When comparing the RBC Avion Visa Infinite vs. Platinum, it's clear the Visa Infinite option is more valuable than the Platinum. While these RBC cards share rewards and worldwide acceptance, differences in benefits and insurance put the Infinite card on top.
That's not to say that the RBC Visa Platinum Avion doesn't have benefits that make it a better option for certain people. As usual when choosing credit cards, everyone's preferences are different.
The article explains the key differences between the RBC Avion Visa Infinite and Platinum, from eligibility requirements to the rewards and benefits that set these cards apart.
Key Takeaways
- The RBC Avion Visa Infinite and RBC Visa Platinum Avion are among the best RBC cards, with excellent insurance packages and valuable Avion Rewards earning potential.
- The RBC Avion Visa Infinite provides premium perks, extra travel rewards, and a comprehensive insurance package for the same annual fee as its Platinum sibling.
- It’s easier to qualify for the RBC Visa Platinum Avion, but you’ll lose out on rewards and some travel insurance.
- Provided you meet its income requirements, there’s no reason not to take the RBC Avion Visa Infinite over the RBC Visa Platinum Avion.
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RBC Avion Visa Infinite vs. Platinum Avion overview
The RBC Avion Visa Infinite and Platinum Avion are travel credit cards issued by RBC. With the stability and funding of a big bank, they can offer decent rewards and a great selection of benefits:
| Features | RBC Avion Visa Infinite | RBC Visa Platinum Avion |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $120 | $120 |
| Welcome Bonus | 70,000 bonus points (terms) | 70,000 bonus points (terms) |
| Rewards Program | RBC Rewards | RBC Rewards |
| Maximum Rewards | 1.25 points per $1 spent | 1 point per $1 spent |
| Highest Earning Category | Travel | General purchases |
| Insurance | 12 types | 10 types |
| Income Requirements | * $60,000 personal * $100,000 household | * $0 personal * $0 household |
| Supplemental Card Fee | $50 | $50 |
| Special Features | * Earn 25% more rewards on travel * Unlimited emergency medical coverage | * No income requirements |
| Learn More | Learn more | Learn more |
Since the RBC Avion Visa Infinite and RBC Visa Platinum Avion are similar cards with the same annual fee, you may be deciding which one is right for you. We'll start by looking at the similarities so you know what rewards, benefits, and insurance you can count on.
RBC Avion rewards and benefits
The Avion Rewards program stands among the best rewards programs in Canada. It offers 6 redemption options, multiple ways to earn points, and decent value for your points. Redeeming your points using the Avion Air Travel Redemption Schedule can yield up to 2.33 cents per point (CPP).
Value of reward in CAD / cost in points x 100 = value in cents per point (CPP)
Avion has 3 membership levels, each with different qualifications and access to different rewards and benefits. Signing up for either the RBC Avion Visa Infinite or RBC Visa Platinum Avion gives you automatic Avion Elite membership status.
Not only are you eligible to collect cash back and points from 2,000+ partner brands and stores, but you also get access to travel, charity, gift card, and merchandise rewards, plus:
- 50 Be Well points per $1 spent at Rexall
- 20% bonus Avion and Petro-Points and 3 cents off per litre at Petro-Canada
- 1 extra Moi Rewards point per $2 spent (with min. purchase)
- 20% off Hertz car rentals and no additional driver fee
- A complimentary 12-month DashPass subscription
RBC insurance
Credit card insurance is one of the most underrated features of premium credit cards. Cardholders get coverage for a wide variety of circumstances and multiple trips per year, all for a single annual fee.
The RBC Avion Visa Infinite and RBC Visa Platinum Avion cards share extensive insurance coverage, including:
- 1 year of extended warranty coverage
- 90 days of purchase protection
- $500,000 of travel accident insurance
- $500 each of flight delay, baggage delay, and lost/stolen baggage insurance
- $2,500 of hotel burglary insurance
- Rental car theft and damage coverage
We'll talk more about the most valuable types of coverage and why you might prefer the RBC Avion Visa Infinite later.
Worldwide acceptance
As the world's most popular payment network, Visa sets the standard for convenience, security, and benefits. Any store that accepts credit is almost guaranteed to accept Visa, and no matter where you are, you can report a lost or stolen card, request an emergency card, or request emergency cash using a 24/7 helpline.
What we love about the RBC Avion Visa Infinite
×2 Award winner Up to 70,000 points + Up to 2.33% return on purchases.*
2x Award winner Up to 70,000 points + Up to 2.33% return on purchases.*
Pros:
- More insurance coverage
- Slightly higher returns on travel
- Visa Infinite benefits
- Worldwide acceptance for Visa
Cons:
- High income requirements
We named the RBC Avion Visa Infinite the best RBC credit card in Canada because it provides superb value for money. In exchange for a moderate annual fee of $120, cardholders enjoy decent, flexible travel rewards, impressive insurance coverage, and a selection of premium benefits.
Rewards
- 1.25 points per $1 spent on travel
- 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
The RBC Avion Visa Infinite rewards all purchases but categorizes them as "Travel" and "Everything else." Luckily, "travel" includes everything from airline tickets to vacation packages, and you aren't limited to specific platforms or providers.
Assuming you spend your points on travel, the RBC Avion Visa Infinite produces an average return rate of 2.36% or $2.36 in rewards for every $100 spent. It's slightly better than the Platinum card and fairly competitive compared to other premium cards.
Benefits
If it weren't for the Visa Infinite program, we'd say don't bother with the RBC Avion Visa Infinite's high income requirements – but this program's benefits package includes perks such as:
- 24/7 assistance with restaurant reservations, gift purchases, event planning, and more with Visa's concierge service
- A complimentary room upgrade, $25 USD food or drinks voucher, daily breakfast for 2, and more at 900+ hotels and resorts in the Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection
- Access to exclusive culinary events in major cities across Canada courtesy of the Visa Infinite Dining Series
- Automatic Platinum status at Sandman and Sutton Place hotels thanks to RSVP Rewards
- Automatic Platinum status in Access Rewards and earn rewards for golfing at any of 150+ locations around the world
- Complimentary tours, tastings, and gifts at wineries across Ontario and British Columbia through Visa Infinite Wine Country
Insurance
The RBC Avion Visa Infinite has more types of insurance coverage than the RBC Visa Platinum Avion, and they're worth your consideration.
Given how much Canadians use their phones, mobile device insurance is a modern must-have. With this Avion card, you can submit a claim for up to $1,500 if your phone is ever lost, stolen, or damaged – the highest coverage amount of any card offering it.
You're much less likely to need the 15 days of emergency medical term coverage, but it's reassuring to have, and you save about $133 compared to buying it separately. The same goes for 3 days of emergency medical travel insurance for seniors over 65.
That's over $300 of additional insurance value if you choose the RBC Avion Visa Infinite over the RBC Visa Platinum Avion. Don't forget, they have the same annual fee.
What we love about the RBC Visa Platinum Avion
Pros:
- Earn rewards on all spending
- No income requirements
- Worldwide acceptance for Visa
Cons:
- Fewer benefits
- Less insurance coverage
- Slightly lower returns on travel
The RBC Visa Platinum Avion has no formal income requirements, but you sacrifice a lot for this advantage. Compared to the RBC Avion Visa Infinite, this card offers fewer rewards, fewer benefits, and less insurance.
It's still a decent credit card, especially if you travel occasionally rather than frequently. That said, you might prefer a cash back card instead.
Rewards
- 1 point per $1 spent on all purchases
Yes, the RBC Visa Platinum Avion earns rewards on all purchases – it's an excellent flat-rate card for people who prefer simplicity.
Compared to its Visa Infinite sibling, this card lacks a 25% point bonus on travel. It's not a big deal if you don't travel a lot – we estimate the RBC Visa Platinum Avion's average return rate to be only 0.03% lower than the RBC Avion Visa Infinite. But if you spend significant amounts on airfare, car rentals, hotels, etc., you may want to consider the Infinite.
Insurance
The RBC Visa Platinum Avion offers a little less than half the estimated insurance value of the RBC Avion Visa Infinite. You may not notice the travel coverage differences, but you'll completely miss out on mobile device insurance.
RBC Visa Platinum Avion
| Extended Warranty | 1 year |
| Purchase Protection | 90 days |
| Travel Accident | $500,000 |
| Trip Cancellation | $1,000 |
| Trip Interruption | $2,500 |
| Flight Delay | $500 |
| Baggage Delay | $500 |
| Lost or Stolen Baggage | $500 |
| Hotel Burglary | $2,500 |
| Rental Car Theft & Damage | Yes |
Please review your insurance certificate for details, exclusions and limitations of your coverage.
How do the RBC Avion Visa Infinite vs. Platinum Avion compare?
A full comparison of the RBC Avion Visa Infinite vs. Platinum Avion requires a feature-by-feature breakdown, from benefits to interest rates and more. Here's how these cards stack up:
Best benefits: RBC Avion Visa Infinite
The RBC Avion Visa Infinite enjoys all the same benefits as the RBC Visa Platinum Avion. Both cards give you bonus points from various RBC partner programs, free DashPass, and Petro-Canada discounts.
We're splitting hairs here, but the RBC Avion Visa Infinite includes Visa Infinite benefits that give it a slight edge. These benefits give you access to luxury hotels, fine dining, concierge services, and other exclusive travel and entertainment opportunities.
Best for low fees: Tie
When it comes to annual fees, these cards charge the same amount: $120. It also costs $50 to add a supplemental cardholder.
Neither card offers an annual fee waiver. However, RBC occasionally offers a 1-year fee waiver on select credit cards if you open a banking or investment account. Either of the cards featured here could qualify.
Best interest rates: Tie
Both the RBC Avion Visa Infinite and RBC Visa Platinum Avion carry the same standard interest rates, as shown here:
| Type of Interest | Interest Rate |
|---|---|
| Purchase | 20.99% |
| Cash advance | 22.99% |
| Balance transfer | 22.99% |
At the time of writing, neither card has a balance transfer promo offer.
Best insurance: RBC Avion Visa Infinite
Higher coverage limits are nice to have, but the real worth of the RBC Avion Visa Infinite's insurance package lies in its mobile device and travel coverage – specifically the emergency medical term coverage. You'll be prepared for a few more unlucky situations with the Platinum in your wallet.
Travellers over age 65 will appreciate the 3 days of emergency medical coverage that come with the card. Regardless of age, cardholders get emergency medical coverage – and there's no dollar limit.
RBC Avion Visa Infinite
| Extended Warranty | 1 year |
| Purchase Protection | 90 days |
| Mobile Device | $1,500 |
| Travel Accident | $500,000 |
| Emergency Medical Term | 15 days |
| Emergency Medical Maximum Coverage | unlimited |
| Emergency Medical over 65 | 3 days |
| Trip Cancellation | $1,500 |
| Trip Interruption | $5,000 |
| Flight Delay | $500 |
| Baggage Delay | $500 |
| Lost or Stolen Baggage | $500 |
| Hotel Burglary | $2,500 |
| Rental Car Theft & Damage | Yes |
Please review your insurance certificate for details, exclusions and limitations of your coverage.
Best rewards: RBC Avion Visa Infinite
There's not much to differentiate between these cards' reward rates. Both earn a flat 1 point per $1 spent on all purchases, but the RBC Avion Visa Infinite gives a 25% bonus on travel-related purchases. A quick glance at your own spending habits should reveal what this advantage is worth to you.
This slightly higher travel reward rate makes the RBC Avion Visa Infinite the winner in this category.
Best for easier eligibility: Tie
The RBC Visa Platinum Avion's greatest advantage is its lack of income requirements. You'll need at least $60,000 in personal or $100,000 in household income to qualify for the RBC Avion Visa Infinite.
However, we estimate that the RBC Visa Platinum Avion requires a higher credit score than the RBC Avion Visa Infinite, which could affect your approval odds.
RBC Avion Visa Infinite vs. Platinum Avion winner: RBC Avion Visa Infinite
Assuming you meet the Visa Infinite income requirements, there's no reason you shouldn't pick the RBC Avion Visa Infinite over its Platinum alternative. You'll get more benefits, more insurance, and more travel rewards for the same annual fee – it's a no-brainer.
FAQ
What are the key differences between the RBC Visa Platinum Avion and Infinite?
When comparing the RBC Avion Visa Platinum vs. Infinite, a few things stand out. The Infinite has a higher travel rewards rate and more extensive insurance coverage, plus Visa Infinite benefits. The Platinum card might be easier to qualify for, but you need a solid credit score.
Is an RBC Avion Visa Infinite worth it?
If you meet the steep income requirements, the RBC Avion Visa Infinite is definitely worth it if you travel regularly. That's because you'll get a higher rewards rate for travel, Visa Infinite benefits like hotel and dining offers, and a comprehensive travel insurance package.
Is the RBC Visa Platinum Avion worth it?
You might consider the RBC Visa Platinum Avion if you don't meet the income requirements for the Infinite card, but you do need a good credit score. This card is worth it if you don't travel often and want a flat-rate card that offers steady rewards on all your purchases.
Do you get airport lounge access with RBC Avion Visa Infinite?
Unfortunately, neither the RBC Avion Visa Infinite nor the RBC Visa Platinum Avion gives the cardholder access to airport lounges. To get a lounge membership and entry passes, you'll need a Visa Infinite Privilege credit card – or consider a World Elite Mastercard or an eligible Amex (there are several).
What is the most prestigious RBC credit card?
The RBC Avion Visa Infinite actually topped our best RBC credit card list this year. This card strikes the perfect balance – the annual fee is easily justified by the premium benefits you get in return. Plus, the Avion rewards program is wonderfully flexible and lets cardholders control how they redeem their reward points.
Which is better, Visa Platinum or Visa Infinite?
In the RBC Infinite Avion vs. Platinum Avion showdown, we'd have to say that the RBC Avion Visa Infinite is better. It's especially worthwhile for people who travel often and want the peace of mind that comes with travel insurance.
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