RBC British Airways Visa Infinite review

How the British Airways Visa Infinite earns points

British Airways purchases earn 3 points per dollar, dining earns 2 points per dollar, and everything else earns 1 point. That makes it a card for people who already book British Airways flights and eat out regularly.

As an example, $2,500 a year on British Airways flights earns 7,500 points. Add $400 a month on dining, which earns 9,600 points a year, and $1,200 a month of other spending, which earns 14,400, for 31,500 points a year.

In that example, everyday spending outside flights produces about three-quarters of the total, so the dining rate matters nearly as much as the airline rate.

The welcome offer

RBC may offer a welcome bonus to new cardholders, but the current listing doesn’t spell out a points total or any spending requirement. Check RBC’s website for the current offer and its exact terms.

If the offer comes with a spending target, compare it with your normal monthly spending before applying so you know whether you can reach it without stretching your budget.

Making the most of the points

Because the top earn rate applies to British Airways purchases, the card works best as the one you use to book those flights. Putting regular dining on it as well lets you earn 2 points per dollar between trips. Charging the whole family’s British Airways bookings to the card, not just your own ticket, is the simplest way to get more from the 3x rate.

If you don’t fly British Airways, the points are less useful, and a card with flexible points would let you choose between airlines and programs. Before applying, check RBC’s current list of benefits and insurance for this card, since those can add value on top of the points.

Fees, interest and the fine print

The annual fee is $165. Foreign currency purchases carry a 2.5% fee, so $1,000 charged in pounds or another foreign currency adds about $25. In the example budget, the fee is set against 31,500 points a year, so the card makes most sense when you’ll redeem those points for British Airways flights.

Purchases are charged 20.99% interest and cash advances 22.99%. Paying the full statement balance by the due date avoids purchase interest.

Who it suits, and who should look elsewhere

The British Airways Visa Infinite suits travellers who fly British Airways at least once or twice a year and want their everyday spending, especially dining, to add to the same balance. It can also pair with a no-fee card for groceries and bills, keeping this card for flights and restaurants where it earns 2 to 3 points per dollar.

If you fly a mix of airlines, or rarely travel, the $165 fee is hard to justify. A flexible travel card or a no-fee cash back card is likely a better fit.

How it compares

The RBC Avion Visa Infinite costs $120 a year, $45 less, earns up to 1.25x on travel and offers up to 55,000 Avion points. It’s the more flexible option from the same bank if you don’t want to commit to one airline.

The Air France KLM World Elite Mastercard is another airline-specific card, at $132 a year, with its top earn rate on Air France and KLM flights. Like the British Airways card, it charges a 2.5% foreign transaction fee, so neither is ideal for spending abroad.

Before you apply

The recommended credit score is 720 or higher, and RBC makes the final decision based on your full credit profile. The welcome offer and terms can change, so confirm the current details on RBC’s website before you apply.