The Hidden RBC Credit Card Combo That Outperforms Amex Cobalt

I want to share a strategy that’s been overlooked in the Canadian credit card space, yet it offers remarkable value. At a time when many loyalty programs are raising fees and reducing benefits, this combination from RBC quietly stands out.

What if you could earn flexible, airline-transferable points on everyday purchases—groceries, dining, gas, streaming—for less than the cost of most premium cards? What if the strategy actually surpasses the Amex Cobalt in earning potential, without the acceptance issues or spending caps?

That’s exactly what’s possible when you pair the RBC Avion Visa Infinite with the RBC Ion+ Visa. Together, they create one of the most efficient and flexible points-earning setups available in Canada today.

Quick note: If you decide either of these cards are right for you, I’d really appreciate it if you use my referral links in this post. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, but it helps support Canadian Jetsetter so I can keep bringing you this kind of analysis.

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The Strategy That Changes Everything

The concept is simple but powerful: carry two complementary RBC cards and link them within your online banking.

• RBC Ion+ Visa earns “Avion Premium” points, with standout categories at 3x points: groceries, dining, rideshares, gas, EV charging, streaming, and digital gaming.
• These points can be transferred instantly and at no loss into your RBC Avion Visa Infinite, which holds “Avion Elite” points.

The reason this matters is that Avion Elite points transfer to airline partners, often with bonuses. For example, converting to British Airways Avios during a 30% promotion turns those grocery purchases into nearly 4x points toward business class flights.

This turns everyday household spending into a gateway for premium travel—without premium annual fees.

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Welcome Bonuses That Enhance the Strategy

RBC is currently offering generous welcome bonuses, available until November 25, 2025:

• RBC Avion Visa Infinite: Up to 55,000 Avion points
  • 35,000 on approval
  • 20,000 after $5,000 spend in six months
• RBC Ion+ Visa: Up to 21,000 points
  • 7,000 on approval
  • 14,000 after $1,500 spend in six months

Important note: RBC allows only one credit card approval every 90 days. If you can comfortably reach the $5,000 spend, start with the Avion Infinite for the larger bonus. If not, begin with the Ion+ and apply for the Avion Infinite later.

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The Card Breakdown

RBC Ion+ Visa ($48 annual fee)

• 3x points on groceries, dining, rideshares, gas, EV charging, streaming, and digital gaming
• 1x points on everything else
• No spending caps on bonus categories

Compared to Amex Cobalt, which caps its 5x grocery earnings at $2,500 per month, the Ion+ has no ceiling—making it especially valuable for families with higher monthly spending.

RBC Avion Visa Infinite ($120 annual fee)

• 1x points on everyday purchases
• 1.25x on travel booked through RBC
• Access to premium airline partners:
  • British Airways Executive Club (Avios)
  • Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
  • American Airlines AAdvantage (at a 0.7 ratio)
  • WestJet Rewards

The true power lies in transferability, especially when RBC offers transfer bonuses.

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The Value in Action

Here’s how the math works:

• Welcome bonuses: 55,000 (Avion) + 21,000 (Ion+) = 76,000 points
• Annual grocery spending of $6,000 on Ion+ = 18,000 points
• Total after one year = 94,000 Avion points
• Transfer to Avios with a 30% bonus = 122,200 Avios

That’s enough for:

• 3 one-way business class flights from the U.S. East Coast to Madrid
• 1 round-trip business class flight to Europe with points left over
• Multiple premium economy flights, depending on the destination

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Why This Strategy Outperforms Competitors

• Versus Amex Cobalt: Lower annual fees, larger bonuses, no category caps, and broader acceptance.
• Versus premium cards (e.g., Amex Platinum): Much lower annual fees while still unlocking premium redemptions.
• Versus cash back cards: Access to aspirational travel redemptions that cash back simply can’t match.

This RBC pairing strikes a rare balance: affordable fees, exceptional earning categories, and flexible redemption opportunities.

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Who Benefits Most From This Strategy

This setup is ideal for:

• Households with significant grocery and dining expenses
• Travellers frustrated by Amex acceptance limitations
• People seeking premium flights without paying premium annual fees
• Those who prefer flexibility across multiple airline partners

It may not be the best fit for people who want cash back simplicity, spend heavily on business expenses, or stay loyal to a single airline program.

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Advanced Tips for Maximizing Value

• Delay transfers until you’re ready to book or a bonus is active.
• Use shopping portals to stack additional rewards.
• Track transfer bonuses, particularly the frequent 30% Avios promotions.
• Leverage both cards strategically: Ion+ for 3x categories, Avion Infinite for travel bookings.
• Explore business versions if you operate a business, as RBC extends similar benefits there.

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Final Thoughts

At a time when many Canadian cards are reducing benefits, this RBC Avion Visa Infinite and RBC Ion+ Visa combo stands out as a hidden gem. It combines affordability with premium redemption potential, unrestricted earning categories, and wide merchant acceptance.

With welcome bonuses expiring in November 2025, this is one of the strongest opportunities available in the market today.

If you’re interested, click on the links above. Supporting through these links allows me to keep analyzing and sharing strategies that help Canadian travellers unlock maximum value.

Ultimately, the best credit card strategy is the one that fits your spending habits and travel goals. For many Canadians, this RBC combination may be exactly that.