RBC has launched a redesigned Avion Rewards Travel platform that allows Canadians to book flights across more than 500 airlines and use Avion points for flights, hotels, car rentals and other travel.
The new platform brings several travel-booking functions into one interface and adds AI-assisted tools for tracking fares, predicting prices and alerting users when airfares fall.
Platform combines booking and loyalty features
Avion Rewards Travel brings together flight, hotel, car rental, activity and vacation-package bookings, with the platform developed through a strategic collaboration with Hopper Technology Solutions, or HTS.
The launch comes as Canadian travel spending rises, with RBC saying its spending data shows an 11.4 per cent year-over-year increase. The bank says the new platform is intended to give members more flexibility in how they book and redeem rewards while providing information to help them make travel decisions.
Members can track airfares in real time, receive automated price alerts and use historical pricing data to determine when they may want to book. The platform can also notify users when prices drop.
“Canadians work hard for their travel dollars and they deserve a program that works just as hard for them,” said Vinita Savani, executive vice-president, Cards & Loyalty, RBC. “With Avion Rewards Travel, we’re providing our clients with increased value and flexibility as well as smarter tools to help them get more from their travel plans.”
Flexible booking and points redemption
The platform allows users to book flights across more than 500 airlines. Avion credit cardholders continue to have access to fixed-points pricing with no blackout dates or seating restrictions, including during peak holiday periods.
Customers can pay for travel using Avion points, a credit card, travel credits or a combination of those payment methods. Avion points can also be applied toward taxes, fees and surcharges.
Avion Elite and Avion Premium members can convert their Avion points into frequent-flyer points or miles with select airline partners. The platform also uses individual travel preferences and booking history to tailor the experience, according to RBC, while offering bookings without hidden fees.
The redesigned service is being made available automatically to existing Avion Rewards members, including Avion cardholders. RBC says members do not need to create new profiles or migrate their data as part of the transition.
Launch promotions
RBC is also offering promotional incentives tied to the platform’s launch. Members can earn three times the usual Avion points on select hotel bookings made through Avion Rewards Travel between Sept. 8 and Oct. 31, 2026.
Prospective members who sign up for an RBC Avion Visa Infinite card can receive up to 70,000 Avion points, which RBC says is equivalent to as many as four short-haul round-trip flights.
Avion Rewards is open to Canadians who do not have an RBC account or credit card, although some benefits are tied to membership levels or RBC products.
The redesigned platform is part of RBC’s broader Avion Rewards offering, which also includes shopping, savings, rewards and consumer engagement features. Avion Rewards ShopPlus provides members with offers while they shop online, while the program also includes Avion credit cards and concierge services.
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