Reviewed by Jen, founder of MoneyMint · Updated September 25, 2026

RBCEveryday Rewards

RBC ION+ Visa

Our take: strongest for groceries and gas — about 2.1% back in value (est.) for $48 a year, plus a welcome bonus worth about $200. We value ION+ points the way RBC does: 1,400 points = $10 in gift cards.

Welcome bonusUp to 28,000 Avion points welcome bonus

Apply on RBC’s site →

Goes straight to RBC
Our review

The RBC ION+ Visa is the fee-based counterpart to RBC’s no-fee ION Visa, adding a $48 annual fee in exchange for a meaningfully richer 3x Avion points rate on everyday categories like groceries, gas, dining, and streaming. It’s aimed at cardholders who spend consistently enough in those categories that the extra earn rate outweighs the fee, though it still lacks any built-in travel insurance despite its travel-oriented Avion currency.

2.7out of 5

MoneyMint rating

#30 of 30 travel rewards cards · How we rate

Rewards value

3/10

Insurance

4/10

Flexibility

8/10

Welcome bonus

3/10

Fee value

10/10

Perks

2/10

≈ $482

estimated first-year value after the annual fee, on a typical $2,050/month budget. Points are converted to dollars using MoneyMint’s own valuations — see our points value calculator for how each program is valued. See it for your spending →

At a Glance

Annual Fee

$48/yrwaived for eligible students/cardholders 24 & under

Rewards Rate

Up to 3x Avion pointson groceries, gas/EV, dining, food delivery, transit, streaming

Welcome Bonus

Up to 28,000 Avion points

Rewards

~2.1%on groceries (est. value)

Foreign Transaction Fee

2.5%

Credit Score Needed

Goodestimate; RBC publishes no official minimum

Purchase APR 20.99%

Pros & Cons

Pros

3x Avion points on a broad set of everyday categories (groceries, gas/EV charging, dining, food delivery, transit/rideshare, streaming)
Welcome bonus spread across approval, first 6 months, and account anniversary, which can encourage sustained use
Modest, easy-to-clear $48 annual fee that’s waived for eligible students/cardholders 24 and under
Mobile device insurance up to $1,000 for two years if your phone is lost, stolen, accidentally damaged or breaks down, when you buy it with the card

Cons

No complimentary travel insurance of any kind, unusual for a card earning travel-branded rewards
Point redemption value is low (~$0.007/point) unless redeemed carefully
2.5% foreign transaction fee applies with no waiver, eroding value for cross-border spenders
RBC discloses no official income or credit-score minimum, leaving eligibility opaque to applicants

Rewards & Earn Rates

Groceries3xAvion points per $1

Gas / EV charging3xAvion points per $1

Dining3xAvion points per $1

Food delivery3xAvion points per $1

Transit / rideshare3xAvion points per $1

Streaming / digital subscriptions3xAvion points per $1

All other purchases1xAvion points per $1

This card earns 3x Avion points on groceries, gas, dining, food delivery, transit, and streaming, but like its no-fee ION sibling, it includes no built-in travel insurance despite earning a travel-branded currency. RBC’s DoorDash terms (updated November 2025) give this card a complimentary 6-month DashPass subscription, though RBC’s own product page still says 3 months — worth confirming when you activate it.

Who It’s For

Best for

Consumers who spend heavily in the 3x categories (groceries, gas, dining, streaming) and would clear $48/yr in extra value versus the no-fee ION Visa
Students or cardholders 24 and under with an RBC Advantage Banking Account for Students, who get the annual fee rebated and effectively get the richer earn rate for free

Not ideal for

Anyone wanting complimentary travel insurance bundled with a travel-rewards card — this card has none
Low or irregular spenders who wouldn’t earn enough extra points in the bonus categories to offset the $48 fee versus simply using the free ION Visa

Not Sure? Three Cards People Compare It With

All everyday spending cards →

TD Cash Back Visa Infinite Card

Pick this instead if travel insurance matters more to you.

Fee $139Rating 4.4 ★Bonus $600

Read review

American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card

Pick this instead if you want a bigger welcome bonus (~$1,700 est.).

Fee $599Rating 4.6 ★Bonus $1,700

Read review

American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card

Pick this instead if you want a bigger welcome bonus (~$1,800 est.).

Fee $599Rating 4.2 ★Bonus $1,800

Read review

2.7MoneyMint rating

RBC ION+ Visa

Best for groceries and gas · $48/year · ~$200 welcome bonus (est.)

Apply on RBC’s site →Find a better fit

Jen, founder of MoneyMint

Reviewed by Jen. Every figure on this page was checked against RBC’s official card page on September 25, 2026. How we rate cards →

This is general information, not personalized financial advice — consider your own spending habits and consult a professional for decisions specific to your situation. Rates, fees, and offers are set by RBC and can change without notice; always confirm current terms on the issuer’s official page before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the annual fee for the RBC ION+ Visa?

The RBC ION+ Visa has an annual fee of $48/yr (waived for eligible students/cardholders 24 & under).

What is the rewards rate on the RBC ION+ Visa?

The RBC ION+ Visa offers: Up to 3 Avion points per $1 on groceries, gas/EV charging, dining, food delivery, transit/rideshare, and streaming; 1 point per $1 on all other purchases

Does the RBC ION+ Visa have a welcome bonus?

Up to 28,000 Avion points: 7,000 on approval + 14,000 after $1,500 spend in 6 months + 7,000 at the one-year anniversary Offer live through November 4, 2026 per current RBC product page; double-check before you apply.

What credit score do I need to qualify for the RBC ION+ Visa?

Generally, you’ll want a good credit score to be considered for the RBC ION+ Visa. Approval also depends on income and overall credit history, not credit score alone.

Does the RBC ION+ Visa charge foreign transaction fees?

2.5%