RBC Rewards+ Visa Credit Card Review

December 19, 2022
Reviews

The RBC Rewards+ Visa Credit Card lets you earn RBC Rewards points for every dollar you spend, whether you are shopping for groceries, drug store items, or gas. Earning enough points can save you considerable money as you can redeem them for flights, merchandise, gift cards, and financial rewards.

With no annual fee to speak of, this is one of the cheapest and most worthy rewards credit cards to choose from. The purchases made are also covered with security and warranty, so if you’re looking for a credit card that values you as a customer, then you should give the RBC Rewards+ Visa Credit Card a try.

However, this is not the best card for all Canadians since it lacks good earn rates on purchases that many other cards like the Amex Cobalt offer.

What Is The RBC Rewards+ Visa Credit Card?

The RBC Rewards+ Visa Credit Card is a rewards credit card that enables users to earn points on all purchases. It is offered by the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), founded in 1864 and headquartered in Toronto, Canada. The credit card has no annual fees, and if you are up to some challenges, you can get up to 3,500 RBC Rewards bonus points by completing the requirements within 60 days of account approval. With $1 spent, you can earn 1 RBC Rewards point for every $1 spent on gas, groceries, drug store purchases, and more. You can redeem these points for airline tickets, hotels, bill payments, in-store and online purchases, and Interac e-Transfer transactions.

For more rewards and bonus points, the RBC Rewards+ Visa Credit Card has also partnered with well-known corporations such as Petro-Canada, Rexall, and DoorDash. Purchasing their in-store items rewards you with extra Petro-Points, RBC Rewards points (or Avion points), or free food deliveries for 12 months. By going to their homepage, you can check your cards and their accumulated points by downloading the RBC or Avion Rewards app on App Store or Google Play Store. 

RBC Rewards+ Visa Credit Card Features

The RBC Rewards+ Visa Credit Card has various features and benefits you can receive whenever you use it for purchases or bills. Without further ado, let us review its features and check if this card is for you.

#1 No Annual Fees To Pay

The RBC Rewards+ Visa Credit Card is a reward credit card that offers no annual fee saving you money for your other expenses. Aside from its no annual fee, there are also no extra fees when you decide to have an additional credit card. You also shouldn’t miss its welcome bonus of up to 3,500 RBC Rewards points by fulfilling its seven primary requirements. To accomplish this task, scroll down below to follow its steps.

Although the RBC Rewards+ Visa Credit Card may not have annual fees, you must also be responsible for how to use it because of its interest rates. Its purchase rate reaches 19.99%, while its cash advance rate is a whopping 22.99%. However, these interest rates are generally offered by most credit cards from other credit card issuers. Hence it is up to you which card suits your financial lifestyle.   

#2 Get Up To 3,500 RBC Rewards Welcome Bonus Points

As mentioned above, you can receive up to 3,500 points from the RBC Rewards+ Visa Credit Card by going digital in seven ways. You can either do the first three tasks for 500 RBC Rewards points each or finish the extra four to get the total bonus.

  • Share your valid email address with RBC
  • Sign up for eStatements for your card
  • Download and sign up on the RBC Mobile app, RBC launch, or RBC Rewards app
  • Make an Interac e-Transfer with the RBC Mobile app or RBC Online Banking
  • Transfer funds with the app or on their website
  • Deposit a cheque with the app
  • Pay a bill with the app or the website

Remember that you must complete these within 60 days of approval, or you may miss the chance to get your bonus points.

#3 Earn RBC Rewards Points For All Purchases

With the RBC Rewards+ Visa Credit Card, you can earn $1 on all purchases, making every dollar count. As seen from the screenshot above, all purchases, including gas, groceries, drug store items, and others (e.g., pre-authorized payments), are only worth 1 RBC Rewards point when you pay with this credit card. Although it may not sound competitive, it is still a good start considering it has no annual fees and average interest rates.

The merchants you buy items from should be classified by Visa or qualified as Eligible MCCs by the RBC. If not, there would be cases where you won’t earn any points on your credit card purchases.

#4 Redeem Your RBC Rewards Points For Almost Anything

There are many new ways to earn, shop, and pay with an RBC Rewards+ Visa Credit Card. You can use this card at over 1,900 retailers to earn RBC Rewards points (or Avion points) and redeem them for anything you want. You can exchange your points in several ways: groceries, shopping, gift cards, travel purchases, bill payments, or banking transactions. Listed below are the items you can use for your points with the RBC Online Banking or Avion Rewards app.

  • Groceries, gift cards, merchandise
  • In-store and online purchases
  • Travel purchases – airline tickets, hotels, car rentals, vacation packages, etc.
  • Cash-like payments – RBC credit card payments, household bills, loans, mortgages, registered and non-registered plans, Interac e-Transfer transactions
  • RBC Direct Investing
  • Charitable donations

You can download the Avion Rewards app to conveniently check and redeem your points by downloading the app from App Store or Google Play Store. 

#5 Purchase Security And Extended Warranty For Your Card Purchases

The RBC Rewards+ Visa Credit Card offers purchase security and extended warranty for its users, lessening your worries and stress regarding lost or damaged purchases.

With this credit card, it allows your recently bought purchases to be automatically protected against theft, loss, or damage within 90 days. This policy helps you to have higher chances of getting refunds, especially when you shop online. In addition, RBC also extends the original Canadian warranty of the items for up to one extra year, doubling your guarantee of having them replaced if there are any issues.  

#6 RBC Rewards Mobile App

The RBC Rewards Mobile app lets you shop at your favorite retailers, earn points, and get exclusive rewards conveniently anytime and anywhere. You can get unlimited offers and discounts from thousands of merchants online using your RBC Rewards+ Visa Credit Card.

You can check your RBC Rewards points (or Avion points) in the app and redeem them for everything you love. These include flights, vacation packages, Best Buy items, and Apple products, or you can even convert them into cash-like value to pay your credit card balance.

RBC Rewards+ Visa Credit Card Pros And Cons

Pros

  • No annual fee
  • Receive up to 3,500 bonus RBC Reward points for completing tasks within 60 days of account approval
  • Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on gas, groceries, and drug store items, and 1 point for every $2 spent on all other purchases.
  • Use the RBC Reward points for travel, merchandise, credit card and bill payments, in-store and online purchases, and more.
  • Get the exclusive $25 gift card for only 2,500 points.
  • An RBC Mobile app can track your points, get exclusive deals, and redeem your points for rewards.
  • Your purchases are protected against theft, loss, or damage for up to 90 days with an additional extended warranty for up to one extra year.

Cons

  • This credit card is no longer offered on the RBC website, although there are other rewards credit cards available which you can check here. 
  • It is not best for people who prefer a cashback program instead of a reward points program.
  • A high-interest purchase rate of 22.99% and cash advance rate of 19.99%

RBC Rewards+ Visa Credit Card Pricing

The RBC Rewards+ Visa Credit Card offers you many credit benefits, from its rewards program to convenient online banking transactions. However, you must still be aware of the interest and fees you don’t usually see on its website. Please review the details in the table below and compare them with your other credit card options.  

Interest and Fees
Annual Fee$0
Purchase Rate19.99%
Cash Advance Rate22.99% or 21.99% if you reside in Quebec
Minimum Payment$10 (plus interest and fees)
Foreign Currency Conversion Rate2.5%
Cash Advance Fee$5 (e.g., cash withdrawals, cash-like transactions, bill payments, or balance transfers)
Balance Transfer Promotional FeeUp to 3% of the transaction amount
Overlimit Fee$29 (fee does not apply if you reside in Quebec)
Dishonoured Payment Fee$45
Installment Plan Fee*3% – one-time fee
Up to 1.15% – monthly fee
Interest-Free Grace Period21  days

* This fee does not apply when you reside in Quebec

You don’t need to worry about your credit card purchases when you apply for the RBC Rewards+ Visa Credit Card. This credit card automatically protects your purchases against loss, theft, or damage for up to 90 days from your purchase date. Likewise, it doubles the item’s warranty for up to one extra year, reassuring you that your items are in good hands.  

In Summary

The RBC Rewards+ Visa credit card is one of your go-to rewards credit cards, especially if you are a beginner to any rewards points program. This credit card works best for students, retirees, or big savers who prefer no annual fees, fewer service fees, and earning redeemable rewards. If you are one of these people, you should try the RBC Rewards+ Visa Credit Card! It lets you earn up to 1 RBC Rewards point (or Avion point) on all your eligible purchases, which you can convert into free merchandise, flights, and Apple products or as credit card and household bill payments.

That said, if you're looking for a more premium card, another option like the Amex Gold or the Marriott Bonvoy card could be a better option. Despite their annual fees, these cards offer many more benefits and return on purchases that make them better financial choices.

RBC Rewards+ Visa Credit Card FAQs

How much does the RBC Rewards+ Visa Credit Card cost?

The RBC Rewards+ Visa Credit Card if free, and it doesn't carry an annual fee; however, you must know its service fees. For instance, there is a minimum payment of $10 per month when you have an unpaid credit balance in your account. There is also a cash advance fee of $5 for cash withdrawals and an overdraft fee of $29 if your balance exceeds your credit limit. There are many other no-fee credit cards with different perks, like the Canadian Tire Triangle Mastercard, which offers discounts on gas, among other benefits.

Is the RBC Rewards+ Visa Credit Card worth it?

Yes, RBC Rewards+ Visa is worth it. With no annual fees to pay, this credit card lets you earn up to 1 RBC Rewards point or Avion point for every dollar you spend. It has a mobile app to redeem your hard-earned points for in-store and online purchases, merchandise, flights, hotels, and even credit card and household bills. 

Is the RBC Rewards+ Visa Credit Card safe?

Yes, the RBC Rewards+ Visa Credit Card is safe to use. It has a digital platform such as the RBC Mobile App and RBC Online Banking, where you can make Interac e-Transfer transactions, deposit a cheque, or settle bill payments conveniently and safely with a press of a button. RBC also offers 90-day purchase security from the day you bought your purchases and an extended warranty for up to one extra year. 

How do I redeem my RBC Rewards+ Visa Credit Card points?

You can redeem your RBC Rewards Visa points by visiting the RBC website or downloading an Avion Rewards app. You can exchange your RBC Rewards points or Avion points for thousands of items, including travel purchases, merchandise, gift cards, Best Buy, and Apple products. Likewise, these can also be converted into cash to pay for your credit card and bill payments, purchases, Interac e-Transfer transactions, and other investments.  

Can I convert my RBC rewards points to cash?

Yes, you can convert your RBC Rewards Points into cash and are eligible for Pay with Points, Trade with Points, and Cash Contributions. You can redeem your points towards any of the following:

  • Credit card and household bill payments
  • In-store and online purchases
  • Loan and mortgage payments
  • RBC registered and non-registered plans
  • RBC Direct Investing
  • Interac e-Transfer transactions
  • Charitable donations

Do RBC rewards points expire?

No, RBC Rewards points or Avion points do not expire as long as your account remains active and in good standing. However, you will lose your points twelve months after voluntarily closing your account.  

Is getting an RBC credit card easy?

Yes, getting an RBC credit card is accessible only if you meet its standard requirements. These include being a Canadian resident of at least the age of majority in your province, having a good credit score rating, and having the minimum personal or household income.   

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