RBC Rewards is a popular credit card rewards program. There’s a wide array of choices when you want to redeem your rewards. And if you have an RBC Avion card, you get even more high value options.
You’ll be interested to hear it’s no longer called RBC Rewards. As of August 25, 2022, it’s now called the Avion Rewards program.
While it seems like a big change, it’s really not. Here are the details on the new Avion Rewards program.
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RBC Rewards program now called the Avion Rewards program
The RBC Rewards program is no more.
As of August 25, 2022, the RBC Rewards program is now called the Avion Rewards program.
This seems like a big change, but the name is mostly all that’s changing.
Underneath this new name exists basically the same program. In the old RBC Rewards program, there were 2 tiers: the RBC Rewards program that everyone gets access to, and if you have an Avion card, you gain access to Avion rewards, which offers a few more travel redemption options.
This is the same in the new Avion Rewards program. There are 2 tiers – Avion Elite and Avion Premium.
If you have an Avion card, you’ll get access to the Avion Elite level. All other RBC Rewards cards will get the Premium tier.
Curious what the differences are? With the Avion Elite level, there are 2 big extras you get.
First, you’ll get a few more choices when it comes to converting your points to other programs. All RBC Rewards cards (well, RBC Avion cards now) can transfer points to WestJet and Hudson’s Bay.
If you have an Avion card you get to transfer your points to these 3 programs.
- British Airways Avios,
- Cathay Pacific Asia Miles, and
- American Airlines AAdvantage.
All these programs convert at a 1:1 ratio, except American Aadvantage where points convert at a 10:7 ratio.
The other big one is the Air Travel Redemption chart. You can use a set amount of points to fly anywhere in the world. These points cover the base airfare only, up to a set amount. You have to pay any taxes, fees, and surcharges.
With this Air Travel Redemption chart, you can fly at different redemption rates to different “zones” in the world. Here’s what the chart looks like.
While paying the taxes and fees might seem like a bummer, this is actually an excellent way to improve the value of your points.
Instead of only getting 1 cent per point on your travel, you can get up to 2.33 cents each if you can max out the chart.
Besides the renaming of tiers, the only other change is that RBC is bringing more members to their network of retail partners. You’ll be able to earn cash back on top of your credit card rewards.
Here are the full details on the program update from RBC themselves.
The best RBC Avion credit card
If you’re going to collect RBC Avion points, having the best Avion credit card in your wallet is a must – the best one on our list? It’s the
Here’s what you’ll earn on your purchases:
- 1.25 points per $1 spent on travel
- 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
That may not seem like much, but when you remember that each point is worth up to 2.33 cents, it’s a return of up to 2.91% on your purchases.
It’s also got a stellar welcome bonus. You’ll earn 55,000 points after your account is approved and you spend $5,000 in the first 6 months. Those points are worth up to $1,282.
If you want to make the most out of the new RBC Avion program, this is the card to do it with.
Up to 55,000 points + Up to 2.33% return on purchases.* Up to 55,000 points + Up to 2.33% return on purchases.*
×2 Award winner 
2x Award winner
Your thoughts on the RBC Rewards name change
On the surface, it seems like a big change.
But when you look closer, not much is changing. It’s like putting a new coat of paint on something. It looks different, but it’s still the same thing.
Any thoughts on RBC’s upcoming changes?
Let us know in the comments below.
FAQ
What is the Avion Rewards program?
Avion Rewards is RBC’s credit card rewards program. Formerly known as RBC Rewards, you can use your points towards things like travel, gift cards, merchandise, and more.
When did RBC Rewards become the Avion Rewards program?
RBC Rewards was rebranded as the Avion Rewards program on August 25, 2022.
What is the best Avion Rewards credit card?
The best Avion Rewards credit card is the RBC Avion Visa Infinite. With this card, you can earn up to 1.25 points per $1 spent on purchases and get extensive insurance coverage for a $120 annual fee.
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According to the Avion Rewards website, you can combine your Avion points between points-earning products by logging in to avionrewards.com and selecting the “Transfer Points” option in the "Transfer" menu.