RBC credit cards
Verified Oct 16, 2026CAD
8 RBC cards ranked on a family's spending, each with Year 1 against every year after. Annual fees run from $0 to $399.
Advertiser disclosure: we may earn a commission when you apply through some links on this page. It never affects rank: cards are ordered by the value worked out from your spending. How we make money · Methodology
- #1
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1$952Year 2+$6523 years $2,255 after fees· pays for itself in month 1
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$952Year 2+$652Welcome or anniversary bonus$300 / $0Rewards on spending$772 / $772Fees (taken off the end)−$120 / −$120 Pays for itself in month 1 · value so far covers fees so far Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
3%GrocGroceries3%DineDining and takeout3%GasGas and EV charging1%AirFlights1%HotelHotels and car rentals3%TransitTransit and rideshare3%StreamStreaming1%DrugDrugstores1%OnlineOnline shopping1%BillsPhone, internet and utilities1%OtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #1 of 8. By 3-year value on the family preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $2,255 after fees.
- Year 1. $952 = welcome bonus $300 + rewards $772 − fee $120.
- Each year after. $652 = rewards $772 − fee $120.
- Against #2. Beats RBC WestJet World Elite Mastercard by $638 over 3 years, mostly on welcome bonus (+$300).
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption - #2
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1estimated value, about $539, based on 1 cents per pointYear 2+estimated value, about $539, based on 1 cents per point3 years estimated value, about $1,617, based on 1 cents per point after fees· pays for itself in month 3Bonus not counted
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1estimated value, about $539, based on 1 cents per pointYear 2+estimated value, about $539, based on 1 cents per pointRewards on spending$678 / $678Fees (taken off the end)−$139 / −$139 Pays for itself in month 3 · value so far covers fees so far Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
2xGrocGroceries1.5xDineDining and takeout2xGasGas and EV charging2xAirFlights1.5xHotelHotels and car rentals2xTransitTransit and rideshare1.5xStreamStreaming1.5xDrugDrugstores1.5xOnlineOnline shopping1.5xBillsPhone, internet and utilities1.5xOtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #2 of 8. By 3-year value on the family preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth about $1,617 (estimated) after fees.
- Year 1. about $539 (estimated) = rewards $678 − fee $139.
- Each year after. about $539 (estimated) = rewards $678 − fee $139.
- Against #1. Trails RBC Cash Back Preferred World Elite Mastercard by $638 over 3 years, mostly on welcome bonus (−$300).
- Against #3. Beats RBC ION+ Visa by $256 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (+$691).
- Not counted. Welcome offer not counted: Up to 70,000 WestJet points; the spend requirements aren't on the card page.
Points valued at 1.00¢ each; move the "Value points as" slider above to see what they're worth transferred.
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption - #3
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1$521Year 2+$4003 years $1,361 after fees· pays for itself in month 1
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$521Year 2+$400Welcome or anniversary bonus$122 / $0Rewards on spending$448 / $448Fees (taken off the end)−$48 / −$48 Pays for itself in month 1 · value so far covers fees so far Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
3xGrocGroceries3xDineDining and takeout3xGasGas and EV charging1xAirFlights1xHotelHotels and car rentals3xTransitTransit and rideshare3xStreamStreaming1xDrugDrugstores1xOnlineOnline shopping1xBillsPhone, internet and utilities1xOtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #3 of 8. By 3-year value on the family preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $1,361 after fees.
- Year 1. $521 = welcome bonus $122 + rewards $448 − fee $48.
- Each year after. $400 = rewards $448 − fee $48.
- Against #2. Trails RBC WestJet World Elite Mastercard by $256 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (−$691).
- Against #4. Beats RBC Cash Back Mastercard by $172 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (+$254).
Points valued at 0.58¢ each; move the "Value points as" slider above to see what they're worth transferred.
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption - #4
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1$463Year 2+$3633 years $1,189 after fees· no fee to cover
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$463Year 2+$363Welcome or anniversary bonus$100 / $0Rewards on spending$363 / $363Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / -$0 No annual fee Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
2%GrocGroceries0.5%DineDining and takeout1%GasGas and EV charging0.5%AirFlights0.5%HotelHotels and car rentals1%TransitTransit and rideshare0.5%StreamStreaming0.5%DrugDrugstores0.5%OnlineOnline shopping0.5%BillsPhone, internet and utilities0.5%OtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #4 of 8. By 3-year value on the family preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $1,189 after fees.
- Year 1. $463 = welcome bonus $100 + rewards $363.
- Each year after. $363 = rewards $363.
- Against #3. Trails RBC ION+ Visa by $172 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (−$254).
- Against #5. Beats RBC ION Visa by $289 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (+$271).
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption - #5
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1$354Year 2+$2733 years $900 after fees· no fee to cover
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$354Year 2+$273Welcome or anniversary bonus$81 / $0Rewards on spending$273 / $273Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / -$0 No annual fee Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
1.5xGrocGroceries1xDineDining and takeout1.5xGasGas and EV charging1xAirFlights1xHotelHotels and car rentals1.5xTransitTransit and rideshare1.5xStreamStreaming1xDrugDrugstores1xOnlineOnline shopping1xBillsPhone, internet and utilities1xOtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #5 of 8. By 3-year value on the family preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $900 after fees.
- Year 1. $354 = welcome bonus $81 + rewards $273.
- Each year after. $273 = rewards $273.
- Against #4. Trails RBC Cash Back Mastercard by $289 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (−$271).
- Against #6. Beats RBC Avion Visa Infinite by $141 over 3 years, mostly on annual fees (+$360).
Points valued at 0.58¢ each; move the "Value points as" slider above to see what they're worth transferred.
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption - #6
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1$437Year 2+$1183 years $759 after fees· pays for itself in month 1
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$437Year 2+$118Welcome or anniversary bonus$319 / $0Rewards on spending$238 / $238Fees (taken off the end)−$120 / −$120 Pays for itself in month 1 · value so far covers fees so far Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
1xGrocGroceries1xDineDining and takeout1xGasGas and EV charging1.25xAirFlights1.25xHotelHotels and car rentals1xTransitTransit and rideshare1xStreamStreaming1xDrugDrugstores1xOnlineOnline shopping1xBillsPhone, internet and utilities1xOtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #6 of 8. By 3-year value on the family preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $759 after fees.
- Year 1. $437 = welcome bonus $319 + rewards $238 − fee $120.
- Each year after. $118 = rewards $238 − fee $120.
- Against #5. Trails RBC ION Visa by $141 over 3 years, mostly on annual fees (−$360).
- Against #7. Beats RBC Avion Visa Platinum by $13 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (+$13).
Points valued at 0.58¢ each; move the "Value points as" slider above to see what they're worth transferred.
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption - #7
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1$432Year 2+$1133 years $745 after fees· pays for itself in month 1
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$432Year 2+$113Welcome or anniversary bonus$319 / $0Rewards on spending$233 / $233Fees (taken off the end)−$120 / −$120 Pays for itself in month 1 · value so far covers fees so far Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
1xGrocGroceries1xDineDining and takeout1xGasGas and EV charging1xAirFlights1xHotelHotels and car rentals1xTransitTransit and rideshare1xStreamStreaming1xDrugDrugstores1xOnlineOnline shopping1xBillsPhone, internet and utilities1xOtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #7 of 8. By 3-year value on the family preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $745 after fees.
- Year 1. $432 = welcome bonus $319 + rewards $233 − fee $120.
- Each year after. $113 = rewards $233 − fee $120.
- Against #6. Trails RBC Avion Visa Infinite by $13 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (−$13).
- Against #8. Beats RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege by $488 over 3 years, mostly on annual fees (+$837).
Points valued at 0.58¢ each; move the "Value points as" slider above to see what they're worth transferred.
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption - #8
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1$211Year 2+−$1083 years $257 after fees· pays for itself in month 4Mostly first-year value
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$211Year 2+−$108Welcome or anniversary bonus$319 / $0Rewards on spending$291 / $291Fees (taken off the end)−$399 / −$399 Pays for itself in month 4 · value so far covers fees so far Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
1.25xGrocGroceries1.25xDineDining and takeout1.25xGasGas and EV charging1.25xAirFlights1.25xHotelHotels and car rentals1.25xTransitTransit and rideshare1.25xStreamStreaming1.25xDrugDrugstores1.25xOnlineOnline shopping1.25xBillsPhone, internet and utilities1.25xOtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #8 of 8. By 3-year value on the family preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $257 after fees.
- Year 1. $211 = welcome bonus $319 + rewards $291 − fee $399.
- Each year after. −$108 = rewards $291 − fee $399.
- Against #7. Trails RBC Avion Visa Platinum by $488 over 3 years, mostly on annual fees (−$837).
Points valued at 0.58¢ each; move the "Value points as" slider above to see what they're worth transferred.
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption
All values are after each card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees when you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime or Instacart+) aren't included.
Rates, fees and offers are set by the issuer and may change. Check the issuer's terms before you apply. We don't estimate approval odds.
Values for points and miles are estimates based on published redemption valuations; actual value depends on how you redeem.
3-year value on each preset
points at their cash value, after fees. "~" marks estimates.
| Card | Student | Couple | Family | Frequent traveller | Big spender |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RBC Cash Back Preferred World Elite Mastercard | $701 | $1,717 | $2,255 | $2,374 | $4,721 |
| RBC WestJet World Elite Mastercard | ~$191 | ~$1,127 | ~$1,617 | ~$1,930 | ~$4,331 |
| RBC ION+ Visa | $460 | $1,049 | $1,361 | $1,430 | $2,791 |
| RBC Cash Back Mastercard | $438 | $922 | $1,189 | $1,122 | $2,271 |
| RBC ION Visa | $330 | $702 | $900 | $979 | $1,927 |
| RBC Avion Visa Infinite | $253 | $589 | $759 | $908 | $1,781 |
| RBC Avion Visa Platinum | $252 | $579 | $745 | $856 | $1,708 |
| RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege | −$360 | $50 | $257 | $396 | $1,461 |
Frequently asked questions
Which RBC card is best?
On a family's spending, RBC Cash Back Preferred World Elite Mastercard is worth the most over 3 years ($2,255).
What do RBC cards cost?
Annual fees from $0 to $399 across the 8 cards listed here.
What rewards do RBC cards earn?
Cash back, WestJet Rewards, RBC Avion. Points are shown in dollars at the program's cash or statement-credit value unless you choose another redemption.
Sources
- Amex Cobalt card page
- Milesopedia points valuations, in effect since September 1, 2026
- Prince of Travel points valuations (cross-check, high end of range)
- CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite card page
- RBC Avion Visa Infinite card page
- PC World Elite Mastercard page
- WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard page (70,000 points = up to $700 off travel)
- National Bank World Elite Mastercard page (redemption examples)
Estimates for information only; not financial advice. See how cards are ranked.