The RBC Avion Visa Platinum is a versatile travel rewards credit card that offers its users a high degree of flexibility and convenience. One of the most appealing aspects of this card is its straightforward and user-friendly points redemption process.
With the RBC Avion Visa Platinum, cardholders can redeem their hard-earned RBC Rewards points for any flight, on any airline, at any time. This level of flexibility is a significant advantage, as it allows you to tailor your travel plans to your specific needs and preferences, rather than being limited by the restrictions of a particular airline or rewards program.
Key Features
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Flexible Points Redemption. With the RBC Avion Visa Platinum, you can redeem your RBC Rewards points for any flight, on any airline, at any time. This flexibility is further enhanced by the absence of blackout dates or seat restrictions, even during peak travel seasons.
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Annual Fee. The card comes with an annual fee of $120. While this might seem like a significant investment, the benefits and rewards can easily offset this cost, especially for frequent travelers.
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Welcome Bonus. New cardholders can enjoy a generous welcome bonus of $750, which includes 35,000 RBC Rewards points. This bonus can be a great way to kickstart your travel plans.
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Annual Rewards. Depending on your spending habits, you can earn up to $559 in annual rewards with this card. This value is based on the assumption that you maximize your points earning potential by using the card for all eligible purchases.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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Generous Welcome Bonus. New cardholders can earn up to 35,000 bonus points, which can be a great way to jumpstart your travel plans.
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High Point Value. The RBC Avion Visa Platinum offers a high point value of up to 2.33 cents per point when redeemed through the RBC Avion Air Travel Redemption Schedule. This can provide significant savings on your travel expenses.
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Comprehensive Insurance Coverage. The card includes 10 types of insurance, such as travel medical insurance, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, and auto rental collision and loss damage insurance. This can provide peace of mind when you're far from home.
Cons
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Low Earning Rate on Most Purchases. The RBC Avion Visa Platinum only earns 1 point per $1 spent on most purchases.
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Poor Rewards if Not Redeemed Through the Air Travel Redemption Chart. The high point value of the RBC Avion Visa Platinum is only applicable if you redeem your points through the RBC Avion Air Travel Redemption Schedule. If you redeem your points for other rewards, such as merchandise or gift cards, the value of your points can be significantly lower.
How to Apply for an RBC Avion Visa Platinum
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Visit the RBC Website. The first step is to go to the official RBC (Royal Bank of Canada) website.
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Navigate to the Personal Section. Once you're on the RBC website, look for the "Personal" section. This is typically located in the main menu at the top of the page.
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Go to the Credit Cards Section. In the Personal section, you'll find a variety of banking and financial services. Look for "Credit Cards" and click on it to proceed.
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Select 'View Credit Cards By Category'. In the Credit Cards section, you'll have the option to view credit cards by category. This will help you find the right card for your needs.
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Choose 'Travel Credit Cards'. Since the RBC Avion Visa Platinum is a travel rewards card, you'll want to select "Travel Credit Cards" from the list of categories.
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Select the RBC Avion Visa Platinum. You'll see a list of cash credit cards offered by RBC. Look for the RBC Avion Visa Platinum and click on it to learn more about the card and its features.
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Click 'Apply Now'. If you've decided that the RBC Avion Visa Platinum is the right fit for you, you can click the "Apply Now" button to start the application process. You'll be asked to provide some personal and financial information, and then submit your application for review.
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Eligibility Requirements
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Canadian Residency. Applicants must be residents of Canada to be eligible for the RBC Avion Visa Platinum. This is a standard requirement for most if not all, Canadian credit cards.
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Age of Majority. Individuals applying for the RBC Avion Visa Platinum must have reached the age of majority in their respective province or territory. This age is 18 in Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and Saskatchewan, and 19 in British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, and Yukon.
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Credit Score. While specific credit score requirements may vary, a good credit score, generally defined as above 760, is typically required for approval for the RBC Avion Visa Platinum. This is because the card offers a range of benefits and features that are typically associated with premium credit cards.
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Minimum Household Annual Income. Applicants are typically required to demonstrate a minimum household annual income of at least $35,000 to be considered for approval for the RBC Avion Visa Platinum. This requirement ensures that cardholders have the financial means to manage the card's annual fee and potential interest charges.
Reasons You May Be Denied an RBC Avion Visa Platinum
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Low Credit Score. Your credit score is a measure of your creditworthiness. If your score is low, it may indicate to the credit card issuer that you're a higher-risk borrower. As a result, they may deny your application.
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Insufficient Income. Credit card issuers want to ensure that you have the means to repay your debts. If your income doesn't meet their minimum requirements, or if they believe that your debt-to-income ratio is too high, they may deny your application.
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Negative Information on Your Credit Report. This can include things like late or missed payments, bankruptcies, or charge-offs. These types of negative marks can make credit card issuers wary of lending to you.
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Too Many Recent Credit Inquiries. When you apply for a credit card, it results in a hard inquiry on your credit report. If you have too many of these inquiries in a short time, it can make it appear as though you're desperate for credit, which can lead to a denial.
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Not Meeting the Card's Specific Requirements. In the case of the RBC Avion Visa Platinum, there are specific income requirements that applicants must meet. If you don't meet these requirements, your application may be denied.
How to Pay Off My RBC Avion Visa Platinum Debt
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Online Banking. With RBC Online Banking, you can pay your credit card bill at any time and from anywhere. You can also set up automated recurring payments to ensure you never miss a due date. To use this service, log in to your RBC Online Banking account or enroll if you haven't already.
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Mobile Banking. RBC's mobile app allows you to pay your bills with ease. You can also use the app to view your credit card transactions, statements, balance, limit, and available credit. If you've lost or misplaced your card, you can even lock it using the app. Download the RBC mobile app to get started.
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Automated Payments. In RBC Online Banking, you can set up automated payments from your RBC bank account to cover your minimum or last statement balance each month. These payments will always be withdrawn on the statement due date, and you'll continue to receive a monthly statement.
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Telephone Banking. RBC Telephone Banking provides instant, 24/7 access to your credit card account. You can pay your bill from an RBC chequing or savings account, check your account balance and activity, and speak to an RBC telephone banking specialist for any questions.
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ATM. You can pay your credit card bill at any RBC ATM. All you need is your RBC Client Card and your confidential PIN. If you don't know your PIN or need to reset it, you can visit an RBC branch.
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In Branch. Credit card payments can be made at any RBC Royal Bank branch in Canada.
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By Mail. You can mail your payment using the addressed envelope sent with your statement. However, please note that if postal service is disrupted, you're still responsible for ensuring your payment is made on time.
Editorial Opinion
The RBC Avion Visa Platinum card is a versatile travel rewards credit card offering a range of benefits tailored for travelers. Cardholders earn RBC Rewards points on every dollar spent, which can be redeemed for flights, hotels, merchandise, gift cards, and more. This flexibility allows for maximizing rewards based on travel preferences and everyday spending. The card also includes travel insurance coverage, purchase security, and extended warranty protection, providing peace of mind for both travel and everyday purchases. While it typically does not offer as many premium perks as higher-tier Avion cards, its lower annual fee and essential travel benefits make it a practical choice for individuals looking to earn travel rewards and enjoy basic travel protections. Overall, the RBC Avion Visa Platinum card is ideal for budget-conscious travelers who value flexibility in their rewards and benefits.
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