RBC ION and ION+ Offers: Get Up to 28,000 Avion Points (Record-High!) – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash)
RBC has introduced its strongest welcome offers yet on the ION Visa and ION+ Visa cards. The updated promotions run through November 4, 2026, and deliver up to 28,000 Avion points on the higher-tier card. These bonuses arrive at a time when many travelers seek straightforward ways to build rewards balances without complex spending requirements. The moves reflect RBC’s effort to strengthen its position in the everyday rewards segment. Both cards target users who value simplicity and consistent earning on routine purchases rather than premium travel perks.
Breakdown of the Current Offers
The ION+ Visa leads with the largest payout. New cardholders receive 7,000 points upon approval. An additional 14,000 points follow after $1,500 in purchases within the first six months. A further 7,000 points arrive as a one-time anniversary bonus, bringing the total to 28,000. The standard ION Visa carries a parallel but smaller promotion capped at 14,000 points. Its structure mirrors the ION+ offer at roughly half the scale, with no monthly fee attached. Both promotions require the account to remain open and in good standing for points to post. No foreign transaction fees apply on either card, which adds appeal for occasional cross-border spending.
Card Features and Earning Rates
The ION+ Visa carries a modest $4 monthly fee and awards 3 Avion points per dollar on groceries, dining, gas, transit, streaming, and digital gaming when merchants code correctly. All other purchases earn 1 point per dollar. The no-fee ION Visa earns a flat 1 point per dollar across purchases. Both cards feed directly into the Avion Rewards program, where points can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, or other options at varying values. These earning categories align well with typical household spending patterns in Canada. Cardholders who concentrate spending in bonus categories can accelerate point accumulation beyond the initial welcome offer.
Practical Considerations for Applicants
Applicants should review eligibility rules and ensure they meet basic credit requirements before applying. The spending threshold of $1,500 over six months remains modest for most households and can often be met through regular expenses. Points from these offers hold value primarily for travel redemptions or select gift card exchanges. RBC has positioned the 28,000-point maximum as equivalent to roughly $200 in gift card value under current redemption rates. Those already holding RBC cards should confirm whether product transfers or multiple applications are permitted under current policies. Timing the application before the November deadline secures the enhanced bonuses while they last.
What Matters Now
This development gives existing and prospective RBC customers a clear window to lock in elevated starting balances. The record levels may not persist once the promotion ends, so interested individuals have a defined period to act. For travelers focused on steady point growth without high annual fees, the ION+ offer provides measurable upside. Monitoring redemption values and any future program adjustments will help maximize the long-term benefit of these points.
