Daniela Hanna
The WestJet RBC® Mastercard‡ is the entry-level WestJet co-branded card for Canadians who fly WestJet occasionally and want an easy way to earn WestJet dollars without paying a big annual fee. For $39 a year, you get a simple welcome bonus of 50 WestJet dollars after your first purchase, ongoing earn of up to 1.5% back in WestJet dollars on WestJet travel, an annual companion voucher starting from $119 plus taxes, and extra savings when you link your card with Petro-Canada.
Quick highlights
- 🎁 Earn a 50 WestJet dollar welcome bonus after your first eligible purchase.
- ✈️ Get an annual companion voucher starting from $119 CAD (plus taxes, fees and charges) for round-trip WestJet travel within Canada and to select regions.
- 💰 Earn 1.5% back in WestJet dollars on WestJet flights and WestJet Vacations packages charged to your card.
- 🛒 Earn 1% back in WestJet dollars on all other eligible everyday purchases.
- ⛽ Link your card to Petro-Canada to save on fuel and earn more rewards at the pump.
- 🛡 Includes purchase security and extended warranty, plus basic travel accident and common carrier coverage.
- 💵 Modest $39 annual fee and no posted minimum income requirement beyond standard credit criteria.
Why we like the WestJet RBC Mastercard
The WestJet RBC Mastercard is a straightforward way to dip your toes into airline rewards without paying a premium fee or meeting high income requirements. If you fly WestJet once or twice a year, the combination of a 50 WestJet dollar welcome bonus, an annual companion voucher, and up to 1.5% back in WestJet dollars on WestJet travel can easily cover the $39 annual fee and then some.
Unlike some travel cards that spread rewards across many partners, this one is very focused: almost everything it does is about making WestJet flights and vacation packages cheaper. That focus makes it easy to understand and easy to use — especially if WestJet is already your go-to airline.
Stand-out features
- ✅ 50 WestJet dollar welcome bonus after your first eligible purchase, which can be applied directly toward a WestJet base fare.
- ✅ Annual companion voucher starting from $119 CAD (plus taxes, fees and charges), letting a second traveller fly with you on a round-trip WestJet flight.
- ✅ 1.5% back in WestJet dollars on WestJet flights and WestJet Vacations packages paid with the card.
- ✅ 1% back in WestJet dollars on all other everyday eligible purchases, with no confusing category caps.
- ✅ Petro-Canada savings when you link your card and Petro-Points — typically a few cents per litre off fuel plus extra rewards.
- ✅ Access to RBC Offers, which can provide targeted cashback or discounts at select retailers when you pay with your card.
- ✅ Basic purchase security and extended warranty for eligible items bought with the card.
Good to know
- ⚠️ This is the entry-level WestJet card — it does not include a free first checked bag benefit; that’s reserved for the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard.
- ⚠️ WestJet dollars earned with the card are generally redeemable only on WestJet flights and vacation packages (with some limits on fees and taxes).
- ⚠️ Travel insurance coverage is modest compared with premium travel cards; you may still need standalone insurance for larger trips.
- ⚠️ Interest rates are standard credit-card rates — carrying a balance will quickly erase the value of any rewards.
- ⚠️ There’s no broad airport lounge access or luxury travel perks here; the value is in discounts and WestJet-specific savings.
Pros
- Low $39 annual fee makes it accessible and easy to justify if you fly WestJet occasionally.
- Simple 50 WestJet dollar welcome bonus that can offset a good chunk of a short-haul flight.
- Annual companion voucher starting from $119 plus taxes and fees can save a lot on a second ticket when used strategically.
- Solid earn rates of 1.5% back in WestJet dollars on WestJet purchases and 1% back on everyday spend.
- Added value from Petro-Canada fuel savings and access to RBC Offers.
- No strict posted minimum income requirement; approval is based on RBC’s standard credit criteria.
- WestJet dollars are easy to understand — essentially “cash-like” credits toward WestJet base fares.
Cons
- No free first checked bag — you’ll pay standard baggage fees unless you have status or another benefit.
- WestJet dollars are not as flexible as general-purpose travel points; they’re tied mainly to WestJet redemptions.
- Companion voucher still requires paying full taxes, fees and surcharges, which can be substantial on some routes.
- Insurance is fairly basic compared with mid-tier or premium travel cards, especially for medical coverage.
- Standard foreign transaction fee applies on non-CAD purchases, which reduces value for frequent international spenders.
- Rewards are best if you fly WestJet; if you mostly fly other airlines, the card’s value drops quickly.
Rewards program
The WestJet RBC Mastercard earns WestJet dollars, a simple airline currency that functions like a credit toward the base fare of WestJet flights and WestJet Vacations packages. Instead of points with complex charts, you earn a percentage of your spend back in WestJet dollars and redeem them at a straightforward 1:1 value — 1 WestJet dollar = $1 off eligible WestJet base fares.
- WestJet flights & WestJet Vacations: earn 1.5% back in WestJet dollars on eligible purchases charged to your card.
- All other purchases: earn 1% back in WestJet dollars on everyday eligible spend like groceries, gas, bills, shopping and more.
- Welcome bonus: earn 50 WestJet dollars after your first eligible purchase with the card, deposited into your WestJet Rewards account.
How to maximize rewards
-
Use your card for all WestJet purchases.
Whenever you book WestJet flights or WestJet Vacations packages, pay with this card to earn the higher 1.5% back in WestJet dollars. Combine that with the value from your welcome bonus and companion voucher for extra savings. -
Consolidate everyday spending where it makes sense.
Use the card for day-to-day expenses (groceries, gas, bills and shopping) to earn 1% back in WestJet dollars — especially when you’re building up a balance for a planned trip. If you have a higher-earning cash-back card for certain categories, you may want to split strategy. -
Plan a trip around the companion voucher.
The companion voucher is often the most valuable feature. Use it on flights where cash fares are relatively high: for example, longer domestic routes or trips to certain U.S. or sun destinations, where a second ticket at the companion rate can save hundreds. -
Link to Petro-Canada for fuel savings.
Link your WestJet RBC Mastercard to your Petro-Points account to save on fuel and earn more rewards. If you regularly fill up at Petro-Canada, those incremental savings add real value over a year. -
Watch for RBC Offers.
Check your RBC online banking or app for targeted RBC Offers and activate them before shopping. When you pay with your card at participating merchants, you can stack extra cashback or statement credits on top of your WestJet dollars earn. -
Use WestJet dollars strategically.
Because WestJet dollars are a cash-like credit, try to redeem them on flights where the base fare is high and taxes/fees are relatively lower, so more of your out-of-pocket cost is covered by rewards rather than unavoidable surcharges.
Insurance & benefits
Included coverage
- Purchase security that protects most new items purchased with your card against theft, loss or damage for a limited period (typically up to 90 days from purchase).
- Extended warranty that can double the manufacturer’s warranty up to an additional year on many eligible items bought with the card.
- Common carrier travel accident insurance that provides coverage in the event of accidental death or dismemberment while travelling on an eligible common carrier (such as a plane, train, bus or ship) when fares are charged to the card.
- Basic travel accident coverage on eligible trips when the full fare is charged to your WestJet RBC Mastercard.
- Fraud protection including chip-and-PIN, contactless payments, and zero liability for unauthorized transactions when you meet card conditions.
Travel & lifestyle perks
- 50 WestJet dollar welcome bonus after your first eligible purchase, to be used against future WestJet base fares.
- Annual companion voucher starting from $119 CAD (plus taxes, fees and charges) on eligible round-trip economy fares booked through WestJet.
- WestJet Rewards integration — your card activity feeds directly into your WestJet Rewards account, making it easy to see and redeem your WestJet dollars.
- Petro-Canada savings when linked, usually including fuel discounts and extra rewards on gas and in-store purchases.
- RBC Offers access, providing personalized deals and statement credits at participating merchants.
- Mastercard contactless & global acceptance, so you can tap to pay in Canada and use the card almost anywhere Mastercard is accepted worldwide.
Insurance coverage is limited compared with mid-tier and premium travel cards and is subject to eligibility, exclusions, limits and conditions set out in the certificates of insurance. Always review those documents before relying on any specific benefit.
Rates & fees
| Annual fee | $39 for the primary cardholder. |
|---|---|
| Additional cards | Typically $0–$20 per additional card, depending on RBC’s current pricing and promotions. |
| Purchase APR | 20.99% on purchases. |
| Cash advance APR | 22.99% on cash advances, balance transfers and similar transactions (rates may vary by province and are subject to change). |
| Cash advance limit | Cash advances are limited to a portion of your total credit limit and may be subject to daily maximums. Interest accrues immediately. |
| Grace period | At least a 21-day interest-free grace period on new purchases when you pay your statement balance in full by the due date. No grace period applies to cash advances. |
| Minimum payment | Generally the greater of a small percentage of your balance or a fixed dollar amount, plus any past-due amounts and over-limit sums, as outlined in RBC’s cardholder agreement. |
| Income requirement | No specific minimum income requirement is typically posted; approval depends on RBC’s standard credit assessment. |
| Foreign transaction fee | A standard fee (commonly around 2.5%) applies to purchases made in foreign currencies and converted into Canadian dollars. |
Best for
- ✈️ Travellers who fly WestJet once or twice a year and want to shave money off base fares without paying a big annual fee.
- 👨👩👧👦 Families or couples who can take advantage of the companion voucher to lower the cost of a second ticket.
- 🧳 Budget-conscious travellers who don’t need premium perks like lounge access or free bags but still want airline-linked rewards.
- ⛽ Drivers who regularly use Petro-Canada and can benefit from fuel savings and extra rewards.
- 💳 Canadians looking for an accessible airline card without strict income requirements or complex point systems.
Where it falls short
- No free checked bag benefit; baggage fees still apply unless you have status or use another product that covers them.
- WestJet dollars are mostly useful only with WestJet; if you rarely fly the airline, rewards can sit unused.
- Companion voucher savings vary depending on route and fare — on some cheap routes, the taxes/fees plus companion base fare may not justify using it.
- Insurance coverage is relatively basic and may not be enough on its own for major trips, especially international travel.
- Standard foreign transaction fee makes it less competitive for frequent cross-border or overseas spending.
- Flat 1% earn rate on non-WestJet purchases is beaten by many no-fee cash-back cards for everyday spending.
Customer reviews
Positive feedback
“For $39 a year, the companion voucher and welcome bonus easily paid for themselves on one family trip. We’re not hardcore travellers, but this card worked well for our WestJet flights.”
“I like that WestJet dollars are straightforward — there’s no confusing chart. When I have enough, I just apply them to a flight and watch the cost drop.”
Critiques
“I was disappointed there’s no free checked bag — I assumed all airline cards offered that. You have to upgrade to the World Elite card if that perk matters to you.”
“The card is great if you always fly WestJet. If your travel pattern changes or you start flying other airlines, the rewards become a lot less useful.”
Community insights
Among Canadian points and miles fans, the WestJet RBC Mastercard is often seen as a starter airline card or a “sidekick” to the more powerful WestJet RBC World Elite. It tends to get recommended to people who want a simple way to earn WestJet dollars and access the companion voucher but don’t qualify for or don’t want to pay for the premium version.
The general sentiment is that it’s a good value if you fly WestJet at least once a year and make use of the companion voucher. For more frequent flyers or those who want more perks (free baggage, stronger insurance, bigger earn rates), the World Elite or other premium travel cards are often a better fit.
AI review (straight talk)
Think of the WestJet RBC Mastercard as a practical, no-frills way to spend less on WestJet flights. It’s not trying to be a luxury travel card — there’s no lounge access, no free checked bag and no giant headline bonus — but the combination of a 50 WestJet dollar welcome bonus, ongoing earn rates and an annual companion voucher can quietly add up if you use it every year.
If you’re a frequent traveller or you value rich perks, you’ll likely outgrow this card quickly and want something like a premium WestJet or flexible travel card. But if you fly WestJet a couple of times a year, like straightforward rewards, and want to keep your annual fee low, this card is a perfectly reasonable way to trim costs on those trips.
Alternatives & comparison
| Card | Annual Fee | Top Categories / Earn | Other Purchases | Key Perks | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WestJet RBC Mastercard | $39 | 1.5% back in WestJet dollars on WestJet flights and WestJet Vacations | 1% back in WestJet dollars | 50 WestJet dollar welcome bonus, annual companion voucher from $119, Petro-Canada savings, basic insurance | Occasional WestJet flyers who want low fees and simple rewards |
| WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard | Higher annual fee | Higher earn rates on WestJet purchases and sometimes on everyday categories | Boosted WestJet dollar earn on other purchases | Free first checked bag for you and companions on the same reservation, richer companion voucher, stronger insurance and benefits | Frequent WestJet travellers who want bags, perks and faster earn |
| Generic no-fee cash-back card | $0 | Up to 2–3% back on select categories | 0.5–1% back on others | Simple cash rewards, no annual fee, flexible use for any travel or expenses | People who don’t consistently fly WestJet and prefer cash over airline-specific rewards |
| Flexible bank travel rewards card | $0–$150 | Elevated points on travel, dining, groceries depending on the card | Base earn rate on all purchases | Redeem points with multiple airlines and travel providers; often stronger insurance and perks | Travellers who want flexibility and aren’t loyal to a single airline |
FAQ
What is the annual fee for the WestJet RBC Mastercard?
The annual fee is $39 for the primary cardholder. Additional cards may have a small fee or be free, depending on RBC’s current pricing.
What is the welcome bonus on this card?
New cardholders can earn a 50 WestJet dollar welcome bonus after making their first eligible purchase with the card. These WestJet dollars are deposited into your WestJet Rewards account and can be applied to future WestJet base fares.
How do I earn WestJet dollars with the WestJet RBC Mastercard?
You earn 1.5% back in WestJet dollars on eligible WestJet flights and WestJet Vacations packages charged to the card, and 1% back in WestJet dollars on all other eligible everyday purchases.
What is the companion voucher and how does it work?
Each year, you receive an annual companion voucher that allows a second passenger to fly with you on a round-trip WestJet flight starting from $119 CAD plus taxes, fees and charges. You must book through WestJet, and the voucher is subject to fare type, route and terms set by WestJet.
Does this card include a free checked bag?
No. The entry-level WestJet RBC Mastercard does not include a free checked bag — that perk is tied to the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard. Standard baggage fees apply unless covered by other status or promotions.
What insurance coverage is included?
The card includes basic protections such as purchase security, extended warranty and common carrier travel accident coverage when you charge eligible items or fares to the card. It does not offer the same level of comprehensive travel medical, trip cancellation or interruption insurance that many premium travel cards do.
Who should consider the WestJet RBC Mastercard?
This card is best for Canadians who fly WestJet at least periodically, want a simple way to earn and redeem WestJet dollars, and value an affordable annual fee over premium perks and luxury features.
Final verdict & ratings
Our take The WestJet RBC Mastercard is a solid, low-cost airline card for people who already fly WestJet and want help bringing down the cost of those flights. The 50 WestJet dollar welcome bonus, annual companion voucher and ongoing earn rates can comfortably outweigh the $39 annual fee if you use them each year — especially on a couple’s or family trip.
It’s not trying to be everything to everyone: if you want free bags, rich insurance, lounge access or flexible points, you’ll likely be happier with a premium WestJet card or a higher-tier travel product. But if WestJet is your airline of choice and you just want to save money on flights without overcomplicating things, this card does exactly what it says on the tin.
| Overall | ★★★★☆ 4.0 / 5 |
|---|---|
| Rewards value | 4.0 / 5 — strong value for WestJet loyalists, less so if you fly other carriers. |
| Benefits & protections | 3.6 / 5 — useful companion voucher and purchase protection, but limited travel insurance. |
| Fees & costs | 4.4 / 5 — very reasonable $39 annual fee for the benefits provided. |
| Ease of approval | 4.2 / 5 — no strict posted income requirement; approval based on credit profile. |
