NerdWallet Home Page

Best RBC Credit Cards in Canada for 2025

Jul 30, 2025
The best RBC credit cards include popular co-branded cards and options for those wanting flexible travel rewards.
Profile photo of Georgia Rose
Written by Georgia Rose
Lead Writer & Content Strategist
Profile photo of Athena Cocoves
Edited by Athena Cocoves
Managing Editor
Profile photo of Georgia Rose
Written by Georgia Rose
Lead Writer & Content Strategist
+ 1 more
Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This may influence which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own.

The Royal Bank of Canada, commonly known as RBC, is one of Canada’s ‘Big Six’ banks, offering a wide selection of credit cards that cater to diverse consumer needs. Here’s a look at the top RBC credit cards available.

Best RBC Credit Cards in Canada

Top RBC Credit Cards

Our pick for: Avion points
RBC ION+ Visa Credit Card
RBC ION+ Visa Credit Card
4.7
NerdWallet rating
APPLY NOW
on RBC's website
Annual fee$48
Interest rates
20.99% / 22.99%
Intro offer
Up to $125 in groceries
Rewards rate
1x-3x Points

Our pick for: Premium perks
RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege
APPLY NOW
on RBC's website
Annual fee$399
Interest rates
20.99% / 22.99%
Intro offer
Up to 70,000 Points
Rewards rate
1.25x Points

Our pick for: Westjet rewards
WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard
WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard
Annual fee$119
Interest rates
20.99% / 22.99%
Intro offer
Up to 45,000 Points
Rewards rate
1.5%-2%

Our pick for: Avios rewards
RBC® British Airways Visa Infinite‡
RBC® British Airways Visa Infinite‡
4.9
NerdWallet rating
Annual fee$165
Interest rates
20.50% / 22.99%
Intro offer
Up to 60,000 Points
Rewards rate
1x-3x Points

Our pick for: Cashback rewards
RBC® Cash Back Mastercard‡
RBC® Cash Back Mastercard‡
3.9
NerdWallet rating
APPLY NOW
on RBC's website
Annual fee$0
Interest rates
20.99% / 22.99%
Intro offerN/A
Rewards rate
0.5%-2%

Our pick for: Low interest rate
RBC® Visa‡ Classic Low Rate Option
RBC® Visa‡ Classic Low Rate Option
4.3
NerdWallet rating
Annual fee$20
Interest rates
12.99%
Intro offerN/A
Rewards rateN/A

Our pick for: Businesses
RBC Visa CreditLine for Small Business
RBC Visa CreditLine for Small Business
4.6
NerdWallet rating
Annual fee$0
Interest rates
Prime + 2.9% to 11.9%.
Intro offerN/A
Rewards rate
0.5x Point

Our pick for: Low balance transfer interest rate
RBC RateAdvantage Visa Credit Card
RBC RateAdvantage Visa Credit Card
5.0
NerdWallet rating
Annual fee$0
Interest rates
Prime + 4.99%-8.99%
Intro offerN/A
Rewards rateN/A

Our pick for: No annual fee
moi RBC Visa
moi RBC Visa
4.1
NerdWallet rating
Annual fee$0
Interest rates
20.99% / 22.99%
Intro offer
Up to 10,000 Points
Rewards rate
1x-2x Points

Methodology

BACK TO TOP
NerdWallet Canada selects the best credit cards based on overall consumer value as well as their suitability for specific kinds of consumers. Factors in our evaluation methodology include each card’s earning rates, rewards structure (such as flat-rate or bonus categories), annual fee, redemption options, promotional APR period for purchases, bonus offers for new cardholders, and noteworthy features such as insurance, loyalty bonuses or the ability to choose one’s own rewards categories.

Types of RBC credit cards

RBC offers cashback, travel, rewards, student, business, low-interest, and no-fee credit cards, using both Mastercard and Visa networks.

Cashback cards

Earn money back on everyday spending:

  • RBC Cash Back Preferred World Elite Mastercard.

  • RBC® Cash Back Mastercard‡.

  • RBC® Business Cash Back Mastercard‡.

Rewards cards

Earn points to maximize everyday spending on gas, groceries, and dining:

  • moi RBC Visa.

  • More Rewards RBC Visa.

  • RBC ION Visa Credit Card.

  • RBC ION+ Visa Credit Card.

Travel cards

Earn travel rewards (Avion points, WestJet points, Avios points) and often come with perks like lounge access and travel insurance:

  • RBC Avion Visa Platinum

  • RBC Avion Visa Infinite.

  • RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege – A Luxury Travel Credit Card.

  • RBC U.S. Dollar Visa Gold (ideal for frequent cross-border travelers).

  • RBC® British Airways Visa Infinite‡.

  • WestJet RBC Mastercard

  • WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard.

  • RBC Avion Visa Infinite Business.

  • RBC Avion Visa Business.

Costs and features of RBC credit cards

Reward programs:

  • Avion points.

  • Avios points (British Airways).

  • Cash back.

  • Moi points.

  • More Rewards

  • Westjet points.

Features for cardholders:

  • Save 3 cents per litre on fuel by linking your RBC card to Petro-Points.

  • Use the free ShopPlus browser extension from Avion Rewards to automatically find discounts while shopping online.

  • Get extra points or exclusive discounts when shopping with RBC partners such as Metro, Food Basics, Jean Coutu, Save-on-Foods, DoorDash, and Rexall.

How to choose the best RBC credit card for you

When selecting an RBC credit card, keep the following factors in mind:

  • Eligibility. Make sure you meet the requirements, including age, location, income, and credit score, to improve your chances of approval.

  • Annual fees. Cards with annual fees typically offer better rewards and perks. Ensure the value of these benefits outweighs the cost.

  • Interest rate. If you typically carry a balance, choose a card with a lower interest rate to minimize costs. Ideally, aim to pay your balance in full each month.

  • Reward points or cash. Cashback cards offer simplicity, while rewards points cards can offer higher value but may have more complex redemption options.

Who should get an RBC credit card?

RBC cards are particularly appealing for flexible travel rewards via the Avion Rewards program, allowing redemption for travel, merchandise, gift cards, bills, and charitable donations.

RBC is also the exclusive issuer of co-branded cards for WestJet and British Airways — handy if you’re a frequent flyer on either airline.

How to apply for an RBC credit card

  1. Choose your preferred card online at RBC's website.

  2. Verify eligibility and income requirements.

  3. Existing RBC clients can expedite the application by logging into their account.

  4. Provide personal details, income information, and optionally add authorized users.

  5. Review terms and conditions and submit.

Approved applicants can immediately use their cards via Apple Pay through the RBC Mobile app (available within 48 hours).

Frequently asked questions


Typically, 7-10 business days after approval.

Activate online at rbc.com/activate or via RBC Online Banking. Phone activation is also available.

Redeem Avion Rewards at rbcrewards.com or airline-specific points (WestJet dollars, Avios, Asia Miles) directly through their loyalty programs.

On March 28, 2024, RBC acquired HSBC Bank Canada. HSBC credit cardholders were transitioned to similar RBC cards. Key account details, like credit limits and cashback rewards, remained unchanged. However, interest rates, fees, reward earn rates, account numbers, and insurance coverage may have changed. HSBC Rewards points were converted 1:1 to RBC Avion points.