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RBC ION+ Visa: Advanced Guide to Maximizing Avion Rewards, FAQs & Strategic Alternatives

RBC ION+ Visa: Turn everyday purchases into elite-level rewards with Avion integration and exclusive RBC perks.

RBC ION+ Visa
Source: RBC ION+ Visa

The RBC ION+ Visa Credit Card is built for Canadians who want meaningful rewards on purchases they make every day — without committing to a premium annual fee. With 3x points in six popular categories, exclusive partner perks, and full access to the Avion Rewards ecosystem, this card offers serious value for just $4/month.

In this guide, we’ll help you unlock the card’s full potential.

🧭 Step-by-Step: How to Use the RBC ION+ Visa Strategically

1. Concentrate Spending in 3X Categories

Use the card for purchases in these categories to earn 3 Avion points per $1:

  • Groceries
  • Gas and EV charging
  • Public transit and rideshare
  • Streaming services (Netflix, Spotify, Disney+)
  • Dining and restaurants
  • Digital subscriptions and food delivery apps

For every $500 spent across these areas monthly, you’ll earn 1,500 Avion points — translating into real value when redeemed.

2. Link Your Card to RBC Partner Programs

  • Petro-Canada: Save 3¢/L instantly and earn 20% more Petro-Points when you pay with your linked RBC card.
  • DoorDash: Enjoy 3 months of DashPass, saving delivery fees on eligible orders.
  • Rexall + Be Well: Earn 50 Be Well points per $1 when paying with your RBC ION+ Visa.

3. Use the Avion Rewards Portal

This is where your points shine:

  • Travel bookings (flights, hotels, car rentals)
  • Gift cards from major retailers (Amazon, Best Buy, Tim Hortons, Indigo)
  • Statement credit (minimum 1,000 points = $10)
  • Merchandise and Apple products
RBC ION+ Visa
Source: RBC ION+ Visa

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is the RBC ION+ Visa a credit or charge card?

It’s a credit card with a monthly fee of $4 — no annual fee. It reports to credit bureaus and helps build credit history.

2. Are Avion Rewards points capped?

No. You can earn unlimited points and they never expire as long as your account remains active.

3. What credit score do I need to apply?

RBC does not list a minimum, but a score above 660 is recommended for approval.

4. Can I redeem Avion points for cashback?

Yes — use them for statement credits or transfer to other RBC accounts, starting at 1,000 points.

5. Are there foreign transaction fees?

Yes, like most Canadian cards, the ION+ Visa charges a 2.5% foreign currency conversion fee.

6. Can I add an authorized user?

Yes, and their spending contributes to the main cardholder’s points balance.

7. Does the card come with insurance?

It includes extended warranty and purchase protection but lacks travel insurance or mobile device coverage.

8. What’s the difference between ION and ION+?

The ION+ Visa has a $4/month fee and earns 3 points per $1 in key categories. The no-fee ION Visa only earns 1.5 points per $1.

9. Can I transfer points to airlines or hotels?

Not directly with the ION+ Visa. You’d need an Avion Elite or Avion Infinite product for travel transfers.

10. How do I manage the card?

Use the RBC Mobile App or online banking to view balances, make payments, track points, and access RBC Offers.

🔍 Pro Tips to Maximize Value

  • Set recurring bills (Netflix, Spotify, Crave) to the ION+ Visa for consistent 3x earning
  • Use for groceries and gas to stack savings with Petro-Canada and Be Well
  • Redeem points during promotions in the Avion Rewards store to stretch your value
  • Use for DoorDash delivery + RBC Offers to layer perks and discounts
  • Monitor limited-time RBC Offers in the app for surprise bonus point deals

🔄 RBC ION+ Visa vs Comparable Cards

Feature/BenefitRBC ION+ VisaScotiabank Scene+ Visa
Monthly/Annual Fee$4/month$0
Grocery & Dining Rewards3 pts/$2 pts/$ at grocery, dining
Gas/Transit/EV3 pts/$2 pts/$ at gas
Streaming Services3 pts/$1 pt/$
Travel/InsuranceBasic protectionScene travel booking
Redemption OptionsAvion RewardsScene+ travel & dining

✅ Final Verdict

The RBC ION+ Visa is ideal for:

  • Students and young professionals looking to earn accelerated points on everyday essentials like groceries, streaming, and transportation.
  • Loyal shoppers at Rexall, drivers who fuel at Petro-Canada, and DoorDash users, thanks to built-in partner perks that boost value automatically.
  • Canadians who want flexible rewards for travel, merchandise, gift cards, or statement credits — all without the commitment of a high annual fee.

While it’s not tailored for frequent international travelers seeking comprehensive travel insurance or airline point transfers, it shines as a low-cost, high-reward card for those focused on domestic spending. For just $4/month, the ION+ Visa offers a compelling mix of daily utility and versatile rewards that’s hard to beat.

💳 Final tip: Set your everyday life on autopilot with this card — stream, commute, shop, earn, and redeem, all with one compact rewards engine.

A credit card expert, she utilizes her expertise to create informative content on credit cards, empowering others with financial knowledge.