/province emergency medical insurance¹, flight delay insurance², hotel burglary³ and rental car⁴ insurance. Even eligible purchases you make with the card are protected³.
• Luxury Visa Infinite benefits⁵ such as first in line service for exclusive events and hotel and dining exclusives via www.visainfinite.ca
• Complimentary 24/7 Concierge Service⁵.
• Link your RBC card with a Petro-Points membership to instantly save 3₵ per litre on fuel at Petro-Canada stations and earn 20% more Petro-Points and 20% more Avion points
• Get $0 delivery fees for 12 months from DoorDash
• Link your RBC British Airways Visa Infinite card with a Rexall Be Well account and get 50 Be Well points for every $1 spent on eligible products at Rexall. Redeem Be Well points faster for savings in store on eligible purchases where 25,000 Be Well points = $10
• Eligibility: This card requires a minimum personal income of $60,000 or a minimum household income of $100,000. Must also be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory of residence.

RBC® Cash Back Mastercard‡

• Unlimited cash back on your spending.*
• 2% cash back on groceries.*
• Up to 1% cash back on all other qualifying purchases and pre-authorized payments.
• No Annual Fee.
• Link your RBC card with a Petro-Points membership and instantly save on fuel at Petro-Canada stations and earn 20% more Petro-Points.
• Get $0 delivery fees for 3 months from DoorDash¹⁴ – Add your eligible RBC credit card to your DoorDash account to:
• Get a 3-month complimentary DashPass subscription¹⁵ – a value of almost $30.

WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard

• Get up to $700 in WestJet dollars¹ with the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard. Plus a Round-Trip Companion Voucher Every Year²
• Get free first checked bags for the primary cardholder and up to 8 guests on the same reservation⁴
• Earn WestJet dollars 1.5% on everyday purchases and 2% on flights or packages with WestJet or WestJet Vacations⁸
• WestJet dollars never expire¹⁰. Use your WestJet dollars to book flights anytime so you can travel when and where you want.
• No blackout periods.
• Travel coverage including emergency medical insurance²⁰ as well as trip interruption insurance²¹, hotel burglary¹⁸ and rental car insurance¹⁸. Even eligible purchases you make on the card are protected.
• Link your RBC card with a Petro-Points membership to and instantly save 3₵ per litre on fuel¹² and always earn 20% more Petro-Points¹³ at Petro-Canada.
• Free Boingo Wifi for Mastercard holders¹¹ at over 1 million hot spots.
• Get $0 delivery fees for 12 months from DoorDash^. Add your eligible RBC credit card to your DoorDash account to: Get a 12-month complimentary DashPass subscription± – a value of almost $120. Enjoy unlimited deliveries with $0 delivery fees on orders of $15 or more when you pay with your eligible RBC credit card.
• Eligibility: This card requires a minimum personal income of $80,000 or a minimum household income of $150,000. Must also be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory of residence.

RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege

• Get up to 70,000 Avion points* (a travel value of up to $1,500†): 35,000 Avion Points on approval*, 20,000 bonus points when you spend $5,000 in your first 6 months*, 15,000 one-time anniversary bonus points after 12 months of account opening*. Apply by November 25, 2024.
• 70,000 Avion points* is enough for two roundtrip tickets to almost anywhere in Canada & the US (Alaska and Hawaii require more points). Taxes and fees extra.†
• Earn 1.25 Avion points for every dollar you spend¹.
• Minimum personal income of $200,000 required to apply.
• Enjoy six complimentary global airport lounge access passes⁵ ($375 value^). Plus take advantage of security fast track lanes and parking benefits at select Canadian airports.⁵
• Book flights on any airline, on any flight, at any time³. You can also use your points to redeem for vacation packages, hotels, cruises and tours³.
• Pick any seat you want from 130+ airlines – with no seat restrictions or blackout periods, even during peak seasons.
• Access more of the world with your 24/7 Visa Infinite Privilege Concierge¹¹
• Avion Infinite Privilege card holders have access to book business or first class at a rate of 100 points for $2³
• Eligible Avion Rewards members can also convert points to other loyalty programs including WestJet dollars and British Airways Avios.
• Link your RBC card with a Rexall Be Well account and get 50 Be Well points for every $1 spent on eligible products at Rexall. Redeem Be Well points faster for savings in store on eligible purchases where 25,000 Be Well points = $10
• Get access to RBC offers which provides access to earn points faster at specified brands
• Flexibility to book flights last-minute: up to 24hrs before

RBC Avion Visa Infinite Business

• Get 35,000 Welcome Avion points upon approval. That’s enough points to fly almost anywhere in Canada & the US except Hawaii & Alaska (a value of up to $750), taxes & fees extra.
• Earn 1.25 Avion Rewards Points for every dollar spent in net purchases on up to $75,000 in spending every year.
• Earn 1 Avion Rewards Point for every dollar spent in excess of $75,000.
• Points can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, vacation packages, cruises, merchandise, gift cards and RBC Financial Rewards vouchers, or used to pay down credit card balances.
• Points earned on employees’ Avion Visa Infinite Business cards can be combined with those earned through a business owner’s business and personal Avion cards.
• $175 annual fee.
• $75 annual fee for each additional card.
• Add up to 9 cardholders to consolidate business expenses and earn points faster.
• The Avion Collection: access to exclusive dining, entertainment and other experiences.
• RBC Offers: special deals from brands like Telus, ADP and Apple that allow cardholders to save money and earn more points.
• Visa Airport Companion: enjoy access to more than 1,300 airport lounges and airport dining and spa offers. Cards linked to a Petro-Points card save three cents per litre on gas and earn 20% more Avion Rewards points and Petro Points.
• Save up to 30% off base rates on car rentals and earn three times the points at Hertz locations.
• $0 delivery fees for 12 months from DoorDash.
• Visa Infinite Business Concierge helps plan business travel by booking event tickets, making restaurant reservations and locating hard-to-find items.
• Fraud alerts and zero liability protection if a card is stolen or used for fraudulent purchases.
• Insurance and protection: out of province/country emergency medical expenses (15 days of coverage for those under 65; three days for those 65 and over), trip cancellation insurance (up to $1,500 per person per trip), trip interruption insurance (up to $5,000 per person per trip), flight delay insurance (up to $500 per trip), stolen/lost baggage insurance (up to $1,000), hotel/motel burglary insurance (up to $2,500), car rental collision and loss damage insurance (up to the actual cash value of the rental vehicle to a maximum of $65,000), travel accident insurance (up to $500,000), emergency purchase insurance (up to $500), mobile device insurance (two years of coverage up to $2,000), purchase security and extended warranty protection.
• Access to Visa Spend Clarity for Business, a web-based reporting solution for expense management, and the Receipt App, for taking photos of receipts and tracking expenses in real time.
• Preferred rates: 19.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances.

RBC® Business Cash Back Mastercard‡

• Earn 2% cash back on purchases made in the first three months.
• Earn 1% cash back on purchases made after three months.
• $650 annual cash back redemption limit.
• Cash back can be redeemed for account credits at any time once the balance reaches $25 or more. Otherwise, the rewards will be automatically credited every January.
• No annual fee for the first card and one additional card.
• Automatic enrolment in Mastercard’s Easy Savings Program, which provides rebates on products and services from participating merchants.
• Linked cards save 3 cents per litre on fuel and 20% more Petro-Points at Petro-Canada locations.
• $0 delivery fees for 3 months from DoorDash.
• Access to the RBC Offers program, which provides cash savings or bonus points on business spending at brands like Apple, ADP and Telus.
• Purchase security and extended warranty protection on eligible business purchases.
• Fraud prevention and zero liability protection.

RBC Avion Visa Platinum

• Enjoy 35,000 Avion points upon approval (travel value of up to $750).
• Earn 1 Avion Rewards point for every dollar spent on qualifying purchases.
• Earn bonus points through purchases at selected retailers when using an Avion Rewards credit card.
• No blackouts or seat restrictions when redeeming points, even during peak travel seasons.
• Points can be converted for use with multiple partner airline loyalty programs.
• Avion members get access to exclusive travel, food, wellness and entertainment offers.
• Annual fee: $120. Additional card: $50.
• 20.99% interest rate on purchases; 22.99% on cash advances (21.99% for cardholders residing in Quebec).
• Travel insurance includes travel accident coverage (up to $500,000), auto rental insurance (up to the value of the rental car damaged or stolen), trip cancellation insurance (up to $1,000 per covered person per trip), trip interruption insurance (up to $2,500 per covered person per trip), emergency purchase coverage (up to $500), flight delay insurance (up to $250 per day, or a $500 maximum p per flight), extended warranty insurance (up to $50,000) and coverage for belongings stolen from a hotel or motel (up to $2,500).
• Linking an RBC Avion Visa Platinum card at Petro Canada allows cardholders to save three cents per litre on fuel, earn 20% more Petro-Points and earn 20% more Avion Rewards points.
• Avion cardholders receive 20% off and 2x the points at Hertz Rent a Car.
• Link the RBC Avion Visa Platinum to a Rexall Be Well card and earn 50 Be Well points for every dollar spent on eligible products at Rexall.
• Add an eligible RBC credit card to a DoorDash account and enjoy no delivery fees for 12 months.

Summary of best RBC credit cards

What cardholders should know about the hsbc acquisition .

On March 28, 2024, RBC completed the purchase of HSBC Bank Canada and its subsidiaries and transitioned HSBC credit card customers to comparable RBC cards. Migrated members who were unhappy with their new credit cards were also given the opportunity to switch to different RBC cards, assuming they qualified.

Here’s a brief look at what the RBC-HSBC deal looked like for customers who  migrated:

Things that stayed the same

Some things carried over during the migration, with little to no disruption for cardholders. These included:

• Credit limits .
• Outstanding card balances.
• Authorized users.
• Automatic payments.
• Cash-back rewards.
• Addresses, phone numbers and other personal account information.

Some things that changed

• Interest rates, fees, and earn rates. In communications to HSBC customers, RBC expressed that it had tried to offer comparable credit cards to migrated members. However, a perfect product match didn’t exist in every case, so some HSBC cardholders experienced changes in interest rates, fees, earn rates and other key product features. 
• Identification numbers. Former HSBC members were assigned new account, card and personal identification numbers (PINs) to go with their RBC credit cards. 
• Communication preferences. Cardholders who previously received e-statements from HSBC had to re-enroll in paperless statements with RBC. 
• Reward programs. HSBC Rewards points were converted to RBC Avion points at a 1:1 ratio. 
• Insurance coverage. Former HSBC customers were asked to review their new credit cards’ insurance coverage to ensure it met their needs. 

RBC credit card options include co-branded cards, cashback cards and rewards cards, among others. RBC’s proprietary travel rewards program, Avion Rewards, allows users to redeem points for travel, merchandise and more.

Types of RBC credit cards

RBC’s collection of credit cards includes a large array of travel rewards cards, as well as cards specifically designed for students and businesses. Here are some of the main types of cards offered by RBC. 

RBC Mastercard and RBC Visa

RBC uses both Visa and Mastercard networks for its cards. At the time of this writing, RBC offers five Mastercards and 15 Visas. 

RBC cash-back cards

Cash-back credit cards let you earn a set amount of money back for each eligible purchase. RBC offers three cash-back cards, as of this writing:

• RBC Cash Back Preferred World Elite Mastercard.
• RBC® Cash Back Mastercard‡.
• RBC® Business Cash Back Mastercard‡.

RBC travel credit cards

Travel credit cards help you earn travel rewards, such as Avion points or WestJet dollars, and often feature travel-friendly perks, like airport lounge access, priority boarding and travel insurance.

RBC offers nine travel credit cards, as of this writing: 

• RBC Avion Visa Infinite.
• WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard.
• RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege – A Luxury Travel Credit Card.
• RBC Avion Visa Platinum.
• RBC U.S. Dollar Visa Gold.
• WestJet RBC Mastercard.
• RBC® British Airways Visa Infinite‡.
• RBC Avion Visa Infinite Business.
• RBC Avion Visa Business.

RBC business credit cards

Business credit cards can help you manage your spending and earn rewards while running a business. RBC offers five business credit cards, as of this writing:

• RBC Visa Business.
• RBC Visa CreditLine for Small Business.

RBC student credit cards

If you’re attending a post-secondary school, student credit cards are worth considering, as they often have lower interest rates, low or no annual fees and can help you build credit. RBC offers six credit cards it deems suitable for students, as of this writing:

• RBC ION Visa Credit Card.
• RBC ION+ Visa Credit Card.
• moi RBC Visa.

RBC low-interest credit cards

Low-interest credit cards have lower-than-normal interest rates that can be useful if you know you’ll carry a balance or need to minimize debt. RBC offers three low-rate cards, as of this writing:

• RBC® Visa‡ Classic Low Rate Option.
• RBC RateAdvantage Visa Credit Card.

RBC no-fee credit cards

No-fee credit cards can be a good addition to your wallet, since there is no cost you need to recoup. RBC offers five cards without annual fees, as of this writing. 

• RBC Visa Platinum.

Features of RBC credit cards

Interest rates.

The purchase interest rate for RBC credit cards ranges from 12.99% to 20.99%. However, most of their cards sit at 20.99%.  The bank offers two cards with a variable rate: the RBC Visa CreditLine for Small Business and RBC RateAdvantage Visa Credit Card. 

The interest rate for cash advances on most of RBCs cards sits at 22.99%. 

Annual fees 

As mentioned above, all but five RBC credit cards charge an annual fee, as of this writing. The fees for RBC credit cards range from $0 to $399, as of this writing. Getting a card with an annual fee may be worth it if the value of the rewards you’ll earn exceeds the cost. 

Almost all RBC credit cards offer points or cash back rewards. The available reward programs include:

• Avion points.
• Westjet dollars. 
• Moi points.
• Avios points (British Airways).

How to choose the best RBC credit card for you

When choosing any credit card, be sure to look for the eligibility requirements. It doesn’t make sense to apply for a credit card card that has age, location, income or credit score requirements you can’t satisfy. 

Additionally, you should consider the following:

• Annual fees. Cards that charge annual fees tend to have higher value perks than those that don’t. But be sure that the value of any rewards you’ll earn will offset the cost of the card.
• Interest rate. You should always aim to pay off your credit card each billing period to avoid paying interest. But for various reasons, that may not always be feasible. If you know you tend to keep a balance on your card, it’s wise to look for a card with a lower interest rate .
• Rewards or cash back. If your goal is to earn rewards, figure out which form of reward makes sense for you. Points or miles can be more lucrative than cash back but can be more complicated to redeem.

Who should get an RBC credit card?

RBC credit cards can be particularly attractive to those looking to earn Avion points. Depending on the card you select, you can earn between one and three points per CAD spent. Categories include groceries, gas, dining and more. 

RBC cards may also appeal to jet-setters looking for a flexible travel rewards program that offers numerous redemption options, has no blackout dates and lets you transfer points to other loyalty programs. 

Furthermore, RBC is the only financial institution that offers Canadians WestJet- and British Airways-branded credit cards — handy if you’re a frequent flyer on either airline.

How to apply for an RBC credit card

• To apply for an RBC credit card, visit the bank’s website, then click on the “Apply Now” button for the card you want.
• At this stage, RBC may list the income requirements to apply for a card. Be sure you meet these requirements before proceeding. 
• You’ll then be asked if you’re an existing client or not. If you already bank with RBC, the application process is much faster. You’ll log in to your pre-existing account, which already has your personal information, and go from there. 
• You’ll then be asked to review the card’s details, such as APR and annual fees, before clicking “Continue”. 
• When prompted, give your name and personal info, such as a phone number, email address, home address and birth date. 
• The bank will also ask about your rent or mortgage information, your employment status and history, as well as the name and phone number of your employer, as applicable. You’ll be expected to provide your income, how much (if any) you earn from investments and whether you pay alimony. A social insurance number is optional.
• You may be asked to provide a personal identification word in case RBC needs to verify that they’re communicating with you. 
• You might also be asked if you want to add an authorized user. If you do, you’ll need to provide the person’s name, phone number and address, and select the person’s relationship to you (e.g., daughter or spouse). 
• Once you’ve provided all of the required info, you’ll be asked to review your application and the terms and conditions of the card before submitting it. Depending on the card, you may get a response in as little as 60 seconds, or the bank may have to review your details and contact you at a future date to let you know if your application was successful.

Frequently asked questions about RBC credit cards

You can apply for an RBC credit card online or by visiting a branch near you. It generally takes about seven to 10 business days to get your RBC credit card in the mail, once your application is approved.

You can activate your RBC credit card online or over the phone. Online activation can be completed via your online account or by visiting rbc.com/activate. Once you’ve activated the card, sign the back and destroy your old card, if applicable.

About the Author

Georgia Rose is a lead writer on the international team at NerdWallet. Her work has been featured in The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Independent and The Associated…

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• Credit Cards

Head-to-Head: RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card vs. Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card

Here are two Visa Infinite credit cards that earn different types of points.

• Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card
• RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card

Their names are very similar! These point-connected cards both give us a passport to low-cost travel, but their characteristics are different. Let’s see which one is the best!

We will base our analysis on the major differences between these credit cards regarding :

Welcome bonus

Earning points.

• Using points

Minimum income

• Travel Insurance

The welcome bonus offered by each of these credit cards varies according to promotions. However, there are some important differences between the two.

With this welcome offer for the Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card , you can earn up to 35,000 Scene+ points:

• 25,000 Scene+ points with total purchases of $1,000 or more in the first three months (value of 250 $ )
• 10,000 additional points with $40,000 in purchases during the first year with the card (value of 100 $ )

When you sign up for the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card , you’ll earn 55,000 Avion points, worth up to $825 :

• 35,000 Avion points on approval (no minimum purchase) ( $525 value) ;
• 20,000 Avion points when you charge $5,000 to the card within 6 months of approval ( $300 value)

Advantage: RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card

With the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card , you earn 35,000 Avion points as soon as your credit card is approved, with no minimum spending. It’s easy!

The RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card and Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite Card each offer different levels of point accumulation.

Earnings levels

With the Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card , you earn 3 Scene+ points per dollar (i.e. 3%) on purchases at:

• Rachelle Béry
• Les Marchés Tradition
• Voià by IGA / Safeway / Sobeys
• Sobeys and Safeway
• Foodland and Thrifty Foods
• FreshCo and Chalo! FreshCo

Then you earn :

• 2 Scene+ points / $1 purchase at restaurants, entertainment, grocery stores and travel (2%)
• 2 Scene+ points / $1 purchase in restaurants, entertainment, grocery stores and travel outside Canada (2%)
• 1 Scene+ point / $1 purchase remainder (1%)

The RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card has a earning of 1.25 Avion points / $1 purchase, for travel purchases charged to the card:

“Travel” expenses include the following:

• Tour operator, cruise line or travel agency;
• Car rental company.

This has a value of 1.25% .

After that, you earn 1 point per dollar for all other purchases. This is a 1% value.

Advantage: Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card

The Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card is the best of the two! It pays twice as much on everyday purchases and the biggest budget items, such as groceries, entertainment, travel and restaurants.

Redeeming points

The two cards are linked to different loyalty programs, and the ways of redeeming them are not the same.

Scene+ points and travel:

You can apply them to travel purchases in two ways, thanks to the fixed redemption rate where 10,000 points = $100 credit :

• Redeem points directly when booking travel with Scene+ Travel, administered by Expedia .
• Make your own travel arrangements and use your points to pay off the balance on the card

It also lets you apply your points to everyday purchases.

You can redeem 1,000 Scene+ points for a $10 discount at the IGA/Sobeys checkout.

Points can also be used to purchase gift cards on the Scotiabank/Scene+ website, from 1,000 to 1,400 points for a $10 discount.

Scene+ points can also be redeemed:

• 500 points for a $5 discount at selected restaurants (Harvey’s, Swiss Chalet, etc.);
• 100 points for $1 off movie tickets at Cineplex ;
• 500 points for $5 off food and beverages at Cineplex, Rec Room and chips at Playdium ;
• At least 3,000 points for an account credit of between $6.67 and $8 on any card charge.

With the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card , you can apply your points to travel purchases.

The redemption rate is:

• 100 points = $1 towards purchases of your choice on the Avion Rewards website, including hotels, airline tickets, cruises, car rentals and more.

Avion Rewards acts like a travel agency when you buy an airline ticket. There are no blackout periods or reservations imposed, even in high season. Here is the fixed number of points required for a flight reservation:

So this equates to about 2 cents per point ($350 divided by 15,000 points) on average.

Or you can use your points for something else:

• 12,000 points for $100 (0.83 cent per point) on a contribution to an RRSP, TFSA, line of credit or mortgage;
• 12,000 to 14,000 points for a $100 gift card (0.71 to 0.83 cents per point) ;
• Make a donation (1 cent per point) ;
• 4,300 points = $25 (0.58 cent per point) you can apply an account credit to everyday purchases.

Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card wins this round. Scene+ points are more diversified and have a stable value of 1,000 points for $10 off, for both grocery needs or small pleasures when traveling.

What’s more, you can use them in any way you like, by booking any travel expense and then taking your Scene+ points to get reimbursed.

Earn Scene+ points all year round and buy yourself a huge grocery store for a real holiday feast. Or keep them to pay for a plane ticket or hotel.

But if you’re aiming for a plane ticket to a specific destination, the Avion Rewards fixed points chart and the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card are the best way to go.

The Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card has an annual fee of $150.

And if you have a Scotiabank Ultimate Plan , you’ll get the annual fee waived . Learn more about this here .

The RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card has an annual fee of $120.

The RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card has a lower annual fee.

But if you have a Scotiabank Ultimate Package , the Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card wins out because its annual fee is then fully refunded.

The Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card requires :

• $60,000 (individual income)
• or $100,000 (household income)

The RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card requires :

• 60,000 individual income ;
• or $100,000 household income.

Advantage: Tie

It’s all the same, because a Visa Infinite card requires the same conditions for all financial institutions.

Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card offers a range of insurance options. The certificate of insurance can be found here :

The RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card offers various types of insurance, and its certificate of insurance can be found here :

Some RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card insurance amounts are slightly higher than those of its competitor for certain coverages.

If this is important to you, the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card is even better, as it’s the only one between the two to have mobile device insurance. This comes in handy if you have an unfortunate accident with your phone or tablet.

Please note that at least 75% or 100% of the cost of the trip or tickets must be charged to these two cards for certain insurances to apply. We strongly advise you to read each insurance brochure carefully, to find out which one is best for your situation.

The Benefits

The Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card offers a number of advantages:

• No conversion fees for purchases in foreign currencies;
• 2 points/$1 spent abroad at restaurants, for entertainment, groceries and travel ;
• Six complimentary visits to VIP airport lounges per year;
• Earn double Scene+ points with your Scene+ membership card at their partners;
• Exclusive benefits for Visa Infinite cardholders .

In addition to the above benefits, the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card offers other advantages:

• Savings of 3 cents per liter and 20% more Petro-Points and Avion points at Petro-Canada ;
• Link this card to get 50 Be Well points / $1 at Rexall ;
• Free 12-month subscription to Doordash DashPass ;
• Free deliveries with Doordash on orders of $15 or more when paid with this card;
• Tons of points offers and discounts at various retailers with RBC offers ;
• WestJet Rewards
• American Airlines
• British Airways
• Hudson’s Bay Reward Points

The Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card has a big head start on travel perks, as it allows you to lounge in airport VIP lounges with 6 free accesses and avoid the 2.5% conversion fee outside Canada.

The RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card , on the other hand, offers better benefits for everyday life. What’s more, the great flexibility of its points gives you the opportunity to transfer your Avion points to other programs, something its competitor can’t do.

Bottom Line

So? Which card wins this duel?

For those who want a simple, uncomplicated card, the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card is for you!

It stands out for:

• Its welcome offer points is easy to earn;
• The possibility of investing in an investment or reducing your mortgage with Avion points;
• Everyday savings at Petro-Canada, Rexall or Doordash ;
• Transfer points to other programs ;
• Its excellent mobile device and travel insurance.

Opposite it, the Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card will be perfect for people who travel a lot thanks to:

• Faster accumulation for groceries, restaurants, travel and entertainment;
• 6 free airport lounges a year;
• The elimination of the 2.5% foreign exchange conversion charge on purchases in foreign currencies;
• To the opportunity to have the annual card fee refunded in the first year with the current welcome offer, which is rare;
• To the possibilities of simply paying for groceries with your points at IGA, Sobeys, etc.

What’s more, these are 2 cards that we recommend in several of our rankings:

• The Best No FX Fees Credit cards
• The Best Travel Credit Cards

All posts by Caroline Tremblay

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The best RBC credit cards in Canada for 2024

Discover the best RBC credit cards, whether you’re looking for cash back, travel points or low interest.

Why trust us

MoneySense is an award-winning magazine, helping Canadians navigate money matters since 1999. Our editorial team of trained journalists works closely with leading personal finance experts in Canada. To help you find the best financial products, we compare the offerings from over 12 major institutions, including banks, credit unions and card issuers. Learn more about our  advertising and trusted partners .

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The best RBC credit cards in Canada by category

By Sandra MacGregor on September 3, 2024 Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Royal Bank of Canada offers an array of credit cards catering to various preferences and spending habits. Whether you prioritize travel rewards with Avion points, seek the flexibility of cash back, or prefer unique benefits like WestJet dollars, RBC has a card for you. With credit cards spanning the Visa and Mastercard networks, cardholders can tailor their shopping experience to suit their preferences. Let’s explore the standout features of the best RBC credit cards in Canada.

Best RBC travel credit card

At a glance: The RBC Avion Visa Infinite is a premium travel credit card that has a flexible rewards program and exclusive benefits. Cardholders earn 1 Avion point per $1 spent, and a boosted 1.25 points on eligible travel expenses (like flights, cruises and car rentals).

RBC Avion Visa Infinite

Annual fee: $120

• 1.25 Avion points per $1 spent on travel (including flights, hotels, taxis and public transit)
• 1 point per $1 on all other purchases

Welcome offer: Earn up to 55,000 Avion points ($1,100 value)

Card details

• RBC Avion points can be worth as much as $0.023 each when redeemed for travel, which is a high value among travel rewards cards.
• Avion has a lot of travel redemption flexibility. You can redeem your points for travel using RBC’s Air Travel Redemption chart, transfer points to select airlines (including WestJet), and redeem for travel purchases through RBC. 
• There are no blackout periods or seat restrictions, even during periods of high demand. 
• Exclusive access to concert tickets, including Taylor Swift. 
• Impressive travel insurance coverage, including trip cancellation and interruption and emergency medical. It even features mobile device insurance of up to $1,500.
• You’ll pay a foreign transaction fee of 2.5% on all purchases not in Canadian dollars. 
• The highest earn rate is 1.25%, which is not very high for a premium card; other premium cards feature significantly higher earn rates.
• The personal annual income requirement of $60,000 (or household income of $100,000) may be too high for some applicants.

Best RBC airline travel credit card

At a glance: With perks like a yearly round-trip companion voucher, free checked bags and Boingo Wi-Fi access, the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard makes an attractive travel buddy. In fact, it’s the best credit card in Canada for frequent WestJet flyers—full stop. Cardholders earn 2% back in WestJet dollars on purchases of WestJet flights and vacation packages and get 1.5% back on all other spending. One WestJet dollar has a value of one Canadian dollar.

WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard

Annual fee: $119

• 2% back in WestJet dollars on WestJet flights and vacations packages
• 1.5% back on all other purchases

Welcome offer: earn up to $700 in WestJet dollars with the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard, Plus a Round-Trip Companion Voucher Every Year

• Travel perks include complimentary first checked bags for the primary cardholder and up to eight companions.
• Get an annual round-trip companion voucher for any WestJet destination, starting at $119 (plus taxes, fees and other charges) or opt to exchange it for four lounge vouchers.
• Extensive travel insurance, including emergency medical, trip interruption and flight delay coverage. 
• Cardholders can save up to $0.03 on fuel at Petro-Canada and can also earn Rexall’s Be Well points.
• The card grants access to over 1 million Boingo Wi-Fi hotspots worldwide.
• WestJet dollars can’t be used to pay for taxes and fees.
• Unlike with Aeroplan, for example, rewards are not flexible as they can only be used for WestJet flights and WestJet vacations. 
• A minimum personal income of $80,000 (or $150,000 household income) is required to apply.

Best RBC no-fee travel rewards credit card

At a glance: The RBC ION Visa is a no-annual-fee rewards credit card that gives you 1.5 Avion points per $1 spent on groceries, rides, gas (and EV charging), streaming, subscriptions and digital gaming. Get 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

RBC ION Visa

Annual fee: $0

• 1.5 Avion points per $1 spent on groceries, daily transit, gas, EV charging, and streaming / subscriptions

Welcome offer: earn 6,000 Avion points upon approval - that’s $40 of value in gift cards! Apply by November 4, 2024.

• Some redemption flexibility. You can redeem your points for travel, statement credits, merchandise, gift cards and more. 
• Enjoy fuel savings at Petro-Canada, a three-month free DashPass subscription, and Be Well points with purchases at Rexall pharmacies.
• Good for gamers: The RBC ION Visa is one of the only cards in Canada that lets you earn rewards on gaming subscriptions, digital downloads and in-game purchases.
• The card features purchase security and extended warranty insurance.
• The RBC Avion rewards program includes three different membership tiers: Avion Select, Avion Premium and Avion Elite. The RBC ION Visa is part of the Avion Premium tier, meaning you can’t redeem your points through RBC’s Air Travel Redemption Schedule—which offers the highest value for your points. That feature is part of Avion Elite, which requires having an RBC Avion card. 
• The card has limited insurance coverage.

Best RBC cash back credit card

At a glance: With the RBC Cash Back Preferred World Elite Mastercard, you’ll earn cash back on all your purchases. You’ll get 1.5% on the first $25,000 charged to the card annually and 1% thereafter. Enjoy additional benefits like instant fuel savings at Petro-Canada, Be Well points at Rexall and $0 delivery fees for 12 months from DoorDash.

RBC Cash Back Preferred World Elite Mastercard

Annual fee: $99

Rewards: 1.5% cash back on all your purchases

Welcome offer: earn unlimited cash back, no limit to what you can get back

• The annual fee of $99 is lower than many other premium cards.
• If you link your RBC card to your Petro-Points account, you’ll save $0.03 cents per litre on gas at Petro-Canada and also get a 20% bonus of Petro-Points.
• You can earn 50 points per $1 spent at Rexall when you link your RBC card and your Rexall Be Well card.
• Card comes with a 12-month free DashPass subscription.
• Weak insurance offering compared to other premium cards. It only includes rental theft and car damage, purchase protection and extended warranty.
• The boosted rate of 1.5% is capped at your first $25,000 spent annually.

Best RBC no-fee cash back credit card

At a glance: Like some of the best cash back credit cards in Canada , the RBC Cash Back Mastercard offers cash back with no annual fee. Earn up to 2% on groceries and up to 1% on all other purchases. Benefit from instant fuel savings at Petro-Canada and enhanced Be Well points at Rexall.

RBC Cash Back Mastercard

• 2% cash back on groceries
• 1% back on all other purchases

Welcome offer: This card does not have a welcome offer at this time.

• The card comes with purchase security and extended warranty protection.
• Save $0.03 per litre on fuel at participating Petro-Canada stations and earn 20% more Petro-Points.
• Get 50 Be Well points per $1 spent at Rexall.
• Enjoy a complimentary DashPass subscription for the first three months.
• The unusual rewards structure requires cardholders to read the fine print carefully to understand the spending limits at which their rewards will increase or decrease. You’ll get 2% cash back on groceries for the first $6,000 spent, which then drops to 1% per additional dollar spent in the category. For all other purchases, you’ll get 0.5% cash back on the first $6,000 spent—and 1% thereafter. 
• Very limited insurance offering, with only purchase security and extended warranty.

Best RBC low-interest credit card

At a glance: For individuals trying to tackle credit card debt, the RBC Visa Classic Low Rate Option is a valuable card. It offers a consistent 12.99% interest rate for purchases and cash advances—that can’t be said of all low-interest credit cards in Canada . While it may lack extensive perks, it does provide advantages like discounts at Petro-Canada and complimentary delivery services through DoorDash.

RBC Visa Classic Low Rate Option

Annual fee: $20

Low interest rate: 12.99% on purchases

Welcome offer: None

• With its affordable $20 annual fee and no minimum income requirement, this card is within reach for the majority of Canadians.
• Additional cards are available at no cost.
• Enjoy RBC Offers, which gives cardholders access to deals and savings.
• Earn more Petro-Points and get a discount on fuel at Petro-Canada.
• The card comes with a three-month complimentary subscription to DashPass.
• This card doesn’t come with any travel insurance.
• While the low interest rate is a boon to those with credit card debt, it doesn’t feature a balance transfer promotion, so you can’t move debt from a higher-interest card

More of Canada’s best credit cards :

• Best credit cards in Canada
• Best travel credit cards
• Best travel insurance credit cards
• Best Air Miles credit cards
• Best no foreign transaction fee credit cards

What does the * mean?

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Table of contents

• Top RBC credit cards at a glance
• Best RBC cards by category

About Sandra MacGregor

Get up to 55,000 Avion Points *

(a value of up to $1,100 † ), that’s enough to fly anywhere in north america or the caribbean.

Apply by April 30, 2024.

Annual Fee:

Additional Card Fee:

Purchase Rate:

Cash Advance Rate:

RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card

Additional Fees:

Cash Advance Fee:  $5.00

Balance Transfer Promotional Rate Fee:  Up to 3% of transaction amount

Dishonoured Payment Fee:  $45.00

Overlimit Fee:  $29.00 (If you reside in Quebec, fee does not apply.)

Additional Copies:  $5.00 for Monthly Statement, $1.50 for Statement Updates at the ATM, $2.00 for Transaction Receipts

Installment Plan Fee:  If applicable, either a (i) one-time fee of up to 3% of total purchase amount, or (ii) monthly fee of up to 1.15% of total purchase amount (no fee in Quebec)

Get the RBC Visa Infinite Card Today

55,000 Avion points are enough  for a round trip flight to anywhere in North America, Mexico, Bermuda, Central America, or the Caribbean † .  Taxes and fees are extra.

Your Avion points don’t expire 1 ; so when you’re ready to travel, your points will still be waiting for you.

One-way flights start as low as 7,500 Avion points ± . No blackouts. No seat restrictions. If there’s a seat available, you can fly – even during peak seasons. ±

Book early or last minute  and still get the flights you want at the points you expect–no surprises

Over 50,000 options to redeem –travel the world, buy merchandise and gift cards from your favourite brands, pay down RBC balances, invest in your future and much more 3

Note:   The card requires a minimum personal income of $60,000 or a minimum household income of $100,000. Please note this premium card can impose higher acceptance costs on merchants.

Extensive Insurance Coverage

Trip cancellation and interruption insurance 4

Go ahead. Make those plans! Thanks to the premium Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption insurance included on your Avion ®  card, you can book and enjoy your travels with peace of mind. Auto Rental Collision/Loss Damage Insurance 5

Need to rent a car? Save money when you use your Avion ®  credit card to pay for the cost of your rental. Plus, your card includes comprehensive insurance, covering you for accidents and other damage. Mobile Device Insurance 6

Up to $1,500.

Benefits With Our Partners

Get a free 12 month DashPass subscription 10

Activate by January 1, 2024 and get exclusive monthly promotions, and earn 5% back in DashPass credit on eligible orders. Save now with DoorDash.

Get 5X Be Well points at Rexall

Link your cards to earn 50 Be Well points on every $1 spent on eligible purchases at Rexall. 9

Save 3¢/L at Petro-Canada

Link your cards to save 3¢/L on fuel and earn 20% more points. 8

Avion Rewards members can have it all

You’ve got points, cashback and savings – all in one program.

Apply for a Visa Avion Today

Apply using our online application in 5 simple steps and get a result in under 60 seconds

Still not sure? Help Me Choose the Right Card

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Your Avion points don’t expire as long as your RBC Royal Bank credit card account remains open. However, Avion Rewards will be forfeited twelve (12) months after: (i) you voluntarily close your RBC Royal Bank credit card account (“Account”), or (ii) RBC closes your Account for any reason other than for cause. For complete details, please visit:  Avion Rewards Terms and Conditions

Subject to availability. Some restrictions may apply. When you book your travel through Avion Rewards , you may redeem Avion points at the rate of 100 points per CAD $1.00 to pay for any taxes, charges and fees (including sales taxes, GST, baggage charges, fuel surcharges and any other non-ticket costs or charges which may be imposed by travel suppliers and other parties). For complete details, please visit:  www.avionrewards.com/trave l. For complete terms, conditions and restrictions that apply to the Avion Rewards program, please visit:  www.avionrewards.com  or call 1-800 ROYAL 1-2 (1-800-769-2512).

All rewards are subject to availability and may change without prior notice. You may redeem your Avion points for RBC Financial Rewards vouchers that may be used to make a contribution towards any of the registered plans listed under the RBC Registered Rewards category, or applied towards any of the following financial products: RBC Mortgage, RBC Homeline Plan, Royal Credit Line and RBC Personal Loan. Please allow up to 4 weeks for delivery of the RBC Financial Rewards voucher. For complete terms, conditions and restrictions that apply to RBC Financial Rewards, as well as for the definition of RBC Registered Rewards, please consult the Avion Rewards terms and conditions at: www.avionrewards.com/terms-and-conditions. For complete terms, conditions and restrictions that apply to the Avion Rewards program, please visit: www.avionrewards.com or call 1-800 ROYAL 1-2 (1-800-769-2512).

Under 65 years of age, 15 days of coverage. For age 65 and over, 3 days of coverage. Coverage underwritten by RBC Insurance Company of Canada.

Trip Cancellation insurance is subject to a limit of $1,500 for each Covered Person (to an overall maximum of $5,000 for all Covered Persons) per trip, and it protects eligible cardholders against the cost of non-refundable travel arrangements that were purchased with your RBC Avion Visa Infinite card if the trip is cancelled prior to your departure due to an unexpected or unforeseen covered risk. Coverage underwritten by RBC Insurance Company of Canada. Trip Interruption insurance is subject to a maximum limit of $5,000 for each Covered Person, per trip, for a total maximum of $25,000. This coverage provides reimbursement for the non-refundable unused portion of your prepaid travel arrangements purchased with your RBC Avion Visa Infinite card, due to a covered risk, including the extra costs of economy class transportation to your departure point. Coverage underwritten by RBC Insurance Company of Canada.

All insurance is subject to limitations and exclusions. Please refer to the insurance certificates included in your printed Welcome Kit for complete details or online in Credit Card Documentation.

Coverage underwritten by Aviva General Insurance Company. All insurance is subject to limitations and exclusions. Please refer to the insurance certificates included in your printed Welcome Kit for complete details or online in Credit Card Documentation.

Coverage underwritten by RBC Insurance Company of Canada in the rest of Canada. All insurance is subject to limitations and exclusions. Please refer to the insurance certificates included in your printed Welcome Kit for complete details or online in Credit Card Documentation.

To participate in this offer, you must have an RBC debit card or a credit card which is issued by Royal Bank of Canada (excluding RBC commercial credit cards) (“ RBC Card ”). RBC business clients will only be able to link up to two (2) RBC business credit cards and one (1) RBC business debit card to a Petro-Points card.

You must be enrolled in RBC Online Banking or the RBC Mobile app in order to link your RBC Card to your Petro-Points card. Card linking may take up to 2 business days to process before savings and bonus points can be applied to purchases. A linked RBC Card means an RBC Card linked to a Petro-Points Account. Your linked RBC Card acts as your Petro-Points card. You will automatically earn Petro-Points when you pay for qualifying purchases with your linked RBC Card at Petro-Canada locations and you do not need to swipe your Petro-Points card before you pay. You can redeem your Petro-Points at Petro-Canada using your linked RBC Card. Each time you use your linked RBC Card to purchase any grade of gasoline, or diesel, at a Petro-Canada location, you will save three cents ($0.03) per litre at the time of the transaction.

Each time you use your linked RBC Card to pay for qualifying purchases at a Petro-Canada location, you will earn a bonus of twenty percent (20%) more Petro-Points than you normally earn, in accordance with the Petro-Points terms and conditions available at  www.petro-canada.ca/en/personal/terms-conditions . Petro-Points are not awarded on tobacco products, vaping products, gift cards, transit tickets and taxes on non-petroleum purchases.

Each time you use your linked RBC Card that earns Avion points to pay for purchases at a Petro-Canada location, you will earn a bonus of twenty percent (20%) more Avion points (“ Bonus Avion Points ”) than you normally earn for every $1 in net purchases. Please allow up to ninety (90) days from the date the transaction is posted to your RBC Card monthly statement for the Bonus Avion Points to be deposited into your Avion Rewards account.

To participate in this offer, you must have an eligible RBC Debit Card, Personal Credit Card or Business Credit Card which is issued by Royal Bank of Canada (excluding RBC commercial credit cards) (“RBC Card”). RBC Business Owners will only be able to link up to two (2) Business Credit Cards and one RBC Debit Card to a Be Well Card. Eligible RBC Debit Cards are debit cards tied to a personal banking or savings account or a business banking or savings account in good standing that is set up to pay for goods and services at a store or merchant that has point of sale or other designated debit card terminals that accept debit card payments.

You must be enrolled in RBC Online Banking or the RBC Mobile app in order to link your RBC Card to your Be Well Card. Card linking may take up to 2 business days to process before Be Well points can be applied to purchases. Each time you scan your Be Well Card and pay with your Linked RBC Card, you will earn 50 Be Well points for every $1 spent on eligible purchases at Rexall Locations, in accordance with the Be Well Terms and Conditions available at  https://www.letsbewell.ca/terms-conditions .

Be Well points are not awarded on taxes; tobacco products; products containing codeine; lottery tickets; alcohol; bottle deposits; gift cards; prepaid cards and wireless or long distance phonecards; event tickets; transit tickets and passes; post office transactions; stamps; passport photos; cash back; gifts with purchases; delivery charges; environmental levies; Home HealthCare services/rentals and any other products or services that we may specify from time to time or where prohibited by law.

To receive a complimentary DashPass subscription for  12 months and pay  [MR(1]  $0 delivery fees on orders of $15 or more at eligible restaurants when you pay with your Eligible RBC Credit Card, you must subscribe to DashPass by adding an Eligible RBC Credit Card, accept the DoorDash terms and conditions, and activate your benefit by clicking “Activate Free DashPass” before January 1, 2024 (“Offer Period”). If you are an existing DashPass subscriber and have already added an Eligible RBC Credit Card to your account you must activate your benefit by clicking “Activate FreeDashPass” during the Offer Period. If you have been charged for DashPass you will receive a refund to the method of original payment, in the amount of the monthly subscription fee for the month you activate your complimentary subscription. For all clients, by clicking on “Activate Free DashPass” you agree to the DoorDash terms and conditions which can be found at  https://help.doordash.com/consumers/s/terms-and-conditions .

The DashPass monthly subscription fee will be waived (“Complimentary DashPass Subscription”) and you will receive either a 3 month or 12 month Complimentary DashPass Subscription based on the Eligible RBC Credit Card you use to subscribe to DashPass. DashPass subscriptions purchased through third parties, including third-party payment accounts, or online or mobile digital wallets (like Apply Pay and Google Pay) are not eligible for the Complimentary DashPass Subscription.

Eligible RBC Credit Cards:

Your Eligible RBC Credit Card may only be used with one DoorDash account to receive a Complimentary DashPass Subscription. Once you have received a Complimentary DashPass Subscription you cannot use the same eligible RBC Credit Card to obtain a Complimentary DashPass Subscription with another DoorDash account. Eligible RBC Credit cardholders include primary cardholders, co-applicants, authorized users, primary business cardholders and secondary business cardholders on an Eligible RBC Credit Card account.  View eligible RBC credit cards  . You are only eligible for one 12 month Complimentary DashPass Subscription and one 3 month Complimentary DashPass Subscription during the Offer Period. The Complimentary DashPassSubscription commences on the date you subscribe to receive the

Complimentary DashPassSubscription. You will be auto-enrolled into full-price membership at the then-current rate after the end of the 12 month or 3 month Complimentary DashPass Subscription. Your RBC credit card account must be open and not in default to maintain the benefits of DashPass.

In order to validate your credit card as an Eligible RBC Credit Card, Royal Bank may need to administer a $0.50 charge to validate your card enrollment. This charge will be reversed in 3 to 5 days once your account has been validated. For full details on the complimentary DashPass Subscription visit:

rbcroyalbank.com/credit-cards/documentation/pdf/full-doordash-tcs-en.pdf

DoorDash not Royal Bank of Canada, is responsible for (i) services and products provided through DoorDash; (ii) DashPass, including the DashPass Benefits, the administration of DashPass and (iii) the DoorDash terms and conditions. The Complimentary DashPass Subscription offer may be amended or withdrawn at any time. To learn more about DashPass, visit

www.doordash.com/dashpass. For full DashPass for RBC Program Terms and Conditions, visit rbcroyalbank.com/credit-cards/documentation/pdf/full-doordash-tcs-en.pdf.

DashPass is a DoorDash subscription service that offers unlimited deliveries for $0 delivery fee on eligible restaurant purchases (minimum order amount of $15.00 CAD before taxes and fees) at a monthly subscription fee of $9.99 CAD plus tax. To learn more about DashPass, visit

www.doordash.com/dashpass

21.99% if you reside in Quebec

To be eligible to receive up to 55,000 Avion points,  your application for the RBC Avion Visa Infinite, RBC Avion Visa Platinum, or RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege credit card must be received by the date indicated on this page and must be approved by us. Upon enrolment, the 35,000 welcome Avion points (“welcome points”) will appear within your first two monthly statements. The 20,000 additional Avion points will be awarded to you once a total of $5,000 or more in qualifying net purchases and pre-authorized bill payment transactions (“Qualifying Transactions) are posted to your credit card account within the first 6 months from the date your account is opened, provided your account is open and in good standing at the time you reach $5,000 in Qualifying Transactions. Please allow 60 days after this requirement is fulfilled for the additional Avion points to be awarded to your account. Qualifying Transactions exclude cash advances (balance transfers, cash-like transactions and bill payments that are not pre-authorized charges that you set up with a merchant), interest charges and fees. Additional cardholder(s), as well as existing cardholders of any RBC Royal Bank personal credit cards, applying for or transferring to an RBC Avion Visa Infinite, RBC Avion Visa Platinum, or RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege card as of the offer eligibility period, are not eligible for this offer. This offer may not be combined or used in conjunction with any other offer. Royal Bank of Canada reserves the right to cancel, modify or withdraw this offer at any time. For complete terms and conditions that apply to the Avion Rewards Program, please visit  www.avionrewards.com  or call 1-800-769-2512. 

Air Travel Reward redemptions from the Air Travel Redemption Schedule start at 55,000 Avion points for a round trip flight from eastern Canada or the United States to Mexico, Hawaii or Alaska; or from western Canada or the United States to Bermuda, Central America or the Caribbean, with a maximum ticket price of $1,100. All applicable taxes, service fees and surcharges are the responsibility of the traveller. For more details, including information on redeeming for first class and business class seats, visit:  www.avionrewards.com/travel/index.html . For general redemption terms, conditions and restrictions that apply to the Avion Rewards program, please visit:  www.avionrewards.com  or call 1-800 ROYAL 1-2 (1-800-769-2512).

Air Travel Reward redemptions from the Air Travel Redemption Schedule start at 7,500 points for a one-way short-haul flight in economy class with a maximum ticket price of $175 (and start at 15,000 points for a round-trip short-haul flight in economy class with a maximum ticket price of $350). All applicable taxes, service fees and surcharges are the responsibility of the traveler. For more details, including guidelines on redeeming for business class seats, visit  www.avionrewards.com/travel/ .

Please see the “ 2024’s Best Credit Cards In Canada ” article on the creditcardGenius blog.

• Credit Cards
• Best Credit Cards In Canada For Couples

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Best Credit Cards In Canada For Couples For September 2024

Updated: Sep 26, 2024, 4:40pm

Navigating finances is an unavoidable part of any long-term relationship. While some couples opt to keep expenses separate, many consider merging finances with their partner a major step. If you’re a couple planning to combine your financial lives—or even if you will only go so far as splitting the dinner bill and managing other small joint expenses—you may want to consider applying for these credit cards we consider the best for couples.

Why? Because every time one of you buys dinner, movie tickets, groceries, your next vacation, or any other purchase for the two of you, a joint credit card makes it easy to split the bill—and the right credit card can earn you serious rewards, too. And when two of you use the same card, you’ll accelerate the accumulation of rewards.

Here are the best credit cards for couples that will help you meet your shared goals.

• Featured Partners Offers

Best Credit Cards for Couples in Canada for September 2024

Scotia momentum visa infinite.

• BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite

WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard

Mbna amazon.ca rewards mastercard.

American Express Cobalt® Card

SimplyCash® Card from American Express

Neo Mastercard®

Triangle world elite mastercard.

• Tangerine Money-Back Card Review

Simplii Financial™ Cash Back Visa*

Here’s a summary of best credit cards for couples in canada for september 2024, methodology, factors to consider before choosing a joint credit card, tips to maximize joint credit card rewards, things to keep in mind, frequently asked questions (faqs).

• Best Credit Cards
• Best Travel Credit Cards
• Best Cash Back Credit Cards
• Best No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards
• Best Airport Lounge Access Credit Cards
• Best Aeroplan Credit Cards
• Best Student Credit Cards
• Best Rewards Credit Cards

Featured Partner Offers

On American Express’s Secure Website

Welcome Bonus

Up to 15,000 Membership Rewards points

$155.88 ($12.99 per month)

Regular APR

5% cash back

Regular APR (Purchases)

Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card

On Scotiabank’s Secure Website

Up to 45,000 Scene+ points

$120 (waived in the first year)

Best for Dining at home

Scotia momentum visa infinite card.

(waived in the first year)

This card will reward you for your most common household purchases, making it a handy pick for you and your partner. Most favourably, it offers 4% for every dollar you spend on grocery store purchases, recurring bill payments, and subscription services.

Learn more: Read our Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Review

• 10% cash back for the first $2,000 spent in the first three months ($200 value). Must open your account by Oct. 31, 2024
• 4% cash back on gas and groceries
• Mobile device insurance
• 10 included insurance varieties
• $120 annual fee
• High income requirements ($60,000 personal, $100,000 household)
• 10% cash back for the first $2,000 spent in the first three months ($200 value). Must open your account by October 31, 2024.
• The $120 annual fee waived in the first year
• Earn 4% cash back on grocery and gas purchases up to $25,000 annually
• Earn 2% cash back on dining, transportation and recurring bills or payments up to $25,000 annually
• Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases with no limit
• Scotia SelectPay is available to cardholders outside of Quebec–allowing you to pay for purchases in $100 (or more) interest-free, low-fee installments
• Save up to 25% off base rates at participating Avis and Budget car rental locations in Canada and the U.S. when you pay with this card
• 11 insurance coverage plans, including the rare mobile device insurance
• Primary Car rental collision/loss damage insurance for a rental car valued up to $65,000 MSRP (excluding taxes) for 48 days
• Perks from the Visa Infinite Program, including insurances, concierge service, exclusive culinary experiences and hotel perks such as free Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfasts and late checkouts at hotels belonging to the Visa Luxury Hotel Collection

Best for Date night

Bmo eclipse visa infinite card.

60,000 points

This card makes date nights a little sweeter. It offers five points for every dollar you spend going out for dinner, ordering in or getting groceries for your next home-cooked meal. Plus, when you add a partner to this card as an authorized user, you earn 10% more points on all purchases.

• 10% more points for adding a supplementary card
• $50 annual lifestyle credit
• Limited travel insurance
• Travel redemptions only available through BMO Rewards
• Welcome bonus of 60,000 points (30,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first three months and 2,500 points for each billing cycle with $2,000 in purchases for 12 months)
• 5 points per dollar on groceries, gas, restaurants and transit (capped at $50,000 annually)
• 1 point per dollar on all other purchases
• Forbes Advisor estimates a rewards value of $432.99 in annual earnings based on average Canadian spending, with the annual fee factored in
• Earn 10% more points when you add another cardholder
• Exclusive benefits and discounts at Visa Infinite luxury hotels, dining series and golf resorts.
• Includes travel insurance for emergency medical care, car rental loss and damage and common carrier accidents

Best for Travelling

Westjet rbc® world elite mastercardǂ.

Up to 700 WestJet dollars*

Regular APR (Purchases) / Regular APR (Cash Advances)

20.99% / 22.99%

Do you two love to travel? This card can make it easier to jetset more frequently, earning you WestJet dollars on everyday purchases as well as WestJet flights and vacations. You’ll also get a round-trip voucher for your partner each year for any WestJet destination starting at $119 or you can exchange it for four lounge vouchers instead.

• Flexible redemption options that include flights, vacation packages and with partner airlines.
• An annual companion voucher to anywhere WestJet flies starting at $119.
• Free first checked bag for you and up to 8 guests.
• Link this card with your Petro-Points card to save $0.03 per litre on gas and 20% more in bonus Petro-Points.
• Link this card with your Rexall Be Well membership and earn 50 Be Well Points per dollar at Rexall.
• High income requirement of $80,000 in personal annual income or $150,000 household income.
• Low base earn rate of 1.5% on all purchases.
• WestJet Dollars don’t cover airline taxes and fees.
• Increasing redemption minimums depending what you’re redeeming for (minimum $15 for one-way, $30 for round-trip and $50 for vacation packages).
• Get up to $700 in WestJet dollars* with the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard
• Plus a Round-Trip Companion Voucher Every Year*
• Get free first checked bags for the primary cardholder and up to 8 guests on the same reservation*
• Earn WestJet dollars 1.5% on everyday purchases and 2% on flights or packages with WestJet or WestJet Vacations*
• WestJet dollars never expire.* Use your WestJet dollars to book flights anytime so you can travel when and where you want.
• No blackout periods.
• Travel coverage including emergency medical insurance* as well as trip interruption insurance*, hotel burglary* and rental car insurance*. Even eligible purchases you make on the card are protected.
• Link your WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercardǂ with a Petro-Points membership to and instantly save 3₵ per litre on fuel* and always earn 20% more Petro-Points* at Petro-Canada.
• Get a 12-month complimentary DashPass subscription± – a value of almost $120
• Enjoy unlimited deliveries with $0 delivery fees on orders of $15 or more when you pay with your eligible RBC credit card
• *, ^, ± Terms and conditions apply

Best for Amazon/Whole Foods shoppers

19.99% / 24.99%

This card is for the couple who’s placing consistent Amazon.ca orders or the pair that’s frequently popping into Whole Foods: This is because you’ll get up to 2.5% back on eligible purchases at Amazon.ca and Whole Foods Market stores.

• Get 5% back at Amazon.ca, Whole Foods Market stores in Canada, grocery stores and restaurants for the first 6 months
• No annual fee
• Earns cash back at Amazon.ca, Whole Foods, grocery stores, restaurants and on all other spending
• Prime members get 2.5% cash back on foreign purchases, effectively canceling out foreign transaction fees
• Non-prime members can see more benefit from other cash back cards
• Cash back is redeemable in the form of $20 Amazon.ca gift cards
• Welcome bonus of 5% back at Amazon.ca, Whole Foods stores, grocery stores and restaurants for your first 6 months (on the first $3,000 spent)
• Prime members get 2.5% back at Amazon.ca and Whole Foods
• Prime members get 2.5% back on foreign currency transactions (to cover foreign transaction fees)
• Non-Prime members get 1.5% back at Amazon.ca and at Whole Foods
• Non-Prime members get 1% back on foreign currency transactions (to help cover foreign transaction fees)
• 1% back on all other purchases
• Get purchase assurance, protecting eligible purchases on your card for 90 days
• Extended warranty covers purchases for an additional year
• Save a minimum of 10% off the base rates at Avis and Budget Rent a Car in Canada and the U.S. locations and 5% at international locations

Best for Overall spending

($12.99 per month)

This is an all-around beneficial card for couples. Whether you like to spend your date nights out for dinner and drinks or for Netflix and delivery, you’ll earn up to five times the points on food and subscription services. Like to take weekend escapes? You’ll also earn an additional point per dollar on eligible hotel or car rental bookings made with American Express Travel.

Learn more: Read our American Express Cobalt Review

• High earn rate on dining, drinks and groceries
• Transfer points 1:1 to hotel and airline loyalty programs
• Tons of exclusive benefits and perks
• High welcome bonus (averages a $150 value)
• Membership Rewards are high in value
• High annual fee
• Amex is not accepted at as many places as Visa and Mastercard
• In your first year as a new Cobalt Cardmember, you can earn 1,250 Membership Rewards® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $750 in net purchases on your Card. This could add up to 15,000 points in a year. That’s up to $150 towards a weekend getaway or concert tickets
• Earn 5x the points on eligible eats and drinks in Canada, including groceries and food delivery. Spend cap applies.
• Earn 3X the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada
• Earn 2X the points on eligible ride shares, transit & gas in Canada
• Earn 1 additional point on eligible hotel and car rental bookings via American Express Travel Online
• Earn 1 point for every $1 in Card purchases everywhere else
• Enjoy access to hotel bookings, a room upgrade (when available), 12pm check-in and late check-out (when available), and up to $100 USD hotel credit to use on amenities when charged to the room for a stay of 2 or more consecutive nights through The Hotel Collection from American Express Travel
• Transfer points 1:1 to several frequent flyer and other loyalty programs
• Cobalt Cardmembers receive regular Perks such as bonus reward offers and access to great events
• Access Front Of The Line® Presale & Reserved Tickets to some of your favourite concerts and theatre performances and special offers and events curated for Cardmembers with American Express® Experiences
• American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment

Best for Basic expenses

Here’s a card that’ll help with some of your basic purchases as a couple: You’ll earn 2% back on gas and groceries and up to 1.25% on all other couple-related treats.

Learn more: Read our SimplyCash Card from American Express Review

• 2% cash back on groceries and gas
• Includes consumer insurance and some travel insurance
• American Express is not accepted at some retailers
• In your first 3 months as a new SimplyCash® Card from American Express Cardmember, you can earn a bonus 5% cash back on all purchases (up to $2,000 in purchases). That’s on top of your everyday cash back earn rates. That’s up to $100 in bonus cash back.
• Earn 2% cash back on eligible gas purchases in Canada, 2% cash back on eligible grocery purchases in Canada (up to $300 cash back annually), and 1.25% cash back on all other eligible purchases
• Access events and special offers curated for Cardmembers with American Express® Experiences
• Insurance coverage and 24/7 Customer Service

Best for Shopping

Welcome bonus

Up to 15% cashback on first-time purchases

19.99% – 29.99% / 22.99% – 31.99%

For the couple that likes to shop, this card will offer plenty of cash back —and not just on gas and groceries like most cards, but on purchase at select Canadian retailers like Hudson’s Bay, Structube and Freshii.

Learn more: Read our Neo Mastercard® Review

• Average of 4% unlimited cash back at Neo partners
• Does not offer built-in perks (subscription only)
• No physical branch locations
• Up to 4% cashback on gas and grocery and up to 1% everywhere else
• Cashback rates climb higher when the Everyday account balance increases
• Earn up to $680 in annual cashback
• Get additional offers up to 15% cashback on Canada’s largest partner network
• Get up to $10k credit limit, instantly
• Secured option: Get the same benefits without a credit score and build credit history

Best for Home renovations

Renovating your home with your partner? Play hockey against each other? Have a few milestones to celebrate? This card may be for you—it offers 4% Canadian Tire money on qualifying pretax purchases at Canadian Tire, Hockey Experts, Party City and more.

• High cash back rewards at Canadian Tire
• Built-in car rental insurance
• Complimentary roadside assistance
• Only grants cash-back rewards from specific store chains
• Only gives digital Canadian Tire Money as cash-back rewards
• Gives 4% back in Canadian Tire Money on qualifying pre-tax purchases at Canadian Tire, Sport Chek, Mark’s/L’Équipeur, Atmosphere, Party City, Sports Rousseau, Hockey Experts, L’Entrepôt du Hockey, and participating Sports Experts stores
• Gives 3% Canadian Tire money on groceries up to $12,000 per year (does not include Walmart or Costco)
• Gives 0.5% per litre in Canadian Tire money at gas stations and on all other purchases
• Forbes Advisor estimates $327.64 in annual rewards value based on average Canadian spending
• Car rental collision/loss damage waiver insurance
• Extended warranty protection and return protection
• Roadside assistance with up to 250 km towing distance in Canada or the U.S.
• Requires a minimum annual income of $80,000, or $150,000 in household income

Best for Customized cash back

Tangerine money-back credit card.

10% cash back

($100 value)

No matter how you and your partner like to spend your money—whether that’s on dining out or going to the movies—you can earn 2% cash back on two spending categories of your choice. In other words, this card can reward you for spending quality time together.

Learn more: Read our Tangerine Money-Back Card Review

• Welcome bonus of 10% cash back on up to $1,000 in purchases in your first two months ($100 value) when you apply by April 30, 2024
• Earns 2% back in two spending categories of your choosing
• Get 2% cash back in a third category when you deposit your savings into a Tangerine Savings Account
• Cash back is unlimited and paid monthly
• Includes extended warranty and purchase protection
• No additional perks, aside from extended warranty and purchase protection
• Welcome bonus of 10% cash back on up to $1,000 in purchases in your first two months ($100 value) when you apply by January 31, 2024
• 2% cash back in two spending categories of your choice, including grocery, furniture, restaurants, hotel or motel stays, gas, recurring bill payments, drug store, home improvement, entertainment, public transportation and parking
• Earn 2% cash back in a third category of your choice when you opt to deposit cash-back rewards into a Tangerine Savings Account
• 0.5% cash back on all other spending with no limit
• Forbes Advisor estimates based on average Canadian spending that you can earn $302.69 in cash back per year by using this card
• Balance transfers made in your first 30 days get a 1.95% interest rate on the transferred balance for six months

Best For Coffee shops, restaurants and bars

Up to 10% cash back† and a $100 Skip Digital Gift Card

Purchase Interest / Cash Advance

20.99% / 22.99%‡

The couple who loves going out for lattes, dinners, and cocktails will enjoy getting 4% cash back at eligible coffee shops, restaurants, and bars with this card.

Learn more: Read our Simplii Financial Cash Back Visa Review

• 4% cash back at bars and restaurants
• Low $15,000 in minimum household annual income requirement
• A low selection of insurance options
• Low base-rate cash back
• Sign up for a Simplii Financial Cash Back Visa* Card by October 31, 2024 and get a $100 Skip Digital Gift Card† after you spend $100 with your new Simplii Cash Back Visa card by November 30, 2024.†
• Plus, for your first 4 months with a Simplii Financial Cash Back Visa* Card, enjoy 10% cash back on eligible restaurants, food delivery and bar purchases. Up to $500 spend†.
• Get a 20.99% interest rate on purchases‡.
• Get a 22.99% interest rate on cash advances ‡.
• Earn 4% cash back at bars, coffee shops and restaurants up to $5,000 annually, after that 0.5% unlimited†.
• Earn 1.5% on eligible gas, groceries, and drugstore purchases, as well as pre-authorized payments up to $15,000 per year, after that 0.5% unlimited†.
• Earn 0.5% on all other purchases†.
• Purchase security and extended protection insurance are included†.
• No annual fee.
• †Terms and conditions apply. Click ‘Apply Now’ for complete details. This offer is not available for residents of Quebec.”
• ‡ “Purchase” means any Transaction other than a Cash Advance, Balance Transfer or Convenience Cheque. “Cash” means a Cash Advance, Balance Transfer and Convenience Cheque. Interest rates may change from time to time.

When determining a rating for individual credit cards, the Forbes Advisor Canada editorial team factors in an exhaustive list of data points. With credit cards for couples, the scoring model used takes into account factors such as, but not limited to, cash-back rates and categories, fees, welcome bonuses, and other rewards and features. Keep in mind, what may be best for some people might not be right for you. Conduct informed research before deciding which cards will best help you achieve your financial goals.

The Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite will help get your joint household expenses working for you: It offers cash back rewards for every dollar you spend on essentials like groceries , gas and recurring bills.

Rewards: You’ll get 4% cash back for every $1 you spend on grocery store purchases, recurring bill payments, and subscription purchases; 2% for every $1 you spend on gas purchases and daily transit purchases (including Uber); and 1% on all other purchases with no minimum spend.

Welcome Offer: Earn 10% cash back on all purchases in your first three months up to $2,000.

Annual Fee:  $120 (waived the first year)

Other Benefits and Drawbacks: This card is great for the jet-setting duo—it provides emergency medical coverage, travel insurance, lost luggage insurance and more. Unfortunately, it has high FX fees of 2.5%, making the card cost-effective for travel within Canada only.

———————————————————————————-

BMO eclipse Visa Infinite

The BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite can help make those evenings with your partner a little sweeter. It offers points for ordering in, dining out and cooking at home. Plus, you’ll earn 10% more points when the two of you share the card.

Rewards: Get five times the points for every $1 spent on groceries, dining in and out, gas and transit. Earn 10% more points on all purchases when you add your partner as an authorized user to your account. Get a $50 annual lifestyle credit to use however you want (movie date?) and earn one point for every $1 you spend on everything else.

Welcome Offer: Get up to 60,000 BMO Rewards points in the first year: 30,000 points when you spend $3,000 and an additional 2,500 BMO Rewards in each subsequent month you spend at least $2.000 from the fourth month after account opening to the fifteenth month after account opening.

Annual Fee:  $120 (waived in first year)

Other Benefits and Drawbacks: Only a fair or good credit score is needed to sign up for the card, but it isn’t fit for frequent flyers, since it has high foreign transaction fees and doesn’t offer travel insurance outside of emergency medical insurance.

A couple who flies WestJet most frequently will benefit most from the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard. Every year, you’ll receive a round-trip companion voucher for any WestJet destination you book starting at $119.

Rewards: Get 1.5% back in WestJet dollars on everyday purchases and 2% back in WestJet dollars on WestJet flights or WestJet Vacation packages using your card.

Welcome Offer: Get up to 700 WestJet dollars (worth $700 off the base fare of your flight your trip) when you spend a minimum of $5,000 in the first three months.

Annual Fee: $119

Other Benefits and Drawbacks: Travellers will appreciate that this card also offers extra benefits like emergency medical coverage, trip cancellation and one checked bag per person, but it doesn’t offer many other benefits for homebodies.

The MBNA Amazon.ca Rewards Mastercard offers great cashback perks for Amazon.ca and Whole Foods Market shoppers.

Rewards: Eligible Prime members get 2.5% back on eligible purchases at Amazon.ca, Whole Foods Market stores, and foreign currency transactions. Non-Prime members will get 1.5% back on eligible purchases at Amazon.ca and Whole Foods Market stores and 1% back on eligible foreign currency transactions.

Welcome Offer: Get 5% back at Amazon.ca, Whole Foods Market stores in Canada, grocery stores and restaurants in the first six months, on your first $3,000 in eligible purchases.

Annual Fee: None.

Other Benefits and Drawbacks: This card isn’t for frequent flyers as it doesn’t offer any trip protection. Making home appliance upgrades?  You’ll appreciate that this card offers extended warranty protection.

The American Express Cobalt® Card is for the do-it-all couple. Earn up to five times the points when you have a date night in or out, and twice the points on your weekend road trips.

Rewards: Earn five points per dollar on eligible restaurants and bars in Canada, as well as grocery stores and food delivery services. You’ll also earn three points per dollar on eligible streaming subscriptions, two points per dollar on eligible ride shares,  transit , and gas,  one additional point on eligible hotel, car and rental bookings via American Express Travel, and one point per dollar spent everywhere else.

Welcome Offer: Earn up to 15,000 points for each monthly billing period when you spend $750 on your card in your first year for up to 15,000 points (worth $150 towards your next weekend getaway).

Annual Fee:  $155.88 ($12.99 per month)

Other Benefits and Drawbacks: If your weekends away typically involve a flight, you’ll appreciate having trip insurance with this card, such as emergency medical, baggage delay, and rental car insurance .

The SimplyCash Card from American Express will give you and your partner rewards for two of your biggest charges: groceries and gas.

Rewards: Earn 2% cash back on gas and groceries (up to a limit of $300 per year) and 1.25% cash back on all other purchases.

Welcome Offer: You’ll earn an additional 5% cash back on all purchases (up to $2,000 in purchases) in the first three months as a cardholder.

Annual Fee: $0

Other Benefits and Drawbacks: With this card, you’ll get extended warranty protection on your purchases, but it doesn’t offer any travel-related benefits like emergency medical or rental car insurance.

The Neo Mastercard® is ideal for the couple that likes to shop. This card offers cash back on purchases at select Canadian retailers like Hudson’s Bay, Harry Rosen, Roots, Structube and Pet Valu.

Rewards: You’ll earn up to $680 in annual cashback as you earn 5% at select retailers, 2% on gas and groceries and 0.5% on everything else.

Welcome Offer: None.

Annual Fee:  $0

Other Benefits and Drawbacks: This card doesn’t offer any extra purchase protection, like travel insurance or extended warranty.

The Triangle World Elite Mastercard is particularly perfect for the couple who plays sports, the ones undergoing home renovations or frequent party throwers. That’s because you’ll earn 4% in Canadian Tire money when you shop at stores like Canadian Tire, Sport Chek and Party City.

Rewards: Get 4% Canadian Tire money on qualifying pre-tax purchases at Canadian Tire, Sport Check, Mark’s, Party City, Hockey Experts and more. Earn $0.5 per litre in Canadian Tire money at Gas+, 3% at grocery stores, excluding Costco and Walmart).

Other Benefits and Drawbacks: This card doesn’t offer travel insurance and it requires a high household income of$150,000 per yearto qualify.

The Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card offers a bit of a build-your-own rewards system: You can earn 2% cash back on two spending categories of your choice.

Rewards: Earn 2% cash back in any two spending categories and 0.50% cash back on all other everyday purchases

Welcome Offer: You can get a bonus of 10% cash back, up to $100, when you spend at least $1,000 in the first 60 days of account opening.

Other Benefits and Drawbacks: This card doesn’t offer any emergency or travel coverage, making it not an ideal pick for couples with the travel bug.

The Simplii Financial™ Cash Back Visa is made for couples who love to visit coffee shops, restaurants, and bars—it’ll get you cash back at eligible places.

Rewards: Earn 4% cash back at eligible restaurants, bars and coffee shops (up to $5,000 per year), and 1.5% on eligible gas, groceries, drugstore purchases and preauthorized payments.

Welcome Offer: Spend $100 by November 30 and get a $100 Skip Digital Gift Card, plus 10% cash back on the first $500 in eligible restaurant, bar and food delivery purchases in your first four months.

Other Benefits and Drawbacks: With this card, you’ll get rental car insurance, but that’s pretty much it. Like to travel? Book your trip using a different card that also offers travel insurance.

Before signing up for a joint card with your partner, there are a few factors to consider:

Rewards Type and Lifestyle

Chances are you’re considering signing up for a new card for the perks—specifically, the potential rewards you could collect. For example, if you spend a lot on everyday essentials, look for a card that offers cash back on expenses like groceries , gas , and subscription services. If you want to earn rewards that can go towards your next vacation, look for a card that offers the most cash back on travel—and comes with travel insurance and trip protection.

Related: Best Travel Credit Cards In Canada

How Rewards Will be Used

If you’re looking for flexibility when redeeming rewards, choose a rewards card with fewer restrictions, such as a card that allows you to receive rewards when booking any travel, or at least any travel on a specific website.

If you tend to buy from the same places, consider a less flexible card affiliated with one of the go-to companies you frequently purchase from (like WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard or MBNA Amazon.ca Rewards Mastercard), since you can get more value for your rewards.

How Many People Will be Using the Credit Card

You and your partner can get individual accounts, or you can have your own account and add your partner as an authorized user.

Individual accounts will let you earn rewards via different cards with different bonus spend categories, which means you could split your purchases with your partner based on your card rewards. However, you’ll have two separate accounts, meaning you can’t pool points, and it can be difficult to split bills.

Adding an authorized user to your credit card will allow all joint purchases to be on one account, making it easier to both pay bills and collect extra rewards. However, you’ll likely be charged an extra fee to add an authorized user.

How Many Credit Cards Do You Have?

What will you use this joint card for, and what will you use your other cards for? Consider how many cards you’ll realistically use regularly: Since most of them come with annual fees and each will impact your credit score, ensure you’ll get ample use out of a card before being lured in by a welcome bonus or rewards offer.

There are a few things you can do to get the most bang for your rewards:

• Always pay in full and on time: Credit card interest can offset any rewards you earn.
• Max out welcome bonuses: Since two of you will be on the account, you’ll likely be able to take full advantage of welcome bonuses . Many of them require you to spend a certain amount in a period of time, and with two people on the account, this should be easier to achieve..
• Authorized user bonuses: Find a card that offers bonus points for adding an authorized user to the account (like the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite).
• Tap companion deals: Some travel cards (like the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard) let you take someone with you on your trip for no additional cost, and also come with travel benefits like one free checked bag per person.
• Match cards to spending: Perhaps you and your partner have two separate credit cards and divvy bills up by category—you pay for groceries and gas they pay for your bimonthly getaways. If that’s the case, make sure the card you each use offers the most rewards for whatever you’re spending.
• Remember store rewards programs: To accrue the most rewards possible, collect points outside of your credit card, such as PC Optimum points at Shoppers Drug Mart and Loblaws, and Air Miles at LCBO.

When signing up for a joint credit card with your partner, keep these things in mind to reap the most benefits:

• Pay off your card each month: Only spend what you can afford, pay your bill on time every month, and do not carry a balance—any reward you earn just won’t be worth the interest fees.
• Watch your credit score: Be mindful of the number of credit cards you sign up for—they can negatively impact your credit score.
• Double the rewards sometimes means double fees: Does your card come with an annual fee? Make sure you’re earning enough rewards to cover the cost plus extra to make it worthwhile.

Can a couple have a joint credit card?

Absolutely—joint credit cards allow two people to share one account as authorized users. They make it easier for couples to track, manage and split expenses while also raking in the points from two spenders. However, both people on the account are responsible for paying charges, and any debt on the card can impact both credit scores.

Which banks offer joint credit cards?

Some banks and credit card companies offer joint credit cards, but they aren’t easy to find. You could add an authorized user to your account instead, which can act in a similar way as a joint credit card. Still, you are responsible for paying off the card, and only your credit score is impacted by any debt.

How do joint credit cards affect a credit score?

Joint credit cards can affect your and your partner’s credit scores in two main ways: On-time and full payment can boost it, and missed payments and carrying over funds month over month can lower it.

What are the best credit cards for couples?

The best credit card for you and your partner depends on your spending habits. If most of your charges are for groceries and gas, choose a card that offers the most cash back or rewards at grocery stores, food delivery services and gas stations. If you’re a jet-setting duo who sneaks in a vacation every few weeks, consider a card that offers travel rewards plus trip protection perks.

Should married couples have joint credit cards?

That’s up to you! One of the benefits, aside from the many listed above, is that sharing a credit card can help a partner with a low score—it can help build their credit and raise their score. But before you open a joint credit card, learn your partner’s money habits so you’re on the same page with spending and saving so you don’t accumulate more debt than expected.

Renée Reardin is a writer and editor with over a decade of experience in the lifestyle and wellness spaces. She's the former senior digital editor at Best Health magazine and Canadian Living magazine, where she handled content that covered everything from food and fitness to fashion and finance. She currently freelances for publications like Allure, Glossy, InStyle, The Toronto Star, and Teen Vogue.

Courtney Reilly-Larke is the deputy editor of Forbes Advisor Canada. Previously, she was the associate editor of personal finance at MoneySense. She was also managing editor of Best Health Magazine and has contributed to publications such as Cottage Life and Blog TO. She currently lives in Toronto.

Exclusive-RBC Bankers Fear Layoffs as Pledge to Keep HSBC Staff Nears End, Sources Say

FILE PHOTO: A Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) sign is seen outside of a branch in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, May 26, 2016. REUTERS/Chris Wattie/File Photo

By Nivedita Balu

TORONTO (Reuters) -Some Royal Bank of Canada employees who joined when the bank acquired HSBC Canada worry they could lose their jobs when RBC's six-month guarantee to keep them expires this month, according to six sources familiar with the situation.

The Canadian lender agreed with the government to keep about 3,000 former corporate HSBC staff employed for six months as a condition of its C$13.4 billion acquisition of HSBC's Canadian business, which closed at the end of March.

RBC told Reuters it found roles for nearly 80% of HSBC Canada's former workforce of 4,500 people. That equates to roughly 3,600 workers, including corporate and retail staff.

Some former HSBC staff have not been given clear directions about their daily responsibilities at RBC and are becoming increasingly worried about layoffs, according to six employees interviewed by Reuters who declined to be identified, citing the uncertainty over their jobs.

RBC said it had created "dedicated resources" to help new joiners and had made efforts to slow hiring and hold open roles while waiting for the deal to be approved.

"We've also been transparent with employees, letting them know that those who are not in roles at the end of the six-month period will be provided with a severance package well beyond any legal requirement," a spokesperson said in an emailed statement.

RBC's shares have gained 24% so far this year, making it the second biggest gainer among Canada's big five banks.

'WE HAVE LOTS OF JOBS'

Canadian Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland approved the deal in December on the condition that RBC also retain front-line HSBC banking and financial advisors for at least two years. One of the conditions also included providing voluntary departure packages for any HSBC employees seeking to leave.

"You should not worry," RBC CEO Dave McKay told HSBC Canada staff in a December town hall. His comments have not been previously reported.

"There is so much opportunity and I didn't want you to go into the holidays thinking, oh, what's going to happen in the future," McKay said. "We have jobs, we have lots of jobs."

RBC employs more than 96,000 people globally.

When about 3,000 HSBC corporate employees arrived at their new workplace in April, four sources said they were unclear about their teams and duties, noting their roles overlapped with existing employees. Three of the four sources were also asked to apply for internal jobs that would put them in competition with RBC staff and external candidates.

Three of the sources said they were given more junior roles that were a step down after decades of experience.

All six sources were asked to explore opportunities within the bank. One source was able to find a role, and two others were asked to move to different divisions, they said. Meanwhile, four of the sources said they were left directionless, with no work to do after logging in to their systems.

To be sure, while many employees have found it challenging, others have had an easier transition.

A former HSBC leader now at RBC said several members of their team were able to find roles, while some senior staff took voluntary packages for personal reasons. The manager declined to be identified discussing personnel matters.

LACKING CLARITY

Still, two former HSBC managers said they lacked clarity on their teams' futures despite discussions with RBC counterparts.

An August poll of a 1,000-member group of HSBC Canada alumni on LinkedIn showed 45% were still searching for internal jobs at RBC, while 19% had applied for departure agreements and 32% had secured roles. A similar poll in July showed 33% of respondents were seeking internal roles, 24% had left RBC and 19% had permanent roles.

Reuters could not verify the group's members were RBC employees.

Toronto-based employment lawyer Lior Samfiru said his team had been consulted by former HSBC employees who were concerned about losing their jobs, and others who had not yet received voluntary packages.

"It would have been very naive for anyone to think that there's not going to be significant duplication and a significant loss of jobs over time because of this merger," Samfiru said.

"There's a real concern here about future employment," particularly as competition for jobs increases.

A large portion of RBC's total targeted cost synergies of C$740 million would be seen between October 2024 and March 2025, a year after the acquisition, the bank said in a presentation to investors in August.

The savings would come from shared services, functions and information technology in the first year, and distribution and product support in the second year.

RBC may take a restructuring charge next quarter as it cuts staff in its back office, said Nigel D'Souza, an analyst at Veritas Investment Research. 

    "If you can't execute on cost synergies, that would be viewed very poorly ... it may not look great to reduce headcount, but from a shareholder perspective they need to hit those cost synergy targets," D'Souza said.

(Reporting by Nivedita Balu in Toronto, editing by Lananh Nguyen and David Gregorio)

Copyright 2024 Thomson Reuters .

Tags: Canada , Hong Kong , United Kingdom , Europe

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Traveling with RBC

Whether you're planning an extended trip or just thinking about getting away for a few days, here are some important tips and information to consider before leaving on your trip:

You no longer need to notify us when you travel

Ensure my debit and credit card pins will work outside north america, access online banking while traveling, use my client card outside of canada, am i still protected while traveling.

• Protect My RBC Royal Bank Credit Card Account While Traveling

Within Canada and the U.S.

For instructions on how to reach us from outside canada and the u.s.:.

• Enrol for Sign In Protection before leaving home. Any time you sign in to Online Banking from a computer you don't normally use, you will be asked one of your Personal Verification Questions to confirm your identity. Because you will have selected the question yourself, it will be easy for you to answer but difficult for others to guess.
• Sign off properly and close your browser once you've completed your transactions. This prevents unauthorized users from accessing your information using the "Back" button.
• If you have an urgent question , please call us. If your question is less urgent, use the "Your Communications" section at the top of the page to communicate with us securely via email.
• Always shield the personal information you're entering from prying eyes. Never leave your online banking session unattended.
• Change your password online after you've returned from your travels, or anytime you feel unsure about the security of your Online Banking information. Call us if you need any assistance.
• The card will work at any machine displaying the PLUS logo.
• There's a fee of $3 for each withdrawal in the United States.
• There's a fee of $5 for each withdrawal in Mexico and outside North America.
• There may be an extra fee for using the machine.
• Some machines will only accept a 4-digit PIN number.
• Some machines won't allow you to get at more than one of your accounts. Instead, they'll automatically default to your primary chequing account. So you should make sure the money you'll need while traveling is in this account.

Related Topics

• Travel HealthProtector ®
• Purchase Travel Insurance online
• Purchase Foreign Cash

Top Frequently Asked Questions

• Redeem a GIC early using Online Banking?
• View and redeem RBC Rewards points in Online Banking?
• Tell RBC About My Travel Plans?
• Pay my RBC Royal Bank Credit Card?
• View / Change My Document Options?
• More Frequently Asked Questions

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