Daniela Hanna
The RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege is a premium travel card for high-income Canadians who fly often and want flexibility. You earn boosted Avion points on every purchase, get priority airport perks, and enjoy a strong insurance package in exchange for a high annual fee.
Quick highlights
- 🎁 Welcome offer: Get up to 70,000 Avion points with the current promotion (includes 35,000 points on approval, plus additional bonus points when you meet spend and offer conditions).
- 💳 Earn 1.25 Avion points on all qualifying purchases made with the card.
- ✈️ Book flights on virtually any airline, any time, with no blackout dates using Avion Rewards.
- 🌎 Premium travel perks: 6 global lounge passes, airport security fast track, and priority airport parking at select Canadian airports.
- 🛡️ Robust travel insurance, including emergency medical, trip cancellation/interruption, and lost or delayed baggage coverage.
Why we like the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege
This is a “pay to play” premium card. The fee is high, but in return you get flexible Avion points, airport perks that actually matter when you travel often, and strong built-in insurance. The real draw is how easy it is to use Avion points: you can book almost any flight on almost any airline, or lean on the fixed-value Air Travel Redemption Schedule when it works in your favour.
Stand-out features
- ✅ Up to 70,000 Avion points with the current welcome offer (including 35,000 points on approval).
- ✅ 1.25 Avion points on all qualifying purchases – no need to track rotating categories.
- ✅ Access to 6 global airport lounge visits per year, plus fast track security and priority parking at select airports.
- ✅ Flexible redemption: use points with the fixed Air Travel Redemption Schedule or book travel freely at a cents-per-point rate.
Good to know
- ⚠️ Annual fee of $399 (plus $99 per additional card) means you need to use the perks to come out ahead.
- ⚠️ Minimum income requirement is high, aimed at higher-earning households.
- ⚠️ You’ll still pay foreign transaction fees on non-CAD purchases.
Pros
- Strong welcome bonus (up to 70,000 Avion points with current offer).
- Flat 1.25x earn rate on all qualifying purchases keeps things simple.
- Book flights on almost any airline with no blackout dates.
- Includes lounge access, fast track security, and premium parking perks at select airports.
- Comprehensive travel insurance suitable for frequent travellers.
Cons
- High annual fee of $399 plus $99 for each additional cardholder.
- No waiver of foreign transaction fees.
- Flat earn rate is good but not spectacular compared to some category-based premium cards.
- Best value is unlocked only if you travel several times per year and use the perks.
Rewards program
- 💳 1.25 Avion points per $1 spent on all qualifying purchases.
- 🎁 Up to 70,000 Avion points as a welcome offer (includes 35,000 points on approval plus additional bonus points when you meet promotional requirements).
- 🛫 Points can be used through the Avion Air Travel Redemption Schedule or to pay for travel at a fixed rate (100 points = $1 in many scenarios).
How to maximize rewards
- Hit the welcome offer requirements. Structure your spending in the first months so you comfortably meet the minimum spend thresholds for the full bonus.
- Put as much everyday spend as possible on the card. The 1.25x earn rate on all qualifying purchases becomes powerful when large recurring bills, travel, and day-to-day expenses run through the card.
- Use Avion for flights where it shines. Compare the Air Travel Redemption Schedule versus paying with points at 100 points = $1; pick whichever gives higher value.
- Pair with a no-foreign-fee card. Keep this card for earning and perks, and use a second card without FX fees when abroad, then pay the balance using your Avion card benefits.
- Don’t waste lounge passes. Plan to use your 6 annual lounge visits during trips where airport time is long (connections, early arrivals, delays).
Insurance & benefits
Included
- 🩺 Out-of-province/out-of-country emergency medical insurance.
- 🧳 Trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage.
- 🎒 Lost and delayed baggage insurance.
- 🚗 Rental car collision/loss damage waiver.
- 📱 Mobile device insurance (up to a specified limit when conditions are met).
- 🛍️ Purchase security and extended warranty on eligible purchases.
- ✈️ 6 global airport lounge visits per membership year, fast track security lanes, and priority airport parking at select locations.
Not included / limitations
- ❌ No waiver of foreign transaction fees.
- ❌ Lounge visits are capped; heavy travellers may need additional lounge access options.
- ⚠️ Coverage amounts and eligibility vary; you need to read the certificate carefully before relying on any benefit for big trips.
Rates & fees
| Annual fee | $399 |
|---|---|
| Additional card | $99 each |
| Purchase APR | 20.99% |
| Cash advance APR | 22.99% |
| Foreign transaction fee | 2.5% on non-CAD purchases |
| Grace period | At least 21 days on new purchases when you pay your balance in full by the due date |
Best for
- ✈️ Frequent travellers who fly multiple times per year and value lounge access and priority treatment.
- 💼 High-income Canadians who want a single, flexible travel currency rather than juggling niche loyalty programs.
- 🌍 People who like to choose any airline and flight time instead of being boxed into one frequent flyer program.
Where it falls short
- The $399 annual fee is steep if you don’t travel often or use the perks.
- No break on foreign transaction fees, which is noticeable for heavy US or international spending.
- Flat 1.25x earn rate can be beaten on specific categories (like groceries or dining) by other premium cards.
- Minimum income requirement puts it out of reach for many otherwise responsible cardholders.
Customer reviews
Positive feedback
“The lounge passes and fast track security alone make airport days less stressful. Add the welcome bonus and it’s worth the fee for me.”
“Avion points are easy to use. I like not being locked into one airline and still being able to book at peak times.”
Critiques
“Great perks, but the $399 fee stings in years when I don’t travel much.”
“For a premium card at this price, I wish it came with no foreign transaction fees or a slightly higher earn rate.”
Community insights
In Canadian travel and points circles, this card is often seen as a “luxury Avion upgrade.” People who fly multiple times a year and value ease of redemption tend to like it. Others feel the annual fee is only justified if you fully use the lounge passes, insurance, and booking flexibility each year. Many pair it with a no-foreign-fee card or a high-earn grocery/dining card to cover gaps.
AI review (straight talk)
If you love travel, have the income to qualify, and actually use the perks, this card can pull its weight. The welcome bonus, lounge access, and comprehensive insurance go a long way to justifying the fee, especially in year one. But if your trips are more occasional, you mostly travel to the US to visit family, or you’re fee-sensitive, you’ll probably get more net value from a cheaper travel card or a strong cash-back option.
Alternatives & comparison
| Card | Annual Fee | Top Categories / Earn | Other Purchases | Key Perks | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege | $399 | 1.25x on all qualifying purchases | Same 1.25x structure | Lounge access, fast track, strong insurance, flexible Avion points | Frequent flyers wanting flexibility |
| RBC Avion Visa Infinite | $120 | 1.25x on travel, 1x on other purchases | 1x | Lower fee path into Avion ecosystem | Travellers who want Avion without VIP perks |
| Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite | $150 | Strong earn on travel & transit | 1x | No FX fees, Priority Pass visits, good travel insurance | Frequent international travellers who hate FX fees |
| American Express Platinum Card | $799 | 3x+ points on travel/dining (varies by category) | 1x | Premium lounge access, hotel statuses, rich travel benefits | Heavy travellers who can use very premium perks |
FAQ
Is there an annual fee?
Yes. The RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege has an annual fee of $399 for the primary card, and $99 for each additional card.
What is the current welcome bonus?
The current promotion offers up to 70,000 Avion points. This typically includes 35,000 points on approval plus additional bonus points when you meet spending and other promotional conditions. Exact details can change, so it’s important to confirm the offer at the time you apply.
What are the earn rates?
You earn 1.25 Avion points on all qualifying purchases made with the card. There is no complicated category tracking, which keeps the card easier to use.
How can I redeem Avion points?
You can redeem Avion points for flights, hotels, car rentals, vacation packages, and more. You can either use the Air Travel Redemption Schedule or book travel freely at a fixed cents-per-point rate. There are also options for statement credits, gift cards, and merchandise.
Does this card include travel insurance?
Yes. The card includes a suite of travel coverage such as emergency medical, trip cancellation and interruption, lost/delayed baggage, travel accident, rental car collision damage waiver, and mobile device insurance, subject to eligibility and conditions.
Final verdict & ratings
Our take The RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege is a strong premium travel card for Canadians who travel often and want maximum flexibility with their points. The welcome bonus and airport perks can more than offset the high annual fee if you fly multiple times a year and redeem points smartly. If you’re an occasional traveller or very fee-conscious, a cheaper travel card or a solid cash-back option will probably make more sense.
| Overall | ★★★★☆ 4.4 / 5 |
|---|---|
| Rewards value | 4.5 / 5 — strong welcome bonus and flexible redemptions |
| Benefits & protections | 4.6 / 5 — excellent travel perks and insurance |
| Fees & costs | 3.7 / 5 — high fee, but can be justified with usage |
| Ease of approval | 3.5 / 5 — high income requirements limit accessibility |
