The RBC Avion Visa Platinum Credit Card is a premier travel rewards card offered by the Royal Bank of Canada. It stands out for its robust rewards program and flexibility, allowing cardholders to earn and redeem points for flights with no blackout dates or seat restrictions.

Upon approval, new cardholders receive 35,000 Avion points, which can be redeemed for travel valued at up to $750. This card is designed to cater to frequent travelers who value convenience and extensive benefits.

The annual fee for the RBC Avion Visa Platinum is $120, and it comes with additional benefits such as extensive insurance coverage and instant fuel savings at Petro-Canada. This review will delve into the details of the card, covering its main features, advantages, disadvantages, and the application process.

Key Information About the RBC Avion Visa Platinum Credit Card

How Does the Annual Fee Work?

The RBC Avion Visa Platinum Credit Card has an annual fee of $120. This fee is charged annually on the cardholder’s statement anniversary date. There is an additional card fee of $50 for each supplementary card.

While the annual fee is not waived for the first year, the value provided by the 35,000 Avion points, which can be redeemed for travel, more than offsets this cost. Cardholders can pay the annual fee in a single lump sum or through monthly installments as part of their regular statement payments.

How is the Credit Limit Determined?

The credit limit for the RBC Avion Visa Platinum Credit Card is determined based on several factors, including the applicant’s credit history, income, and overall financial situation. The Royal Bank of Canada assesses each application individually, taking into account the applicant’s ability to repay the borrowed amount.

For conventional credit cards like this one, the bank uses credit scoring models and financial assessments to set an appropriate credit limit that aligns with the cardholder’s financial capacity.

Advantages of the RBC Avion Visa Platinum Credit Card

• 35,000 Avion Points Bonus: Upon approval, receive 35,000 Avion points, equivalent to up to $750 in travel value.
• Flexible Point Redemption: Redeem points for flights with any airline, any time, with no blackout periods or seat restrictions.
• Point Accumulation: Earn 1 Avion point for every $1 spent on qualifying purchases.
• Extensive Travel Insurance: Includes trip cancellation, trip interruption, and coverage for eligible purchases and hotel belongings.
• Instant Fuel Savings: Save 3¢ per liter on fuel at Petro-Canada and earn 20% more Petro-Points and Avion points.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Includes extensive insurance options and additional cardholder benefits.

Standout Feature: Flexible Point Redemption

One of the standout features of the RBC Avion Visa Platinum Credit Card is its flexible point redemption system. Cardholders can use their Avion points to book flights with any airline, at any time, with no blackout dates or seat restrictions.

This flexibility is particularly valuable for frequent travelers who need to book flights during peak seasons or on short notice. The Avion points can be redeemed through the RBC Rewards program, and the redemption process is straightforward, allowing cardholders to maximize their travel experiences without the usual restrictions associated with other rewards programs.

Disadvantages

• Annual Fee: The card has a relatively high annual fee of $120.
• High Purchase Rate: The purchase interest rate is 20.99%, which is higher than some other credit cards.
• High Cash Advance Rate: The cash advance rate is 22.99%, which can be costly if you need to withdraw cash.
• Limited Non-Travel Benefits: The card’s benefits are heavily skewed towards travel, which might not be as valuable for those who do not travel frequently.

Main Disadvantage: High Annual Fee

The primary disadvantage of the RBC Avion Visa Platinum Credit Card is its high annual fee. At $120 per year, it might be considered expensive compared to other cards that offer no annual fee or lower fees.

This fee can be a significant drawback for cardholders who do not utilize the travel benefits and rewards to their fullest extent. For those who travel infrequently or prefer a card with lower costs, this high annual fee might outweigh the potential benefits.

Eligibility Criteria for Applying for This Card

To apply for the RBC Avion Visa Platinum Credit Card, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Age: Applicants must be at least the age of majority in their province or territory.
• Credit Score: A good to excellent credit score is typically required.
• Income: While specific income requirements are not disclosed, a stable and sufficient income is necessary to meet the bank’s creditworthiness criteria.
• Canadian Residency: Applicants must be residents of Canada.
• Credit History: A positive credit history with no recent bankruptcies or delinquencies.

The card is not specifically advertised for individuals with negative credit, and applicants with poor credit histories might not be approved. Proof of income and identification documents may also be required during the application process.

How to Apply for the RBC Avion Visa Platinum Credit Card

Applying Online

• Visit the RBC Website: Navigate to the RBC Avion Visa Platinum Credit Card page.
• Start Your Application: Click on the “Apply Now” button to begin the application.
• Fill Out the Application Form: Provide the required personal, financial, and employment information.
• Submit the Application: Review your information and submit the application. You will receive a response in less than 60 seconds.

Applying via Mobile App

• Download the RBC Mobile App: Available for both Android and iOS devices.
• Log In or Create an Account: Use your existing RBC credentials or create a new account.
• Navigate to Credit Cards: Select the RBC Avion Visa Platinum Credit Card from the list of available cards.
• Complete the Application: Fill in the necessary details and submit your application through the app.

Applying In-Person at a Branch

• Locate an RBC Branch: Find the nearest RBC branch using the branch locator tool on the RBC website.
• Visit the Branch: Go to the branch with your identification and financial documents.
• Speak with a Representative: An RBC representative will assist you with the application process and provide any additional information you may need.
• Submit Your Application: Complete and submit your application at the branch.

By following these steps, you can easily apply for the RBC Avion Visa Platinum Credit Card through your preferred method.