The Value of RBC Rewards Points

The average dollar value of 1 RBC Reward is $0.0114

The RBC Avion rewards program offers a unique blend of flexibility and value, especially for frequent travellers. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the value of RBC Avion rewards points for travel.

We’ll explore how to earn Avion points, compare them with other airline rewards programs, and highlight the travel perks they offer.

Whether you’re a current RBC Avion cardholder or considering becoming one, this guide will help you maximize your points’ value.

RBC Avion Points are a form of reward currency offered by the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC).

They are part of the RBC Rewards program tied to RBC rewards credit cards. These points can be redeemed for a variety of rewards, but the best value of Avion Rewards is for travel redemptions—specifically flights.

What are RBC Avion points?

RBC Avion Points are earned through credit card purchases made with an RBC Avion card.

Each purchase earns a certain number of points, depending on the card type and the nature of the purchase. There are three tiers of membership for Avion travel points, and your tier depends on which RBC credit card product you have.

These points can then be redeemed for travel-related expenses, such as flights, hotels, and car rentals. ION cards work differently than RBC’s premium travel credit cards. Read more below.

Avion Select

Avion Select is the lowest tier of Avion travel rewards. This tier is available to anyone, regardless of whether or not they are an RBC cardholder. Avion Select members can redeem points for travel at a rate of 172 points = $1 CAD, or 1 point = $0.005 (half a cent), with a minimum redemption of 2,500 points. This is much lower than the redemption value you get with more premium RBC rewards cards like the RBC Avion Visa Infinite.

Avion Premium

The majority of RBC credit cardholders fall into the Premium tier. At this tier, you redeem at a rate of 100 points = $1 CAD, or 1 point = $0.01 (1 cent). This is much lower than the redemption value you get with more premium RBC rewards cards like the RBC Avion Visa Infinite. At both the Select and Premium level, customers can’t use RBC’s Air Travel Redemption Schedule to redeem points for flights. Also, Avion Premium customers can transfer points to WestJet, but not to American Airlines, British Airways or Cathay Pacific.

RBC ION and ION+ credit cardholders fall into the Premium tier. However, you redeem at a rate of 172 points = $1 CAD, or 1 point = $0.005 (half a cent), which is the same as the Avion Select tier.

Avion Elite

Those who have the RBC Avion Visa Platinum, RBC Avion Visa Infinite, or the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege are automatically Avion Elite status members. In the Elite tier, customers can use RBC’s valuable Air Travel Redemption Schedule to redeem their points for flights across the globe. Or, customers can redeem points at a rate of 1 point = 1 cent for hotels, car rentals and other travel redemptions. Avion Elite members can also convert Avion points to WestJet, American Airlines, British Airways and Cathay Pacific.

How to earn RBC Avion points

Points earnings vary with different RBC cards on the market. 

• RBC ION
• RBC ION+
• RBC Avion Visa Infinite
• RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege

How much are Avion points worth for travel?

1 Avion point is worth 1.14 cents for travel, according to our analysis. You can also redeem points for other purchase categories, but the value of your Avion points will be lower for non-travel redemptions. Below are the value of points for different redemption categories:

• Flights using the RBC rewards redemption chart: $0.0114 per point 
• Hotels, car rentals, and more: $0.01 per point

How many Avion points do you need for flights?

The RBC Rewards program has a unique system of stratifying flight regions based on ticket prices in that region. There are six separate regions, each with an individual set number of rewards points required for airline travel, up to a maximum ticket price. If the flight in question is more expensive than the established maximum ticket price, the difference must be paid for with rewards points (at a rate of 100 points per dollar) or in cash. The same holds true for airline taxes and fees as they can be paid for either with points or in cash.

To find out the total number of RBC points required to book a flight you must sum:

• The rewards points required for travel to a region
• The points required to cover taxes, fees, and surcharges (100 points per dollar)
• The points required to cover the cost of the flight above the regional maximum ticket price (100 points per dollar)

Below is an RBC Rewards redemption chart outlining the six flight regions:

Ratehub.ca’s research reveals that, on average, one RBC Rewards point is worth $0.0114 when redeeming for flights. We compared the price of a flight on Kayak to the price of a flight through the RBC Rewards center in points (including the points required for taxes and fees). Here is an RBC Rewards redemption chart summarizing what we found:

RBC Avion credit cards

There are several RBC Avion credit cards available, each with its own set of benefits and earning rates. These cards include the RBC Avion Visa Infinite, RBC Avion Visa Platinum, and the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege. All three Avion travel credit cards will get you into the Elite rewards tier.

The RBC Avion Visa Business and RBC Avion Visa Infinite Business cards also grant Avion Elite membership.

Comparing Avion Card Benefits

The RBC Avion Visa Infinite card offers 1 point per dollar spent on all purchases, with additional points for travel-related expenses. It also includes comprehensive travel insurance. If you travel frequently for work or value a luxury travel experience, the Avion Visa Infinite Privilege might be a good choice because of its travel perks, like airport lounge access. 

The RBC Avion Visa Platinum card offers similar benefits to the Visa Infinite, but with less travel insurance coverage.

Choosing the right Avion card for you

Choosing the right Avion card depends on your spending habits and travel needs. If you frequently travel and spend a lot on your card, the RBC Avion Visa Infinite might be the best choice. On the other hand, the RBC Avion Visa Platinum is more accessible as it has no minimum income requirement.

Maximizing the value of your RBC Avion points

Maximizing the value of your RBC Avion Points requires a strategic approach.To find out the value of your flight redemption, compare your redemption value to the RBC Rewards benchmark (1 point = $0.0114). 

The dollar value of your RBC Rewards is determined by what flights you use them for. Ratehub.ca’s research reveals that on average one RBC Rewards point is worth $0.0114 when redeeming for air travel. Use this as your benchmark, and whenever possible, save your miles until the value offered is close to or above it. Let’s look at an example.

We’re trying to book a flight from Toronto to New York’s LaGuardia Airport for Family Day weekend. On Kayak, we found a direct flight that will cost $288 including taxes and fees. Through RBC, a similar flight would require 15,000 points and an additional $117.56 in taxes and fees. Let’s calculate the value we would receive if we used our points.

Step 1: Determine the number of points required to cover taxes and fees

$117.56 (taxes, fees & surcharges) x (100 points per dollar) = 11756 points

Step 2: Determine the total number of RBC Rewards points needed

15,000 (points required for flight) + 11,756 (points required for taxes) = 26756 total points required

Step 3: Calculate the value of one RBC Reward point

$288.00 (cost of flight) ÷ 26,756 (total points required) = $0.0108 /point

Since $0.0108/point is of lesser value than the benchmark of $0.0114/point, you will receive a weak return on your RBC Rewards. It is advised that you save your points for a flight that provides you with a greater value. However, this flight still saves you $288.00 by spending your points.

RBC Avion points vs. other airline rewards programs

When comparing RBC Avion Points to other airline miles, several factors come into play. The value of points can vary greatly between programs.

Comparing points value across programs

RBC Avion Points are known for their flexibility. This flexibility often translates into greater value when compared to other airline rewards programs, which can sometimes require you to book through one portal. However, the exact value depends on how you choose to redeem your points. 

Aeroplan points provide a similar value to RBC Avion points for flights at 1 point = $0.0114. However, for non-flight redemptions, RBC points have a consistent value at 1 point = 1 cent, whereas with Aeroplan, your points values fluctuate and could be worth more or less for hotel or car rental bookings.

Transfer partners and conversion rates

RBC Avion has several airline transfer partners. These include major airlines like WestJet and British Airways.

The conversion rate from RBC Avion Points to airline miles can vary between these partners, affecting the overall value of your points. Other airline programs like Aeroplan also allow you to use points for flights with dozens of Star Alliance partners. American Express credit card holders can transfer their points to programs like Aeroplan and Marriott Bonvoy at a strong 1:1 point ratio.

Conclusion: Is RBC Avion worth it for travel?

• They offer flexibility, a wide range of redemption options, and exclusive travel perks.
• Whether you're a frequent flyer or planning a dream vacation, RBC Avion points can enhance your travel experience.