rewards3.6 / 5

RBC ION Visa

RBC

Best for

Students and budget-conscious spenders who want everyday rewards without an annual fee.

Apply on RBC

Annual fee

None

FX fee

2.5%

Purchase APR

20.99%

Income req.

—

Recommended credit score

640+

Approval difficulty

Moderate approval

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

~$50 value

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

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Information may be simplified, incomplete, or out of date. Consult a licensed professional before making financial decisions. VaultNerd may receive compensation from partners featured on this site — this does not influence our editorial content.

Written by

The VaultNerd Team

Researching and writing about Canadian credit cards and rewards since 2026.

Cite this page

“RBC ION Visa Review — VaultNerd” — VaultNerd, https://www.vaultnerd.com/credit-cards/rbc-ion-visa, updated June 2026.

Sources

RBC cardholder agreement and rates & fees disclosure
VaultNerd cards database