ION Visa

RBC

The RBC ION Visa offers a modern approach to credit card rewards with 1.5 Avion points per dollar spent on digital purchases (streaming, gaming, rideshare, food delivery), groceries, and transportation, plus 1 point per dollar on all other spending, with no annual fee. The card includes a welcome bonus of 7,000 Avion points upon approval (worth approximately $40-50) and practical benefits like a three-month complimentary DashPass subscription, 3¢ per liter fuel savings at Petro-Canada, and enhanced Be Well points earning at Rexall.

This card excels for digitally-engaged consumers whose spending heavily features streaming services, food delivery apps, rideshare usage, and online subscriptions that traditional cards often don't reward specifically. However, the value proposition depends entirely on spending alignment with these enhanced categories, and the Avion points program requires more active management than simple cash back alternatives. While perfect for tech-savvy consumers comfortable with optimizing point redemptions, those with minimal digital service spending or preferring straightforward cash back rewards will likely find better value with traditional no-fee cards focused on conventional spending categories.

Our Verdict

The RBC ION Visa succeeds brilliantly at recognizing and rewarding how modern Canadian consumers actually spend money, offering enhanced earning on digital services, food delivery, and streaming that most traditional cards completely ignore. The card earns high marks for innovation in category selection, accessibility with no annual fee, and flexible Avion points redemption options that include low minimum thresholds. The welcome bonus requires no spending requirements and the practical benefits like DashPass and Petro-Canada savings add real value for relevant users. However, it loses points for requiring spending alignment with specific digital categories to provide compelling value, and the Avion points program adds complexity compared to straightforward cash back alternatives. This card is exceptional for digitally-engaged consumers but won't appeal to traditional spenders, making it a smart choice for the right lifestyle but not universally valuable across all spending patterns.

Our Score

7.6 / 10

Pros

No annual fee
Earn 1.5x the points for digital purchases, groceries and transportation
Get 7,000 Avion points when you get approved for the card. Apply by November 4, 2025.

Cons

You'll need a credit score of 660 to apply for the card
Avion points can take a long time to save up

Requirements

Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident Be at least the age of majority in your province (18 or 19 years old)

Additional Details

Balance Transfer APR: 22.99%
Currency Conversion Fee: N/A
Minimum Credit Score: 660+
Minimum Deposit to Open: $0

Categories: Avion, RBC, Visa, No Fee

ION Visa

Our Verdict

Requirements

Additional Details

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