General Credit Card FAQs

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

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.

How can I get an RBC credit card?

Please complete an attached application and drop it off at your nearest RBC Royal Bank 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).

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 family. Please complete the application and drop it off at your nearest RBC Royal Bank 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.

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.

I already have a department store card. Do I still need an RBC credit card?

Yes. RBC Royal Bank 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.

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 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.

Are there any foreign exchange restrictions on my card?

The Central Bank of Barbados restricts the usage of foreign currency on your credit card to the equivalent of $7,500 BBD annually on travel & entertainment transactions.

You are on: Managing your RBC Credit Card tab

How can I make queries on my RBC credit card account?

Call us at 246-431-6777 outside Barbados 1-888-847-5803

What is the credit limit & how was it determined?

You can use your RBC Credit Card to spend up to a pre-agreed amount, called your credit limit. This is indicated on the letter that came with your card and is also on your statement. This limit is based on all the information you provided on the application form you submitted. Should you wish to request an increase to your credit limit, you can call the Card Centre or your Personal Financial Services Officer to discuss this possibility.

How can I increase my credit limit?

Should you wish to request an increase to your credit limit, you can call the Card Centre or your Personal Financial Services Officer to discuss this possibility.

How do I make a payment to my RBC Credit Card?

Payments can be made at any of our RBC Royal Bank branches.
You can mail a cheque to your local branch along with your payment slip.
You can also make a payment at any ABM located at any of our branches.
If you have signed up for our Royal Online Banking you can make a payment to your RBC card.
With an RBC account you can have monthly payments automatically debited from your account.

What is the minimum payment?

Your monthly statement will advise you what your minimum payment is for that month. It is very important that you make at least this minimum payment in order to ensure that your account remains in good standing. It will normally be 5% of the balance outstanding or a minimum of $25. The minimum payment also includes any past due amounts and any portion of the total new balance owing that is more than your credit limit.

When is my payment due?

Your payment due date will appear on your RBC Credit Card statement. It should be close to 21 days after your statement date. To verify your due date, please feel free to contact the Card Centre.

How do I get cash from my RBC credit card?

Your new card has a Personal Identification Number (PIN) allowing you to withdraw cash from Automated Banking Machines (ABM) bearing the VISA or MasterCard logos similar to the one on your card. You can also withdraw cash from your card at virtually any financial institution. You are charged a fee for each transaction and interest is calculated from the date of the cash withdrawal.

How can I add an additional cardholder to my card?

Such requests can be made in writing via mail or fax, by completing an application form and filling out that portion of the form. The additional cardholder should also sign the form.

How can I change my name, address or phone numbers?

Such requests can be made in writing via mail or fax, or by completing the back of the detachable portion of your credit card statement for this purpose. All name changes should be submitted with the supporting documentation such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, etc.

How can I request a copy of my statement?

Please contact the Card Centre to make this request. There will be no charge for statements requested for the current period, but statements for any other period will incur a $20 charge.

What should I do if my RBC Royal Bank credit card is lost or stolen?

Call our 24-hour number (collect if necessary) immediately if your RBC Royal Bank credit card is lost or stolen. Once you have informed us of the loss, we will block the card from future use and issue a new card to you. Once you discover that your card is missing, call us immediately and report it. Stops are then issued on these cards and cards containing new numbers are then issued.
Examine your statements monthly to verify all transactions were made by you. Report any discrepancies immediately. If you do not report fraudulent activity on your card within 30 days of your statement date, you will be held responsible for the transaction.

How do I dispute a charge on my statement?

If you suspect that your RBC Royal Bank credit card is being used without your knowledge or consent, please call our Card Centre at 246-431-6777 outside Barbados 1-888-847-5803, and a representative will help you.

Is it safe to give out my Credit Card number when purchasing goods or services by phone or online?

While most retailers are legitimate, it is wise to proceed with caution when making purchases over the telephone or on the Internet. Remember to follow a few simple rules to minimize risk:

Never give your Credit Card number over the phone, unless you have initiated the call.

When purchasing online, do so only from recognized retailers and only when the site is equipped with security features. Look for SSL (Secure Socket Layer) or SET (Secure Electronic Transactions) when you go to make a purchase. Look to see that the site URL begins with HTTPS and not HTTP. This indicates that the area is protected by SSL or SST protocols.

A key or lock symbol will appear at the bottom of your screen when you're making a purchase from a secure Internet site. If the lock or key is broken, this indicates that the site is not secure.