Aeroplan Reserve vs RBC Avion (2026): Which Premium Card?

Aeroplan Reserve at 95K Aeroplan points (~$1,800 in flights) is the larger nominal bonus vs. Avion at 55K Avion (~$1,100). However, the Reserve requires $6,000 spend in 6 months and has a $599 annual fee; the Avion requires $5,000 in 6 months at $120 annual fee. For year-one math: Reserve net $1,201 ($1,800 - $599), Avion net $980 ($1,100 - $120). Reserve wins year one but the gap ($221) doesn't justify the higher year-two fee unless you use lounges.

Aeroplan Reserve if you fly Air Canada 4+ times/year and use lounges. Avion for everyone else. The Reserve's $599 fee only makes sense if the Maple Leaf Lounge access (worth $50-100/visit) is being used 6-12+ times per year. If you don't use lounges, the $479 difference between cards isn't justified.

Aeroplan points have higher peak value (1.5-2.5 cents per point) when redeeming for premium cabin or specific routes through Aeroplan dynamic pricing. Avion points have fixed value (~2 cents per point) on any commercial flight via 'Pay with Points'. Aeroplan rewards optimization; Avion rewards simplicity. For casual travelers, Avion's predictable value wins. For maximalists, Aeroplan extracts more.

Aeroplan Reserve has unlimited Maple Leaf Lounge access (Canada/US) — included. RBC Avion Visa Infinite (the standard tier) does NOT have lounge access. Lounge access on RBC's lineup requires upgrading to RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege ($399 fee) which adds 6 free DragonPass lounge visits per year. The Privilege tier is functionally a lower-cost alternative to the Reserve for non-Air-Canada flyers.

Avion is better. 'Pay with Points' lets you redeem on any commercial flight (any airline, any class) at ~2 cents per point with no blackout dates. Aeroplan Reserve points are best on Air Canada and Star Alliance partners; using them on non-Aeroplan partners is more complex and often less efficient.

RBC banking customers get additional value from the Avion through reduced banking fees, integration with RBC mortgage rates, and cross-promotion offers. Non-RBC customers don't benefit from these. If you're an RBC customer, this tilts the decision toward Avion. If not, the comparison is purely on points/benefits.

Both charge 2.5% foreign currency conversion fees — standard for Canadian travel cards. For overseas spending, pair either with a no-FX card like the Scotia Passport Visa Infinite. Use the premium card primarily for Canadian-billed purchases (Air Canada flights, hotel rooms in CAD).