RBC Avion Visa Infinite Review 2026: 55K Welcome Bonus

55,000 Avion points after spending $5,000 in the first 6 months. Avion points are worth approximately 2 cents each when redeemed for flights, making the welcome bonus worth approximately $1,100 in travel value. After the $120 annual fee, that's a net of ~$980 in year one alone.

Avion's strength is flexibility — 'Pay with Points' lets you redeem points for any commercial flight at a fixed cents-per-point rate, with no blackout dates. Aeroplan's strength is value — long-haul economy redemptions can exceed 2 cents per point. For casual travelers who don't want to optimize redemptions, Avion's flexibility wins. For maximalists, Aeroplan extracts more value but requires more work.

Aeroplan Reserve at $599 only makes sense for frequent Air Canada flyers using lounge access. RBC Avion at $120 is for casual travelers who want flexibility and a lower fee. If you don't fly Air Canada specifically and don't use lounges, Avion is better.

Yes, but with caveats. Non-RBC customers can apply and benefit from the welcome bonus and flexible flight redemptions. RBC banking customers get additional ecosystem benefits (e.g., reduced banking fees, integration with RBC mortgage rates) that boost the total value. If you're RBC, the card is more compelling.

Pay with Points lets you book any commercial flight (with any airline) and pay using Avion points at a rate of approximately 2 cents per point. Unlike Aeroplan or other airline loyalty programs, there are no blackout dates and you're not limited to Star Alliance or partner airlines. You book through RBC's travel portal or directly with the airline and apply points retroactively.

No on the standard Visa Infinite tier. Lounge access requires the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege ($399 annual fee), which adds 6 free DragonPass lounge visits per year. For most casual travelers, the standard Avion is sufficient; the Privilege upgrade only makes sense for frequent travelers using lounges 6+ times/year.

2.5% foreign currency conversion fee — same as most Canadian travel cards. For overseas spending, pair the RBC Avion with a no-FX card like the Scotia Passport Visa Infinite. Use Avion at home in Canada and Scotia Passport abroad.

$60,000 personal annual income or $100,000 household income — same as most Visa Infinite cards in Canada. Below this, look at the no-fee RBC Avion Visa Classic (~$25 fee, much smaller bonus). Above this, the Avion Visa Infinite is the right tier.