Interest rate

The interest rate is measured as a percentage and usually expressed as an annual percentage rate. RBC Royal Bank offers a host of RBC Royal Bank Visa cards with varying interest rates, benefits and rewards to suit every lifestyle. Compare interest rates with our Credit Card Comparison Tool.

Minimum payment

If you choose not to pay the full balance owing on your RBC Royal Bank Visa card, you must pay at least the Minimum Payment due each month to maintain a good credit rating. This amount will appear on your monthly Visa statement in the box marked "Minimum Payment". It will normally be $10 plus the Interest and the Fees. If the outstanding balance is less than $10 or less than the calculated Minimum Payment, the outstanding balance will be the Minimum Payment. This Minimum Payment may also include any past due amounts and any portion of the total new balance owing that is more than your credit limit.

Annual fees and service fees

Depending upon the level of benefits, rewards and money-saving insurance coverages associated with each card, some RBC Royal Bank Visa cards have annual fees-a once yearly charge for ownership-while others do not. In addition, certain charges apply for services such as cash advances, dishonoured cheques, statement copy fees and more. For a complete list of the annual fees and service charges associated with each card, please consult your Visa Agreement.

Grace period

The grace period is the number of days you have to pay your bill before interest is accrued on your purchases, providing you do not have a revolving balance. There is no grace period for cash advances, RBC Royal Bank Visa cheques or balance transfer cheques. View the grace periods associated with each card.

Outstanding balance

The amount owing on your RBC Royal Bank Visa card once a payment has been made, is the outstanding balance.

Balance transfer

If you have more than one Credit Card, Balance Transfer cheques can become an important component of your debt reduction strategy by allowing you to transfer the outstanding balance from one card-like a higher interest gas or department store card to a lower interest rate RBC Royal Bank Visa card. Call 1-800-769-2512 for more information.

Cash advance

You can use your RBC Royal Bank Visa card to obtain cash at any ATM or RBC Royal Bank Branch. Interest is charged on cash advances from the time the cash advance is made. To view the current interest rate for cash advances, refer to your Visa Agreement for details.

RBC Royal Bank Visa cheques/convenience cheques

With RBC Royal Bank Visa cheques, you always have access to your RBC Royal Bank Visa account at times when it may not be convenient to use your card. You can access all, or a portion, of your unused Visa credit limit simply by writing an RBC Royal Bank Visa cheque for rent, groceries, household expenses and more. You can order personalized cheques free of charge by simply calling our Customer Service line at 1-800-769-2512. Any cheque amount will be credited directly to your RBC Royal Bank Visa account as a cash advance and interest will be charged from the time that your cheque is cashed.

Credit limit

Your monthly RBC Royal Bank Visa statement shows your credit limit. This is the maximum amount that can be charged to your RBC Royal Bank Visa card to cover purchases, cash advances, interest, service fees and other charges. You may use your RBC Royal Bank Visa card up to this amount. As the charges on your RBC Royal Bank Visa card increase or decrease, the amount of credit available to you goes up and down. To increase or decrease your credit limit, simply call 1-800-769-2512.