rbc avion travel agent

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How to book a flight with RBC Avion Rewards points

One of the options for redeeming Avion Rewards credit cards is to use your points towards airfare anywhere in the world. Here’s how this works for a fixed-point exchange .

RBC Avion Rewards Points

There are several RBC Avion Rewards credit cards. The one used for this example is the RBC Visa Infinite Avion Card .

With this exceptional offer for the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card, you can earn up to 55,000 Avion points:

• 35,000 Avion points on approval
• 20,000 Avion bonus points when you spend $5,000 in your first 6 months

This offer expires on April 30, 2024, and will not be renewed. Take advantage of it before it’s too late !

You can use your Avion Rewards points for travel or redeem them with other loyalty programs such as :

• American Airlines AAdvantage
• British Airways Executive Club (and Qatar Airways Privilege Club)
• Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
• WestJet Rewards

For example, with the current welcome offer, you can get 55,000 British Airways Avios Points or 550 WestJet Dollars .

With the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card, you earn 1 point per dollar and 1.25 points for travel purchases.

And you’ll benefit from a wide range of insurance coverage: Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance, Out-of-Province/Country Emergency Medical Insurance, Rental Vehicle Collision/Loss Damage Insurance, Mobile Device Insurance.

RBC Avion Rewards points can be used to travel anywhere in the world with a round-trip ticket. A one-way trip requires half as many Avion points. Here is the airfare table for a round-trip flight:

On average this equals about 2 cents per Avion point .

How to Book an Airline Ticket with RBC Avion Rewards Points

With 35,000 Avion points, I could afford a plane ticket to Canada or the United States.

From your RBC Online Banking profile, click on the blue Avion Rewards button.

Then, on the Trips page, click on Book a Trip .

Avion Rewards acts like a travel agency. Generally, the prices are the same as the ones found on the sites of the carriers and tour operators.

Its search tool allows you to use RBC Avion Rewards points to book :

• A car rental
• Hotel stays
• Or Vacation Packages

After entering your desired dates and destinations, the results will be displayed. On the left, there is a filter for options.

In this example, the non-stop and no change fee options are selected.

35,000 points can be redeemed on a flight costing up to $750.

In this example, I have chosen a higher class. This exceeds the $750, the remaining balance is added to the taxes and fees.

In my case, the same flight cost about $1,000 on the Air Canada website. This equates to 2.14 cents per point , ($750 divided by 35,000 points) which is excellent!

On the checkout page, RBC shows the points required to book this airline ticket. Any remaining point balance can be used to reduce the tax and fee balance.

For example, 90 points were used to lower the balance by 90 cents. The rest is to be paid with a credit card.

Enter the traveler’s information and make the payment.

An email from RBC Avion Rewards will be sent moments later to confirm. A few minutes later (or a few hours for some), the airline will send confirmation in a separate email. All the details will be there, including the reservation number.

How to Manage an Airline Ticket Purchased with RBC Avion Rewards Points

The booked trip can be found in the My Trips section of the RBC Avion Rewards portal. A link redirects you to the airline’s website.

You will be able to link this reservation to your frequent flyer profile. Here I entered my Aeroplan membership number.

Since I had taken the Comfort fare on Air Canada, I was able to choose a Prefered seat at no charge. This must be done directly on the Air Canada website.

Please note that to change or cancel a flight purchased through the RBC Avion Rewards portal, you must call the RBC Travel Centre directly at 1-877-636-2870.

The airline will not be able to do anything on their end and they will refer you to RBC. Any changes have a cost of $25 for each ticket .

There is also the option to chat with a virtual agent on the RBC site in the Help section.

In addition, if you have eUpgrades with Air Canada, you have the option to apply them at check-in 24 hours prior to your flight.

When your flight is completed, points and qualifications are deposited into your account based on the fare booked.

For example, the Comfort rate booked through RBC gave :

• Aeroplan Points

This counts towards your Aeroplan Status .

Here are other ways to use RBC Avion points .

Another way to redeem RBC Avion Rewards points for travel

Occasionally, the Avion Rewards site may experience technical difficulties or your flight may not appear in the search results.

At that time, call Avion Rewards Customer Service at 1-800-769-2512.

• Get an authorization number to book the flight you want (mandatory);
• Book your own flight directly on the desired airline’s website;
• Send an e-mail to [email protected] with your authorization number obtained earlier from Customer Service, your name, the number of tickets reserved, proof of purchase and itinerary details.

Avion Rewards will then deduct the required points from your RBC Rewards points account to credit the cost of your airline tickets, according to their airfare table.

All posts by Caroline Tremblay

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Cash back, Points and Savings – Get it all with Avion Rewards

Avion Rewards, Canada’s largest bank-owned loyalty program, brings you more ways to shop, earn, save, and redeem every day. With 3 membership levels: Avion Select, Avion Premium and Avion Elite, it’s easy to get rewarded, no matter how you shop or where you bank.

Anyone can become a member for free! Once you join, you have access to amazing value and exclusive member experiences that are only available through the Avion Rewards program. 

How to join Avion Rewards

If you have an RBC product or account, you already have an Avion Rewards account. Sign in with your RBC online banking info.

Don’t have an RBC product or account?

Create an Avion Rewards account – it's quick, easy and you don’t have to bank with RBC

Apply for an Avion Rewards credit card and become a member on approval

All Avion Rewards members can get cash back at over 2,400 retailers and earn points on purchases. Plus, Avion Rewards members with an eligible RBC card get extra everyday value at our partners. 

Avion Rewards Credit Cards

• Start earning, get perks, have access to exclusive experiences, events and much more
• Choose from 9 Avion Rewards credit cards and get travel perks, fuel savings and more 1
• Earn points faster with everyday purchases like gas and travel using select cards 1

Shop More. Save More. Earn More

• Access special offers with points and savings at well-known brands
• Earn cash back and points. Shop over 2,400 retailers
• Get deals that pop while you shop with Avion Rewards ShopPlus browser extension – up to 40% cash back
• Get bonus Avion points on eligible purchases you make with an Avion Rewards credit card 1
• Get great savings on eligible purchases using select RBC credit and debit cards 1

Get More at Partners with a Linked RBC Card

• Save 3¢/L instantly at Petro-Canada , plus earn 20% more points 1
• Get 5X more Be Well points at Rexall
• Get $0 delivery fees with free DashPass – a savings of up to $120
• Save up to 10% on qualifying purchases at RONA

Use your Avion Points

When it comes to using your points, your options are nearly endless. From travelling the world to redeeming for your favourite brands, the Avion Rewards program offers something for everyone.

At this time, Avion Select members are unable to redeem points.

See the world

From weekend retreats to bucket-list experiences, it’s easier than ever to get there with your Avion points.

Flight + Hotel

Vacation Packages

Coming soon for Avion Select members!

Learn More about Travel

Check out these videos to see how easy it is to book a flight with points

Take Your Points Shopping

Whether it’s the latest tech or must-have kitchen gadgets, discover a world of rewards that you deserve. Coming soon for Avion Select members!

Merchandise

Bring home the latest Top Brands in Electronics, Accessories, Kitchen and more.

Get exclusive access to the latest Apple products the moment they hit the market 1

Shop everything Best Buy has to offer, plus enjoy exclusive features such as Reserve Online and pick up in store, free shipping, and more 1

Shop over 60 leading gift card brands like Amazon, Petro-Canada , Winners, Starbucks, The Keg and Indigo.

RBC Financial Rewards ®

Use your Avion points to save for retirement, contribute to your investments or children’s education fund, or pay down your loans:

• RBC Registered Rewards ®
• RBC Homeline Plan Reward™
• RBC Mortgage Reward™
• RBC Credit Line Reward™
• RBC Personal Loan Reward™
• Trade with Points™

Available to Avion Premium and Elite members. Avion Select members are not able to redeem for financial rewards.

Pay with Points

You can use your Avion points as cash!

Pay your Credit Card Balance

Pay down your balance with points 1 .

Pay In-Store

Use your points at your favourite retailers 1 for select transactions 1 , plus discover great promotions.

Pay your Bills

Use your points to pay your bills 1 .

Send an e-transfer

Put your points towards an Interac e-transfer.

Not all Avion Rewards cards are eligible for these services. For details, please refer to the Avion Rewards Terms and Conditions

Available to Avion Premium and Elite members with eligible RBC cards. Avion Select members are not able to pay with points.

Convert Avion Points

Convert your Avion points to a wide variety of partner loyalty programs that we designate from time to time 1 .

Some of our partners include:

American Airlines

British Airways

HBC Rewards

Not all Avion Rewards members are eligible to covert points to all partner loyalty programs.

Donate your Points to Charity

Help others by donating your Avion points to great charities like these:

Ronald McDonald House

Own the Podium

The David Foster Foundation

Access your Cash back and Avion Points

It’s easy to easy to track your cash back and points and redeem your points online or the Avion Rewards app.

Download the Avion Rewards app today

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RBC Avion Visa Infinite Review 2024: Is It Worth It?

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This may influence which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own.

RBC Avion Visa Infinite Review 2023: Is It Worth It?

NerdWallet CA

Good for travellers who collect Avion points.

With this card, you can earn one Avion point for every CAD spent, and enjoy perks like 12 months free Doordash deliveries.  Learn more about our star rating methodology.

The RBC Avion Visa Infinite card offers new cardholders up to 55,000 Avion Points. There are no spending categories to keep track of; cardholders earn one Avion point on all purchases and 1.25 points on eligible travel purchases. However, the card’s $60,000 minimum income requirement and $120 annual fee may be high for some applicants.

RBC Avion Visa Infinite

• Annual Fee $120
• Interest Rates 20.99% / 22.99% 20.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances.
• Rewards Rate 1x-1.25x Points Earn 1.25x Avion points on eligible travel-related purchases and 1x on everything else.
• Intro Offer Up to 55,000 Points Get 35,000 Welcome Points on approval and 20,000 bonus points when you spend $5,000 in your first 6 months1. Apply by April 30, 2024.
• Get up to 55,000 Avion points* (a value of up to $1,100†), that’s enough to fly anywhere in North America or the Caribbean!
• Earn 1 Avion point for every dollar you spend* and an extra 25% on eligible travel purchases.
• Avioners can book flights with points on any airline, on any flight, at any time, early or last minute, with no blackout periods or restrictions.
• Avioners earn points that never expire so your points will be waiting for your next adventure.
• Redeem your points for travel and more. Use points for anything from paying bills and paying your card balance to redeeming for Gift Cards and Merchandise at top brands like Apple. The Avion Rewards program gives you the freedom of choice to use your points your way, and helps you make the most as an Avioner.
• Eligible Avion Rewards members can also convert points to other loyalty programs including WestJet dollars, British Airways Avios points and Hudson’s Bay Rewards points.
• Link your RBC card with a Petro-Points membership to instantly save 3₵ per litre on fuel at Petro-Canada stations and earn 20% more Petro-Points and 20% more Avion points.
• Link your RBC card with a Rexall Be Well account and get 50 Be Well points for every $1 spent on eligible products at Rexall. Redeem Be Well points faster for savings in store on eligible purchases where 25,000 Be Well points = $10.
• Get access to RBC offers which provides access to earn points faster at specified brands.
• Extensive insurance including: mobile device insurance, travel insurance (trip cancellation, interruption and emergency medical) and other eligible purchases to protect you and your family.
• Avioners get access to luxury Visa Infinite benefits including first in line for exclusive events, and hotel and dining benefits.
• Avioners no longer need 14-days to book travel using the RBC grid.
• Get $0 delivery fees for 12 months from DoorDash¹⁷ – Add your eligible RBC credit card to your DoorDash account to:
• Get a 12-month complimentary DashPass subscription± – a value of almost $120.
• Enjoy unlimited deliveries with $0 delivery fees on orders of $15 or more when you pay with your eligible RBC credit card.
• Corresponding legal references and product terms are available on the RBC website, which will be available and agreed upon in the customer onboarding process.
• Full review
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• Eligibility
• How to apply

RBC Avion Visa Infinite vs TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite

• Rating methodology

RBC Avion Visa Infinite full review

The RBC Avion Visa Infinite card is one of six personal credit cards from the Royal Bank of Canada that offers Avion points — a loyalty program specific to RBC. You can spend Avion points on a range of products like flights, electronics, investments and more. The company’s Visa Infinite card is among the more expensive of RBC’s personal Avion credit cards. 

Benefits of the RBC Avion Visa Infinite card

• 35,000 Avion Points upon approval and 20,000 bonus points when you spend $5,000 in your first 6 months. Apply by Apr. 30, 2024.
• No seat restrictions or blackouts when you book travel using Avion points.  
• Free Doordash deliveries for 12 months. (Must activate before Jan. 1, 2024).
• Discounts and additional Avion points available when you rent with Hertz, or link the card to a Petro-Canada card. 

Drawbacks of the RBC Avion Visa Infinite card

• Minimum income requirement of $60,000 ($100,000 for household).
• No airport lounge access. 
• RBC has low Trustpilot and BBB ratings. 

Who should get the RBC Avion Visa Infinite card?

You may want to get the RBC Avion Visa Infinite card if you:

• Want to collect Avion points on all purchases.
• Have a Be Well or Petro-Canada card and want to take advantage of extra discounts. 
• Use Hertz or Doordash and want to take advantage of the card’s free delivery offer and rental car discounts.

Is RBC Avion Visa Infinite worth it?

If you want a card that offers consistent Avion points across all purchases the RBC Avion Visa Infinite may be right for you. However, the high income requirement, lack of airport lounge access and an average earn rate that’s lower than other RBC credit cards may reduce this card’s value for some people. 

Our Nerd’s verdict: A mid-tier travel card with flexible rewards

The RBC Avion Visa Infinite touts itself as a premium travel card, but I’m not sure I agree. Premium cards in this category offer complimentary airport lounge access, annual travel credits and NEXUS fee rebates, to name a few — all of which the RBC Avion Visa Infinite is missing. That said, I think the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card is a fine choice for Canadians on the hunt for a well-rounded rewards card. You can earn up to 1.25 Avion points per $1 spent, and the card offers fuel discounts at Petro-Canada, Hertz rental discounts and insurance coverage that includes trip cancellation, trip interruption and emergency medical coverage. Overall, the card will appeal to those who want to collect rewards with diverse redemption options and travellers seeking the peace of mind provided by a card with travel insurance.  — Shannon Terrell

RBC customer ratings

• Below average in customer satisfaction: RBC ranks 8 out of 13 in J.D. Power’s 2023 Canada Credit Card Satisfaction Study.
• Low Trustpilot rating: 1.2 out of 5 possible stars based on over 1,000 customer reviews, as of this writing.
• Low Better Business Bureau rating: 1.2 out of 5 possible stars based on over 130 customer reviews, as of this writing. RBC is not accredited by the BBB itself.

RBC Avion Visa Infinite eligibility

Who qualifies for the rbc avion visa infinite card.

To qualify for the RBC Avion Visa Infinite card, you must earn a gross income of at least $60,000 ($100,000 per household) or have a minimum of $250,000 investable assets. 

In general, you must be at least the age of majority and a resident of Canada to qualify, unless otherwise stated by the card issuer. 

Approximate credit score needed for approval

Canadian credit card issuers rarely disclose required credit scores, which makes it hard to know your chances of approval when comparing credit cards. What we do know is that higher scores have better chances of approval — that’s true no matter what type of credit you’re applying for. Want to learn more? Visit our “ What Credit Score is Needed for a Credit Card? ” page.

» MORE: How to Check Your Credit Score

RBC Avion Visa Infinite rewards

Earn 35,000 Avion points when you’re approved for the RBC Avion Visa Infinite card and 20,000 bonus points when you spend $5,000 in your first 6 months (must apply by April 30, 2024).

You could save up to $1,100 on flights. The card’s 35,000 welcome points can be used to purchase a long-haul return flight to eligible destinations with a maximum ticket price of $1,100.

• Earn 1 Avion point for every CAD spent on all purchases. 
• Earn 1.25x Avion points on eligible travel purchases. 
• Earn 1.20x Avion points on eligible Petro-Canada purchases. 
• Earn 3x Avion points on eligible Hertz purchases. 

How to apply for the RBC Avion Visa Infinite card

• Click the Apply Now and then the Get Started buttons on the RBC Avion Visa Infinite web page.
• Confirm if you are an existing RBC customer or not. Sign in if you are an existing customer for a faster application process. 
• If you are not an existing member, review the card’s terms and conditions and click Continue. 
• Enter your personal details, such as full name, email, date of birth and address.
• Enter any employment or financial information requested. 
• Review and submit your application.

Both cards have similar income requirements, but have different loyalty programs and earn rates.

Reasons you might want a different card

If you’re looking for a rewards card outside of the Avion points program, that has higher earn rates and offers airport lounge access, you may want to look elsewhere. 

RBC Avion Visa Infinite facts

Rating methodology.

NerdWallet Canada rates credit cards according to overall consumer value and their suitability for specific kinds of consumers. Factors in  our evaluation methodology  include annual and other fees, rewards rates, the earning structure (for example, flat-rate rewards versus bonus categories), redemption options, bonus offers for new cardholders, introductory and ongoing APRs, and other noteworthy features such as airline or hotel perks or the ability to transfer points.

Frequently asked questions about RBC Avion Visa Infinite

No. RBC Avion Visa Infinite does not offer access to airport lounges. The bank’s higher-tiered card (RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege) does offer lounge access.

You must have a minimum gross income of $60,000 ($100,000 for the household) or at least $250,000 of investable assets to be eligible for this card.

About the Author

Georgia Rose is a lead writer on the international team at NerdWallet. Her work has been featured in The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Independent and The Associated…

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RBC’s Upcoming Transition of HSBC Rewards to RBC Avion Rewards

As first reported by Rewards Canada , there’s more information available about the upcoming transition from HSBC Rewards to RBC Avion Rewards . After publishing this article, we’ve received additional information from RBC, and have added it below.

While the exact conversion rates are still not known, we have more insight into what we might expect, which can help you decide what to do with your existing HSBC Rewards balance.

More Details Regarding the HSBC Rewards to RBC Avion Rewards Transition

RBC has provided more insight into what customers can expect in the upcoming transition from HSBC Rewards to RBC Avion Rewards .

As a reminder, your HSBC Rewards points will be converted to RBC Avion Rewards points as part of RBC’s acquisition of HSBC Canada . The acquisition is set to be completed by the end of March 2024.

Previously, RBC has stated that the transfer will be at a comparable ratio, but has remained mum on the exact transfer ratio. Without knowing the rate at which your HSBC Rewards will be converted to RBC Avion Rewards, it’s been difficult to make a decision whether to redeem them now or wait for the conversion.

However, we now have some more insight into what cardholders can expect, and if it turns out to be the case, it should be sufficient to guide your decisions on whether to redeem now or wait.

First off, HSBC Canada customers won’t receive confirmation of the conversion value until after it’s taken place.  

Clients will receive a communication with more information about the conversion of their points within one week of migration.

We can infer that this is because some cardholders will be transitioned to products that earn RBC Avion points at the Elite tier, while others will be transitioned to products that earn RBC Avion points at the Premium tier. It seems that there won’t be blanket conversion rates that apply to everyone, and rather, it will be unique to each cardholder’s situation.

Despite not knowing exact conversion values, there’s now more information available that should help guide your decision on whether to redeem your HSBC Rewards points now or to wait for the conversion, which we’ll discuss in detail below.

RBC has shared that HSBC Canada clients will receive equal or greater value with their converted points based on flexible redemptions.

We can share that all HSBC Bank Canada clients migrated to RBC will receive an Avion points balance that will have equal or higher value in the flexible travel redemption category in the same way they book their travel today.

As a reminder, HSBC Rewards can be flexibly redeemed against travel at a rate of 0.5 cents per point, while RBC Avion points at the Elite tier can be flexibly redeemed against travel booked through the Avion Rewards platform at a rate of 1 cent per point.

Therefore, for those being transitioned from an HSBC product to an RBC Avion product, we project that the minimum conversion rate might be 2 HSBC Rewards points = 1 RBC Avion Elite point.

With HSBC Rewards earned on either the HSBC +Rewards Mastercard or the HSBC Travel Rewards Mastercard, you can also flexibly redeem points against travel at a rate of 0.5 cents per point.

Since you’ll be transitioned to the RBC ION Visa, which earns RBC Avion points at the Premium tier that can be flexibly redeemed against travel booked through the Avion Rewards platform at a rate of 0.58 cents per point, we project that the minimum conversion rate might be 1.16 HSBC Rewards = 1 RBC Avion Premium point.

It’s worth reiterating that the exact transfer ratios aren’t known, and won’t be known until after the conversion has taken place. However, if these ratios turn out to be true, or maybe even better, we have more guidance on whether it’s best to redeem now or wait.

There is no specified date for the conversion to take place; however, once it does, you’ll have full access to your new batch of RBC Avion Rewards points within a week.

Should You Redeem HSBC Rewards Points Now or Wait?

Assuming that the estimated minimum conversion rates are accurate, let’s take a look at whether it’s in your best interest to redeem now or wait until later.

However, keep in mind that the exact transfer ratio won’t be known until after the conversion, so if you’d rather lock in a redemption with 100% certainty, you’ll want to redeem your HSBC Rewards points now.

As a reminder, the last day to transfer HSBC Rewards to airline partners is February 29, 2024.

Customers being transitioned to the RBC® Avion Visa Infinite†

If you’re being transitioned from the HSBC World Elite Mastercard, your options for redeeming HSBC Rewards currently include the following:

• Redeem against travel purchases at a rate of 0.5 cents per point
• Transfer to British Airways Executive Club at a 25:10 ratio
• Transfer to Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer at a 25:9 ratio
• Transfer to Cathay Pacific Asia Miles at a 25:8 ratio

After the transition, you’ll earn RBC Avion points at the Elite tier, which can be redeemed as follows:

• Redeem against travel purchases at a rate of 1 cent per point
• Redeem for flights on the RBC Air Travel Redemption Schedule for up to 2.33 cents per point
• Transfer to British Airways Executive Club at a 1:1 ratio
• Transfer to Cathay Pacific Asia Miles at a 1:1 ratio
• Transfer to American Airlines AAdvantage at a 1:0.7 ratio
• Transfer to WestJet Rewards at a 100:1 ratio

Depending on how you’d like to redeem your points, it should result in the same or better value if you choose to wait for the conversion.

To illustrate this, we’ll use an example of someone with 105,000 HSBC Rewards points who’s transitioning from the HSBC World Elite Mastercard to the RBC® Avion Visa Infinite†. Plus, we’ll assume that their HSBC Rewards will be converted to RBC Avion points at the Elite tier at a 2:1 ratio.

If you tend to redeem points flexibly against travel purchases, then it makes no difference to redeem now or later.

105,000 HSBC Rewards points can be redeemed for $525 against travel purchases. If they’re converted at a 2:1 ratio, you’d be able to flexibly redeem 52,500 RBC Avion Elite points against $525 worth of travel.

However, it’s worth noting that with HSBC Rewards, you can book travel directly with any vendor, and then redeem points against charges posted to your statement. Booking this way ensures you’re eligible for earning points with airlines and hotels, and also makes you eligible for status qualifying activity.

On the other hand, to redeem RBC Avion points for travel, you must book through the Avion Rewards platform, which may limit your ability to earn points from airline and hotel programs, and could also make you ineligible for elite qualifying activity.

If you plan to make use of the RBC Air Travel Redemption Schedule for booking flights, it’s likely in your best interest to wait for the conversion, since you can unlock more value for your points by doing so.

That’s because you can redeem RBC Avion points at the Elite tier for up to 2.33 cents per point with the Air Travel Redemption Schedule. 

If you planned on transferring your HSBC Rewards points to British Airways Executive Club or Cathay Pacific Asia Miles, it’s likely in your best interest to wait for the conversion.

105,000 HSBC Rewards points is equal to 42,000 British Airways Avios, or 33,600 Asia Miles.

Assuming that 105,000 HSBC Rewards will be converted to 52,500 RBC Avion points at the Elite tier, you could then convert them into 52,500 British Airways Avios or 52,500 Cathay Pacific Asia Miles.

However, if there’s a transfer bonus from RBC Avion to either program after the conversion has happened, you’d wind up with an even better rate.

It’s worth noting that 52,500 RBC Avion points at the Elite tier could also be transferred to 36,750 AAdvantage miles, or 525 WestJet dollars. AAdvantage is otherwise quite difficult to access, and there are some great redemption options available in the program, so be sure to consider it as an option, too.

If you have your eyes set on a Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer redemption, you’ll want to make your transfer before February 29, 2024. After that point, it will no longer be possible to transfer Canadian points currencies to KrisFlyer, aside from Marriott Bonvoy points, since RBC Avion Rewards doesn’t have it as a transfer partner.

Customers being transitioned to the RBC® ION Visa

If you’re being transitioned to an RBC® ION Visa , then your HSBC Rewards points will be converted to RBC Avion points at the Premium tier, which are less flexible than RBC Avion points at the Elite tier.

It shouldn’t make a difference whether you redeem your HSBC Rewards points against travel purchases now, or wait until later, since you’ll likely wind up with the same rate.

Plus, you can also choose to transfer your RBC Avion points at the Premium tier to WestJet Rewards, which could result in a higher redemption value.

However, keep in mind that if you eventually get an eligible RBC Avion credit card, such as the RBC® Avion Visa Platinum, RBC® Avion Visa Infinite†, or RBC® Avion Visa Infinite Privilege†, you can convert your RBC Avion points at the Premium tier into RBC Avion points at the Elite tier at a 1:1 ratio.

Therefore, if you find yourself in this position, it’s likely in your best interest to wait for the conversion, and then plan on adding an RBC Avion credit card product to your wallet in the future to unlock more value from your points.

Customers being transitioned to the RBC® Avion Visa Infinite Privilege†

Lastly, if you’re being transitioned to an RBC® Avion Visa Infinite Privilege† , you’ll also be moved to a card that earns RBC Avion points at the Elite tier.

However, one unique feature of the RBC® Avion Visa Infinite Privilege† is that you can redeem RBC Avion points for business class and First Class tickets at a rate of 2 cents per point.

If you plan on redeeming points this way, it’s in your best interest to wait for the conversion, since you’ll be able to unlock more value from your points by doing so.

For example, assuming 125,000 HSBC Rewards points are converted to 62,500 RBC Avion points at the Elite tier, you’d then be able to redeem them for up to $1,250 (CAD) worth of business class and First Class flights  at 2 cents per point.

Perhaps one great example of this would be to book a round-trip Emirates A380 First Class flights between Bangkok and Hong Kong, which routinely price out at around $1,225 (CAD).

We now have more insight into how RBC will convert existing balances of HSBC Rewards into various tiers of RBC Avion Rewards points.

Assuming the conversion estimates are accurate, you should get either the same or better value by waiting for the conversion, rather than redeeming your HSBC Rewards points prior to the conversion.

However, it’s worth reiterating that the exact conversion rate will be unique to each individual, and it won’t be announced until after the conversion has taken place.

Therefore, if you’d rather be 100% certain of the value you can get from your points, you can choose to redeem your points now, knowing that it could be possible to get better value once the conversion takes place.

• Earn 35,000 RBC Avion points † when you get approved for the card
• Plus, earn  20,000 RBC Avion points † upon spending $5,000 in the first six months
• Earn 1.25x RBC Avion points †  on qualifying travel purchases
• Transfer RBC Avion points to British Airways Executive Club and other frequent flyer programs for premium flights †
• Redeem Avion points for flights with the RBC Air Travel Redemption Schedule †
• Minimum income: $60,000 personal or $100,000 household
• Annual fee: $120 †

13 Comments

Yes, the conversion rate to BA avios is now clearly inferior. Welcome to Avion Clearly the Royal Bank doesn’t give a dam.

What a joke. Transfer ratio of 0.36:1

CAUTION !! RBC CC FOREIGN TRANSACTION FEE ON RBC converting HSBC WE Mastercard to #RBC Visa Infinite – Similar benefits? Not so sure ….Foreign transaction fee waived not a certainty??? Received MARCH 4’24 new RBC Avion Visa Infinite card stating “activate immediately”. Activating immediately binds the cardholder to the enclosed Credit Card Holder Agreement which states in Parg. 19 – Foreign transaction fees “..amount charged to your account is 2.5% over the benchmark conversion rate.” Called RBC CC service and agent said they will clarify in April??? Well after you agreed to the foreign transaction fee on your new card!!!! Can we trust RBC to honor the No Foreign Transaction Fee on conversion???

can anyone help me decide … I will be transferred to the RBC Avion VISA Infinite card … should I sign up for the card in advance, pay the $120, and receive the 55,000 bonus points … or wait and hope. Any suggestions? thanks

I connected with rbc. They suggested that those transfered to their credit card would receive all the bonus points, the same for the apple watch offered for new account openings. I asked on Facebook, got the response and screen shot it.

What about the annual fee? Will RBC be charging the full annual fee to converted HSBC credit card holders on Day 1?

Re points: What is best for those of us who have less than the 25,000 minimum on their HSBC world elite card? I redeemed against travel recently and have less than 25,000 left.

Gonna miss the HSBC card. Calculated the value recd. Worked out to >4.5% including the $100 annual travel enhancement.

BTW: Will RBC match the 21 day emergency travel medical for us seniors ? If not, why not ?

If we miss out on 55K welcome bonus then its better to redeem my HSBC points against travel now than to wait and potentially get shived.

Also I have 2 amex cards for points. 1 scotia amex for points travel, and expedia. I really cant be managing another points system for travel! My brain storage is maxed out.

There is an aspect you forgot which us VERY IMPORTANT.

RBC Avion redemption can only be made against bookings WITH THEIR OWN AGENCY.

HSBC redemption can be made against any travel booked anywhere. As such, you can take advantage of other deals and referral programs like Rakuten or the Aeroplan Storey, as well ad take advantage of discount codes.

As such I strongly recommend people redeem NOW.

Thanks for pointing this out. I’ve updated the article with that information.

Thanks. It is something often overlooked. When credit cards force you to book with their own portal/agency it indirectly means everything costs 1%-5% more. Which is why they do it after all.

Few cards anymore let you redeem against any travel at their full rate. HSBC was one of the last.

I had talked to an RBC representative last week and was told there would be no welcome bonus for those transfered at all. Hopefully things become clearer soon!

Somebody told me that she got info from a RBC branch rep, a 25k Avion welcome bonus would be offered beside the conversion rate. I am not sure if it could be possible, but RBC offered 20k Avions welcome bonus for their former Asia Miles Visa Platinum card (discontinued) holders for converting to Avion Visa Platinum card last year. I will hold on my HSBC World Elite Mastercard points until the transfer taking place.

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Moscow Travel Guide

• Guide to Russia
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Why travel to Moscow

Contrasts: 12th century monasteries and some of the tallest skyscrapers in Europe can be found side-by-side in this complex and captivating city. The diversity of this mega-city is astounding. Only a few steps away from the solemn red facade of the Kremlin and the sounds of righteous church bells, a buzzing night scene and alternative-fashion boutiques can be found.

Culture: In Moscow only the best goes. Be it a theatre, restaurant or gallery, the standards are certain to be world-class. The Bolshoi ballet company is reputed to be even better than the Mariinsky’s and “MMOMA” (Moscow’s museum of modern art) exhibits works of art as profound as any that could be found in the famed MOMA.

Convenience: Unlike the rest of Russia, it’s easy enough to get by with just English in Moscow and, driving excepted, it is surprisingly safe: the murder rate is lower than in some of America’s major cities.

Top Sights in Moscow

St. Basil’s

Novodevichy Convent

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• Moscow Fact File
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Why visit Moscow

It would take more than two days to walk around the perimeter of the biggest city in Europe, Moscow. Many of its inhabitants barely know what’s beyond the few blocks around their flat and there are so many attractions that it’s almost impossible to know where to start. If there is such a thing as an antidote to boredom, Moscow City is it. The mind-boggling range and diversity of things to do, places to eat, parks, historical monuments and more means that a vacation in Moscow has a wealth of activities to offer for every type of traveler, from young families to retirees.

Reasons to Vacation in Moscow in 2022

The Bolshoi theatre is familiar to almost everyone as Russia’s grandest theatre, but what people don’t know is that there are many more bolshoi (big) sites in Moscow that are worth travelling all the way to Moscow to see. For more than 100 years, the world’s biggest bell has been hidden behind the Kremlin’s walls and inside Moscow’s main park (which is bigger than some countries!) there is the world’s largest outdoor ice-rink. Travelers that visit Moscow can stay at the Izmailovo, Europe’s biggest hotel, then eat at the largest and most historic McDonald’s in Europe and after that have fun at the largest European indoor theme park!

Ancient Past & Stunning Architecture:

As those who travel to Moscow will see, just because Moscow is a city of record-breaking, glitzy high-rises doesn’t mean that there is no history. On the famous Arbat street, time-worn, wooden storehouses and century-old churches are squashed up against grey, soviet blocks which are then towered over by 21st century office-blocks. Unlike its much younger sibling, St Petersburg, Moscow’s roots stretch way back to the 12th century. Within the walls of the Kremlin, the city’s oldest building the Cathedral of Assumption can be admired in all its 500+ years of age.

Culture & Convenience

For a foreigner who has never visited Russia, Moscow is the perfect stepping stone into this great land of mystery. From the country’s best classical ballet troupes to snow-white troikas trotting through the parks, all the highlights of Russian culture can be had in Moscow without any of the complications that would be expected in other, less developed regions of Russia.

Cheap as Caviar

In Moscow, everything is bargain when with the current foreign exchange rates being what they are. Even caviar doesn’t seem so dear when the exchange rate is at 60rub to the dollar, so go on indulge yourself! Take your 2022 vacation in Moscow and have the best of both worlds, with European luxury at very affordable prices.

Lena, our guide in Moscow was excellent. She was very knowledgable and could answer any question we had for her. We liked that she could pick up on our interests and take us places we might not have thought of to go. When we realized that one of the places we had chosen to see would probably not be that interesting to us, she was able to arrange entry to the Diamond Fund and the Armoury for us. Riding the Metro with Lena was a real adventure and a lot of fun. In Saint Petersburg we found Anna well versed in the history of the Tsars and in the Hermitage collection. Arkady in Veliky Novgorod was a very good guide and answered all of our questions with ease. Novgorod was perhaps a long way to go for a day trip, but we did enjoy it. Vasily was a great driver to have and kept us safe with good humour and skill. We enjoyed ourselves so much, my daughter says she is already planning to return. We would both have no hesistation to recommend ExpresstoRussia to anyone we know.

Just wanted to let you know that My grandson Bruno and I couldn´t have been more pleased with our week in Moscow (6/15 - 6/21). We were absolutely enchanted with the whole experience, including getting lost a couple of times in the Metro during our free time. Although both our guides (both Eleanas) were excellent, I would particularly commend the first one (she took us to the Tatiakov, the KGB tour, and to that beautiful cemetery where so many great Russian artists, authors, composers, musicians, militarists, and politicians are buried). Her knowledge is encyclopedic; and her understanding of today´s Russia as a product of its past was, for us, truly enlightening. I will be taking another tour in Russia, with my wife, within the next two or three years. I will be in touch with you when the time comes. Meanwhile, I will refer you to other potential visitors to Russia as I meet them.

We had a great time both in Moscow and St Petersburg. Your travel agency was excellent in coordinating the whole trip. Everything worked like clockwork. The guides assigned to us were very nice and friendly. They had a great knowledge of their subjects. The cars and the drivers were great. The hotels were good and the itinerary was good. All in all, it was a wonderful experience. It was nice dealing with you and your company. Thank you very much for a great Russian experience. Have a great future ahead

• 31 reviews of Express to Russia Moscow Tours in Moscow

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