The 8 Best RBC Credit Cards

If you’ve been eyeballing RBC credit cards, it might be time to pull the trigger. Why? Because you’ve got big dreams but even bigger bills. Imagine earning rewards on your everyday spending, or having a world of travel perks at your fingertips. Finding the best RBC credit card can make this dream a reality, and we’re here to help. 

The Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) is a stalwart of the Canadian financial scene, known for its robust offerings and stellar customer service. We’ve rounded up the 8 best RBC credit cards to help you live better. Let’s explore rewards, perks, fees and rates and how to choose the very best RBC credit card for your needs. 

1. RBC Avion Visa Infinite: The Best RBC Credit Card

When you’ve got wanderlust coursing through your veins, the RBC Avion Visa Infinite is your passport to the world! You’ll earn 1 Avion point for every dollar you spend, plus a whopping 25% reward bonus on travel-related purchases. And the best part? Avion points never expire! 

Book flights, hotels, rental cars, and more with no blackout dates or restrictions. Now you can ditch those pesky last-minute booking fees. Plus, your purchases are safeguarded with an extended warranty of 1 year and 90 days of purchase protection. Eligible mobile device purchases are covered up to $1,500.

the RBC Avion Visa Infinite is also a standout for its extensive insurance coverage, offering 12 different types of travel-related protection. Rest easy knowing you have $500,000 in travel accident coverage and 15 days of emergency medical coverage (3 days for those over 65). If your trip gets derailed, you can rely on $1,500 in trip cancellation coverage, $5,000 in trip interruption coverage, and up to $500 for flight and baggage delays. If your baggage gets lost or stolen, you’re covered up to $500. And if your hotel room is burgled, you’re protected up to $2,500.

Last but not least, the card covers rental car theft and damage. All these features make the RBC Avion Visa Infinite the best overall RBC credit card and a strong ally for travel lovers.

To qualify, you must: have a personal income of $60,000 or a minimum household income of $100,000

2. RBC ION Visa: Best for Tight Budgets

If you’re a frugal fanatic, the RBC ION Visa is the card for you. With no annual fee, this card is perfect for those who want to get rewarded without breaking the bank. You’ll earn 1.5 Avion points for every $1 spent on groceries, rideshares, gas, charging your EV, streaming services, as well as digital gaming & subscriptions.

So go ahead, treat yourself without feeling guilty. With a host of travel and merchandise rewards, you can turn your everyday spending into something special. Plus, this card comes with complimentary Purchase Security and Extended Warranty Insurance for peace-of-mind shopping.  

3. RBC ION+ Visa: Best Low-Fee Rewards Card

If you love rewards and your freedom, the RBC ION+ Visa is your dream come true. You’ll earn 3 Avion points for every dollar spent on gas, groceries, restaurants, food delivery, rideshare, streaming services, digital gaming & subscriptions, as well as electric vehicle charging. Plus, you get 1 point for every dollar spent on all other purchases. 

Enjoy saving $0.03/L on gas purchases at Petro-Canada, earning 50 Be Well Points per $1 at Rexall, and getting 3-months free on a DoorDash subscription. This card also comes with complimentary Mobile Device Insurance, Purchase Security and Extended Warranty Insurance.

Attention post-secondary students! Get a monthly rebate on the annual fee if you have an RBC Advantage Banking for Students account or an RBC Signature No Limit Banking account. If this perk doesn’t tickle your fancy, check out the best credit cards for students in Canada.

4. WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard: Best for Travel Companions

Hey there, high-flyer! If you’re a WestJet fan, the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard has your name written all over it. You’ll earn 2% back in WestJet dollars on WestJet flights and WestJet Vacations packages as well as 1.5% back on all other purchases. Not only will you save $0.03/L at Petro-Canada, you’ll also earn 20% more Petro Points.

And the cherry on top? You’ll receive a round-trip companion voucher every year to any WestJet destination, so you can bring a friend along at a discounted rate. Plus, the first checked bag is free for you and up to eight additional guests on the same reservation, so you can pack for an epic adventure. 

Travel-related insurances include emergency medical coverage along with travel interruption insurance, hotel break-in, and rental vehicle coverage. Furthermore, qualifying purchases made with the card are safeguarded with Extended Warranty and Purchase Protection. 

Additional perks give you free access to Boingo WiFi, a free 12-month subscription to DoorDash, 50 Be Well Points on Rexall purchases, and exclusive cash back offers through the Mastercard Travel Rewards program. 

To qualify, you must: have a minimum personal income of $80,000 or a minimum household income of $150,000

5. RBC Cash Back Preferred World Elite Mastercard: For the savvy-Saver

Annual fee: $99
Interest rate: 20.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances
Rewards: Up to 1.5% cash back

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Who doesn’t love extra moolah in their pocket? With the RBC Cash Back Preferred Mastercard, you’ll  save every time you spend. Enjoy 1.5% cash back on all your eligible card purchases, no need to worry about category restrictions because there are none! What an easy way to turn your daily spending into cold, hard cash. Better yet, there is no limit on the amount of cash back you can earn. 

Enjoy free access to Boingo Wifi, rental car insurance, exclusive Mastercard Travel Rewards, as well as access to airport lounges, dining, and spa offers from DragonPass. You’ll also score great deals on your favourite brands with RBC personalized offers.

This card comes with additional perks like saving $0.03/L at Petro-Canada, earning 20% more Petro Points, a complimentary 12-month subscription to DoorDash, and 50 Be Well Points per dollar at Rexall. Eligible purchases are covered by Purchase Security and Extended Warranty Protection.

To qualify, you must: have a minimum personal income of $80,000 or a minimum household income of $150,000.

6. moi RBC Visa Card: Best for Québécois Shoppers

The moi RBC Visa Card is a unique offering in the credit card world, as it gives you the opportunity to truly make the card your own. Get at least 1 moi point per dollar on all eligible purchases and 2 points per dollar on dining, restaurants, gas, and charging your EV vehicle.

The best part? You earn double the points at all participating Metro, Super C, Jean Coutu, Brunet, and Première Moisson locations in Quebec as well as Jean Coutu stores in New Brunswick and Ontario.

This card comes with complimentary Mobile Device Insurance as well as Pruchase and Extended Warranty protection. Additional perks include a discount of $0.03/L at Petro Canada, 20% more Petro Points as well as up to 10% back in statement credits on purchases made at RONA, Réno-Dépot or Lowe’s. 

7. RBC RateAdvantage Visa: Best for Carrying a Balance

Annual fee: $0
Interest rate: Prime + 4.99-8.99%
Rewards: None

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If you tend to carry a balance and fear those icky interest rates, the RBC RateAdvantage Visa is the card for you. You’ll enjoy a low-interest rate based on your credit score, ranging from 4.9-8.99% + Prime, making it easier to pay off your balance quickly.

Plus, with no annual fee, this card is a great choice for those just starting out on their credit journey. You can shop with confidence knowing your eligible purchases are protected with Purchase Security and Extended Warranty insurance.

Additional perks include a complimentary 3-month subscription to DoorDash, 50 Be Well Points per dollar on Rexall purchases, saving $0.03/L at Petro-Canada, and earning 20% more Petro Points. 

8. RBC Visa Platinum: For High Credit Limit

Annual fee: $0
Interest rate: 20.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances
Rewards: None

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If you’re looking for a no-frills card that gives you the flexibility to manage your finances, the RBC Visa Platinum is the one for you. With a low annual fee and a credit limit of up to $50,000, this card is perfect for big spenders who like to keep things simple. You’ll also get the added benefit of purchase security and extended warranty insurance, making it easier to buy big-ticket items with confidence. 

Despite no annual fee or rewards, this card actually includes some key premium features. You’ll enjoy complimentary travel and vehicle-related coverage as well as Purchase and Extended Warranty Protection. 

Additional perks include a free 3-month subscription to DoorDash, 50 Be Well Points per dollar spent at Rexall, a discount of $0.03/L off gas purchases at Petro Canada and earning 20% more Petro Points. 

How to choose the best RBC credit card for you

First, consider your spending habits. Are you a frequent flyer or a homebody? Do you prefer cash back or travel rewards? 

Next, think about your financial goals. Are you looking to save money, earn rewards, or build your credit? Once you’ve got a clear picture of your needs, you can start narrowing down the best RBC credit cards. 

Look for features that match your spending style, like bonus points for travel or cash back on things like groceries, gas, restaurants, etc. And don’t forget to consider the annual fee and interest rates.

The annual fee could negate your rewards if the earn categories don’t align with your shopping preferences. If you tend to carry a balance, the interest charges could also negate any rewards you earn. In that case, you’re probably better off with a low-rate card over a rewards card.

Pros & cons of RBC credit cards

In a sea of credit card options, RBC stands out as a major player with a diverse range of offerings. But like any financial product, there are both advantages and disadvantages to consider. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of RBC credit cards.

Pros:

Wide range of options to fit various needs, from no-fee cards to premium options.

Great complimentary perks including travel insurance, purchase protection, and concierge services.

Strong reputation in the banking industry.

Exceptional customer service.

Cons:

Rewards & welcome bonuses comparable to other bank credit cards

Some cards come with high annual fees and interest rates.

Rewards might not be as flexible as some other loyalty programs.

Importance of reading the fine print to ensure value.

Why consider an RBC credit card?

There’s a lot of credit card competition out there, especially among the big banks. RBC, along with other major players like TD, CIBC, BMO, and Scotiabank, offers a wide range of credit cards with varying features and perks. So, how does RBC stack up when its credit card offerings are comparable to the other big banks?  

RBC’s unique value proposition stems from several key factors that differentiate it from the other guys. Let’s take a look: 

Travel Rewards: RBC’s travel rewards program is competitive. Their Avion program is one of the most popular travel rewards programs in Canada. It’s easy to earn points, and there’s flexibility in how you can redeem them. And RBC tends to offer better travel rewards for specific airlines. 

Diverse Financial Services: RBC offers a comprehensive suite of financial products and services, including personal and business banking, mortgages, investment services, wealth management, insurance, and more. This diversity allows RBC to serve as a one-stop shop for your financial needs.

Innovative Technology: RBC has made significant investments in technology to improve customer experiences. They have a user-friendly online banking platform, a top-rated mobile app, and an innovative allowance app for families with kids called MyDoh. These innovations make banking with RBC convenient and intuitive.

Global Presence: RBC has a strong global footprint, with operations in 40 countries. This international presence allows RBC to offer unique opportunities and resources to customers, particularly those looking for cross-border services or international investment opportunities.

Community Involvement: RBC has a strong commitment to community engagement and corporate responsibility. They invest heavily in initiatives related to youth, the environment, and community development.

Strong Reputation: RBC is one of the most reputable and respected financial institutions in Canada. It consistently ranks highly in terms of customer satisfaction, corporate responsibility, and overall brand strength.

Tailored Solutions: RBC places a strong emphasis on understanding your unique needs and providing tailored financial solutions. Whether it’s a customized RBC mortgage, a personalized investment strategy, or a specialized business banking solution, RBC strives to meet the specific needs of each customer.