In the world of Canadian credit cards, the Cobalt Card stands as a shining beacon of rewards, especially for groceries. Its nearly ten percent returns make it a tough competitor. But what if the challenge came not from one card, but two? Enter the RBC Ion+ Visa and the RBC Avion Visa Infinite combo, a potential powerhouse that might just rival the Cobalt Card.
The Ion+ Visa card, with its $48 annual fee, initially seemed underwhelming. Despite high reward multipliers, the value of each point didn’t justify the cost. However, the card reveals its true potential when paired with the RBC Avion Visa Infinite. This duo, though requiring a combined annual fee of $168, unlocks a strategy that maximizes the value of Avion points.
Understanding Avion Points
Avion points come in two flavors: Avion Premium and Avion Elite. The Ion+ Visa earns Avion Premium points, which, when used alone, offer limited value. However, the Avion Visa Infinite earns Avion Elite points, which can be worth significantly more, especially when redeemed through the RBC travel portal.
The trick lies in transferring Avion Premium points to Avion Elite points at a one-to-one ratio, available only if you own both the Ion+ Visa and the Avion Visa Infinite. This transfer elevates the value of your points, making the combo a strategic choice for maximizing rewards.
The Mechanics of the RBC Card Combo
With the Ion+ Visa, you earn three times multipliers on groceries, dining, transit, and streaming services. By transferring these points to Avion Elite points, you can achieve up to a seven percent return. However, the real-world application is often less generous, as the best value of Avion Elite points is tricky to attain.
Redemption through the RBC travel portal for flights to adjacent provinces or states offers the maximum value of 2.33 cents per point, but with restrictions on ticket price and coverage of additional fees. Despite these hurdles, the potential rewards remain attractive.
Comparing the RBC Combo with the Cobalt Card
The Cobalt Card, with its five times multipliers on groceries and dining, sets a high bar. When converted to Aeroplan points, each point can yield about ten percent in rewards. In contrast, the RBC combo offers around six percent for the same categories, assuming a more achievable two cents per Avion Elite point.
However, the RBC combo shines in its versatility, offering six percent rewards across more categories without the need for gift card hacks. Additionally, the Visa network’s wider acceptance compared to Amex can be a deciding factor for many, especially at stores like TNT where Amex isn’t accepted.
Pros and Cons of the RBC Card Combo
Pros
- High reward rates across various categories, including transit and streaming services.
- No spending limits on categories, unlike the Cobalt Card’s $2,500 monthly cap on groceries and dining.
- Wider acceptance as a Visa card, especially in grocery stores and restaurants.
- Additional savings on gas with a 1.5% return at Petro Canada.
Cons
- Slightly higher annual cost compared to the Cobalt Card.
- Less flexible and potentially lower value rewards compared to Amex points.
- Complexity in maximizing point value through specific redemption strategies.
- Visa’s lack of grocery category recognition at Walmart supercenters.
Who Should Consider the RBC Combo?
The RBC Ion+ Visa and Avion Visa Infinite combo is ideal for those who frequently shop at stores that don’t accept Amex or have diverse spending habits across multiple categories. It’s also a great choice for those who dislike the hassle of gift card hacks and prefer straightforward card usage.
However, for those who can maximize the Cobalt Card’s potential through strategic spending and gift card purchases, the higher rewards might be more appealing despite the RBC combo’s advantages.
Final Verdict
The Ion+ Visa and Avion Visa Infinite combo is a formidable contender in the Canadian credit card landscape. While it may not surpass the Cobalt Card in every aspect, it provides a robust alternative for those looking for flexibility and broader acceptance. The decision ultimately hinges on individual spending patterns and preferences.
For anyone considering a switch or looking to enhance their rewards strategy, the RBC combo offers a compelling case. Its potential for high returns across a variety of spending categories, combined with the ease of use and acceptance, makes it a worthy option to explore.
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