Annual fee
$399
Primary cardholder
Best RBC Royal Bank Credit Cards in Canada
A clearer way to compare RBC card options
RBC offers a broad credit-card lineup, and the best fit depends on whether you value travel rewards, cash back, airline benefits, or low fees. RateBuddy helps organize RBC card details so you can compare options more easily before reviewing the issuer terms.
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Compare Top RBC Cards
Use the filters to shape the card results below. Adjust your monthly spend, narrow by provider, or highlight no-fee and welcome-bonus options — RateBuddy will quietly refresh the list so the results stay connected to your choices.
Ready to refine
Annual fee
$399
Purchase APR
20.99%
Cash advance
22.99%
RBC Royal Bank
Best for
Travel Rewards
Premium
Best for
Travel Rewards
Premium
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$1,500
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$225
First-year annual fee
Fee charged during the first year
$399
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$1,326
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 1.25% | $67.50 |
| Dining | $300 | 1.25% | $45 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 1.25% | $22.50 |
| Travel | $75 | 1.25% | $11.25 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 1.25% | $11.25 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 1.25% | $67.50 |
This is an estimate, not a guaranteed cash return. Actual value depends on spending, eligibility, redemption choices and meeting the provider’s offer terms. Reward rates are treated as estimated cash-equivalent percentages.
Rewards program
Avion Rewards
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Purchase APR
20.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
22.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
$99
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
—
Minimum household income
$200,000
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Annual fee
$120
Purchase APR
20.99%
Cash advance
22.99%
RBC Royal Bank
Best for
Travel Rewards
Student
Best for
Travel Rewards
Student
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$1,100
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$180
First-year annual fee
Fee charged during the first year
$120
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$1,160
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 1% | $54 |
| Dining | $300 | 1% | $36 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 1% | $18 |
| Travel | $75 | 1% | $9 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 1% | $9 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 1% | $54 |
This is an estimate, not a guaranteed cash return. Actual value depends on spending, eligibility, redemption choices and meeting the provider’s offer terms. Reward rates are treated as estimated cash-equivalent percentages.
Rewards program
Avion Rewards
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$120
Primary cardholder
Purchase APR
20.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
22.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
$50
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
—
Minimum household income
—
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Annual fee
$165
Purchase APR
20.50%
Cash advance
22.99%
RBC Royal Bank
Best for
Travel Rewards
Best for
Travel Rewards
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$900
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$234
First-year annual fee
Fee charged during the first year
$165
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$969
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 1% | $54 |
| Dining | $300 | 2% | $72 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 1% | $18 |
| Travel | $75 | 3% | $27 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 1% | $9 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 1% | $54 |
This is an estimate, not a guaranteed cash return. Actual value depends on spending, eligibility, redemption choices and meeting the provider’s offer terms. Reward rates are treated as estimated cash-equivalent percentages.
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$165
Primary cardholder
Purchase APR
20.50%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
22.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
$75
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
—
Minimum household income
—
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Annual fee
$0
Purchase APR
20.99%
Cash advance
22.99%
RBC Royal Bank
Best for
Travel Rewards
No Annual Fee
Rewards
Best for
Travel Rewards
No Annual Fee
Rewards
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$30
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$936
First-year annual fee
No annual fee
$0
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$966
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 4% | $216 |
| Dining | $300 | 8% | $288 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 8% | $144 |
| Travel | $75 | 4% | $36 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 4% | $36 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 4% | $216 |
This is an estimate, not a guaranteed cash return. Actual value depends on spending, eligibility, redemption choices and meeting the provider’s offer terms. Reward rates are treated as estimated cash-equivalent percentages.
Rewards program
More Rewards
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$0
Primary cardholder
Purchase APR
20.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
22.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
$0
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
—
Minimum household income
—
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Annual fee
$0
Purchase APR
20.99%
Cash advance
22.99%
RBC Royal Bank
Best for
No Annual Fee
Rewards
Best for
No Annual Fee
Rewards
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$30
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$648
First-year annual fee
No annual fee
$0
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$678
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 3% | $162 |
| Dining | $300 | 5% | $180 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 5% | $90 |
| Travel | $75 | 3% | $27 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 3% | $27 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 3% | $162 |
This is an estimate, not a guaranteed cash return. Actual value depends on spending, eligibility, redemption choices and meeting the provider’s offer terms. Reward rates are treated as estimated cash-equivalent percentages.
Rewards program
More Rewards
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$0
Primary cardholder
Purchase APR
20.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
22.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
$0
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
—
Minimum household income
—
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Annual fee
$139
Purchase APR
20.99%
Cash advance
22.99%
RBC Royal Bank
Best for
Travel Rewards
Best for
Travel Rewards
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$450
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$310.50
First-year annual fee
Fee charged during the first year
$139
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$621.50
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 2% | $108 |
| Dining | $300 | 1.5% | $54 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 2% | $36 |
| Travel | $75 | 2% | $18 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 1.5% | $13.50 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 1.5% | $81 |
This is an estimate, not a guaranteed cash return. Actual value depends on spending, eligibility, redemption choices and meeting the provider’s offer terms. Reward rates are treated as estimated cash-equivalent percentages.
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$139
Primary cardholder
Purchase APR
20.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
22.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
$59
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
$80,000
Minimum household income
$150,000
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Annual fee
$48
Purchase APR
20.99%
Cash advance
22.99%
RBC Royal Bank
Best for
Student
Rewards
Best for
Student
Rewards
Welcome-offer value
The expired $150 published estimate was excluded
$0
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$414
First-year annual fee
Fee charged during the first year
$48
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$366
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 3% | $162 |
| Dining | $300 | 3% | $108 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 3% | $54 |
| Travel | $75 | 1% | $9 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 3% | $27 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 1% | $54 |
Estimate notes
- The published welcome-offer estimate was excluded because its expiry date has passed.
This is an estimate, not a guaranteed cash return. Actual value depends on spending, eligibility, redemption choices and meeting the provider’s offer terms. Reward rates are treated as estimated cash-equivalent percentages.
Rewards program
Avion Rewards
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$48
Primary cardholder
Purchase APR
20.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
22.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
$0
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
—
Minimum household income
—
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Annual fee
$0
Purchase APR
20.99%
Cash advance
22.99%
RBC Royal Bank
Best for
No Annual Fee
Rewards
Best for
No Annual Fee
Rewards
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$40
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$288
First-year annual fee
No annual fee
$0
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$328
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 2% | $108 |
| Dining | $300 | 2% | $72 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 2% | $36 |
| Travel | $75 | 1% | $9 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 1% | $9 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 1% | $54 |
This is an estimate, not a guaranteed cash return. Actual value depends on spending, eligibility, redemption choices and meeting the provider’s offer terms. Reward rates are treated as estimated cash-equivalent percentages.
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$0
Primary cardholder
Purchase APR
20.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
22.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
$0
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
—
Minimum household income
—
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Annual fee
$39
Purchase APR
20.99%
Cash advance
22.99%
RBC Royal Bank
Best for
Travel Rewards
Student
Best for
Travel Rewards
Student
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$100
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$207
First-year annual fee
Fee charged during the first year
$39
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$268
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 1% | $54 |
| Dining | $300 | 1.5% | $54 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 1% | $18 |
| Travel | $75 | 1.5% | $13.50 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 1.5% | $13.50 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 1% | $54 |
This is an estimate, not a guaranteed cash return. Actual value depends on spending, eligibility, redemption choices and meeting the provider’s offer terms. Reward rates are treated as estimated cash-equivalent percentages.
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$39
Primary cardholder
Purchase APR
20.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
22.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
$19
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
—
Minimum household income
—
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Annual fee
$0
Purchase APR
20.99%
Cash advance
22.99%
RBC Royal Bank
Best for
Cash Back
No Annual Fee
Student
Best for
Cash Back
No Annual Fee
Student
Welcome-offer value
No current monetary welcome-offer estimate was included
$0
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$234
First-year annual fee
No annual fee
$0
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$234
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 2% | $108 |
| Dining | $300 | 1% | $36 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 1% | $18 |
| Travel | $75 | 1% | $9 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 1% | $9 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 1% | $54 |
Estimate notes
- A welcome offer is described, but no monetary value estimate is available.
This is an estimate, not a guaranteed cash return. Actual value depends on spending, eligibility, redemption choices and meeting the provider’s offer terms. Reward rates are treated as estimated cash-equivalent percentages.
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$0
Primary cardholder
Purchase APR
20.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
22.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
$0
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
—
Minimum household income
—
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Showing 10 of 17 cards
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Why Choose a Credit Card?
Beyond simple convenience, the right credit card offers a layer of consumer protection, financial leverage, and rewards that debit cards or cash simply cannot match.
Zero Liability Protection
Canadian credit cards come with robust federal protections against unauthorized transactions. Unlike cash, which is gone forever if lost, or debit cards which are directly linked to your bank funds, a credit card offers a buffer. If your card is used fraudulently, you are generally not held liable for those charges once reported. This keeps your actual bank account safe and liquid while the bank investigates the issue. It provides peace of mind in an era of increasing digital fraud.
Value-Added Rewards
Every purchase you make is an opportunity to earn a return on your spending. Whether you prefer travel points, merchandise, or cash back, using a credit card allows you to get value back on expenses you were going to pay anyway. Over the course of a year, a standard 1-2% reward rate can accumulate into hundreds of dollars in free groceries or flights. It is effectively a discount on your entire lifestyle, provided you pay your balance in full. Why pay full price with cash when you can earn a rebate with credit?
Building Credit History
Your credit score is your financial passport in Canada, dictating your ability to rent apartments, get a mortgage, or finance a car. Responsible credit card use is one of the most effective and fastest ways to establish this history. By using a card and paying it off on time every month, you demonstrate reliability to future lenders. A long, positive history with a credit card accounts for a significant portion of your credit score calculation. Without this history, obtaining major loans later in life can be difficult or much more expensive.
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Cash Back
Earn money on daily spend.
Travel Rewards
Best for frequent flyers.
SPEC SHEET
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PAYMENT NETWORKS
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CARD LEVELS
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KNOWLEDGE BASE
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Compare Top RBC Cards Cards and financial strategy.
Disclaimer: Information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Terms subject to change by issuers.
Credit card networks (Visa/Mastercard) set their own daily exchange rates, which are generally very close to the market rate. However, unless you have a No-FX fee card, the issuer adds a surcharge (usually 2.5%) on top of this rate, which is why the total cost is higher than the spot market rate.
Personal income generally refers to your individual annual earnings. Household income typically includes the combined income of you and your spouse or common-law partner. Premium cards often have higher income thresholds (e.g., $60k personal or $100k household) to qualify.
It might. Cancelling an older card reduces your 'Average Age of Accounts,' which is a factor in your credit score. It also reduces your total available credit, which could increase your utilization ratio. If the card has no annual fee, it is often better to keep it open and use it occasionally to keep the history active.
Contactless payments use encryption technology similar to Chip & PIN transactions. Limits are typically placed on the amount allowed per tap (e.g., $100-$250) to minimize risk. If a thief exceeds this limit, a PIN is required. You are also protected by the issuer's Zero Liability policy for fraudulent tap transactions.
An authorized user is someone you add to your account (like a spouse or child) who gets their own card. The primary cardholder is fully responsible for all debt incurred by the authorized user. It can be a way to help someone build credit habits, but legal liability remains with the primary account holder.
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