RBC Avion to Avios (British Airways) Transfer: How to Convert Points and Book Premium Flights
Most people with RBC Avion points think their options are limited. They can redeem on Air Canada flights, book hotels through the portal, or use points for merchandise. Few realize that their Avion points can become something much more powerful: British Airways Avios, a frequent flyer currency that accesses an entirely different network of airlines and redemption opportunities.
The difference between knowing this and not knowing it can be hundreds of dollars. A business class flight that costs 131,700 Avion points to book directly through RBC might cost only 70,000 Avios once you transfer to British Airways and find the right routing. That is the same trip, often the same airline, dramatically fewer points.
The Avion to Avios transfer is one of the most underutilized redemption strategies in Canada, and it works because most people never discover it. Banks do not advertise it. The airline does not make it easy to find. But for anyone holding an RBC Avion card, understanding how this transfer works can unlock redemptions that would otherwise be out of reach.
An RBC Avion to Avios transfer is a one-way conversion of your Avion points into British Airways Avios frequent flyer currency. The process takes 5 minutes to initiate and 24 hours to complete. You transfer Avion points at a one-to-one ratio; they cannot be converted back to Avion. The value comes from access to OneWorld airlines (Qatar Airways, Finnair, Japan Airlines, Cathay Pacific) and zone-based pricing that often costs 40-50% fewer points than Avion pricing for identical flights.
In this post, I’ll walk you through how the RBC Avion to Avios transfer works, how to complete the transfer step by step, the most common questions about transferring, and a clear decision framework for when to transfer and when to wait.
Why Transfer Avion Points to British Airways Avios
The core reason to transfer Avion points to Avios is access. Avios gives you redemption flexibility that you do not have by staying in the Avion program. This flexibility comes in two forms: access to different airlines and access to better pricing on the same routes.
RBC Avion itself is a Canadian rewards program that primarily focuses on redeeming with Air Canada and a limited set of partners. The program works well if Air Canada fits your travel plans. If you want to fly other airlines or access award space that Air Canada does not offer, Avion constrains your options.
British Airways Avios, on the other hand, is part of the OneWorld alliance, which includes airlines like American Airlines, Japan Airlines, Qatar Airways, Finnair, and others beyond the RBC Avion network. By transferring your points to Avios, you gain access to flights on those carriers that Avion points cannot reach at all.
Beyond just access, Avios pricing on certain routes is often lower than Avion pricing on the same route. A business class flight from Toronto to a European city might cost 131,700 Avion points booked directly through RBC. The same flight on the same airline, booked through British Airways Avios, might cost 70,000 Avios. That is not a different flight or a different airline. It is the same product at a dramatically lower points cost because of how the two programs price awards.
Avios uses zone-based pricing while Avion uses dynamic pricing based on cash fares. This fundamental difference is why identical business class flights often cost 40-50% less in Avios. I transferred 70,000 Avion points to Avios and booked a business class flight from Toronto to Doha on Qatar Airways ($4,000-5,000 USD cash equivalent). The same flight through Avion would have required 131,700 points. That is a 46% savings on the exact same redemption.
Key Takeaway: The value of transferring comes from access to new airlines and dramatically lower pricing on premium cabins. A business class flight costing 131,700 Avion points might cost only 70,000 Avios—46% savings on the same flight.
For a deeper understanding of how zone-based pricing works differently than Avion’s dynamic model, read Avios vs. Avion Pricing: Why Zone-Based Charts Cost Less.
How the RBC Avion to Avios Transfer Works
The transfer from RBC Avion to British Airways Avios is a one-way process. Once your Avion points become Avios, you cannot move them back to RBC. That irreversibility is important to understand before you transfer, which is why evaluating the specific redemption you want matters so much.
The mechanics of the transfer are straightforward. You log into your RBC Avion Rewards account, initiate a transfer to British Airways Avios, specify how many points you want to transfer, confirm the British Airways membership number where you want those points sent, and submit. The transfer typically completes within 24-48 hours, and your Avios balance updates in your British Airways account.
The transfer ratio is currently one-to-one. That means 1 RBC Avion point becomes 1 British Airways Avio. There are occasional bonus promotions where RBC or British Airways offers an increased transfer bonus, meaning you receive bonus Avios on top of your transferred points. These bonuses typically range from 10% to 30% depending on the promotion.
Before you transfer, understand that this is a permanent move. Your Avion points leave your Avion account and do not return. You should transfer only when you have a clear redemption in mind, or when you are confident that Avios offers better opportunities than Avion for your travel style.
Many people make the mistake of transferring speculatively, thinking “maybe I will find a good Avios deal later.” That is not how this should work. Transfer when you know what you want to book, or wait. Speculative transfers tie up points that could be earning value elsewhere.
How to Complete the RBC Avion to Avios Transfer
The transfer process takes about five minutes once you are in your RBC account. Here is the step-by-step process.
Step 1: Log In & Check Your Balance
Go to RBC’s website, navigate to the Avion Rewards section, and log in with your online banking credentials. Once you are logged in, you should see your current Avion point balance and available options.
Step 2: Find the Transfer Option
Look for a section labeled something like “Redeem Your Points” or “Transfer Points.” The exact naming varies, but you are looking for the option to transfer to partner programs. RBC should show British Airways as one of the transfer partners available.
Step 3: Select British Airways Avios as Your Destination
Click on British Airways Avios from the list of transfer partners. The system will ask you to confirm that you understand the transfer is one-way and irreversible.
Step 4: Enter Your British Airways Membership Number
You will need your British Airways frequent flyer membership number to receive the transferred points. If you do not have a British Airways account yet, you can create one for free at the British Airways website before initiating the transfer. The membership number is required to complete the process.
Step 5: Specify the Transfer Amount
Enter how many Avion points you want to transfer. The system will confirm that you have sufficient points available.
Step 6: Review and Confirm
Review the transfer details one final time. Confirm that the amount, destination account number, and irreversibility are all correct. Once you confirm, the transfer is initiated.
Step 7: Transfer Completes
The transfer typically completes within 24 hours, sometimes within a few hours. You will receive a confirmation email from RBC, and the Avios will appear in your British Airways account shortly after.
Key Takeaway: The process takes 5 minutes and 24 hours. Once transferred, the move is permanent—only transfer when you have identified a specific redemption you want to book.
Once your Avios are in your British Airways account, you can log in to British Airways and begin searching for flights to book. Once your Avios appear in your British Airways account, you’ll use the British Airways Avios search tool to find flights. For a detailed walkthrough of how to search and book, read How to Search and Book Avios Flights.
Common Mistakes People Make With Avion to Avios Transfers
Transferring Without a Specific Redemption in Mind
This is the biggest mistake. People transfer points hoping to find a good Avios deal later and end up with points sitting in an account they rarely use. Avios is a tool for a specific purpose. If you do not have that purpose identified, you should not transfer.
Assuming All Avios Pricing Is Cheap
Avios pricing is good on certain routes and airlines, particularly with OneWorld partners like Qatar Airways, Finnair, or Cathay Pacific. But on some routes, Avion pricing or cash prices can actually be more competitive. Always compare before you transfer. Do not assume Avios is automatically better.
Not Understanding the One-Way Nature of Transfers
Once your points are Avios, they cannot become Avion again. You cannot change your mind. If you transfer 100,000 points and then decide you would rather use them for Avion redemptions, you are stuck with Avios. Only transfer when you are completely sure.
Transferring Just for a Bonus Without a Redemption Target
A 20% or 30% bonus sounds great, but only if you have a redemption that needs those bonus points. Transferring 100,000 points to get 20,000 bonus points when you do not know what you will book is just tying up points in the hopes of finding something later. The bonus only adds value if it gets you to a specific redemption you want.
Not Factoring in Taxes and Fees
Avios redemptions still require you to pay taxes, fees, and fuel surcharges. These can vary dramatically depending on the airline, route, and point of sale. Always check the total cost (points plus cash fees) before you book.
Staying in Avion When Avios Would Be Better for Your Goals
If the flights you want are consistently cheaper in Avios or only accessible through OneWorld partners, accumulating Avion points may not get you where you want to go. Understand your travel goals first, then choose the program.
Frequently Asked Questions About Avion to Avios Transfers
How Long Does the Transfer Take?
A few days. They say it can take up to 4 weeks but it’s always been within a week for me.
Can I Transfer Avios Back to Avion?
No. The transfer is one-way only. Once Avion points become Avios, they cannot be converted back to Avion. This is why you should only transfer when you have identified a specific Avios redemption you want to book.
What Is My British Airways Membership Number?
Your British Airways frequent flyer membership number is a 10-digit alphanumeric code assigned to your account when you create it. You can find it in your British Airways account online, or it will be in any confirmation emails from British Airways. If you do not have a British Airways account yet, you can create one for free at the British Airways website, and a membership number will be issued immediately.
Are There Taxes and Fees on Avios Redemptions?
Yes. Like most frequent flyer programs, Avios redemptions require you to pay taxes, fees, and sometimes fuel surcharges. These are charged in cash on top of your Avios points. Taxes and fees vary significantly by airline, route, and tax jurisdiction. Always review the total cash cost before you book.
Can I Book Avios Flights for Other People?
Yes, but with restrictions. You can book Avios flights for immediate family members or travel companions. You cannot book flights for random strangers. The person whose name appears on the ticket must be eligible to be booked by you based on British Airways’ rules.
Is the Transfer Taxable in Canada?
The transfer of points is generally not considered a taxable event in Canada. You earned the Avion points through credit card spending or credit card bonuses, which may have tax implications, but the act of transferring them to another program is not typically taxable. However, tax law can be complex, and individual circumstances vary. If you have concerns about the tax implications of transferring a large points balance, consult a tax professional.
How Many Avios Do I Need for a Flight?
It depends on route, airline, and cabin. Business class to Europe on OneWorld partners: 70,000-150,000 Avios. Economy: lower. Always check British Airways pricing for your specific flight before transferring.
When to Transfer Avion to Avios (And When Not To)
Why This System Works: The transfer is valuable because Avios’ zone-based pricing structure creates predictable savings on specific airline-route combinations, particularly OneWorld partners like Qatar Airways. Avion’s dynamic pricing ties points to cash fares, which makes expensive flights expensive in points. Avios decouples this relationship, allowing a $4,000 flight to cost only 70,000 Avios while a cheaper flight might cost more. Once you understand this difference, the transfer decision becomes clear: transfer only when Avios pricing on your target route is genuinely lower than Avion.
Transfer When:
- You have identified a specific Avios redemption (a real flight you want to book)
- You want access to OneWorld airlines that Avion does not reach (Qatar Airways, Finnair, Japan Airlines, Cathay Pacific)
- Avios pricing on your target route is 30-50% lower than Avion pricing—often true for premium cabin international flights
Do Not Transfer When:
- You are unsure what you will book (speculative transfers waste points sitting in unused accounts)
- Avion pricing is competitive or better than Avios for your target (not every route is cheaper in Avios)
- You are close to an Avion redemption you want now (if you prefer staying in RBC’s ecosystem, read RBC Avion redemption strategies first)
The Strategic Advantage of Understanding the Avion to Avios Transfer
The Avion to Avios transfer exists because most people do not know about it. Banks do not advertise it. Airlines do not make it easy to discover. But for anyone holding RBC Avion points, understanding this transfer can be the difference between redeeming for an economy flight or accessing premium cabins at a fraction of the normal cost.
The value comes from two sources: access to airlines and routes you cannot reach through Avion alone, and dramatically lower pricing on premium cabins when Avios zone pricing aligns with your travel goals.
Before you transfer, always compare. Check what the same flight would cost in Avion. Check what it would cost in cash. Check whether Avios pricing on your specific route is actually competitive. Only transfer when the math clearly works in your favor.
Example: Toronto or Boston to Doha for 70,000 Avios
I found Qatar Airways business class awards from both Toronto to Doha and Boston to Doha for 70,000 Avios one way.
These were nonstop Qatar Airways flights in business class.
Not only can you find a similar redemption with other east cost Canadian airports, but you can find one from an American east coast airports as well as seen below.
But during a 30% RBC Avion to Avios transfer bonus, you would only need to transfer approximately:
70,000 ÷ 1.3 = 53,847 Avion points
So instead of needing 70,000 Avion points to create 70,000 Avios, you would need about 53,847 Avion points during the bonus window.
That is a massive difference.
Important note: Qatar Airways has different award pricing levels. The lower-priced seats are often called Classic Awards by Qatar. In other points programs, people might call these saver seats or saver awards. These are the seats you want because they cost fewer points (in this case Avios).
If you do not find Classic Award space, the same route can cost much more. In some cases, you may see pricing closer to double the amount.
So yes, you can find North America to Doha in Qatar business class for 70,000 Avios one way, but you need to search for the right dates and book when lower-priced award space is available.
Ready to start maximizing your rewards? For current bonus offers and promotion strategies, read RBC Avion to Avios Bonus Promotions: Is It Worth Transferring Now? to see if a promotion can accelerate your timeline.
Learn more about which credit cards earn into Avion and how to build your balance efficiently, or explore how to redeem points without wasting them across all Canadian travel rewards programs.
If you hold RBC Avion points, also read about RBC Avion redemption strategies to understand all your options before transferring.
