The RBC Avion Visa Infinite can be a good fit for Canadians who want flexible travel rewards without depending on one airline. It may suit people who compare flight prices, book different types of trips and want Avion points that can support flights, hotels, car rentals or other travel plans.
However, this card should be chosen with a clear purpose. A rewards card can look appealing, but the annual fee, interest rate, income requirements and redemption habits decide its real value. Therefore, it works best for people who pay their balance in full and use points with intention.
Why choose this credit card
The card’s biggest strength is travel flexibility. Avion points can help Canadians plan trips without staying tied to one airline program. That can be useful for travellers who compare Air Canada, WestJet, Porter and international carriers before booking.
The card also fits people who want a mid-range travel product from a major Canadian bank. Its annual fee is generally lower than many premium travel cards, while still offering travel-focused benefits and access to the Avion rewards ecosystem.
Its main benefits include:
- flexible Avion points for travel redemptions;
- rewards on eligible everyday purchases;
- stronger earning on eligible travel purchases;
- travel insurance features for planned trips;
- value for travellers who compare several airlines.
Still, this is not a simple cash back card. If you want direct savings on groceries, gas or bills, a cash back product may feel easier. Here, the value depends on how well you redeem points.
Approval requirements and credit score
The RBC Avion Visa Infinite usually targets applicants with solid income and good credit habits. Many Visa Infinite cards in Canada require around $60,000 in personal annual income or $100,000 in household income. Applicants also need to meet Canadian residency and age eligibility rules.
RBC does not publish one fixed minimum required credit score for every applicant. So, the question “what score do I need to qualify?” should be answered with context. A score around 660 can be a useful market reference, but it does not guarantee approval.
RBC may also review:
- personal or household income;
- payment history;
- current credit balances;
- recent credit applications;
- employment or business income;
- overall debt obligations;
- existing relationship with the bank.
As a result, a strong score can still be weakened by high balances or recent missed payments. Meanwhile, stable income, low utilization and a long positive credit history can make the file more attractive.
How to improve approval chances
Start by lowering current credit balances. If your cards are close to their limits, a lender may see higher risk. Therefore, reducing utilization before applying can improve the overall picture.
Then, avoid several credit applications in a short period. Multiple hard inquiries can make your file look unstable. It is usually smarter to prepare one strong application than to apply for several premium cards at once.
Employees usually have a simpler income file. Self-employed Canadians, freelancers and small business owners may need more documents. The phrase “credit card for self-employed or 1099 workers” appears often in U.S. content, but in Canada the focus is clear proof of self-employed income.
Useful documents may include:
- CRA notices of assessment;
- recent tax returns;
- business bank statements;
- invoices;
- active contracts;
- proof of recurring deposits.
Also, stay realistic with weak credit. A self-employed client with a 420 credit score getting approved for this card would be very unusual. If it happened, the file would likely include strong assets, a long RBC relationship or another exceptional factor.
How to apply for the card
You can usually apply online, by phone or at an RBC branch. Online applications work well when your income, address and credit file are easy to verify. A branch visit may help if your income is variable or your situation needs explanation.
Before applying, estimate how much value you will get from Avion points. If you travel often and compare redemption options, the card can make sense. If you rarely travel, a no-fee card or cash back card may be more practical.
A simple application process can look like this:
- check the annual fee and APR;
- confirm income eligibility;
- review your credit file;
- prepare personal and income details;
- submit the application;
- answer verification requests;
- avoid another application while waiting.
It is also important to separate credit cards from financing products. Fixed monthly payments vs. variable APR options usually apply to loans, lines of credit or structured financing. Financing options with low down payment are more common for vehicles, furniture or renovations, not rewards cards.
FAQ RBC Avion Visa Infinite
Can I be approved with negative marks on my credit file?
It may be possible in rare situations, but recent negative marks can hurt your chances. Missed payments, collections or high utilization can make approval harder. In that case, a secured card or lower-tier card may be a better rebuilding step.
What minimum score is accepted for RBC Avion Visa Infinite?
RBC does not publish one universal approval score. Still, this card usually fits good credit profiles. A score around 660 may help, but income, debt, payment history and recent applications also matter.
Do I need to be employed to apply?
No, but you need to prove reliable repayment ability. Self-employed applicants can apply with strong documentation. CRA records, bank statements and recurring contracts can help explain income stability.
Does this card offer rates from 3.99% APR?
No. Rates from 3.99% APR are more common with certain loans, secured lending or promotional financing. This card has a much higher purchase APR, so it should not be used for long-term borrowing.
Are Avion points useful for everyday users?
They can be, but the value depends on redemption. Travellers may get more from Avion than people who prefer simple statement savings. Therefore, compare redemption options before relying on the points.
Lesser-known tips before applying
First, check how you usually book travel. If you like comparing several airlines and destinations, Avion flexibility can help. If you always use one airline loyalty program, a co-branded card may fit better.
Next, watch the annual fee. The fee can be reasonable when points turn into real travel value. However, it becomes harder to justify if you rarely redeem or use the card only for small purchases.
Your RBC relationship may also help the conversation. A chequing account, regular deposits, investments or mortgage can make your profile easier to explain. Still, banking history does not override income and credit requirements.
Finally, avoid cash advances. They usually carry high costs and do not match a rewards strategy. If you need money for a large purchase, compare a personal loan or line of credit instead.
Alternatives if your application is refused
A refusal does not mean you should apply again immediately. Too many applications can add hard inquiries and weaken your profile. Instead, identify the likely issue and improve it first.
Within RBC, a lower-tier Avion card may be easier to consider. RBC ION+ Visa may suit people focused on everyday categories. A no-fee RBC card can also help build history before moving to a stronger travel card.
Outside RBC, Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite can be better for foreign-currency purchases. TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite may suit people who use Expedia for TD. Tangerine Money-Back can be clearer for users who prefer cash back.
For damaged credit, a secured card may be more realistic. The goal is to pay on time, keep utilization low and rebuild before trying again.
RBC Avion Visa Infinite can fit travellers who want options
The RBC Avion Visa Infinite can be valuable for Canadians who want flexible travel rewards, compare airlines and pay their balance monthly. Its main appeal is choice, especially for people who do not want one fixed airline path.
However, it needs the right spending profile. The annual fee, APR and income expectations can reduce value if you rarely travel or carry balances. So, compare, simulate and choose based on your real habits. A good travel card should make trips easier without adding financial pressure.
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