RBC Avion VISA Infinite Privilege Consumer Reviews

I have so far spent 4 days and over 8 hours on the phone with Avion just to book a one-way 20 min domestic flight using a travel credit. The complete ineptitude of the staff working on the phone lines constantly gets put on hold with only 2 people who actually phoned me back (out of 6 or 7). These people clearly are not trained properly, will not put you through to the department where they may be having difficulties, nor will they put you through to a manager. My booking has finally been made, but have been waiting for 2 days to be issued so I can book seats and furthermore progress with planning the rest of my trip which rests on knowing this flight is confirmed. I have submitted 2 complaints only to RBC Avion, with an automated response, but yet NO one has contacted me. I have had this card for over 20 years and may cancel and pull out all my accounts with RBC.

Customer service at RBC/Avion Rewards is virtually non-existent, and to make matters worse they do not seem to have ANY communications with RBC Banking. I purchased a flight from Vancouver to Toronto for a business trip. It was only while I was away traveling that I realized I did not have any itinerary # or confirmation for the flight I had purchased via Avion Rewards weeks earlier. I immediately checked my Visa statement to confirm that there was indeed a charge for $640.00 from RBC Rewards Travel.

At this point, I have spent upwards of 7 hours of my time (mostly on hold) between RBC Avion Rewards and RBC Banking. The ONLY solution that has been posed was to email rbccustomerrelations@rbcrewards.com - everyone I spoke to on the phone provided no help, there were no notes left on the account causing me to explain the issue repeatedly, and after all is said and done the only option is to send an email. Having sent the email, I received no confirmation of receipt, and it has now been over 5 days without any response. This matter was brought to RBC's attention over 3 weeks ago, and I still have no idea how I am going to get a refund for the $640 I spent on this flight. It's borderline fraud, and despicable service coming from Canada's largest bank.

What to do? File a complaint with the FCAC? All I know is I will be moving every bit of banking I have with RBC elsewhere.

RBC Visa Infinite Privilege is marketed as the ultimate card by RBC for services and rewards. Until of course, you take them up on their word. It is an absolute nightmare. They are unable to book flights despite having an entire site and answering service dedicated to their points program. They charge you then credit you then charge you. You will never know what actually booked and what didn't and neither will the people working at RBC. Stay away from it and if you currently have it, you should switch ASAP.