RBC Avion vs TD Aeroplan: Which Canadian Points Win in 2026?
Head-to-head comparison between the RBC Avion Visa Infinite and TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite. We analyze transfer flexibility, Air Canada flight redemptions, transfer bonuses, and baseline return math.
Choosing between RBC Avion and TD Aeroplan is the quintessential Canadian travel rewards dilemma. RBC Avion excels at flexible point transfers (including frequent 30% British Airways Avios transfer bonuses) and predictable fixed-grid flight caps. TD Aeroplan delivers maximum luxury upside on Star Alliance flights and valuable Air Canada airline perks like free first checked bags for up to 9 travelers.
1. Executive Summary & Core Value Proposition
Both the RBC Avion Visa Infinite and the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite command identical $139 CAD annual fees, feature premium Visa Infinite travel insurance suites, and target mid-to-high-income Canadian travelers. However, their underlying reward philosophies diverge fundamentally:
- RBC Avion Visa Infinite: A flexible hybrid rewards card. You can redeem points directly against any airline seat via RBC's Air Travel Redemption Schedule, or transfer points 1:1 to British Airways Avios, Cathay Pacific Asia Miles, and American Airlines AAdvantage. For a complete deep-dive on redemption caps, read our RBC Avion Redemption Schedule & Flight Value Guide.
- TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite: A direct co-branded airline card. Every point earned flows directly into Air Canada's Aeroplan program, unlocking dynamic Air Canada pricing and fixed-partner reward charts across Star Alliance carriers. Read our full review in the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Review.
2. Head-to-Head Side-by-Side Comparison Matrix
Below is a comprehensive comparison of earn rates, welcome offers, transfer partners, airline perks, and insurance coverage across both cards:
| Feature / Benefit | RBC Avion Visa Infinite | TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $139 CAD | $139 CAD | Tie |
| Everyday Earn Rate | 1.0 Avion pt / $1 spend | 1.0 Aeroplan pt / $1 spend | Tie |
| Category Multipliers | 1.25 pts / $1 on Travel spend | 1.5 pts / $1 on Groceries, Gas & AirCanada.com | TD Aeroplan (1.5x Groceries & Gas) |
| Flight Redemption Model | Fixed RBC Air Travel Schedule + Transfer Partners | Dynamic Air Canada Pricing + Star Alliance Fixed Grid | RBC Avion (Flexibility & Transfers) |
| Airline Transfer Partners | BA Avios, Asia Miles, AA AAdvantage, WestJet | None (Direct Aeroplan program deposit) | RBC Avion (4 Transfer Partners) |
| Air Canada Perks | None | Free 1st Checked Bag (Primary + 8 guests) + Preferred Pricing | TD Aeroplan ($300+/yr Value) |
| Transfer Bonuses | Frequent 15%–30% Avios transfer bonuses annually | N/A (Points land directly in Aeroplan) | RBC Avion (+30% Avios Yield) |
| Emergency Medical Insurance | $5,000,000 CAD (15 Days < age 65) | $2,000,000 CAD (21 Days < age 65) | Tie (Coverage vs Duration) |
| Flight Delay Insurance | Up to $250 / day (4+ hour delay) | Up to $500 total (4+ hour delay) | TD Aeroplan ($500 Cap) |
3. RBC Avion Breakdown: Ultimate Transfer Flexibility & Fixed Flight Grid
The primary advantage of holding the RBC Avion Visa Infinite is **freedom from single-airline devaluation**. When you hold Avion points, you are not tied to Air Canada's pricing algorithm.
Top 3 RBC Avion Advantages:
- Fixed Air Travel Schedule (Up to 2.33 Cents/Point): RBC's fixed redemption grid allows you to book short-haul domestic flights (e.g., Toronto to Montreal or Vancouver to Calgary) for 15,000 Avion points with a maximum base ticket price of $350 CAD—yielding an effective 2.33 cents per point value.
- The British Airways Avios 30% Transfer Bonus: Once or twice a year, RBC offers a 30% transfer bonus to British Airways Executive Club. Transferring 50,000 Avion points converts into 65,000 Avios points, which can be redeemed for high-value Qatar Airways Qsuite business class flights or short-haul AA domestic flights in the US.
- No Blackout Dates: As long as an economy seat is available for sale on any commercial airline, RBC Avion points can be used to book it through RBC Travel.
4. TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Breakdown: Air Canada Luxury & Everyday Multipliers
While RBC Avion offers broader flexibility, the **TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite** is purpose-built for Canadians who fly Air Canada at least once or twice a year.
Top 3 TD Aeroplan Advantages:
- Free First Checked Bag Savings: The primary cardholder and up to 8 companions traveling on the same reservation receive their first checked bag free on all Air Canada flights. At $35 to $50 CAD per bag each way, a family of four saves $280 to $400 CAD on a single round-trip vacation—instantly erasing the $139 annual fee.
- 1.5x Multiplier on Groceries & Gas: TD Aeroplan earns 1.5 Aeroplan points per $1 spent on essential daily household categories (groceries and gas). Compare this to RBC Avion's standard 1.0 pt/$1 on groceries, and TD generates **50% more points on daily living expenses**.
- High-Value Star Alliance Business Class Sweets Spots: Aeroplan points can be redeemed for international business class seats on world-class partners like ANA, Lufthansa, Swiss, and Singapore Airlines at fixed distance-based award chart rates. Point values on business class awards routinely range between **3.0 to 5.0 cents per point**.
5. Point Valuation & Net Return Math
To evaluate which card generates higher annual value, let's run the numbers for a typical Canadian household spending **$2,500 CAD per month** ($30,000/year) across standard categories:
| Category | Annual Spend | RBC Avion Points Earned | TD Aeroplan Points Earned |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries & Supermarkets | $9,000 CAD | 9,000 pts (1.0x) | 13,500 pts (1.5x) |
| Gas & EV Charging | $3,600 CAD | 3,600 pts (1.0x) | 5,400 pts (1.5x) |
| Air Canada & Travel Spend | $3,400 CAD | 4,250 pts (1.25x) | 5,100 pts (1.5x) |
| Everyday Retail & Bills | $14,000 CAD | 14,000 pts (1.0x) | 14,000 pts (1.0x) |
| TOTAL ANNUAL POINTS | $30,000 CAD | 30,850 Avion Points | 38,000 Aeroplan Points |
| Estimated Baseline Value (@ 1.8¢) | — | ~$555.30 CAD | ~$684.00 CAD |
As demonstrated in the mathematical breakdown above, TD Aeroplan's 1.5x multiplier on groceries and gas yields **~7,150 extra points per year** over RBC Avion, giving TD a ~$128.70 CAD advantage in baseline point accumulation on identical spend.
However, if an RBC Avion cardholder waits for a **30% British Airways Avios transfer bonus**, their 30,850 Avion points become **40,105 Avios points**—effectively closing the earning gap while unlocking BA award flight sweet spots.
6. Decision Framework: Which Card Should You Pick?
- You want the flexibility to redeem points across any airline without blackouts.
- You leverage transfer bonuses to British Airways Avios or Cathay Pacific Asia Miles.
- You fly domestic or US short-haul economy flights where the RBC Fixed Air Travel Schedule maximizes ticket caps.
- You already hold an Amex Cobalt card and want a reliable Visa backup for non-Amex merchants. See our Marriott Bonvoy Amex Review and Best Travel Credit Cards Guide.
- You fly Air Canada at least once per year and check luggage ($300+ annual savings).
- Your monthly spend is heavily weighted toward groceries and gas (1.5x multiplier).
- Your ultimate goal is saving for luxury business or first-class international partner redemptions.
- You value preferred Aeroplan award pricing when redeeming points for Air Canada flights.
7. How WalletFit Solves the Avion vs. Aeroplan Optimization Challenge
Choosing between RBC Avion and TD Aeroplan does not have to be an all-or-nothing decision. Many Canadian point optimizers carry both cards in their wallet rotation to capture the best of both worlds.
WalletFit eliminates the guesswork of managing multiple reward currencies by providing real-time wallet intelligence:
- Automatic Transfer Bonus Alerts: WalletFit monitors bank transfer promotions and alerts you when RBC launches a 30% Avios bonus, calculating your exact point multiplier yield.
- Checkout MCC Optimization: Tells you exactly which card to swipe at grocery checkout—ensuring you use TD Aeroplan for 1.5x on food purchases while deploying RBC Avion on travel bookings.
- Point Valuation Engine: Tracks real-time cents-per-point (CPP) values so you know whether to pay with Aeroplan points or cash on any given flight itinerary. Check our full suite of strategies in our Best Canadian Cash Back Guide and CIBC Costco Review.