RBC ION Visa
Students and budget-conscious spenders who want everyday rewards without an annual fee.
VaultNerd estimate based on the card's tier and income requirements, not an official issuer cutoff. Approval also depends on income, debt, and credit history.
Our verdict
A respectable no-fee rewards card with 1.5x on essentials. Step up to ION+ for double the category earn if the small monthly fee is worthwhile for you.
Reward rates
Groceries | 1.5x |
Gas, EV charging, transit & rideshare | 1.5x |
Streaming, digital subscriptions & gaming | 1.5x |
All other qualifying purchases | 1x |
Welcome bonus
7,000 Avion points upon approval, about $50 of value in gift cards per RBC.
Requirement: Awarded upon approval
Pros
- Solid no-fee earn rates on everyday essentials
- Good starter card for students and credit builders
Cons
- ION-tier Avion points redeem at lower value than premium Avion cards
- Minimal insurance coverage
Perks
- 1.5x Avion points on groceries, gas, transit, rideshare and streaming with no annual fee
- Free additional cards
- Access to Avion Rewards offers from 2,000+ brands
- 3-month complimentary DoorDash DashPass
- Save 3 cents/L and earn 20% more Petro-Points at Petro-Canada
Insurance
- Purchase security and extended warranty
Frequently asked questions
Is the RBC ION Visa worth it?
It has no annual fee, and we rate it 3.6 out of 5. It's best suited to students and budget-conscious spenders who want everyday rewards without an annual fee. The welcome bonus is worth roughly $50, which covers the first year for many people. Whether it's worth it for you depends on your spending. Run your own numbers through our credit card finder to see the net rewards after the fee.
What does the RBC ION Visa earn?
It earns 1.5x on groceries, 1.5x on gas, ev charging, transit & rideshare and 1.5x on streaming, digital subscriptions & gaming.
What credit score do you need for the RBC ION Visa?
We'd suggest a score of around 640 or higher, which puts approval in our "moderate" band. This is a VaultNerd estimate based on the card's tier and stated requirements. Approval also depends on your income, existing debt and credit history.
Researching and writing about Canadian personal finance since 2026.
Last reviewed June 2026 · How we research
“RBC ION Visa Review.” VaultNerd, https://www.vaultnerd.com/ca/credit-cards/rbc-ion-visa, updated June 2026.
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