I assume it's no accident that the RBC released the extra bonus so close to the end of the year.
I got my card and it's done. I had to pick my card up in branch and the teller didn't read the bright pink sticker on the envelope telling her to help me pick a PIN. So I have a card with no pin, not that it matters (I called in the 2 purchases). I won't be using it for day to day purchases, or again. Avios just not that useful. Since I'm doing long haul trips lately I costed a J trip YYZ-HKG-DPS and it's something like 750,000 (3pax)!!! Ok very little YQ, but Aeroplan F, is 630,000 + $2000, J 465,000 + $2k.
However a quick jaunt to JFK in J for a weekend is reasonable.
Is the companion pass for reward or paid travel?