RBC Rewards+ Review

Who is the RBC Rewards+ Visa for? 

The RBC Rewards+ Visa is an ideal option for people who use their credit everyday purchases while earning points for every dollar spent. You can earn 1 RBC Rewards point for every $1 CAD spent on gas, grocery, and drug store purchases and $2 CAD spent on all other purchases. 

There are various other benefits that come with the card. When signing up, cardholders can receive up to 3,500 RBC bonus Rewards points just for going digital. An important thing to note is that the 3,500 bonus points are limited to existing RBC account holders. For those who do not bank with RBC, the most bonus points you can acquire is 1,500 points sharing your email address, opting for eStatements, and downloading one of their mobile apps.

The rewards earned can be redeemed for just about anything a person could want: travel benefits, merchandise/gift cards from various brands, debt payments, and more. In addition to the rewards program, you also get access to personalized promotions allowing you to save money while earning bonus points faster. Other perks that come with the card include instant fuel savings as the card lets you save 3 cents per liter on fuel at any qualified Petro-Canada location while earning a 20% bonus on Petro-Points. 

The fees associated with the card is also something you should consider. The card charges interest rates of 19.99% on purchases and 22.99% on cash advances, which is average in comparison to other credit cards. Also, you do not have to pay an annual fee. 

The RBC Rewards+ Visa is ultimately a good option if you want to earn rewards for purchasing everyday necessities. Also, given that there are no annual fees and the interest-rates are average, cardholders may find this card particularly appealing. To apply, you must be at least 18 years of age and a resident of Canada. 

Rewards

The RBC Rewards+ Visa provides cardholders 1 RBC Rewards point for every $1 spent on gas, grocery, and drug store purchases and for every $2 spent on all other purchases. This is a great way to make the most of everyday essentials. 

In addition to earning points from purchases, you can also earn up to 3,500 points just by going digital. Primary cardholders can earn 500 points by completing each of the three activities listed within 60 days of approval, acquiring a total of 1,500 points. These activities include sharing your email with RBC, signing up for eStatement for your card, and downloading and signing into either the RBC Mobile app, RBC wallet, or RBC Rewards app. Additional opportunities to earn points are limited to those who bank with RBC. For current RBC account holders, you can earn more points by completing a multitude of tasks on the RBC Mobile app or online such as transferring funds or depositing a check. Completing all the tasks means that you will be awarded a total of 3,500 points, an amount worth at least $3,500 in purchases.

RBC Reward points can be spent in a variety of ways. For every 100 points earned, you can redeem for $1 CAD worth in rewards. Rewards come in the form of travel benefits such as vacation packages, cruises, flights, hotels, and car rentals. Roundtrip to Europe, for instance, would require a total of 65,000 points. With a max ticket price of $1,300 you would save up to $650! Furthermore, there are no restrictions when it comes to booking flights as you are free to fly with any airline. 

The ways you can spend RBC Rewards Points are endless. Cardholders can use RBC Reward points to buy merchandise from various brands like Apple and Best Buy. You can even use your points to buy gift cards, pay your bills, donate to charity, and more. As a reward member, you also enjoy access to exclusive offers from RBC and earn RBC points faster, something you definitely would want to take advantage of. 

Additional Features

Another benefit of using the RBC Rewards+ Visa is the ability to protect your account with the credit card lock. With the RBC Mobile App, you can lock and unlock your card with a touch of a button. This feature eliminates any concerns of your card getting misused and the hassle for canceling your card. By locking your card in the case it is misplaced, lost, or stolen, all cash advances, purchases, and withdrawals either online or in-person will be declined. Once you locate your card, you can then unlock it with the app. 

Besides account protection, you also receive the perks of instant fuel savings. As part of the RBC partnership with Petro-Canada, you save 3 cents per liter at the pump and earn a 20% bonus on Petro-Points when you link your card. Optional perks like balance protector insurance, road assist, identity protection, and travel insurance are also available. 

Fees

There is no annual fee, nor is there a fee for each additional card added to the account. This paired with average interest rates may be attractive to some cardholders. The purchase rate is 19.99% and the cash advance rate is 22.99%. Other fees include a cash advance fee of $3.50 in Canada of $5 outside of Canada. Cardholders are also charged $45 for returned payments and $29 when they spend over their monthly credit limit. While numerous fees come with the card, it may be worth overlooking because of the rewards and bonuses offered. Maintaining good spending habits and monitoring your account is, thus, crucial in making the most of the benefits. 

Conclusion 

The RBC Rewards+ Visa is a simple and effective way to earn RBC Rewards points on all everyday purchases such as groceries and gas. Earning welcome bonus points just by going digital is another great feature, although it is easiest to collect for RBC account holders. Furthermore, the rewards system is extremely flexible in regards to how you spend your points. You can redeem your points for a wide selection of things such as travel rewards, gift cards merchandise, charity donations, and more. You can even use the points to pay off your bills and debt. There is also the added benefit of not having to pay an annual fee. While the card comes with other fees, they are easily avoidable for responsible cardholders. If these features suit your criteria and spending habits, then consider getting the RBC Rewards+ Visa.