RBC ION+ Visa: Rewards for Everyday Spending

The RBC ION+ Visa is a rewards credit card created for Canadians who want to make their everyday purchases go further. With a low annual fee, flexible earning rates, and access to thousands of redemption options, the card is designed to give value back on categories like groceries, dining, streaming, transport, and more.

Whether you’re filling up at the pump, ordering a takeaway, paying for your streaming subscription, or simply shopping online, the ION+ Visa lets you accumulate Avion points quickly and redeem them for a wide selection of rewards. Add insurance coverage, digital banking features, and exclusive partnerships, and you have a product that combines practicality with modern lifestyle perks.

Benefits

With the RBC ION+ Visa, everyday spending directly translates into valuable rewards and security. Key benefits include:

• Earn rewards fast: 3x Avion points on groceries, dining, transport, fuel, streaming and more; 1x point per $1 on everything else.
• Welcome offer: 14,000 Avion points on approval (worth $100 in gift cards).
• Insurance coverage: Includes mobile device insurance, purchase protection, and extended warranty.
• Fee rebate for students: Annual fee rebated when paired with an RBC Advantage™ Banking Account for Students.
• Exclusive partner perks: Save 3¢/L at Petro-Canada, earn Be Well™ points at Rexall, and enjoy DashPass subscription with DoorDash.
• No annual fee for additional cards: Share the benefits without extra cost.

Prerequisites

To apply for the RBC ION+ Visa, applicants must:

• Be a Canadian resident with a valid Canadian address.
• Be at least the age of majority in their province or territory.
• Provide verifiable employment and financial information.
• Have a credit file in good standing.

Approval is based on a full review of the applicant’s creditworthiness and repayment ability.

About RBC

The Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) is one of the country’s largest and most trusted financial institutions, serving over 17 million clients worldwide. With a history spanning more than 150 years, RBC is known for financial stability, wide product offerings, and innovation in digital banking.

The Avion Rewards programme, exclusive to RBC, connects cardholders to over 2,000 top brands and offers flexible redemption options, from travel and merchandise to gift cards and even paying down your balance. The RBC ION+ Visa embodies this commitment, blending competitive earn rates with lifestyle benefits and comprehensive protection.

Who is this card for?

The RBC ION+ Visa is designed for Canadians who want to maximise the value of their everyday purchases. It is a suitable choice for students and young adults taking their first steps in building credit, as well as families who spend regularly on groceries, fuel and dining. Urban professionals can also benefit, particularly those who rely on rideshare, public transit or streaming services as part of their daily routine. More broadly, it appeals to anyone seeking a rewards card that combines low fees with flexible redemption options. However, it may be less attractive for people who prefer a completely no-fee product or who tend to shop at retailers that do not accept Visa.

What rewards and programmes does the card offer?

The RBC ION+ Visa is integrated with the Avion Rewards programme, which provides strong earning and redemption flexibility:

• Points earning: 3x Avion points for every $1 spent on groceries, gas, dining, transit, rideshare, food delivery, and streaming; 1x Avion point per $1 spent on other qualifying purchases.
• Redemption options: Points can be redeemed starting at 1,400 points ($10 gift card), or used for merchandise, travel, statement credits, and more.
• Exclusive offers: Access discounts and additional points from Petro-Canada, Rexall, and DoorDash.
• Avion Rewards ShopPlus: Browser extension to maximise points and savings when shopping online.

Initial credit limit

While RBC does not publish a fixed initial limit, approval generally comes with limits tailored to the applicant’s financial profile. Limits often start around $1,000 but may be higher for well-qualified applicants. Responsible card use can lead to future increases.

Step-by-step: How to apply

Applying for the RBC ION+ Visa is simple and can be completed online in minutes:

1. Visit the official RBC ION+ Visa page.

2. Select “Apply now” and complete the secure application form.

3. Provide personal, financial, and employment details.

4. Review and agree to the terms and conditions.

5. Submit your application and receive a decision, often within minutes.

6. If approved, await your card in the post and activate it to start earning rewards.

VISIT THE CARD SITE

How to unlock the card

Once you receive your RBC ION+ Visa, activation is quick:

• Log into your RBC online banking or mobile app.
• Enter your card details as prompted.
• Set up your PIN for in-store purchases.
• Add your card to mobile wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay for easy digital use.

Card’s pros and cons

Before deciding whether the RBC ION+ Visa is the right fit, it’s important to weigh its strengths against its limitations. Below is a breakdown of the main pros and cons to help you quickly assess the card’s overall value.

Pros:

• Strong earn rates on everyday spending categories.
• Valuable welcome bonus.
• Comprehensive insurance, including mobile device cover.
• Student-friendly with annual fee rebate.
• Exclusive partner discounts and perks.

Cons:

• Annual fee of $48 (unless rebated).
• Interest rates are standard (20.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances).
• Avion points have limited flexibility compared to pure cashback cards.
• No premium travel perks such as lounge access.

Fees and tariffs

The table below highlights the main fees and rates for the RBC ION+ Visa, giving you a clear view of the costs associated with the card. Reviewing these details will help you understand how the card fits your budget and whether it matches your spending habits.