RBC debit card review (2024)

Types of RBC debit cards

There are two main types of RBC debit cards to choose from depending on whether you want to shop in-store or online.

• The RBC Client Card. This is the default debit card that will let you shop with retailers in-store. It has no added benefits other than allowing you to make quick tap and mobile wallet payments.
• The RBC Visa Debit card. This is an add-on RBC debit card that you can sign up for separately from the RBC Client Card. It lets you shop online with a card number, expiry date and CVV (just like a credit card).

RBC debit card basics

The RBC Client Card offers relatively few benefits and only lets you shop in-store. You’ll have to sign up for the RBC Visa Debit card separately if you want to make purchases online.

• Fast payments. Tap your RBC Client Card to pay for purchases quickly in-store with any merchant that’s equipped with Interac Flash-enabled terminals.
• Make purchases in the US. Use your RBC Client Card to make purchases with retailers across the USA (though you may need to pay a fee for cross-border transactions).
• Link to your mobile wallet. Connect your RBC Client Card to your mobile wallet to pay in-store by swiping your mobile phone at checkout.
• Free RBC ATM withdrawals. Use your RBC Client Card to withdraw cash at RBC ATMs or pay a small fee to take money out at non-RBC ATMs across Canada and overseas.
• Online shopping. Sign up for a second RBC Visa Debit to make purchases exclusively online (you won’t be able to use this card to make purchases in-store).

How to make purchases online with an RBC debit card

You’ll have to apply for an RBC Visa Debit separately from your RBC Client Card to make purchases online. Once you’ve got your RBC Visa Debit, you’ll just need to input your details as you would with a credit card. This includes providing your full name, card number and card details such as your RBC debit card expiry date and RBC debit card CVV.

Where to find the RBC debit card CVV

You can find the 3-digit CVV (also referred to as a security code, CVV2, CVC2 or CID) written on the back of your RBC debit card beside the signature box.

If you’re having trouble finding where the CVV is written on your RBC debit card, remember you can only find it on the RBC Visa Debit card, not the Client Card. That’s because the RBC Client Card can only be used for in-person purchases, so it doesn’t come with a CVV number. If you want to use your debit card online, you’ll need to get the RBC Visa Debit card, which is fully equipped with a CVV number.

Why does my RBC debit card not have a CVV?

Your RBC debit card might not have a CVV if it is a Client Card, instead of a Visa Debit card. The Client Card does not have a CVV, because it can only be used for in-person purchases. If you want to use your debit card for online or over-the-phone shopping, you’ll need to switch to RBC’s Visa Debit card, which comes with a CVV.

RBC debit card perks

• Fee-free transactions. You won’t pay fees to use either RBC debit card as long as the merchant or ATM you use doesn’t charge convenience fees on their end.
• Earn Avion points with debit. Apply for an RBC chequing account such as the RBC Signature No Limit Banking Account or RBC VIP Banking Account to earn Avion points on every debit purchase made.
• Mobile banking. Manage your debit transactions on the go with RBC‘s user-friendly online and mobile banking app.
• Enhanced security. Protect yourself from fraud with security features such as chip technology and transaction limits.
• Transaction records. Track your spending with a transaction record every time you use your RBC Client Card or RBC Visa Debit.

What to watch out for with the RBC Client Card

• Transaction limits. You could have trouble making large purchases depending on your RBC debit card limits.
• No access to credit. Both RBC debit cards only allow you to access money that’s already in your account, which means you can’t use them to make purchases on credit.
• Separate cards required. You’ll need to sign up for two separate cards to make online and in-store purchases (whereas debit cards with other banks are integrated).

Get an RBC debit card with these RBC chequing accounts

What should I know before I apply?

Eligibility requirements

You won’t need to apply for an RBC Client Card because you’ll get one automatically if you meet the following criteria:

• You are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or temporary resident of Canada.
• You are applying for an RBC chequing or savings account that qualifies for this card.
• However, you will need to apply for an RBC Visa Debit separately by visiting your branch or calling the RBC customer service line.

Required documents and information

To sign up for an eligible RBC bank account, you’ll need to provide the following:

• Your name, residential status and contact information
• Your Social Insurance Number and date of birth
• Your email address and phone number

How to apply for an RBC Client Card

1. Click on the Go to Site button on this page to start the application process and choose your RBC chequing account or RBC banking package.
2. Complete the application, which includes providing your name, email address, Social Insurance Number (SIN) and birth date.
3. Review and submit your application.
4. Your RBC Client Card should come automatically included with your account once you sign up (so you won’t need a separate application).
5. To get an RBC Visa Debit, you’ll need to go into your RBC branch or contact the bank by phone to apply.

Bottom line

RBC offers two separate debit cards, depending on how you want to spend money. The RBC Client Card can be used for in-store purchases while the RBC Visa Debit may be the best fit for you if you want to make purchases online. Both cards come with relatively few benefits compared to debit cards on offer from other Big Five Canadian banks.