Credit Cards

Frequently Asked Questions – Choosing an RBC Credit Card

Credit cards are virtually essential today - in making hotel reservations, flight reservations, renting a car, etc. They offer you a number of important benefits that you don't get when paying either with cash or personal cheques. Below you will find some answers to questions you may have when deciding if you should apply for an RBC Credit card.

1. What are the advantages of having an RBC credit card?

2. How can I get an RBC credit card?

3. I don’t bank with RBC. Can I still apply for an RBC credit card?

4. I already have a credit card at another bank. Do I still need an RBC Royal Bank of Canada credit card?

5. I already have a department store card. Do I still need an RBC Royal Bank of Canada credit card?

6. I've just started working and I don't have much of a credit history. Can I still apply for an RBC credit card?

1. What are the advantages of having an RBC credit card?
   • An RBC credit card is an effective and helpful means of payment, eliminating the need to carry large amounts of cash.
   • The RBC credit card is an easy revolving credit facility, enabling you to buy now and pay 24 days later.
   • An RBC credit card offers the ultimate in convenience: it can be used at over 29 million establishments and close to 1 million ABMs worldwide.
   • RBC’s range of products allows you to choose the card that is right for you: Classic or Gold.
   • RBC’s cards offer valuable additional benefits - fraud monitoring
   • RBC’s rates are highly competitive.
   • With a monthly detailed statement you can track and reconcile your monthly expenditures e.g. make only one monthly payment for your groceries instead of multiple.
   • RBC’s Customer Service Team is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Customers can call us collect or toll-free, ANYTIME, from ANYWHERE.
     
     

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2. How can I get an RBC credit card?

   Please complete the attached application and drop it off at your nearest RBC Royal Bank of Canada Branch. You will be required to provide confirmation of employment (job letter and / or pay slips), confirmation of address (e.g. a utility bill) and identification (passport or national ID).
   
   

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3. I don’t bank with RBC. Can I still apply for an RBC credit card?
   
   Of course, we would be happy to have you join the RBC Royal Bank of Canada family. Please complete the attached application and drop it off at your nearest RBC Royal Bank of Canada Branch. We also need you to provide confirmation of employment (job letter and / or pay slips), confirmation of address (e.g. a utility bill) and identification (passport or national ID).
   
   However, we encourage you to open a savings or chequing account with us so that you can take full advantage of the services that we offer including Royal Online Banking (where you can view your credit card details and pay it online), pay your card at the ABM, direct debit service, etc.

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4. What if I already have a credit card at another bank?
   • Compared to other cards, RBC credit cards are extremely reliable and have the most competitive rates in the market place. By transferring the balance on your existing card you can save a lot.
   • We offer the ultimate in service and convenience with 24-hour, 365 days-a-year service. You can call us toll free or collect anytime, from anywhere.
   • You can also view your transactions online, using our Online Banking Service at your convenience with your RBC credit card.
   • It is a good idea to carry more than one card for emergencies. For example, an establishment may not accept all types of cards.
   • Some of our customers find it useful to carry another credit card with a smaller limit for specific uses, like Internet shopping so as to minimize their risk.
     
     

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5. I already have a department store card. Do I still need an RBC Royal Bank of Canada credit card?
   • Yes. RBC Royal Bank of Canada credit cards provide you with many benefits that a department store card simply cannot offer, such as local and global access.
   • It can be used at hundreds of stores locally as well as millions of stores all around the world.
   • Also, you can use your card to withdraw cash in the currency of the country you are visiting.
   • Please note that in this day and age it is virtually impossible to rent a car or to make a hotel reservation without a credit card.
     
     

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6. I've just started working and I don't have much of a credit history. Can I still apply for an RBC credit card?

   Of course! In most cases if you have been working for at least one year you should definitely apply for an RBC credit card. Developing a positive credit history through the responsible use of a credit card is an asset which can assist you when you decide to apply for larger financing needs such as a car loan or a mortgage. You will be required to complete an application form as well as to provide confirmation of employment (job letter and / or pay slips), confirmation of address (e.g. a utility bill) and identification (passport or national ID).
   
   We believe that as a valued RBC Royal Bank of Canada customer, you deserve to be well-informed about your credit card. That’s why we’ve assembled a wealth of information to assist you in making good financial decisions.