Canadian bank product guide
RBC's loyalty strength comes from Avion Rewards, RBC credit cards, RBC Value Program banking links, and partner offers that can turn everyday banking into travel, merchandise, gift card, statement-credit, and partner value.
Quick answer
RBC ranks No. 1 in our Canadian bank loyalty comparison because Avion Rewards offers broad travel flexibility, multiple card entry points, partner redemption options, and enough ecosystem depth for both everyday and premium users.
Planning note: fees, rates, offers, eligibility, account features, and card benefits can change. This page was reviewed on 2026-07-14. Verify current terms on official RBC pages before applying. CanadianBankNews is not affiliated with RBC Royal Bank.
Products and fees
| Product | Fee or cost note | Advantages | Watch-outs | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Avion Rewards Bank loyalty program | Program access depends on eligible RBC products; individual account and card fees vary. | Broad redemption choices, travel flexibility, gift cards, merchandise, statement-credit style options, and partner offers. | Point value depends heavily on redemption method and card type. | Verify -> |
RBC Avion Visa Infinite Premium Avion card | $120 annual fee according to RBC. | Strong Avion travel positioning, flexible flight redemption, insurance features, and premium card benefits. | Income requirements and annual fee mean it is not the right card for every household. | Verify -> |
RBC ION Visa No-fee Avion entry | $0 annual fee according to RBC. | Lets no-fee users earn Avion points on everyday spending. | Premium travel benefits are limited compared with higher-fee Avion cards. | Verify -> |
RBC Value Program Banking rewards integration | No separate fee stated here; eligible account fees and terms apply. | Can lower eligible monthly account fees and connect banking behaviour with Avion points or partner value. | Eligibility conditions matter; do not assume every account qualifies for the same value. | Verify -> |
Petro-Canada and partner offers Linked loyalty | No product fee stated here; linked-card and partner terms apply. | RBC highlights fuel savings and Petro-Points/Avion earning boosts for eligible linked cards. | Partner offers can change and may depend on enrolment or eligible products. | Verify -> |
RBC is our top-ranked bank loyalty program overall. The reason is not one single bonus; it is the combination of Avion travel flexibility, no-fee and premium card options, account integration, and partner earning paths. TD Rewards, Scene+, BMO Rewards, CIBC Aventura, and cashback programs may still win for specific users.
Avion is best for travellers who value flexible redemption, households willing to use an eligible RBC card consistently, and users who can combine banking, card, and partner benefits. Cashback seekers who want simple dollar value should compare no-fee and premium cashback cards too.
RBC ranks as the strongest overall program in our Canadian bank loyalty ranking because Avion Rewards combines major-bank breadth, flexible travel redemption, partner offers, and everyday card/account integration. Cashback-first readers should still compare RBC against TD, BMO, CIBC, Scotiabank, Tangerine, and Simplii before choosing.
Mortgage planning
If your RBC product decision is connected to a home purchase, renewal, refinance, or debt consolidation plan, test the numbers first. CanadianBankNews can help you compare affordability, fixed versus variable assumptions, payment changes, and debt-service comfort before speaking with a lender.
RBC Avion is generally stronger for flexible travel redemption, while TD Rewards can be compelling for users who prefer TD's travel-booking ecosystem. The best choice depends on spending, fees, and redemption habits.
In our editorial ranking, RBC is No. 1 overall. That does not mean it is best for every person; cashback-first users, grocery-heavy spenders, and no-fee card users should still compare alternatives.