How to Earn Avion Points with the RBC Value Program

If you already use an RBC debit card for everyday purchases, the Value Program can help you earn Avion points on those purchases. You can also get your monthly fee waived if you have multiple RBC products and a qualifying bank account.

This article explains how the Value Program works, including how to qualify, the benefits it offers, what users think of it, and much more.

What is the RBC Value Program?

The free RBC Value Program gives you Avion points on debit purchases and lets you save on your monthly account fee when you have 2 or more qualifying RBC products. You only need 1 product to qualify for the program, but 2 or more get you discounted/waived fees and more benefits.

Think of the Value Program as an added perk on top of your everyday banking.

To be clear, the Value Program isn't the same as the Avion Rewards program, which lets you earn Avion points when you use your RBC credit card.

Bank programs similar to the RBC Value Program

A few other big banks offer similar ways to save on monthly account fees, but details vary by bank.

Here are 2 of the most popular programs:

How to earn RBC Avion points

If you already have an eligible RBC account, you can enroll in the Value Program by booking an appointment, calling customer service, or visiting an RBC branch. If you're opening an RBC account and enrolling in the Value Program, you'll need to call customer service or visit a local branch.

Once you're enrolled, you'll earn Avion points whenever you use your debit card, but how many points you earn depends on how many RBC products you have.

On the low end, you'll only earn 1 Avion point per $10 spent if you have a single RBC account.

If you have at least 3 RBC products in addition to your bank account, you'll get 1 point per $3 spent.

Here's how it breaks down:

While the Value Program is separate from Avion Rewards, you can combine your points. If you already have an Avion account, you'll earn points within that account, so they're already combined.

Otherwise, you'll be considered a "Non-Avion Account," and your redemption options are slightly different.

RBC Value Program requirements

You'll need an eligible RBC account to participate in the Value Program. These accounts include:

• RBC Day to Day Banking or Savings
• RBC Advantage Banking (includes RBC Advantage Banking for students)
• RBC Signature No Limit Banking
• RBC Enhanced Savings
• RBC High Interest eSavings
• RBC VIP Banking
• RBC Staff Banking

Once you're enrolled in the Value Program with an eligible account, you'll earn Avion points on debit purchases.

You can also have your monthly account fee waived by holding at least 2 RBC product categories and completing 1 required action. Product categories include:

• RBC personal credit cards
• Personal investments
• Mortgages
• Linked small business relationships

Note that you can't count 2 of the same products as different categories. For instance, if you have 2 personal credit cards, you can only count them as 1 product category.

You also need to complete at least 1 of the following account activities every month to keep the monthly fee rebate:

• A direct deposit
• A pre-authorized payment
• An eligible bill payment

The Takeaway: The RBC Value Program rewards people who use RBC for most of their everyday banking.

Pros and cons of the RBC Value Program

Yes, users can earn Avion points on debit purchases through the RBC Value Program, but the earn rate is low.

Here's a look at the main benefits and drawbacks of this program:

Pros:

• Free to join
• No minimum balance(s) required
• Can avoid monthly fees on many basic RBC accounts
• Can earn additional Avion points on debit purchases
• May already have qualifying RBC products

Cons:

• Must have additional RBC products for max benefits
• Debit purchases earn Avion points at a low rate
• Some additional RBC products may come with fees
• Doesn't fully waive the fee for RBC Signature No Limit Banking or RBC VIP Banking

Is the RBC Value Program worth it?

Reviews from real RBC clients make it clear the Value Program can be a worthwhile option for avoiding monthly banking fees – as expressed in this Reddit post:

In a separate thread, another Redditor expressed similar thoughts:

These reviews show that since you're not paying for the program, there's little to lose by participating, especially if you already have an RBC account.

FAQ

How does the RBC Value Program work?

If you have at least 2 eligible RBC accounts and complete 1 qualifying financial action each month, the RBC Value Program helps you save on account fees and earn Avion points. You can redeem your points for travel, merchandise, gift cards, and RBC financial products.

Is the RBC Value Program worth it?

Yes, the RBC Value Program can be worthwhile, especially if you already have an RBC credit card or financial account. It's easy to open another qualifying account to get account and/or credit card fee discounts. Plus, you'll earn extra Avion points, which helps if you're already participating in the rewards program.

Is there a minimum balance for RBC Value Program?

No, RBC doesn't require a minimum account balance for free membership, unlike similar packages from BMO and Scotiabank. Instead, you need 2 qualifying accounts and must complete a direct deposit, pre-authorized payment, or eligible bill payment through your account each month.

What are the terms and conditions for the RBC Value Program?

According to the RBC terms and conditions, anyone aged 13 and up can participate in the program. But you have to be of the age of majority in your province to access some program benefits – specifically, the monthly fee rebate.

Can you tell me how to avoid monthly fees at RBC?

Avoiding monthly fees at RBC is simple: maintain 2 eligible RBC accounts and complete 1 qualifying transaction each month, such as depositing a paycheque. As an RBC Value Program member, your monthly account fees are either waived completely or discounted.