RBC ION vs ION+: Which Entry-Level Card is Better?
The RBC ION+ Visa easily outperforms the no-fee RBC ION Visa for anyone spending more than $381 per month across daily categories like groceries, dining, gas, and streaming. When paired with a premium Avion card to transfer points 1:1, the break-even threshold drops to just $178 per month.
Royal Bank of Canada revamped its rewards portfolio by introducing the RBC ION Visa and RBC ION+ Visa. Both cards earn Avion Points (specifically Avion Premium points), targeting high-velocity everyday spending categories like groceries, food delivery, rides, gas, and streaming subscriptions.
While the standard RBC ION is a no-annual-fee card, the RBC ION+ charges a modest $4 monthly fee ($48 annually) in exchange for doubling the earn rate in core categories from 1.5x to 3x points per dollar. Deciding between the two comes down to mathematical break-even thresholds and how you redeem your Avion points.
| Feature | RBC ION Visa | RBC ION+ Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 | $48 ($4/month) |
| Rewards Currency | Avion Premium Points | Avion Premium Points |
| Bonus Earn Multiplier | 1.5x points per $1 | 3x points per $1 |
| Bonus Categories | Groceries, Dining, Food Delivery, Gas, Rides, Streaming, Subscriptions, Gaming | Groceries, Dining, Food Delivery, Gas, Rides, Streaming, Subscriptions, Gaming |
| Base Earn Rate | 1x point per $1 | 1x point per $1 |
| Mobile Device Insurance | No | Yes (Up to $1,000) |
| Purchase Security & Extended Warranty | Yes | Yes |
| Minimum Income Requirement | None stated | None stated |
Card Deep Dives
RBC ION Visa
The standard RBC ION Visa provides a simple, zero-cost entry point into the RBC rewards ecosystem. It delivers an accelerated 1.5x earn rate across daily necessities without requiring an annual fee commitment.
- $0 Annual Fee: Maintain your account and preserve credit history with no ongoing carrying costs.
- 1.5x Points: Earn 1.5 Avion points per $1 on groceries, dining, food delivery, rideshare, transit, gas, streaming, and digital gaming.
- 1x Base Points: Earn 1 Avion point per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Save at Petro-Canada: Link your card to save 3¢/L on fuel and earn 20% more Petro-Points.
RBC ION+ Visa
The RBC ION+ Visa charges a low monthly fee of $4 ($48 per year) and elevates
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