Key Takeaways:
- Avion points are the rewards currency of RBC Avion credit cards, which can be redeemed for travel, merchandise, gift cards, and more.
- Avion points have different values depending on how you redeem them, with travel offering the highest value of up to 2.33 cents per point.
- Avion points can be redeemed for flights using the Air Travel Redemption Schedule, which offers fixed points rates for different destinations, or the conversion rate, which allows you to book any flight at any time.
- Avion points can also be transferred to other airline loyalty programs, such as WestJet Rewards, British Airways Executive Club, and American Airlines AAdvantage.
- Avion points can be earned by spending on RBC Avion credit cards, which offer bonus points on travel purchases and access to exclusive benefits and perks.
If you are looking for a flexible and rewarding travel credit card, you might want to consider the RBC Avion credit cards. These cards allow you to earn Avion points, which can be redeemed for flights, hotels, car rentals, and more with any airline, any time. You can also transfer your Avion points to other airline loyalty programs, giving you more options and value for your travel plans.
In this article, we will explain how to earn and redeem Avion points, how to use the Air Travel Redemption Schedule or the conversion rate to book your flights, and how to get the best value for your points. We will also compare the different RBC Avion credit cards and help you choose the best one for your needs.
How to earn Avion points
The easiest and fastest way to earn Avion points is by spending on RBC Avion credit cards. There are five credit cards that fall under the Avion Elite membership, which offer the highest value and flexibility for your points:
- RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege Card
- RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card
- RBC Avion Visa Platinum Card
- RBC Avion Visa Infinite Business Card
- RBC Avion Visa Business Card
Each of these cards earn Avion Elite points, which can be transferred to all of RBC’s airline partners and redeemed for high value towards airfare via the RBC Air Travel Redemption Schedule. They also offer airport lounge access, travel and shopping coverage, and other benefits and perks.
All non-Elite credit cards that earn Avion points fall under the Avion Premium membership level. This includes, but is not limited to:
- RBC ION+ Visa
- RBC ION Visa
- RBC Rewards+ Visa Signature
- RBC Rewards Visa
- RBC Rewards Visa Preferred
- RBC U.S. Dollar Visa Gold
- RBC Visa CreditLine for Small Business
Avion Premium points earned with these credit cards are worth up to 1 cent each. They cannot be transferred to RBC’s full list of partners and they cannot be redeemed for airfare via the Air Travel Redemption Schedule. However, you can transfer your Avion Premium points to a card that earns Avion Elite points and redeem them for higher value.
IMPORTANT LINKS:
- Aeroplan vs AIR MILES: Which Travel Rewards Program Offers More Value and Flexibility?
- Unlocking Maximum Value: A Guide to Optimizing Your Spending and Earning with Aeroplan, Air Miles, and Avion
- How to Calculate Point Value: Aeroplan, Air Miles, and Avion
- How to Choose and Use the Best Travel Rewards Program in Canada: Aeroplan, Air Miles, or Avion?
| Credit Card | Earning Rate | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege Card | 1.25 Avion points per $1 spent on all purchases, plus an extra 25% on eligible travel purchases | $399 |
| RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card | 1 Avion point per $1 spent on all purchases, plus an extra 25% on eligible travel purchases | $120 |
| RBC Avion Visa Platinum Card | 1 Avion point per $1 spent on all purchases | $120 |
| RBC Avion Visa Infinite Business Card | 1.25 Avion points per $1 spent on all purchases | $175 |
| RBC Avion Visa Business Card | 1 Avion point per $1 spent on all purchases | $120 |
| RBC ION+ Visa | 3 Avion points per $1 spent on groceries, 2 Avion points per $1 spent on gas and transit, and 1 Avion point per $1 spent on everything else | $4 per month ($48 per year) |
| RBC ION Visa | 1.5 Avion points per $1 spent on groceries, gas and transit, and 1 Avion point per $1 spent on everything else | $0 |
| RBC Rewards+ Visa Signature | 1 Avion point per $1 spent on groceries, gas, drugstore purchases and recurring bill payments, and 0.5 Avion point per $1 spent on everything else | $0 |
| RBC Rewards Visa | 1 Avion point per $2 spent on all purchases | $0 |
| RBC Rewards Visa Preferred | 1 Avion point per $1 spent on all purchases | $110 |
| RBC U.S. Dollar Visa Gold | 1 Avion point per $1 USD spent on all purchases | $65 USD |
| RBC Visa CreditLine for Small Business | 1 Avion point per $2 spent on all purchases | $12 |
How to redeem Avion points
Avion points can be redeemed for a variety of rewards, such as travel, merchandise, gift cards, and more. You can also use your points to pay for your credit card balance, bills, investments, or charitable donations. The value of your points will vary depending on how you redeem them, so you will want to choose the option that gives you the most bang for your buck.
Redeeming Avion points for travel
Travel is the most popular and valuable redemption option for Avion points. You can use your points to book flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and vacation packages with any airline, any time. There are two ways to redeem your points for travel: using the Air Travel Redemption Schedule or the conversion rate.
Air Travel Redemption Schedule
The Air Travel Redemption Schedule is a chart that shows how many Avion Elite points you need to redeem for a one-way or round-trip flight between different destinations around the world. The chart is divided into six zones, each with a fixed points rate and a maximum ticket price. The zones are:
- Zone 1: Quick Getaways – Within or to an adjacent province/territory or U.S. state
- Zone 2: Explore North America – Anywhere in Canada/U.S. except Hawaii and Alaska
- Zone 3: Holiday Destinations – Western Canada/U.S. to Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska; Eastern Canada to Bermuda, Central America, Caribbean
- Zone 4: Take a Vacation – Eastern Canada/U.S. to Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska; Western Canada to Bermuda, Central America, Caribbean
- Zone 5: Visit Europe – Major gateway in Canada/U.S. to destinations in Europe
- Zone 6: See the World – Major gateway in Canada/U.S. to destinations in Asia, Australia, New Zealand, South Pacific, Middle East, Africa, South America
| Zone | Round Trip | One Way | Max Ticket Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 15,000 pts | 7,500 pts | $350 |
| 2 | 35,000 pts | 17,500 pts | $750 |
| 3 | 45,000 pts | 22,500 pts | $900 |
| 4 | 55,000 pts | 27,500 pts | $1,100 |
| 5 | 65,000 pts | 32,500 pts | $1,300 |
| 6 | 100,000 pts | 50,000 pts | $2,000 |
The Air Travel Redemption Schedule offers up to 2.33 cents per point in value, but that’s only if your flight matches the max ticket price or is over the max ticket price for the zone. For example, if you redeem 15,000 points for a round-trip flight within Zone 1 that costs $350, you are getting 2.33 cents per point ($350 / 15,000 = 0.0233). However, if your flight costs less than the max ticket price, you are getting less value per point. For example, if you redeem 15,000 points for a round-trip flight within Zone 1 that costs $250, you are getting 1.67 cents per point ($250 / 15,000 = 0.0167).
If your flight costs more than the max ticket price, you can either pay the difference with your credit card or use the conversion rate to cover the extra cost with more points. For example, if you redeem 15,000 points for a round-trip flight within Zone 1 that costs $400, you can either pay $50 with your credit card or use 5,000 more points (at a rate of 100 points = $1) to cover the difference.
To redeem your Avion Elite points for travel using the Air Travel Redemption Schedule, you need to follow these steps:
- Visit avionrewards.com/travel or call 1-877-636-2870 to book your flight. You can choose any airline, any flight, any time. There are no blackout dates or advance booking restrictions, even during peak periods.
- Select the zone that matches your destination and check the availability and price of your flight. Make sure it matches the zone and does not exceed the max ticket price. If it does, you can either pay the difference or use more points.
- Confirm your booking and pay any taxes, fees, or surcharges with your credit card or points. You will receive an e-ticket confirmation by email.
Conversion rate
The conversion rate is another way to redeem your Avion Elite points for travel. It allows you to book any flight at any time, without any restrictions or limitations. The conversion rate is 100 points = $1, which means you can use your points to pay for the full or partial cost of your flight, including taxes, fees, and surcharges.
The conversion rate offers a flat value of 1 cent per point, which is lower than the Air Travel Redemption Schedule. However, it gives you more flexibility and choice, especially if you want to book a flight that is not covered by the schedule, such as a last-minute deal, a low-cost carrier, or a complex itinerary.
To redeem your Avion Elite points for travel using the conversion rate, you need to follow these steps:
- Visit avionrewards.com/travel or call 1-877-636-2870 to book your flight. You can choose any airline, any flight, any time. There are no blackout dates or advance booking restrictions, even during peak periods.
- Select the conversion rate option and enter the number of points you want to use. You can use as many or as few points as you want, as long as you have enough to cover the minimum redemption amount of $50 (5,000 points).
- Confirm your booking and pay any remaining balance with your credit card or points. You will receive an e-ticket confirmation by email.
Redeeming Avion points for other rewards
Besides travel, you can also redeem your Avion points for other rewards, such as merchandise, gift cards, and more. You can browse and shop for thousands of items from various categories, such as electronics, home and garden, fashion, health and beauty, and more. You can also choose from hundreds of gift cards from popular retailers, restaurants, and services.
To redeem your Avion points for other rewards, you need to follow these steps:
- Visit avionrewards.com/rewards or call 1-877-636-2870 to browse and shop for your desired items or gift cards. You can filter by category, brand, price, or points range.
- Select the item or gift card you want and add it to your cart. You can use your points to pay for the full or partial cost of your reward, as long as you have enough to cover the minimum redemption amount of $25 (2,500 points).
- Confirm your order and pay any taxes, fees, or shipping charges with your credit card or points. You will receive an order confirmation by email and your reward will be delivered to your address within 4-6 weeks.
Transferring Avion points to other programs
Another way to use your Avion points is to transfer them to other loyalty programs, such as airline, hotel, or retail partners. This can give you more options and value for your points, especially if you are loyal to a specific brand or program. You can also take advantage of promotions and bonuses that may offer higher transfer rates or extra rewards.
Some of the most popular programs that you can transfer your Avion points to are:
- WestJet Rewards: You can transfer your Avion points to WestJet dollars at a 1:1 ratio, which means 1 Avion point = 1 WestJet dollar. WestJet dollars can be used to pay for the base fare of any WestJet flight or vacation package, with no blackout dates or restrictions. You can also enjoy benefits such as free checked bags, priority boarding, and lounge access with WestJet Rewards tiers.
- British Airways Executive Club: You can transfer your Avion points to Avios at a 1:1 ratio, which means 1 Avion point = 1 Avios. Avios can be used to book flights, hotels, car rentals, and more with British Airways and its oneworld partners, such as American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and Qantas. You can also enjoy benefits such as priority check-in, seat selection, and lounge access with British Airways Executive Club tiers.
- American Airlines AAdvantage: You can transfer your Avion points to AAdvantage miles at a 1:0.7 ratio, which means 1 Avion point = 0.7 AAdvantage mile. AAdvantage miles can be used to book flights, hotels, car rentals, and more with American Airlines and its oneworld partners, such as British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Qantas. You can also enjoy benefits such as free checked bags, priority boarding, and lounge access with AAdvantage tiers.
To transfer your Avion points to other programs, you need to follow these steps:
- Visit avionrewards.com/transfer or call 1-877-636-2870 to choose your desired program and enter the number of points you want to transfer. You can transfer as many or as few points as you want, as long as you have enough to cover the minimum transfer amount of 10,000 points.
- Confirm your transfer and enter your program membership number and details. You will receive a confirmation by email and your points will be transferred to your program account within 2-4 business days.
How to get the best value for your Avion points
As you can see, Avion points have different values depending on how you use them. To get the most out of your points, you will want to follow these tips and tricks:
- Redeem your points for travel using the Air Travel Redemption Schedule whenever possible, as it offers the highest value of up to 2.33 cents per point. Try to find flights that match or exceed the max ticket price for the zone, or pay the difference with your credit card or points if they are slightly over.
- Use the conversion rate only if you cannot find a flight that fits the Air Travel Redemption Schedule, or if you want more flexibility and choice for your travel plans. The conversion rate offers a flat value of 1 cent per point, which is lower than the schedule, but still decent for travel rewards.
- Transfer your points to other programs only if you are loyal to a specific brand or program, or if you can take advantage of promotions and bonuses that may offer higher transfer rates or extra rewards. Otherwise, you may lose value by transferring your points, as some programs have lower redemption rates or higher fees and surcharges than Avion.
- Compare the value of your points with the cash price of your reward before you redeem them. Sometimes, it may be better to pay with cash and save your points for a higher value redemption in the future. A good rule of thumb is to aim for at least 1.5 cents per point in value, which is the average value of Avion points.
- Earn more points by spending on RBC Avion credit cards, especially on travel purchases, which offer bonus points. You can also earn more points by taking advantage of sign-up bonuses, referral bonuses, and promotional offers from RBC and its partners.
- Choose the best RBC Avion credit card for your needs, based on your spending habits, preferences, and goals. The RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege Card offers the highest earning rate and the most benefits and perks, but it also has the highest annual fee. The RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card offers a good balance of value and features, while the RBC Avion Visa Platinum Card offers a lower annual fee and a simpler earning structure.
- The RBC Avion Visa Infinite Business Card and the RBC Avion Visa Business Card are ideal for business owners who want to earn and redeem Avion points for their business expenses. The RBC ION+ Visa and the RBC ION Visa are great for everyday spending, as they offer high earning rates on groceries, gas, and transit. The RBC Rewards+ Visa Signature, the RBC Rewards Visa, the RBC Rewards Visa Preferred, the RBC U.S. Dollar Visa Gold, and the RBC Visa CreditLine for Small Business are good options for low or no annual fee cards that still earn Avion points.
Conclusion
Avion points are one of the most flexible and rewarding travel currencies in Canada. They can be earned and redeemed with RBC Avion credit cards, which offer a variety of options and benefits for different types of travelers. Avion points can be redeemed for flights, hotels, car rentals, and more with any airline, any time, using the Air Travel Redemption Schedule or the conversion rate. They can also be transferred to other loyalty programs, such as WestJet Rewards, British Airways Executive Club, and American Airlines AAdvantage. Avion points have different values depending on how you use them, so you will want to choose the option that gives you the most bang for your buck.
We hope this article has helped you understand how to earn and redeem Avion points, how to use the Air Travel Redemption Schedule or the conversion rate to book your flights, and how to get the best value for your points. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below. Happy travels, Hustlers! 🛫
Source: (1) RBC Rewards – Redeem Points – RBC Royal Bank. https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/rbcrewards/redeem-points/index.html. (2) Book Flights, Hotels, and More On Points – Avion Rewards. https://www.avionrewards.com/travel/index.html. (3) Your RBC Avion Visa Infinite – RBC Royal Bank. https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/credit-cards/travel/rbc-visa-infinite-avion/rbc-visa-infinite-avion-benefits-guide.pdf. (4) Fly On Any Airline, Any Flight, Anytime. – RBC Royal Bank. https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/credit-cards/travel/rbc-visa-platinum-avion/rbc-visa-platinum-avion-benefits-guide.pdf. (5) Calculator: What’s The Value of RBC Avion Points? – The Point Calculator. https://www.thepointcalculator.com/ca/travel/rbc/rbc-avion-points-value. (6) See How Many Points You Need To Travel – Avion Rewards. https://www.avionrewards.com/travel/redemptionSchedule.html.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. The information and opinions expressed in this article are based on the author’s research and experience and may not reflect the current or accurate situation of the Avion points program or the RBC Avion credit cards. The author is not affiliated with RBC or any of its partners and does not receive any compensation or endorsement from them. The author is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or losses that may result from the use of or reliance on the information in this article. Readers are advised to do their own research and consult with a qualified professional before making any decisions regarding their Avion points or RBC Avion credit cards. Readers should also do their due diligence and verify the information and offers from the official sources before applying for any credit cards or redeeming any rewards.