RBC Avion vs Aeroplan: Which Points Should You Sell?
If you have RBC Avion points and want to convert them to cash, you'll need to understand how these programs relate to each other. This comprehensive guide covers the transfer process, current rates, and strategies for maximizing value when selling.
Quick Answer:
Mega Miles Broker buys Aeroplan points, not RBC Avion directly. The good news: RBC Avion transfers to Aeroplan at a 1:1 ratio with no fees. Transfer your Avion points to Aeroplan first, then sell them for $0.01-0.015 CAD per point. The whole process takes 2-4 days.
Understanding RBC Avion vs Aeroplan
RBC Avion and Aeroplan are two distinct loyalty programs that work closely together. Understanding their relationship is key to maximizing your points value.
| Feature | RBC Avion Points | Aeroplan Points |
|---|---|---|
| Program Type | Bank loyalty program | Airline loyalty program |
| Issuer | Royal Bank of Canada | Air Canada |
| Can Sell Directly? | No | Yes - $0.01-0.015/point |
| Transfer to Aeroplan | 1:1 ratio, no fees | N/A (already Aeroplan) |
| Expiration | No expiry with active card | 18 months of inactivity |
| 100K Points Cash Value | $1,000 - $1,500 (after transfer) | $1,000 - $1,500 |
Key insight: RBC Avion is essentially a "feeder" program for Aeroplan. While you earn Avion points through RBC credit cards, their most valuable use is often transferring to Aeroplan for flight redemptions or, if you prefer cash, transferring and selling.
Why Points Brokers Don't Buy RBC Avion Directly
You might wonder why Aeroplan points can be sold but RBC Avion cannot. The difference comes down to transferability:
RBC Avion Limitations
Avion points can only be transferred to airline programs (like Aeroplan) or redeemed through RBC's travel portal. There's no mechanism for peer-to-peer transfers within the Avion program itself, making direct sales impossible.
Aeroplan Family Sharing
Aeroplan's Family Sharing feature allows members to share points with up to 8 people. This transferability is what makes selling Aeroplan points possible. Brokers use this feature to receive points from sellers.
The solution: Transfer your Avion points to Aeroplan (1:1, free), then sell the Aeroplan points. You get the same end result with one extra step.
Current Market Rates: 2026
Here's what your RBC Avion points are worth when converted to Aeroplan and sold:
RBC Avion Points
Value after transferring to Aeroplan and selling:
$0.010 - $0.015
per point (CAD)
100,000 Avion: $1,000 - $1,500 cash
Aeroplan Points
Direct selling rate at Mega Miles Broker:
$0.010 - $0.015
per point (CAD)
100,000 Aeroplan: $1,000 - $1,500 cash
Rate Factors
Your exact rate within the $0.01-0.015 range depends on:
- Volume: Larger balances (250K+) often qualify for premium rates
- Market conditions: Demand fluctuates seasonally
- Timing: Q4 and summer often see stronger demand
How to Transfer RBC Avion to Aeroplan (Step-by-Step)
The transfer process is straightforward. Here's exactly how to do it:
Log into RBC Online Banking
Access your RBC account at rbcroyalbank.com or through the RBC mobile app. Navigate to your Avion credit card and select "RBC Rewards."
Select "Transfer Points"
In the rewards section, look for "Transfer Points" or "Convert Points." Choose Aeroplan from the list of transfer partners.
Link Your Aeroplan Account
If this is your first transfer, you'll need to enter your Aeroplan member number. The name on your Aeroplan account must match your RBC account exactly.
Enter Transfer Amount
Specify how many Avion points you want to transfer. Remember, the minimum for selling is 25,000 Aeroplan points, so transfer at least that amount.
Confirm and Wait
Review the transfer details and confirm. Points typically appear in your Aeroplan account within 24-48 hours. First-time transfers may take up to 5 business days.
Transfer Timeline
Standard transfers: 24-48 hours
First-time transfers: 3-5 business days
Pro tip: Initiate transfers early in the week for faster processing
Complete Process: From Avion to Cash
Here's the full end-to-end process for converting RBC Avion points to cash:
Total Timeline: 3-7 Business Days
Transfer Avion to Aeroplan
1-2 days (first-time: 3-5 days)
Request quote from Mega Miles Broker
Response within 24 hours
Accept quote and add to Family Sharing
Same day (you control this)
Transfer points via Family Sharing
Instant
Receive Interac e-Transfer
Within 24 hours of transfer
Example: Selling 150,000 Avion Points
Monday: Initiate transfer from RBC Avion to Aeroplan
Wednesday: Points arrive in Aeroplan account, request quote
Thursday: Receive quote ($1,875 at $0.0125/point), accept and complete Family Sharing transfer
Friday: Receive $1,875 via Interac e-Transfer
When to Sell vs Redeem Your Avion/Aeroplan Points
Before converting your Avion points to cash, consider whether redemption might offer better value:
Sell Your Points If:
- You have no travel plans in the next 12-18 months
- You're cancelling your RBC Avion card and need to use the points
- You primarily fly economy domestically (redemption value is often <1.5 cents/point)
- You need cash now rather than uncertain future travel value
- You're concerned about program devaluation
Keep Points for Redemption If:
- You have specific business/first class trips planned (2-5+ cents/point value)
- You're targeting high-value partner awards (EVA, ANA, Lufthansa business class)
- You're close to having enough points for a dream trip
- You value travel experiences over cash
Break-Even Analysis
To decide, calculate your cents-per-point (CPP) redemption value:
CPP = Cash Price of Flight / Points Required
- >1.5 cents/point: Consider redeeming
- 1.0-1.5 cents/point: Close call, personal preference
- <1.0 cents/point: Selling is better value
RBC Avion Points: All Your Options
Selling (via Aeroplan) isn't your only option. Here's how it compares to other Avion redemptions:
| Redemption Option | Value Per Point | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Sell via Aeroplan | 1.0-1.5 cents | Cash seekers, no travel plans |
| Aeroplan Business Class | 2-5+ cents | Premium travelers, sweet spots |
| Aeroplan Economy | 0.8-1.5 cents | Occasional travelers |
| RBC Travel Portal | ~1 cent (fixed) | Simplicity, any travel |
| Statement Credits | 0.5-0.7 cents | Avoid this option |
Recommendation: Avoid statement credits at all costs (terrible value). If you don't want to deal with Aeroplan award availability, selling gives you guaranteed value that beats the RBC travel portal.
Common Scenarios
Scenario 1: Cancelling Your RBC Avion Card
You have 200,000 Avion points and want to cancel your card to avoid the annual fee.
Recommended: Transfer all points to Aeroplan immediately, then sell.
200,000 Avion → 200,000 Aeroplan → $2,500 (at $0.0125/point)
Important: Transfer before cancelling. Once the card is closed, your points may be forfeited.
Scenario 2: Points in Both Programs
You have 100,000 Avion and 75,000 Aeroplan points already.
Recommended: Combine and sell together for efficiency.
100,000 Avion → 100,000 Aeroplan + 75,000 existing = 175,000 total Aeroplan
175,000 Aeroplan × $0.0125 = $2,187
Larger balances may qualify for premium rates.
Scenario 3: Want to Keep Some Points
You have 300,000 Avion points but want to keep 100,000 for a potential Europe trip.
Recommended: Partial sale for flexibility.
Transfer 200,000 to Aeroplan and sell → $2,500
Keep 100,000 Avion for later transfer if you decide to book that Europe trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell RBC Avion points directly for cash?
No, most points brokers (including Mega Miles Broker) do not buy RBC Avion points directly. However, you can transfer your Avion points to Aeroplan at a 1:1 ratio and then sell your Aeroplan points. This is the most common method for converting Avion points to cash.
What is the RBC Avion to Aeroplan transfer ratio?
RBC Avion points transfer to Aeroplan at a 1:1 ratio. This means 100,000 Avion points become exactly 100,000 Aeroplan points. There are no fees for the transfer, and it typically completes within 24-48 hours.
How long does it take to transfer RBC Avion to Aeroplan?
Most RBC Avion to Aeroplan transfers complete within 24-48 hours. However, first-time transfers may take longer as your accounts need to be linked. We recommend initiating the transfer at least 3-5 business days before you plan to sell.
Do RBC Avion points expire?
RBC Avion points do not expire as long as your RBC Avion card remains open and in good standing. However, if you close your card or switch to a non-Avion RBC product, your points may be at risk. This makes transferring to Aeroplan (and optionally selling) a smart move before cancelling.
Is it better to transfer Avion to Aeroplan or use the RBC travel portal?
For most travelers, transferring to Aeroplan provides better value, especially for premium cabin bookings. The RBC travel portal typically values points at around 1 cent each. Aeroplan redemptions can deliver 2-5+ cents per point on business class flights. If you want cash instead, transferring to Aeroplan and selling nets you $0.01-0.015 per point.
Can I transfer Avion points to someone else's Aeroplan account?
No, RBC Avion points can only be transferred to an Aeroplan account that is in your name. The account holder names must match. Once the points are in your Aeroplan account, you can then use Aeroplan Family Sharing to transfer them (which is how selling works).
Related Resources
Mega Miles Broker Team
Points Brokerage Specialists
Canadian loyalty points specialists. PIPEDA compliant, Toronto-based.