RBC Avion Rewards is Royal Bank of Canada’s flagship travel loyalty program, built around flexibility: you can book through the RBC travel portal at a straightforward 1.0 cents per point (CPP), convert to WestJet Dollars at 1:1 for WestJet purchases, or transfer to British Airways Avios for short-haul flights that can deliver 1.5–2.5 CPP. No blackout dates, no airline restrictions through the portal, and points that never expire while your card is open.
The program is not a direct Aeroplan competitor — it does not transfer to Air Canada’s loyalty program at all. Its strength lies in the British Airways Avios transfer for North American short-haul routes, the simplicity of the travel portal for flexible bookings, and the WestJet conversion for Canadians who fly WestJet regularly.
This guide covers the complete picture: what Avion points are worth, how to earn them efficiently, the best and worst redemption methods, a step-by-step booking guide, and how Avion stacks up against Aeroplan, TD Rewards, and Amex Membership Rewards.
RBC Avion Rewards at a glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Program name | RBC Avion Rewards |
| Operator | Royal Bank of Canada |
| Standard CPP (travel portal) | ~1.0 CPP |
| Best CPP (transfer partner) | 1.5–2.5+ CPP (British Airways Avios, short haul) |
| Transfer partners | British Airways Avios, Cathay Pacific Asia Miles, WestJet Dollars, IHG One Rewards |
| Does NOT transfer to | Aeroplan / Air Canada |
| Points expiry | Never — while account is open and in good standing |
| Blackout dates | None (portal bookings) |
| Main personal cards | RBC Avion Visa, RBC Avion Visa Infinite, RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege |
The absence of an Aeroplan transfer is the most important limitation to understand before committing to RBC Avion. If your primary airline is Air Canada, a different card — TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite or Amex Cobalt — will get you further. But for WestJet flyers and anyone willing to learn Avios booking, Avion is one of the more underrated bank programs in Canada.
What are RBC Avion points worth?
Avion points have no fixed cash value — what you get per point depends entirely on how you redeem them. The range is wide: from roughly 0.3 CPP for merchandise to over 2.0 CPP for smart Avios bookings. The table below covers the main options.
| Redemption method | Cents per point (CPP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| RBC Travel Portal | ~1.0 CPP | Flexible, no restrictions, simplest option |
| British Airways Avios (1:1 transfer) | 1.5–2.5+ CPP | Best value — short-haul distance pricing |
| Cathay Pacific Asia Miles (1:1) | 1.0–2.0+ CPP | Strong for premium Asia-Pacific flights |
| WestJet Dollars (100 pts = $1) | 1.0 CPP | Simple, predictable, good for WestJet regulars |
| IHG One Rewards (1:1 transfer) | ~0.5–0.8 CPP | Useful for IHG hotel stays |
| Gift cards | ~0.5–0.7 CPP | Below travel value — avoid if possible |
| Statement credits | ~0.5 CPP | Least efficient general redemption |
| Merchandise | 0.3–0.5 CPP | Lowest value — never recommended |
The core principle: Transfer partners and the travel portal deliver materially more value than non-travel redemptions. The gap between a British Airways Avios booking (2.0+ CPP) and a gift card redemption (0.6 CPP) on the same point balance is enormous — potentially the difference between a $200 flight and a $60 gift card for the same 10,000 points.
Transfer partners and ratios
Avion’s transfer partners are what separate it from a basic bank travel card. Each transfer is generally one-way and non-reversible — once you send points to British Airways or Cathay Pacific, you cannot convert them back. Transfer carefully, and only after you have confirmed the award availability you want to book.
| Partner | Transfer ratio | Typical CPP range | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|
| British Airways Avios | 1:1 | 1.5–2.5+ CPP | Short-haul North America and Europe |
| Cathay Pacific Asia Miles | 1:1 | 1.0–2.0+ CPP | Premium Asia-Pacific routes |
| WestJet Dollars | 100 pts = $1 WestJet | 1.0 CPP | Any WestJet booking |
| IHG One Rewards | 1:1 | 0.5–0.8 CPP | IHG hotel stays |
Transfer processing times vary. British Airways and Cathay Pacific typically process within 48–72 hours, though peak periods can take up to 5 business days. WestJet Dollar conversions are generally faster. Do not transfer points until you have verified that the award you want is available, since you cannot cancel a completed transfer.
Why British Airways Avios is the best Avion transfer for most Canadians
British Airways prices award flights by distance flown, not by the cash price of the ticket. This distance-based model is what makes Avios unusually valuable on short-haul routes, where the Avios cost is low regardless of how expensive the cash fare is on that day.
The table below uses BA’s North American partner award pricing, which applies when you book operated-by partner airlines (like American Airlines) through ba.com.
| Route (one-way economy) | Avios required | Typical cash fare | Implied CPP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto – Boston | 9,000 | $150–$300 | 1.7–3.3 CPP |
| Toronto – New York (JFK/EWR) | 9,000 | $100–$250 | 1.1–2.8 CPP |
| Toronto – Chicago | 13,000 | $150–$350 | 1.2–2.7 CPP |
| Toronto – Miami | 13,000 | $200–$450 | 1.5–3.5 CPP |
| Vancouver – Los Angeles | 9,000 | $150–$300 | 1.7–3.3 CPP |
| London – Paris (via BA) | 4,500 | £100–£200 | 2.2–4.4 CPP |
These Avios costs are for off-peak rates; peak pricing adds roughly 50% to the Avios requirement. Business class in the same distance bands costs 2–3× the economy Avios amount.
Important caveat — fuel surcharges: British Airways imposes carrier-imposed surcharges (sometimes called “fuel surcharges”) on award bookings, particularly for transatlantic routes flown on BA metal. On a Toronto–London BA award, surcharges can run $300–$600 per person, significantly eroding the value. To avoid surcharges, book partner airlines (American Airlines, Iberia, Finnair) rather than BA-operated flights where possible. The North American routes in the table above are typically operated by American Airlines, which does not impose surcharges, making them the cleanest use of Avios from Canada.
RBC Avion credit cards compared
Avion points are earned primarily through RBC Avion credit cards. The three main personal cards differ in annual fee, earn rate, income requirements, and travel perks.
RBC Avion Visa Infinite (the card for most people)
The RBC Avion Visa Infinite is the most popular entry into the Avion program. At $120 per year, it earns 1 point per $1 on all purchases and 1.25 points per $1 on travel booked through RBC, with comprehensive travel insurance covering up to $5 million in emergency medical for the first 15 days of a trip.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Annual fee | $120 |
| Welcome bonus | 15,000–55,000 Avion pts (varies by promotion) |
| Earn: all purchases | 1 pt per $1 |
| Earn: travel (RBC bookings) | 1.25 pts per $1 |
| Income requirement | $60,000 individual / $100,000 household |
| Emergency medical insurance | $5M, up to 15 days per trip |
| Trip cancellation / interruption | Included |
| Airport lounge access | Not included |
| Best for | Most Avion cardholders — best value-to-fee ratio |
The 15,000-point welcome bonus at a minimum promotion is worth $150 in travel value, nearly covering the first year’s annual fee. Promotional offers of 35,000–55,000 points (worth $350–$550) appear several times per year and represent the best time to apply.
RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege (premium)
The Privilege card is for frequent travelers who value lounge access and higher earn rates more than they mind paying a $399 annual fee. The unlimited Priority Pass lounge access is the headline perk — this alone can be worth $300–$600 per year if you use it regularly, since individual Priority Pass memberships cost roughly that range.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Annual fee | $399 |
| Welcome bonus | 40,000–90,000 Avion pts (varies by promotion) |
| Earn: all purchases | 1.25 pts per $1 |
| Earn: travel (RBC bookings) | 1.25 pts per $1 |
| Income requirement | $200,000 individual |
| Emergency medical insurance | $5M, up to 31 days per trip |
| Airport lounge access | Unlimited Priority Pass (guest fees apply) |
| Best for | Heavy travelers, lounge users, high-income earners |
The 31-day medical coverage (vs. 15 days on the standard Infinite) is significant for extended international trips. If you regularly travel for more than 15 days at a time, the Privilege card’s extended coverage eliminates the need to purchase supplemental travel medical insurance.
RBC Avion Visa (entry level)
The standard Avion Visa is the entry point to the program — same points currency, lower earn rate, and more basic insurance. It suits cardholders who want access to the Avion ecosystem without the income requirements of the Infinite cards.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Annual fee | $120 |
| Welcome bonus | ~15,000–25,000 Avion pts |
| Earn: all purchases | 1 pt per $1 |
| Notable perks | Basic travel insurance |
| Best for | Those who don’t qualify for Infinite income requirements |
RBC Business Avion Visa Infinite
Business owners who put significant spending through a business card can accumulate Avion points faster than personal card users. The 1.25x earn rate on all purchases — with no cap — makes this card competitive for high-volume business spenders.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Annual fee | $175 |
| Welcome bonus | 50,000–70,000 Avion pts (varies) |
| Earn: all purchases | 1.25 pts per $1 |
| Income requirement | Business income |
| Best for | Self-employed, small business owners |
Welcome bonus value
Welcome bonuses are the fastest way to accumulate a large Avion balance. The table below shows the approximate travel value of current and promotional bonus amounts.
| Card | Typical promo bonus | Travel value at 1.0 CPP |
|---|---|---|
| Avion Visa Infinite | ~55,000 pts | $550 |
| Avion Visa Infinite Privilege | ~90,000 pts | $900 |
| Avion Business Visa Infinite | ~70,000 pts | $700 |
RBC’s best Avion promotions typically run from November through January (holiday season) and April through May (spring travel push). If you are considering an Avion card, applying during a promotional window can double or triple the standard welcome offer. Watch the RBC Avion promotions page or use a card comparison site that tracks current offers.
How to earn RBC Avion points
The base earn rate of 1 point per $1 is standard for this tier. The strategies below help you accumulate faster without switching cards.
| Strategy | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Book travel through RBC Travel | 1.25x earn (Infinite cards) |
| Target the welcome bonus spend | Fastest path to a large first redemption |
| Link Avion card to Petro-Canada | Bonus Avion points on fuel purchases |
| Activate RBC Offers in online banking | Limited-time bonus earn at specific merchants |
| Refer a friend or family member | Referral bonus when they are approved |
| Use the business card for all business spending | 1.25x on every dollar with no cap |
The RBC Petro-Canada link is worth enabling — you earn extra Avion points on top of the Petro-Canada rewards, and the fuel savings stack. The exact bonus varies but is typically 3 points per litre of fuel when you link and pay with your Avion card.
RBC Offers (found under “Deals & Discounts” in RBC Online Banking and the RBC mobile app) provide temporary bonus earn rates at specific retailers and restaurants. These rotate regularly and can meaningfully boost your earn rate in categories where your base Avion card earns only 1x.
How to book travel with RBC Avion points
There are three main ways to use Avion points for travel. Each has a different process and delivers a different value per point.
Method 1 — RBC Travel Portal (simplest, 1.0 CPP)
The RBC Travel portal is the no-friction option. You search for flights, hotels, and cars exactly as you would on any booking site, then pay with points instead of cash. No award charts, no partner transfers, no blackout dates.
Step by step:
- Log into your RBC Online Banking account at rbc.com
- Navigate to “RBC Rewards” or use the RBC mobile app → “Avion Rewards”
- Select “Book Travel” to access the travel portal
- Search for your flight, hotel, or car rental
- At checkout, select “Pay with Avion Points” — you can pay entirely with points or a combination of points and cash
- Points redeem at approximately 100 points = $1 (1.0 CPP)
Tip: Compare the portal price against booking directly with the airline or hotel. The portal occasionally shows inflated fares. If the portal price is higher than the airline’s own site, use Method 2 instead.
Method 2 — Book anywhere, redeem against travel charges (1.0 CPP)
This method gives you the freedom to book on any airline’s website (Air Canada, WestJet, Porter, international carriers) and then apply Avion points against the charge.
Step by step:
- Book your flight or hotel directly on the provider’s website and pay with your RBC Avion card
- Within 90 days of the travel charge posting to your account, log into RBC Online Banking
- Navigate to “RBC Rewards” → “Redeem” → “Apply to travel charge”
- Select the eligible travel charge and apply points (100 pts = $1)
This method works for any travel purchase charged to your RBC Avion card — including travel agents, vacation packages, and cruises. The 90-day window is important: if you wait too long, the charge is no longer eligible.
Method 3 — Transfer to British Airways Avios (best value potential)
Transferring to Avios requires a few extra steps but is the method that can deliver 1.5–2.5 CPP on the right routes.
Step by step:
- Create a British Airways Executive Club account at britishairways.com if you do not already have one
- Log into RBC Rewards and navigate to “Transfer Points” → “British Airways Avios”
- Enter your British Airways Executive Club membership number and the amount to transfer (minimum transfer amounts may apply — check the current minimum before initiating)
- Wait 48–72 hours for points to appear in your BA account
- Log into britishairways.com → “Avios” → “Spend Avios” → “Flights”
- Search for your preferred route and book the award flight using your transferred Avios balance
Before transferring: Confirm the award availability and Avios cost first. Award seats on popular routes sell out quickly. Only transfer once you have found and are ready to book your specific flight.
Method 4 — Convert to WestJet Dollars (1.0 CPP, simplest for WestJet flyers)
WestJet Dollars function like airline-specific cash — you use them on any WestJet booking at wesjet.com with no award chart or blackout dates.
How it works: Transfer Avion points at a rate of 100 points = $1 WestJet Dollar through the RBC Rewards portal. WestJet Dollars are applied at checkout on westjet.com and can cover the full cost of any flight, seat selection, or vacation package.
This method is straightforward, predictable, and ideal for Canadians who fly WestJet regularly for leisure or business travel.
What to avoid
| Redemption | CPP | Why to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Gift cards | 0.5–0.7 CPP | 30–50% below travel value |
| Statement credits | ~0.5 CPP | Half the value of portal bookings |
| Merchandise | 0.3–0.5 CPP | Worst redemption in the program |
These non-travel options exist for convenience but consistently deliver far less than travel redemptions. If you have Avion points, find a way to use them for travel — even at the base 1.0 CPP portal rate — before falling back to gift cards or cash.
RBC Avion vs. competing programs
How Avion compares depends entirely on your travel habits. The table below frames the key tradeoffs.
| Feature | RBC Avion | TD Rewards | Aeroplan | Amex MR Canada |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best CPP achievable | 1.0–2.5+ CPP | ~0.5 CPP | 1.5–3.5+ CPP | 1.5–3.5+ CPP |
| Transfer to Aeroplan | No | No | N/A | Yes (1:1) |
| Transfer to British Airways | Yes (1:1) | No | No | No (US cards only) |
| Transfer to WestJet | Yes | No | No | No |
| Best card annual fee | $120 | $139 | $139 | $155 |
| Best for | WestJet, BA Avios, flexibility | Simple portal bookings | Air Canada, Star Alliance | Premium transfer maximizers |
| Complexity | Low–medium | Low | High | High |
Avion vs. Aeroplan: head-to-head
This is the comparison most Canadian travelers care about, since both programs have RBC and TD bank cards in their ecosystems.
| Factor | RBC Avion | Aeroplan |
|---|---|---|
| Primary airline | WestJet, BA / Oneworld | Air Canada / Star Alliance |
| Maximum CPP achievable | ~2.5 CPP (short haul Avios) | 3.5+ CPP (business class international) |
| Complexity | Low–medium | High |
| Flexibility | High — portal + 4 partners | Medium — complex award chart |
| Best use case | WestJet, Avios short-haul | Air Canada premium international |
| Earning cards available | RBC, some VISA | TD, CIBC, Amex |
The verdict: For Air Canada frequent flyers, Aeroplan wins by a wide margin — you earn status, you get access to Air Canada upgrade space, and the redemption ceiling is higher in premium cabins. For WestJet regulars or Oneworld travelers, Avion competes well and is simpler to use.
Common RBC Avion mistakes
These are the errors that most reduce the value of your Avion balance.
| Mistake | What it costs you |
|---|---|
| Redeeming for gift cards instead of travel | Lose ~40–50% of point value vs. travel portal |
| Only using the portal, never transferring to BA Avios | Missing 1.5–2.5 CPP opportunities on short-haul routes |
| Not comparing portal prices to direct booking | Portal sometimes shows higher fares — always check both |
| Transferring points before confirming award availability | Transfers are one-way and non-reversible |
| Cancelling the card without redeeming points | All points are forfeited — redeem or downgrade first |
| Ignoring fuel surcharges on BA bookings | On BA-operated transatlantic flights, surcharges can exceed $400/person |
| Not applying during promotional periods | Standard welcome offers can be 2–3× lower than peak promotions |
| Forgetting the 90-day window for statement credit redemptions | Missed charges are no longer eligible |
Related resources
- Aeroplan Points Value Guide — how Aeroplan compares in detail
- TD Rewards Program Guide — TD’s loyalty program
- Amex Membership Rewards Canada — transferable points with Aeroplan access
- Best Travel Credit Cards Canada 2026 — top options compared
- WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard — earn WestJet dollars directly
- Points vs. Cash Back Credit Cards — is rewards worth the complexity?