No high income floor and flexible rewards make this a top choice for Canadians.
If you’re living in Canada and looking for a credit card that actually rewards your daily habits, you’ve likely seen the RBC ION+ Visa popping up in your feed.
It promises to turn every dollar into Avion points. But is it the right fit for your wallet? In this guide, we’re breaking down the mechanics, the perks, and the “fine print” of the RBC ION+ Visa to help you decide.
What is the RBC ION+ Visa?
The RBC ION+ is what we call a “lifestyle card.” It isn’t necessarily built for the high-rolling international jetsetter, but rather for the modern Canadian who spends on digital subscriptions, food delivery, and daily transit. It bridges the gap between a basic entry-level card and a premium travel card.
Why It’s Catching Everyone’s Eye
- The Point Multiplier: It offers one of the highest earning rates for daily categories in the RBC ecosystem.
- Avion Ecosystem: You’re earning Avion points, which are widely considered some of the most flexible loyalty points in Canada.
- Affordability: The fee structure is unique (monthly instead of yearly), making it easier to manage for some budgets.
The Points System: How to Earn Big
The engine behind this card is the Avion Rewards program. Here is how the points stack up for every $1 CAD you spend:
- 3x Points: For every dollar spent on Grocery, Dining, and Food Delivery. Yes, that includes your late-night Uber Eats orders.
- 3x Points: On Transit, Gas, and EV Charging. Whether you’re filling up the tank or tapping your card for the subway, you’re earning.
- 3x Points: On Streaming, Digital Gaming, and Subscriptions. Think Netflix, Spotify, and PlayStation Plus.
- 1x Point: On everything else.
The Strategy: To get the most out of this card, you should use it exclusively for your “3x categories.” If you’re buying clothes or furniture, you might want to look at a card with a higher base rate, but for the “daily grind,” 3 points per dollar is hard to beat.
Requirements: Can You Apply?
RBC has made the ION+ Visa fairly accessible. Unlike “Infinite” cards that require a $60,000+ individual income, this card focuses more on your credit health.
- Income Requirement: There is no specific high-income floor, making it great for students, young professionals, or those starting a new career.
- Credit Score: You generally need a Fair to Good credit score.
- Age: You must be a Canadian resident and of the age of majority in your province.
Fees, Rates, and the “Fine Print”
Let’s talk numbers. This is where the ION+ differs from many traditional Canadian cards.
- Monthly Fee: $4.00. Instead of a lump sum of $48 or $120 a year, you pay a small monthly fee. This is often waived if you have certain RBC banking packages.
- Interest Rates: Standard 20.99% on purchases and 22.99% on cash advances.
- Grace Period: At least 21 days on new purchases.
- Foreign Exchange: The standard 2.5% fee applies to purchases made in non-Canadian currencies.
Important Aspects to Consider Before Signing Up
Before you hit “apply,” keep these two things in mind:
- Avion “Premium” vs. “Premium Tier”: The points you earn on the ION+ are Avion Premium points. This means you can redeem them for travel, gift cards, and merchandise. However, to access the “Gold Token” airfare redemption schedule, you typically need to also hold a higher-tier card like the Avion Platinum or Infinite and move your points over.
- Petro-Canada Savings: One of the best “hidden” perks of RBC cards is the link with Petro-Canada. You save 3¢ per litre on gas and earn 20% more Petro-Points when you link your card.
The Verdict: Who is it For?
The RBC ION+ Visa is perfect for the digitally-connected Canadian. If you spend heavily on groceries, gas, and streaming, the 3x points will accumulate incredibly fast. If you’re already an RBC customer, the monthly fee is a small price to pay for the flexible Avion points you’ll receive.
