As the largest bank in Canada, it's not surprising that RBC offers a wide variety of credit cards from rewards cards to travel cards, student cards, and more. If you've already narrowed down your options to the RBC ION Visa vs. the RBC ION+ Visa, you may be trying to figure out which one is the best fit.
Although these ION cards are very similar, we'll highlight key differences and help you decide which option is better for you and your spending style. And, if you're still on the fence, we'll go over other RBC credit card options.
Key Takeaways
- Neither the RBC ION Visa nor RBC ION+ Visa card has income requirements, but the ION doesn’t charge an annual fee.
- The RBC ION+ Visa comes with a better welcome bonus and earn rate.
- Both cards earn Avion Premium points.
Never miss an amazing deal again + get our bonus 250+ page eBook for FREE. Join 50,000 other Canadians who receive our weekly newsletter – learn more.
RBC ION vs. ION+ at a glance
RBC offers several types of reward cards, but both ION cards are geared towards people with lower incomes, students, or those building credit. Here's a quick rundown of how the cards compare.
| RBC ION Visa | RBC ION+ Visa | |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 | $48 |
| Welcome Bonus | Up to 14,000 Avion points (terms) | Up to 28,000 Avion points (terms) |
| Maximum Rewards | 1.5 points per $1 spent | 3 points per $1 spent |
| Highest Earning Categories | * Groceries * Transit and rideshares * Gas * Streaming * Subscriptions * Digital gaming | * Groceries * Gas * Dining * Food delivery * Transit and rideshares * Streaming * Subscriptions * Digital gaming |
| Insurance | 2 types | 3 types |
| Special Features | * No annual fee * No income requirements | * Low annual fee * No income requirements |
| Best For… | Those with lower incomes, poor credit, or who need to build credit | Those willing to pay a small fee to earn more rewards |
| Get Started | Apply now | Apply now |
What we love about the RBC ION Visa
Pros:
- Up to 14,000 welcome bonus points
- No annual fee
- Save 3 cents per litre at Petro-Canada stations
- 50 Be Well points at Rexall for every $1 you charge
Cons:
- Earns Avion Premium points, which are not as flexible as Avion Elite points
- Limited insurance included
Think of the RBC ION Visa as a solid starter credit card. It's easy to qualify for and gives you a decent flat earn rate. When you're ready to redeem your Avion Rewards points, you'll typically get the best value by choosing the charitable donation option, though you can transfer them to WestJet Rewards for the same high value.
Rewards:
- 1.5 points per $1 spent on groceries, daily transit, rideshares, EV charging, streaming, digital gaming, and subscriptions1
- 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
We'll cut to the chase: This card is a better option if you're on an extremely tight budget and can't justify the ION+'s annual fee. The RBC ION Visa will help you build credit when used responsibly, so if your finances improve, you can always apply for the upgraded RBC ION+ Visa.
What we love about the RBC ION+ Visa
Pros:
- Up to 28,000 welcome bonus points
- Low annual fee is waived for students
- Earn up to 3 points per $1 spent
- Discounts and points at DoorDash, Rexall, and Petro-Canada
Cons:
- Earns Avion Premium points, which aren't as flexible as Avion Elite points
- Limited insurance included
With the RBC ION+ Visa, you'll get all the standard benefits and coverage that come with the basic card, plus mobile device insurance and double the rewards earn rate. The tradeoff? You'll pay a $48 annual fee to carry the card.
If you're a student and have an RBC student banking account, the annual fee is waived – so all rewards you earn are for you to spend as you please.
Rewards:
- 3 points per $1 spent on groceries, dining, food delivery, daily transit, rideshares, EV charging, streaming, digital gaming, and subscriptions
- 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
For several common spending areas – like groceries and transit – the RBC ION+ Visa earns you twice as many rewards as the standard ION card and comes with up to $1,000 in mobile device coverage.
How do the RBC ION Visa and RBC ION+ Visa compare?
These RBC cards have a lot in common, but there are a few critical differences.
Best benefits: tie
Review the benefits that come with these cards, and you'll quickly see that both offer the same standard RBC benefits. These include a 3-cent discount at Petro-Canada, a 20% Petro-Points bonus, 50 Be Well points per $1 spent at Rexall, and a 6-month DoorDash DashPass subscription.
Best insurance: RBC ION+ Visa
Neither of these cards has a terribly great insurance package, considering some RBC cards offer up to a dozen types of coverage. You'll only get an additional year of extended warranty and up to 90 days of purchase protection with the ION. Spring for the RBC ION+ Visa and you'll also get $1,000 in mobile device coverage, so we have to award this category to the (more) premium card.
Best rewards: RBC ION+ Visa
There's nothing wrong with the RBC ION Visa's earn rate – you'll get a flat rate of 1.5 points per $1 spent on these categories:
- Groceries
- Transit and rideshares
- Gas and EV charging
- Streaming, subscriptions, and digital gaming
You'll also earn 1 point per $1 spent everywhere else.
That said, the RBC ION+ Visa will earn you more rewards – you'll get 3 points per $1 spent on the above-noted categories, plus dining and food delivery. You'll still earn 1 point per $1 everywhere else, but the accelerated category earning puts the ION+ in the lead.
Highest acceptance: tie
As Visa cards, you should have no problem using either card anywhere in the world.
Highest welcome bonus: RBC ION+ Visa
Nothing helps a card say "Pick me!" like a great welcome bonus. Although the standard ION comes with up to 14,000 bonus Avion Premium points, its upgraded sister card gives you the opportunity to earn up to 28,000 points.
Lowest annual fee: RBC ION Visa
If you're prioritizing a no-fee card, the basic ION is the one for you. There is an exception, however. If you have an RBC Advantage banking account for students, you'll get a rebate for the RBC ION+ Visa's $48 annual fee every year.
Lowest eligibility requirements: tie
This isn't the most competitive category of the bunch, since there are no income requirements for either card. RBC makes it easy to apply online for both ION cards, and you should get an application decision within 60 seconds.
The winner: RBC ION+ Visa
This competition isn't terribly close, since the cards are pretty similar. If you can forgo the higher earn rate and better insurance to pay no annual fee, the RBC ION Visa is a solid pick.
But overall, the RBC ION+ Visa is our winner. The annual fee is pretty low, and you'll get more rewards. Plus, if you need to use the $1,000 in mobile device coverage, your card more than pays for itself.
Alternatives to the ION cards
If neither ION card is swaying you, we have a Visa and Mastercard alternative for you to consider:
| Category | Credit card | Annual fee | Current offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Visa alternative | RBC Avion Visa Infinite | $120 | 70,000 bonus points (terms) |
| Best Mastercard alternative | Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card | $0 |  $75 GeniusCash + 10% extra cash back for the first 2 months (terms) |
Best Visa alternative: 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.*
If you don't mind paying a bigger annual fee and you meet income requirements, the RBC Avion Visa Infinite is a step up from both ION credit cards. The card welcomes you with a bonus worth up to $1,402 and rewards you with Avion Elite points, which are more valuable than Avion Premium points.
We also love the fact that you get a comprehensive travel insurance package with 12 types of coverage. And, since it wouldn't be a premium credit card without premium features, take advantage of the Visa Infinite benefits along with the same Petro-Canada, Rexall, and DoorDash perks as the ION cards – but you'll get 12 months of free DashPass instead of 6.
Rental car users take note – you'll also get up to 20% off and 3x the points by booking with Hertz.
Pros:
- High point value of up to 2.33 cents
- Save 3 cents per litre on fuel at Petro-Canada
- More valuable redemption options than with the ION cards
Cons:
- High income requirements
- Poor rewards if not redeemed through the Air Travel Redemption chart
Best Mastercard alternative: Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card
×2 Award winner 
GC: $75
2x Award winner Our no-fee Mastercard alternative, the Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card, gives you more flexibility than most credit cards. You'll get unlimited 2% cash back on up to 3 categories of your choice. Tangerine's categories closely mirror those offered by the ION cards too – for instance, the ION cards earn rewards on digital gaming, and Tangerine has an "entertainment" category that's essentially the same thing.
Do your spending habits change from time to time? No worries! You can change your cash back designations whenever you like, though there is a little delay before your choices can take effect.
Pros:
- Earn an extra 10% cash back for the first 2 months, up to $1,000 spent
- Cash back is deposited every month
- Save 3 cents per litre on fuel at Shell
Cons:
- Only earns unlimited 0.5% cash back on non-accelerator category purchases
- Limited insurance included
FAQ
What are the differences between RBC ION Visa vs. ION+?
The basic RBC ION Visa doesn't have an annual fee, but its earn rate and insurance coverage aren't as good as those offered by the ION+. The RBC ION+ Visa, on the other hand, has twice the reward earn rate and throws in $1,000 of mobile device coverage.
What are some of the RBC ION Visa's benefits?
The basic and ION+ versions of the card both offer the same useful perks: 3 cents off per litre at Petro-Canada, a 20% Petro-Points bonus, a free 6-month DoorDash subscription, and 50 Rexall Be Well points for every $1 you spend on eligible purchases.
Is there a monthly fee for RBC Ion+?
No. RBC used to charge out the card's $48 annual fee by month, but it no longer does. So, the annual fee you see for the ION+ is the amount you'll pay once during the year in order to keep using the card and earning rewards.
Is RBC ION+ Visa good for students?
Yes, especially if you have an RBC Advantage Banking Account for students. If you do, RBC will rebate the annual fee every year that you're a post-secondary student or aged 24 and under. Using the card responsibly can help you establish a solid credit score.
Is an RBC ION+ Visa worth it?
The RBC ION+ Visa can be a great card if you're new to the world of credit cards. It requires no income, has a low annual fee, and earns Avion rewards at a decent rate. If you make the minimum payment on time and don't max out your card, it can help you build a good credit score over time.
What is the difference between RBC Ion and Avion?
Both types of RBC credit cards earn you Avion points, but the ION line of cards is geared toward new credit card users or people building their credit. Avion cards are a higher tier of travel credit cards that offer more premium perks, such as travel insurance and higher rewards rates.
creditcardGenius is the only tool that compares 126+ features of 253 Canadian credit cards using math-based ratings and rankings that respond to your needs, instantly. Take our quiz and see which of Canada's 253 cards is for you.
GC: 
Comments
Leave a comment
Required fields are marked with *. Your email address will not be published.