How to Upgrade from RBC ION to RBC Avion Visa Infinite
Upgrading from an RBC ION or ION+ to the RBC Avion Visa Infinite unlocks the full power of your accrued Avion points, instantly increasing maximum point value from 0.58–1.0 cents to up to 2.33 cents on flight redemptions. Best of all, executing a formal product switch preserves your credit score history, avoids a hard inquiry, and automatically merges your existing reward balance.
If you currently hold the RBC ION Visa or RBC ION+ Visa, you are earning a strong earn rate on everyday spend—up to 3x Avion points on groceries, dining, food delivery, rides, gas, and streaming. However, your points are trapped in the basic Avion Rewards (Premium Tier) pool, which limits redemptions primarily to gift cards, statement credits, or basic travel bookings at lower valuations.
By learning how to upgrade your RBC credit card to the flagship RBC Avion Visa Infinite, you instantly "unlock" your entire accumulated points bank. Upgrading elevates your points to the full Avion tier, enabling high-value transfers to airline partners like British Airways Executive Club (Avios) and WestJet, as well as access to the lucrative RBC Air Travel Redemption Schedule.
Why Upgrade? The Mathematical Value Gap
The primary reason to request an RBC Avion upgrade is not just the perks on the new card—it is the massive spike in the underlying dollar value of the points you have already earned.
| Redemption Method | RBC ION / ION+ Valuation | RBC Avion Visa Infinite Valuation | Value Boost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pay with Points (Statement Credit) | 0.58¢ per point | 0.58¢ per point | 0% |
| Gift Cards & Merchandise | 0.70¢ – 1.00¢ per point | 0.70¢ – 1.00¢ per point | 0% |
| RBC Air Travel Schedule | Not Allowed | Up to 2.33¢ per point | +133% |
| Airline Transfer Partners (e.g., Avios) | Not Allowed | 1.50¢ – 2.10¢ per point | +110%+ |
As demonstrated in the math above, 35,000 points earned on an RBC ION+ card are worth roughly $350 in gift cards. Once upgraded to the Avion Visa Infinite tier, those same 35,000 points can be redeemed for a round-trip short-haul flight valued up to $750 via the RBC Avion Air Travel Redemption Schedule—effectively doubling your net reward yield overnight.
RBC Product Switching Rules & Eligibility Requirements
Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) has specific procedural rules regarding product switches (also known as card conversions or upgrades):
- No Hard Credit Inquiry: Performing an inline product switch does not require a new credit application. This means no hard pull on your TransUnion or Equifax credit report, preserving your credit score.
- Credit History Preservation: Your account open date, trade line age, and credit history carry over seamlessly to the new card, maintaining your average age of accounts (AAoA).
- Minimum Credit Limit Threshold: The RBC Avion Visa Infinite is a Visa Infinite tier card, requiring a minimum credit limit of $5,000. If your current ION card has a credit limit under $5,000, you will need to request a credit limit increase prior to or during the switch (which may trigger a soft or hard credit check depending on pre-approval status).
- Income Eligibility: Standard income requirements for Visa Infinite cards apply: $60,000 personal annual gross income OR $100,000 household annual gross income.
- Welcome Bonus Eligibility: When upgrading an existing account, you typically do not qualify for public introductory welcome bonuses reserved for new applications. If the current public welcome bonus is exceptionally high, run the math on applying outright versus upgrading.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Execute an RBC Card Upgrade
Method 1: RBC Online Banking / Mobile App (Instant Switch)
- Log into your RBC Online Banking account on a desktop web browser.
- Select your existing RBC ION or ION+ credit card from your Account Summary.
- Click on "Switch Card" or "Change Credit Card Type" under the card management menu options.
- Select the RBC Avion Visa Infinite from the list of available upgrade options.
- Review the fee structure ($120 annual fee) and accept the terms and conditions. The switch is usually processed within 24–48 hours, and your existing physical card remains active until your new Avion card arrives in the mail.
Method 2: Phone Switch via RBC Card Services (Recommended)
If the online option is not visible on your dashboard, call RBC Credit Card Customer Service at 1-800-769-2512 and follow this communication protocol:
"Hello, I currently hold the RBC ION card and would like to request a product switch to the RBC Avion Visa Infinite. I want to ensure my account history is retained and my existing points balance automatically transfers over to the Premium Avion tier."
The agent will verify your income threshold ($60,000 individual / $100,000 household) and verify that your credit line meets or exceeds $5,000. Once confirmed, the switch takes effect immediately.
Card Deep Dive: ION+ vs. Avion Visa Infinite
RBC ION+ Visa
- Annual Fee: $48 ($4/month)
- Earn Rate: 3x points on Groceries, Dining, Food Delivery, Rides, Gas, Streaming, Digital Gaming. 1x on all other spending.
- Redemption Cap: Limited to gift cards, merch, or travel at 1 cent/pt maximum.
- Best Used For: Daily category spending to accumulate massive point volumes before upgrading. Read our full RBC ION+ Visa review.
RBC Avion Visa Infinite
- Annual Fee: $120 (Rebated with RBC VIP Banking)
- Earn Rate: 1.25x points on Travel spend; 1x points on all other purchases.
- Redemption Power: Unlocks Fixed-Value Flight Schedule (up to 2.33¢/pt) & 1:1 transfers to British Airways Avios.
- Travel Insurance: Comprehensive coverage including Out-of-Province Emergency Medical, Trip Cancellation, and Mobile Device Insurance.
Optimization Strategy: The "2-Card RBC Combo"
The ultimate Canadian points strategy involves combining the high earning power of the ION family with the high redemption value of the Avion family.
Because RBC allows you to transfer points between accounts in the same household instantly online, advanced strategists hold both the RBC ION+ Visa (for 3x category multipliers) and an upgraded Avion Visa Infinite (for airline transfer capabilities). You spend daily on the ION+ to collect 3x points, then transfer those points to your Avion account to redeem via Avion or Aeroplan flight booking strategies for maximum return math.
To keep track of multi-card category spending, point conversions, and annual fee schedules, leverage WalletFit to monitor real-time net return math across every card in your wallet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will upgrading my RBC ION card affect my credit score?
No. Performing a product switch (upgrading) through RBC reuses your existing credit line and trade line history. There is no hard credit check, so your credit score and average age of accounts remain unaffected.
What happens to my existing ION points when I upgrade to Avion?
Your points automatically convert to full-tier Avion points. This instantly unlocks premium redemption options, including the RBC Air Travel Redemption Schedule (up to 2.33 cents/point) and 1:1 transfer partners like British Airways Executive Club.
What are the minimum requirements to upgrade to the RBC Avion Visa Infinite?
You must have an active credit line of at least $5,000 (or request an increase to $5,000) and meet the minimum income requirements of $60,000 gross personal annual income or $100,000 household income.
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