Lena Hayes
The WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard is built for Canadians who actually fly WestJet. It earns up to 2 WestJet points per $1 on WestJet, WestJet Vacations, Sunwing Vacations, groceries and everyday transportation, and 1.5 points per $1 on everything else. New cardholders can currently earn up to 70,000 WestJet points with a welcome offer structured around first purchase, early spend and first-year renewal, plus an annual round-trip companion voucher, free first checked bag for you and up to eight guests on the same reservation, Status Lift toward WestJet elite tiers, Mastercard Travel Pass airport lounge access and a full travel insurance suite.
Quick highlights
- 🎁 Welcome offer: earn up to 70,000 WestJet points as a new cardholder — with bonus points for your first purchase, additional points when you reach a minimum spend in the first three months, and extra points after your first-year renewal.
- ✈️ Earn 2 WestJet points per $1 on WestJet flights, WestJet Vacations and Sunwing Vacations purchases.
- 🛒 Earn 2 WestJet points per $1 at eligible grocery stores and on everyday transportation including gas, EV charging, public transit and rideshares.
- 💳 Earn 1.5 WestJet points per $1 on all other eligible everyday purchases.
- 🧳 Enjoy a free first checked bag for you and up to eight guests on the same WestJet reservation when you pay with your card.
- 👥 Receive an annual round-trip companion voucher with flexible exchange options, including discounts or lounge passes, when you meet the annual spend requirement.
- 🛡 Comprehensive travel insurance including emergency medical, trip cancellation and interruption, flight and baggage delay, car rental coverage, hotel burglary, purchase protection and mobile device insurance.
Why we like the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard
If you fly WestJet at least once or twice a year, this card can do a lot of heavy lifting. It combines a strong welcome offer of up to 70,000 WestJet points with accelerated earn rates on WestJet bookings, WestJet Vacations and Sunwing Vacations, plus everyday categories like groceries, gas, EV charging, public transit and rideshares. WestJet points are simple to use — think roughly dollar-like value towards WestJet flights and packages — and they don’t expire as long as the program rules are met.
Beyond the points, the real value driver here is the perk stack: a free first checked bag for you and up to eight guests on the same reservation, a round-trip companion voucher that can save hundreds of dollars when used on more expensive routes, Status Lift that helps you climb the WestJet elite ladder with your credit card spend, Mastercard Travel Pass lounge access and a newly beefed-up insurance package that now includes trip cancellation and mobile device coverage. For WestJet loyalists, it’s a very well-rounded package for the annual fee.
Stand-out features
- ✅ Welcome offer of up to 70,000 WestJet points for new cardholders, with bonuses tied to first purchase, early spend and first-year renewal.
- ✅ 2 WestJet points per $1 on WestJet flights, WestJet Vacations and Sunwing Vacations.
- ✅ 2 WestJet points per $1 at eligible grocery stores and on everyday transportation including gas, EV charging, public transit and rideshares.
- ✅ 1.5 WestJet points per $1 on all other eligible purchases, with no hard cap on total points earned.
- ✅ Annual round-trip companion voucher starting from $119 plus taxes, fees and charges on select routes, with new options to exchange it for a flight discount, vacation credit or lounge passes.
- ✅ Free first checked bag for you and up to eight guests on the same reservation when you pay with your card and add your WestJet Rewards ID.
- ✅ Access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide via Mastercard Travel Pass, plus strong travel insurance and mobile device coverage.
Good to know
- ⚠️ The elevated welcome offer is time-limited and comes with specific spend requirements and timelines; if you don’t meet them, you won’t earn the full 70,000 points.
- ⚠️ The annual companion voucher requires $5,000 in eligible net purchases each year to be reissued after the first year.
- ⚠️ There is a minimum income requirement: typically $80,000 personal or $150,000 household to qualify for the World Elite tier.
- ⚠️ Foreign transaction fees apply on non-Canadian dollar purchases, so it’s not a dedicated no-FX card for overseas spending.
- ⚠️ Benefits like the free checked bag and companion voucher apply on WestJet-operated itineraries and have important restrictions you’ll need to understand.
Pros
- Generous welcome offer of up to 70,000 WestJet points, which can translate into substantial value on flights and packages.
- Strong everyday earn rates: 2 points per $1 on WestJet and eligible travel and everyday categories, and 1.5 points per $1 on everything else.
- Annual companion voucher from $119 (plus taxes, fees and charges) that can be used on many WestJet routes and exchanged for other valuable options.
- Free first checked bag for you and up to eight guests on the same reservation, which can save a family a lot of money on each trip.
- Status Lift benefit that lets you earn WestJet elite status faster through card spend, even if you don’t fly constantly.
- Complimentary Mastercard Travel Pass membership for access to global airport lounges (pay-per-visit fees still apply).
- Robust travel and purchase insurance including trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical, flight and baggage delay, car rental damage, hotel burglary and mobile device insurance.
Cons
- Requires relatively high minimum income to qualify for the World Elite tier, which will exclude some applicants.
- Best value is heavily concentrated in WestJet-centric travel; if you primarily fly other airlines, another card may fit better.
- The companion voucher comes with a base fare co-pay, route limitations and blackout-like restrictions that can make it tricky to maximise.
- Standard foreign transaction fees on non-Canadian dollar purchases reduce its appeal for heavy international spenders.
- Annual fee of $139 plus $59 for additional cards may feel high if you don’t use the benefits consistently.
- Some benefits, such as Status Lift and the annual companion voucher, require hitting specific yearly spend thresholds to unlock or renew.
Rewards program
The WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard earns WestJet points, which are easy to understand and redeem. Points can be used toward the base fare and taxes, fees and other charges on WestJet flights, WestJet Vacations and Sunwing Vacations packages, and for extras like seat selection, checked bags and cabin upgrades. You can also redeem points in the WestJet Rewards eStore for gift cards, tech and merchandise.
- WestJet, WestJet Vacations & Sunwing Vacations: earn 2 WestJet points per $1 on eligible purchases.
- Groceries & everyday transportation: earn 2 WestJet points per $1 at eligible grocery stores and on transportation such as gas, EV charging, public transit and rideshares.
- All other purchases: earn 1.5 WestJet points per $1 on all other eligible everyday spending.
- Welcome offer: earn up to 70,000 WestJet points as a new cardholder, with bonus points awarded after your first purchase, additional points when you reach a minimum spend in the first three months, and a further bonus after your first card anniversary.
- Points never expire as long as you meet WestJet Rewards account conditions, making it easier to save for a larger redemption.
How to maximize rewards
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Plan your first-year spending around the welcome offer.
Map out how you’ll meet the initial minimum spend requirements in the first three months so you unlock as many of the up to 70,000 bonus points as possible. Consider timing large expenses like insurance premiums, travel bookings or home projects to line up with the offer period. -
Put WestJet, WestJet Vacations and Sunwing purchases on this card.
Always pay for eligible WestJet and Sunwing travel with this card to earn 2 points per $1 and trigger perks like the free first checked bag and trip insurance coverage (where required by the policy). -
Make it your primary card for groceries and transportation.
Use this card at your main grocery store and for day-to-day transport like gas, EV charging, public transit and rideshares to take full advantage of the 2× earn rate on those categories. -
Use the companion voucher on higher-value trips.
You’ll get the most out of the annual companion voucher when you apply it to more expensive routes or peak travel times, where the base fare discount is worth more in dollars. Avoid burning it on very cheap flights where the savings would be modest. -
Track your $5,000 annual spend to renew the voucher.
After the first year, you’ll need to charge at least $5,000 in net purchases to the card annually to receive a new companion voucher. Keep an eye on your progress so you don’t fall just short of the threshold. -
Leverage partner offers.
Link your card to partner programs like Petro-Canada and Rexall, and take advantage of offers like fuel discounts, bonus points and DoorDash DashPass to squeeze more value from your everyday spending. -
Use WestJet points for flights and vacation packages first.
While the WestJet Rewards eStore can be fun, you’ll usually get better value — and reach your travel goals faster — by using your points toward actual travel.
Insurance & benefits
Included coverage
- Out-of-province/country emergency medical insurance for eligible cardholders and their families when travelling outside their home province or territory, up to specified limits and trip lengths.
- Trip cancellation insurance that can reimburse non-refundable, prepaid travel costs when you need to cancel for covered reasons before departure.
- Trip interruption insurance that can help cover additional expenses or unused portions of your trip if it’s cut short or disrupted due to a covered event.
- Flight delay insurance that provides coverage for reasonable expenses such as meals and accommodation when your flight is delayed beyond a defined threshold.
- Delayed and lost baggage insurance including coverage for essentials if your baggage is delayed and reimbursement if baggage is lost, stolen or damaged while in the care of a common carrier.
- Auto rental collision/loss damage insurance when you charge the full cost of eligible car rentals to your card and decline the rental agency’s collision damage waiver.
- Hotel/motel burglary insurance that can help cover loss of eligible personal items due to a covered burglary incident in your hotel or motel room.
- Purchase security that covers eligible new purchases against theft or accidental damage for a limited period (typically up to 90 days from purchase).
- Extended warranty that can double the manufacturer’s warranty on eligible items purchased with the card, up to a maximum additional period.
- Mobile device insurance for eligible smartphones and tablets purchased with the card or with WestJet points (with the balance paid on the card), helping protect against theft, loss and accidental damage up to specified limits.
- Travel accident insurance that provides coverage in the event of accidental death or dismemberment while travelling on a common carrier when tickets are charged to the card.
Travel & lifestyle perks
- Free first checked bag for the primary cardholder and up to eight guests on the same reservation on eligible WestJet-operated flights, when the card is used as a form of payment and your WestJet Rewards ID is on file.
- Annual round-trip companion voucher that can be used on many WestJet routes starting from a base fare co-pay, or exchanged for options like a flight discount, vacation credit or lounge passes.
- Status Lift that boosts your WestJet tier qualifying spend based on your credit card spending, helping you reach Silver, Gold or Platinum status faster.
- Mastercard Travel Pass access to a large global lounge network, plus discounts on select dining and spa experiences at airports worldwide (visit fees apply).
- Partner offers such as savings on fuel at Petro-Canada, bonus Be Well points at Rexall and a complimentary DoorDash DashPass for a limited time when you meet eligibility requirements.
- WestJet points flexibility for flights, vacation packages and travel extras, plus redemption options in the WestJet Rewards eStore.
- Mastercard Priceless experiences and special access to events, dining and travel offers available exclusively to Mastercard cardholders.
- Fraud protection and zero liability for unauthorized transactions when you’ve taken reasonable care to protect your card and PIN.
As always, insurance coverage is subject to eligibility, limitations, exclusions, age restrictions, maximums and other conditions set out in the official certificates of insurance. Be sure to review those documents carefully before you travel or rely on specific benefits.
Rates & fees
| Annual fee | $139 for the primary cardholder. |
|---|---|
| Additional cards | $59 per additional card per year. |
| Purchase APR | 20.99% on purchases (a slightly different rate may apply in Quebec). |
| Cash advance APR | 22.99% on cash advances and cash-like transactions (often 21.99% in Quebec), with interest accruing from the transaction date. |
| Cash advance limit | Cash advances are limited to a portion of your total credit limit and may have daily maximums; fees and immediate interest apply. |
| 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 | Typically the greater of a fixed dollar amount or a small percentage of the balance, plus any past-due and over-limit amounts, as defined in your cardholder agreement. |
| Income requirement | Usually a minimum personal income of $80,000 or household income of $150,000 is required to qualify. |
| Foreign transaction fee | A standard fee (commonly around 2.5%) is charged on purchases made in foreign currencies after conversion to Canadian dollars. |
| Companion voucher requirement | After the welcome companion voucher, an annual companion voucher is typically issued each year when you reach at least $5,000 in eligible net purchases on the card. |
Best for
- ✈️ WestJet loyalists who regularly fly the airline for work or leisure and want to stack points, status benefits and travel perks.
- 👨👩👧👦 Couples and families who can benefit from a free checked bag for multiple guests and a companion voucher on at least one trip per year.
- 🛒 Everyday spenders with meaningful grocery and transport budgets who want to earn elevated rewards on their routine purchases.
- 🧳 Travellers who value insurance and want built-in coverage for emergency medical, trip cancellation, delays, baggage and mobile devices.
- 💼 Canadians with higher incomes looking for a primary WestJet-focused travel card rather than a general points or cash-back product.
Where it falls short
- The income requirement of $80,000 personal or $150,000 household means not everyone will qualify for the World Elite version.
- Value is heavily tied to WestJet travel; those who mostly fly other carriers may find a flexible airline-agnostic card more useful.
- The companion voucher has route restrictions, base fare co-pays and other limits that can make it less straightforward to use.
- No waiver of foreign transaction fees, so frequent international spenders might pair this with a separate no-FX card.
- The $139 annual fee (plus $59 for additional cards) requires consistent use of the perks and/or welcome offer to feel clearly worth it.
- As with most premium cards, carrying a balance at 20.99–22.99% interest quickly erodes the value of any points or perks you earn.
Customer reviews
Positive feedback
“We fly WestJet a few times a year and the free checked bags plus the companion voucher have easily paid for the annual fee. The new earn rates on groceries and gas are just a nice bonus on top.”
“I like that WestJet points are simple — no award charts, just dollars off flights and packages. With the welcome bonus and everyday spending, we knocked a big chunk off our family vacation.”
Critiques
“You need to be pretty WestJet-focused to justify this card. If you’re flying different airlines all the time, the perks aren’t nearly as compelling.”
“The companion voucher is valuable but not always easy to use. Between co-pays and availability, it takes some planning to really maximise the savings.”
Community insights
Among Canadian points and miles enthusiasts, the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard is seen as the go-to WestJet card and a logical choice for anyone who flies the airline regularly. The revamped program — with WestJet points, stronger everyday earn rates and richer benefits like Status Lift and mobile device insurance — has improved the card’s reputation compared with earlier versions that relied on WestJet dollars.
That said, community opinion is divided: WestJet loyalists often consider it a must-have, especially when a rich welcome bonus is available, while those who prefer more flexible airline options sometimes prioritise Aeroplan, Avion or other transferable points instead. The general consensus: if WestJet is your primary carrier and you can hit the spend thresholds, this card can be extremely valuable; if not, you may be better off with a more flexible travel rewards card.
AI review (straight talk)
The WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard is one of those cards that’s either a home run or just okay, depending entirely on how you travel. If you take even one or two WestJet trips a year, use checked bags and can make good use of the companion voucher, it’s not hard to squeeze more than $139 in value out of it, especially when you layer on a big introductory points bonus and elevated earn rates on everyday categories.
If, on the other hand, you only occasionally fly WestJet or mostly travel with other airlines, the card’s perks can feel a bit narrow. You’re paying for WestJet-specific benefits you may not fully use, and there are other premium cards that offer more flexibility. So the simple test is this: if you can picture using the companion voucher every year and regularly checking bags on WestJet, this card likely makes sense; if not, keep shopping around.
Alternatives & comparison
| Card | Annual Fee | Top Categories / Earn | Other Purchases | Key Perks | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard | $139 | 2× WestJet points on WestJet, WestJet Vacations & Sunwing; 2× on groceries and transportation | 1.5× WestJet points | Up to 70,000-point welcome bonus, free checked bag, annual companion voucher, Status Lift, strong insurance | WestJet-focused travellers and families who check bags |
| WestJet RBC Mastercard | $39 | Elevated earn on WestJet and select everyday categories | Lower base earn rate than World Elite | Annual companion voucher with more restrictions, mobile device and travel coverage, but no income requirement | WestJet fans who don’t meet the World Elite income threshold or want a lower fee |
| TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite | $139 (often rebated in year one) | Bonus Aeroplan points on Air Canada, gas, groceries and certain recurring bill payments | 1× Aeroplan point | Free checked bag on Air Canada, Aeroplan ecosystem access, frequent large welcome bonuses | Travellers who primarily fly Air Canada or want Star Alliance flexibility |
| General travel rewards or cash-back card | $0–$150 | 2–4% back in selected categories depending on the card | 0.5–1.5% back | Flexible statement credits or broad travel rewards, sometimes with no airline tie-in | Canadians who don’t favour any one airline and prefer simple, flexible rewards |
FAQ
What is the annual fee for the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard?
The annual fee is $139 for the primary cardholder, and $59 for each additional card.
What is the current welcome bonus on this card?
As of late 2025, new cardholders can earn up to 70,000 WestJet points, with points awarded after your first purchase, for meeting a minimum spend requirement in the first three months and with a further bonus after your first card anniversary. Specific amounts and timelines can change with promotions, so always check the latest offer.
How does the WestJet points earn rate work?
You earn 2 WestJet points per $1 on eligible WestJet flights, WestJet Vacations and Sunwing Vacations purchases, as well as at eligible grocery stores and on everyday transportation like gas, EV charging, public transit and rideshares. All other eligible purchases earn 1.5 points per $1.
How can I redeem WestJet points?
WestJet points can be redeemed toward WestJet flights, WestJet Vacations and Sunwing Vacations packages, including taxes, fees and surcharges. You can also use points for extras like seat selection, checked bags and cabin upgrades, or redeem through the WestJet Rewards eStore for gift cards and merchandise.
What is the companion voucher and how does it work?
The card includes a round-trip companion voucher that lets a second guest travel on the same itinerary as the primary cardholder for a reduced base fare starting from a set co-pay (before taxes, fees and charges). You’ll receive a welcome companion voucher after getting the card, and, typically, an annual voucher when you meet a $5,000 minimum annual spend on the card. You may also be able to exchange the voucher for alternatives like a flight discount, vacation credit or lounge passes.
Does this card include a free checked bag?
Yes. When you pay for eligible WestJet flights with your WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard and your WestJet Rewards ID is attached to the booking, the primary cardholder and up to eight guests on the same reservation each receive their first checked bag free on WestJet-operated flights, subject to the program rules.
What travel insurance comes with the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard?
The card includes a suite of travel coverages such as emergency medical insurance for trips outside your home province or territory (for eligible ages), trip cancellation and interruption insurance, flight and baggage delay coverage, lost or stolen baggage coverage, car rental collision and loss damage insurance, hotel/motel burglary insurance and travel accident insurance, along with purchase protection, extended warranty and mobile device insurance. You must meet the conditions in the certificates of insurance to be covered.
Is there a minimum income requirement for this card?
Yes. As a World Elite Mastercard, the issuer typically requires that you have a minimum personal income of $80,000 or household income of $150,000 to qualify, in addition to satisfying general credit and underwriting criteria.
Who should consider the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard?
This card is best suited to WestJet-focused travellers, especially couples and families who check bags, can use the companion voucher each year and are able to meet the income and spend requirements needed to unlock the full value of the welcome bonus and ongoing perks.
Final verdict & ratings
Our take The WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard is a powerful tool for anyone who flies WestJet regularly. Its combination of a large, time-limited welcome bonus, solid ongoing earn rates, a free checked bag, companion voucher and Status Lift makes it a very compelling “home base” for WestJet travel. Add in comprehensive insurance and useful everyday partner offers, and the package more than holds its own against competing airline cards.
The trade-offs are clear: you need to meet relatively high income and spend thresholds, accept standard foreign transaction fees and be comfortable committing strongly to WestJet. If that description fits you, this card can deliver excellent long-term value. If you prefer maximum flexibility across many airlines or don’t fly WestJet often, a more general travel rewards or transferable points card might be a better fit.
| Overall | ★★★★☆ 4.5 / 5 |
|---|---|
| Rewards value | 4.4 / 5 — strong earn rates for WestJet flyers and solid everyday categories. |
| Benefits & protections | 4.6 / 5 — comprehensive travel insurance, free checked bag, companion voucher, Status Lift and lounge access. |
| Fees & costs | 4.0 / 5 — reasonable for a premium co-branded travel card if you use the perks. |
| Ease of approval | 3.7 / 5 — higher income requirements mean it’s aimed at moderate to higher-income Canadians. |
