Maximize Your Travel Rewards with RBC Travel Credit Cards

Are you looking to turn your everyday spending into unforgettable travel experiences? RBC travel credit cards offer a range of rewards, from flexible points to cashback and miles, designed to help you save on flights, hotels, and more. In this comprehensive guide, we'll compare top RBC travel cards, share strategies to maximize earnings, and reveal hidden perks that can elevate your travel game. Whether you're a frequent flyer or a occasional traveler, these insights will help you choose the right card and optimize your rewards.

Why Choose RBC Travel Credit Cards?

RBC is one of Canada's leading financial institutions, offering a portfolio of travel credit cards that cater to different spending habits and travel goals. Here's what sets them apart:

  • Generous welcome bonuses – Many RBC cards offer substantial points or miles upon meeting minimum spend requirements.
  • Flexible redemption options – Redeem points for travel, merchandise, gift cards, or even cash back.
  • Travel insurance coverage – Enjoy trip cancellation, interruption, and medical insurance with most cards.
  • No foreign transaction fees – Save up to 2.5% per transaction on purchases abroad.
  • Exclusive partner benefits – Access perks like priority boarding, lounge passes, and hotel upgrades.

Top RBC Travel Credit Cards Compared

1. RBC Avion Visa Infinite

Best for travelers who want flexibility and premium perks.

  • Earning rate: 1.25 Avion points per $1 spent (1.5 points per $1 on eligible travel purchases through RBC Rewards+).
  • Welcome bonus: Up to 35,000 points (enough for a round-trip short-haul flight).
  • Annual fee: $120 (waived first year with select offers).
  • Key benefits: Priority Pass membership (4 lounge visits per year), travel medical insurance, trip interruption/cancellation, baggage delay.
  • Redemption flexibility: Points can be transferred to British Airways (Avios), Cathay Pacific (Asia Miles), and more, or used for any travel purchase at a fixed rate.

2. RBC Travel Cashback World Elite Mastercard

Best for cashback lovers who want simple rewards.

  • Earning rate: 3% cash back on travel (including flights, hotels, car rentals, and transit), 2% on other eligible purchases.
  • Welcome bonus: Up to $200 cash back when you spend $1,000 in the first three months.
  • Annual fee: $0 for the first year, then $99.
  • Key benefits: No foreign transaction fees, travel accident insurance, mobile device insurance.
  • Redemption: Cash back is credited automatically as a statement credit.

3. RBC Rewards+ Mastercard

Best for everyday spending without an annual fee.

  • Earning rate: 1 point per $1 spent, plus 1.25 points per $1 on eligible travel purchases through RBC Rewards+.
  • Welcome bonus: Up to 10,000 points (worth $100 toward travel).
  • Annual fee: $0.
  • Key benefits: Access to RBC Rewards+ travel deals, purchase protection, travel accident insurance.
  • Redemption: Use points for flights, hotels, car rentals, or pay with points at checkout on Amazon.ca.

4. RBC Cathay Pacific Visa Platinum

Best for frequent Asia travelers.

  • Earning rate: 1.25 Asia Miles per $1 spent on eligible travel, 1 mile per $1 elsewhere.
  • Welcome bonus: Up to 10,000 Asia Miles.
  • Annual fee: $0 for first year, then $120.
  • Key benefits: No foreign transaction fees, travel insurance, Cathay Pacific priority check-in.
  • Redemption: Miles can be used for flights on Cathay Pacific and oneworld partners, hotel stays, and more.

How to Maximize Your Rewards

Strategic Spending

  • Category bonuses: Use the right card for each purchase. For example, the Travel Cashback card earns 3% on travel, while Avion earns bonus points on travel booked through RBC Rewards+.
  • Meet minimum spends: Time large purchases to hit welcome bonus thresholds without overspending.
  • Add authorized users: Some cards allow you to earn rewards on their spending too.

Optimized Redemption

  • Transfer partners: Avion points can be transferred to airline partners like British Airways (Avios) for up to 1.5 cents per point in value when booking award flights. Compare to fixed redemption which may yield only 1 cent per point.
  • Book through RBC Rewards+: You often get better value for flights and hotels when booking via the portal, especially during promotions.
  • Use pay with points features: Cards like the free Rewards+ allow you to redeem points at Amazon.ca checkouts, which can be convenient but may offer lower value.

Leverage Insurance Benefits

  • Book travel with your card: Ensure all trip costs are charged to the card to activate coverage like trip cancellation/interruption. This can save you money on separate travel insurance.
  • Know the limits: Check policy details for age restrictions, item limits, and exclusions (e.g., pre-existing conditions).

Combine Multiple Cards

  • Avion + Travel Cashback: Use Avion for non-category spending to accumulate points for transfer, and Travel Cashback for travel purchases to get 3% back. You can then use cashback to offset travel costs or reinvest.
  • Avion + Cathay Pacific: Use Avion for everyday spending and transfer points to Asia Miles if you need a top-up for a Cathay Pacific flight. But be mindful of transfer ratios (1:1) and potential transfer bonuses.

Hidden Perks You Should Know

  • RBC Rewards+ Evenings: Exclusive events for cardholders, such as wine tastings and concerts.
  • Travel health insurance: Most premium cards include out-of-province coverage up to 10 days (check limits).
  • Concierge service: Avion Infinite cardholders get 24/7 concierge for travel bookings, event tickets, and restaurant reservations.
  • RBC Rewards+ Travel Deals: Access to member-only pricing on hotels, car rentals, and packages when booking through the portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are RBC travel credit cards worth the annual fee?

It depends on your spending. The Avion Infinite's $120 fee is offset by the welcome bonus and travel insurance if you take one international trip a year. The Travel Cashback card has a $99 fee but no foreign transaction fees, which could save frequent travelers $200+ annually.

Can I transfer points between RBC accounts?

Yes, RBC Rewards points can be combined with other RBC Rewards accounts within the same household (spouse or partner).

Which RBC card is best for U.S. travel?

The Avion Visa Infinite and Travel Cashback World Elite Mastercard both offer no foreign transaction fees, so either works well. The Avion gives lounge access (4 visits per year) and points transferable to U.S. carriers like American Airlines (via British Airways).

How do I redeem points for the best value?

Transfer Avion points to airline partners for premium cabin awards or book through RBC Rewards+ when there is a points discount promotion. For cashback cards, simply let the cash back accumulate and request a statement credit.

Final Thoughts

RBC travel credit cards offer a diverse range of options to maximize travel rewards. Whether you prefer points for flexible redemptions, miles for a favorite airline, or simple cash back, there's a card that fits your lifestyle. Remember to always pay your balance in full to avoid interest charges that can quickly erase the value of rewards. By strategically using welcome bonuses, category bonuses, and travel insurance, you can turn your everyday spending into extraordinary trips. Start with one card that aligns with your biggest travel goal, and consider adding complementary cards later to supercharge your rewards. Safe travels!

Sarah M.: Great article! I've been thinking about getting the Avion Infinite but was worried about the fee. The breakdown of benefits makes it seem worth it.
TravelBug99: I've had the Travel Cashback card for a year and saved a ton on foreign transaction fees. Highly recommend for US travel.
PointsGuy: Don't forget that you can pool Avion points with a partner. My wife and I combined ours and got a business class ticket to Europe. Transfer to British Airways is the way to go!

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