The 7 Best RBC Credit Cards in Canada for 2024

The Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) offers a wide array of credit card options, each tailored to various interests and needs, including travel and cashback incentives, as well as specialized offerings for students and businesses.

Among these numerous options, the RBC Avion Visa Infinite is the best RBC credit card in Canada, though there are several other RBC credit cards with impressive features and benefits.

In this article, we’ll explore the 7 best RBC credit cards in Canada. We’ll delve into their advantages and drawbacks, highlight the enticing rewards and cashback programs they offer, and draw attention to any hidden fees that might catch you off guard.

Whether you’re passionate about travel, eager to maximize rewards, or focused on saving money, this article is tailored to meet your needs.

An Overview of the 7 Best RBC Credit Cards in Canada

1. Best Credit Card for Travel: RBC Avion Visa Infinite

• Annual Fee: $120
• Purchase Rate: 19.99%
• Rewards: 1 point for every $1 purchase + 25% extra cashback for all eligible travel purchases.

If you’re a travel enthusiast searching for the best RBC credit card in Canada, the RBC Avion Visa Infinite is perfect for you. This credit card offers enticing perks and generous travel rewards, so it’s no wonder this card is a favourite among frequent flyers.

For every eligible purchase you make, the RBC Avion Visa Infinite grants you 1 point for every $1 spent. But what sets this card apart from the competition is its remarkable 25% cashback extra, giving you even more bang for your buck.

The RBC Avion Visa Infinite doesn’t stop at just rewards. You can enjoy up to $55,000 in points as a welcome bonus. Upon approval, you’ll receive a fantastic 35,000 points, and an additional 20,000 points await you when you spend up to $5,000 within the first six months of card membership. 

This credit card goes above and beyond by offering mobile device insurance and purchase protection, providing added peace of mind during your travels. However, to qualify for the RBC Avion Visa Infinite, you’ll need a minimum personal income of $60,000 or a minimum household income of $100,000.

Pros

• Special offer of 55,000 points as a welcome bonus
• Stellar reward rates; 1 Avion point per dollar spent and 25% cash back on eligible travel purchases
• Travel insurance covers trip cancellation and interruption insurance and medical emergency insurance.
• It also offers mobile device insurance and purchase protection
• Car rental insurance

Cons

• The annual fee is high
• A foreign transaction fee of 2.5%
• You must earn a personal income of $60,000 and a household income of $100,000

2. Best for WestJet Travel Rewards: WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard

• Annual Fee: $119
• Purchase Rate: 19.99%
• Rewards: 1.5% cash back for everyday purchases. 2% cashback for WestJet Vacations or WestJet flights.

If you’re a frequent traveller and a fan of WestJet, then the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard is a credit card you don’t want to miss. This card offers an impressive welcome bonus of 450 WestJet dollars, giving you a head start on your travel adventures.

The rewards keep flowing as you earn 1.5% cash back in WestJet dollars on your everyday purchases. When you book WestJet flights and vacations, you’ll earn an enticing 2% cash back in WestJet dollars.

You can easily redeem your WestJet dollars by using them to offset the cost of future WestJet flights and vacation packages. This means you can save big on your travel plans while enjoying the convenience of using your rewards.

WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard also offers comprehensive travel insurance coverage to protect you against unexpected situations.

To qualify, you must have a minimum personal income of $80,000 or a minimum household income of $150,000. If you meet these criteria, you’re in for a world of rewards and travel benefits.

Pros

• Stellar reward rates; earn 1.5% in WestJet dollars on everyday purchases and 2$ in WestJet dollars for eligible flights and vacations.
• Offers a welcome bonus of $450 WestJet Dollar
• Travel insurance covers $500,000 in Travel Accident Insurance, trip cancellations, flight delays, emergency purchases, etc.
• Amazing travel experience with benefits like priority services, lounge access, advanced seat selection, and higher earning rates when you fly with WestJet flights.
• Offers purchase protection and extended warranty protection

Cons

• The annual fee is expensive
• A foreign transaction fee of 2.5%
• Minimum personal income of $80,000 and household income of $150,000 to apply.

3. Best for Business Owners: RBC Avion Visa Infinite Business

• Annual Fee: $175
• Purchase Rate: 19.99%
• Rewards: 1.25% cash back for every eligible purchase.

If you’re a small business owner in Canada, then the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Business might just be the best RBC credit card for your business. Designed specifically with entrepreneurs like you in mind, this card offers many enticing benefits that can take your business to new heights.

From easier accounting to increased security, this card is designed to streamline your business operations and provide you with peace of mind. With the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Business, you earn rewards on every purchase.

You’ll start with a welcome bonus of 25,000 points, and for the first $75,000 in annual purchases, you’ll earn a generous 1.25% back. You’ll still enjoy a solid 1% cash back on every purchase.

However, you must have a personal income of at least $60,000 and a household income of $100,000. But if you meet these criteria, the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Business card can be a game-changer for your business.

Pros

• Offers a welcome bonus of 25,000 points
• Stellar reward rates; you can earn 1.25% cash back on every purchase
• Offers flexibility to redeem your points for travels, gift cards and merchandise.
• Offers premium travel benefits
• Offers mobile device insurance, travel accident insurance, emergency purchase insurance, and many more.

Cons

• The annual fee is expensive
• Personal income requirement is high

4. Best for Unlimited Rewards: RBC ION+ Visa

• Annual Fee: $48
• Purchase Rate: 20.99%
• Rewards: 3 points per dollar for every eligible purchase on groceries, dining, fuel, electric vehicle charging, rideshare, digital gaming, etc. 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.

When it comes to the best RBC credit cards in Canada, the RBC ION+ Visa Card is another big contender. 

First, you’ll receive a generous 3,500 welcome points upon approval to kickstart your rewards journey. You’ll also earn an additional 3,500 bonus points when you spend up to $500 within the first three months. 

With the RBC ION+ Visa Card, you’ll earn a whopping 3 points per dollar on a wide range of eligible purchases, from groceries and dining to fuel, digital gaming, subscriptions, streaming services, rideshares, and even fuel. And you’ll still earn a solid 1 point per dollar for all other purchases.

With an annual fee of just $48, the RBC ION+ Visa Card has one of the lowest annual fees compared to its competitors. This means you can enjoy this card’s perks and benefits without breaking the bank.

With its impressive welcome bonus, high earning rates, and no spending requirements, the RBC ION+ Visa Card is a force to be reckoned with.

Pros

• 3% return with no spending limit.
• Low annual fee ($4 charged monthly in the first year with the right RBC bank account).

Cons

• Fewer redemption options compared to similar cards.
• No travel insurance is included.

5. Best for Flat Earn Rate: RBC Cash Back Preferred World Elite Mastercard

• Annual Fee: $99
• Purchase Rate: 19.99%
• Cashback Rate: 1.5% cash back on every purchase

The RBC Cash Back Preferred World Elite Mastercard is a top contender if you’re looking for a credit card that rewards you generously for your everyday purchases. With this premium card, you’ll enjoy an impressive 1.5% unlimited cashback on every purchase. 

While this card does come with a $99 annual fee and a purchase rate of 19.99%, the potential savings from everyday spending can easily outweigh the fees. It’s all about maximizing your cashback rewards and making every dollar count.

To be eligible for this fantastic card, you must have a minimum personal income of $80,000 or a minimum household income of $150,000.

Pros

• Offers stellar reward rate, 1.5% on all eligible purchases
• Car rental coverage
• Offers great travel perks, get Mastercard Travel Rewards cash rebates
• Mobile internet access at millions of hotspots worldwide
• Mastercard Airport Experiences from LoungeKey

Cons

• The annual fee is expensive
• It has a transaction fee of 2.5%
• You must earn a personal income of $80,000 and a household income of $150,000 to apply

6. Best for Grocery Shopping: RBC Cash Back Mastercard

• Annual Fee: $0
• Purchase Rate: 19.99%
• Cashback Rate: 2% cash back on groceries & 1% cash back on every other purchase

If you’re searching for a remarkable cashback credit card, check out the RBC Cash Back Mastercard. With this fantastic card in your wallet, you’ll enjoy an impressive 2% unlimited cashback on all your grocery purchases.

For every other purchase you make, you’ll still receive a generous 1% cashback, ensuring you’re always earning no matter what you buy. Plus, The RBC Cash Back Mastercard comes with no annual fee. You get to enjoy the benefits without any extra costs.

This amazing card also offers purchase security and extended warranty protection. So not only will you earn cashback on your purchases, but you’ll also have peace of mind knowing that your purchases are protected.

Pros

• No annual fee
• Offers purchase security and extended warranty insurance
• Stellar reward rates; 2% cash back on groceries and 1% for other eligible purchases

Cons

• A foreign transaction fee of 2.5%

7. Best for No Fee: RBC ION Visa

• Annual Fee: $0
• Purchase Rate: 19.99%
• Cashback Rate: 1.5 points per $1 spent on groceries, rides, gas, streaming, etc., & 1 point on every other purchase

The RBC ION Visa is a credit card designed specifically to elevate your everyday spending. You can earn a fantastic 1.5 points for every dollar spent on a wide range of categories, from groceries and rideshares to streaming services, daily transit, digital gaming, and subscriptions.

This incredible card comes with no annual fee. Plus, you’ll still earn a solid 1 point for every dollar you spend on anything else. Talk about maximising your reward potential!

Redeeming your hard-earned Avion points is easy as you can use them to pay bills or even your credit card balance. It’s a flexible and convenient way to make your points work for you.

In addition, the RBC ION Visa comes with purchase protection and extended warranty insurance. That means added peace of mind when making purchases and the reassurance of extended coverage on eligible items.

Pros

• No annual fee
• Lucrative reward rates
• Special offer of 6,000 Avion points as a welcome bonus

Cons

• You must have a credit score of at least 600 to qualify

How I Reviewed The Best RBC Credit Cards in Canada

Through years of personal experience and extensive research, I’ve scrutinized each credit card based on various crucial factors, guaranteeing that only the best RBC credit cards make it to the list.

While picking the best RBC credit cards in Canada, I carefully analysed the earning potential and redemption options to ensure that you can maximise your rewards. Additionally, I considered the annual fees associated with each card, ensuring they align with the value provided by the card’s benefits and features.

The cashback offered by these RBC credit cards also played a significant role in their selection. I assessed the cashback percentages and categories, ensuring they cater to various spending habits and provide substantial savings.

Credit card interest rates are crucial, and I evaluated them thoroughly. By comparing the rates across the selected RBC cards, I aimed to help you choose one that aligns with your financial goals and offers the best value.

Signup bonuses and balance transfer offers were also key factors in my decision-making process. I considered the enticing incentives each card provided new applicants and examined any favourable options for transferring balances from other cards.

It’s important to note that no single credit card can be deemed the best for everyone. Each person has unique preferences, lifestyles, and spending habits. That’s why I encourage you to carefully compare your options and determine which RBC credit card best suits your individual needs.

With all this information at your disposal, you can confidently embark on the journey of selecting the best RBC credit card to help you achieve your financial aspirations. Remember, knowledge is power, so take the time to make an informed choice that aligns perfectly with your financial objectives.

How to Apply for an RBC Credit Card

You must take several steps to apply for an RBC credit card, and there are eligibility requirements you must meet to qualify for an RBC credit card.

Eligibility Requirement: You must live in Canada and be above the age of majority in your province of residence. You must meet the income requirement of the credit card and must be enrolled in a recognised post-secondary institution if you are applying for a student credit card. 

In addition to all these criteria, you must meet the credit score requirement for the card you are applying for.

Application Process: Follow these steps to apply for an RBC credit card:

1. Visit the bank’s website and click “Apply Now” for your desired card. 
2. RBC will list the income requirements for the card, especially if it is a premium card with high annual fees.
3. Next, you will confirm if you are an existing client or not. If you are, the application process is much faster. You will simply enter your pre-existing account, and the bank will pull up your personal information, and you can continue from there. (if you don’t have an existing account, continue with the steps below).
4. Enter your name and contact info, like phone number or email address.
5. Next, you will be asked to enter information about your monthly rent, mortgage payment, employment status, address and phone number of your employer. You will also provide your income, how much you earn from investments (if any) and if you pay alimony.
6. When you have entered all this information, you will review the terms and conditions of the card and submit your application. 
7. You may get instant approval, or the bank may review your details and contact you if your application is successful.

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Final Thought on The Best RBC Credit Cards

The possibilities are endless for finding the best RBC credit cards in Canada. From travel enthusiasts to savvy shoppers and business owners, RBC has curated a collection of cards to suit every individual’s unique needs and preferences.

Now that you’re armed with all the information about the top contenders among RBC credit cards, it’s time to take action and choose the card that will elevate your financial game.

So, whether you’re looking to earn exciting rewards, save on fees, or enjoy exclusive benefits, it’s time to explore the world of RBC credit cards and discover the perfect match for you. Take the leap today and unlock a world of financial possibilities.