The WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard is a premium travel credit card designed for Canadians who are loyal to WestJet and its partner airlines. It offers accelerated WestJet points earnings, an annual companion voucher, and free checked bags as its primary benefits. The card's value is closely tied to the cardholder's ability to use these airline-specific perks regularly. It requires a personal income of $80,000 or a household income of $150,000 to qualify.
Key Features and Benefits
The WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard provides a suite of benefits focused on travel with WestJet and its partners. Cardholders receive a round-trip companion voucher upon their first purchase and can earn another one annually by spending $5,000 on the card each year. This companion fare starts at $119 plus taxes, fees, and other charges. In 2025, cardholders saved an average of $625 off the price of their second ticket using this voucher. The companion voucher also offers flexible exchange options, allowing holders to swap it for a 30% discount on a base fare for one traveller, a $200 travel credit for a WestJet or Sunwing Vacations package, or two airport lounge vouchers. Another significant travel benefit is the free first checked bag for the primary cardholder and up to eight guests on the same reservation when the flight is paid for with the card.
The card accelerates the earning of WestJet points through specific spending categories. Cardholders earn 2 WestJet points per dollar spent on WestJet flights, WestJet Vacations packages, and Sunwing Vacations bookings. They also earn 2 points per dollar at grocery stores and on transportation, which includes gas, electric vehicle charging, public transit, and rideshare services. All other everyday purchases earn 1.5 WestJet points per dollar. These points do not expire and can be redeemed to cover the full or partial cost of flights, including taxes and fees, on WestJet and its global network of airline partners to over 300 destinations. Redemption can start with as few as 2,500 points for seat selection, checked bags, or cabin upgrades.
Additional perks enhance the travel experience and provide everyday value. Cardholders receive a Status Lift of $200 in tier qualifying spend toward WestJet Rewards status for every $5,000 in everyday spending on the card. They get access to more than 1,300 airport lounges worldwide through a Mastercard Travel Pass membership with DragonPass. At Calgary International Airport, there is a dedicated cardholder priority security line and free coat check services. The card also provides partnerships for everyday savings, including a 3-cent-per-litre discount on fuel at Petro-Canada, 50 Be Well points per dollar spent at Rexall, and a complimentary 12-month DashPass subscription from DoorDash with $0 delivery fees on orders over $15.
Eligibility and Fees
Approval for the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard requires meeting specific financial thresholds. Applicants must have a minimum personal annual income of $80,000 or a minimum household annual income of $150,000. The card carries an annual fee of $119 for the primary cardholder. Adding an additional cardholder costs $59 per year, a fee that remains unchanged. A notable cost for international travellers is the foreign transaction fee of 2.5% charged on all purchases made in a currency other than Canadian dollars. This fee applies to both in-person and online transactions abroad.
The card's welcome offer is structured around a spending requirement. New cardholders can earn up to 70,000 WestJet points, which is described as a travel value of $700. This consists of 30,000 welcome points upon the first purchase, an additional 30,000 points after spending $5,000 within the first three months of account opening, and a one-time anniversary bonus of 10,000 points. The annual companion voucher also has a spending requirement. After the initial welcome voucher, a subsequent voucher is issued each year when the cardholder spends a minimum of $5,000 annually on net purchases. Tracking for this $5,000 minimum annual spend begins after the issuance of the companion voucher.
Earning Rates and Reward Details
The card's earning structure is designed to reward spending on travel and everyday essentials. The highest earn rate applies to purchases directly with WestJet and its vacation partners. Cardholders earn 2 WestJet points for every dollar spent on WestJet flights, WestJet Vacations packages, and Sunwing Vacations bookings. Starting November 5, 2025, spending on Sunwing Vacations packages will earn a total of 2 WestJet points per dollar. When combined with a cardholder's WestJet Rewards tier earn rate, it is possible to earn up to 8 additional WestJet points per dollar spent on WestJet travel, for a potential total of 10 points per dollar.
Accelerated earnings also apply to common spending categories. Purchases at grocery stores and on transportation yield 2 WestJet points per dollar. The transportation category explicitly includes gas, electric vehicle charging, public transit, and rideshare services. It is important to note that not all warehouse stores qualify for the grocery bonus. Costco and Walmart are categorized as warehouses under Merchant Category Code 5411 for Grocery Stores and Supermarkets, so purchases there will not qualify for the accelerated rate and will instead earn the standard 1.5 points per dollar. All other everyday purchases, including those at Costco and Walmart, earn 1.5 WestJet points per dollar spent.
Key Earning Categories:- WestJet flights, WestJet Vacations, Sunwing Vacations: 2 points per $1.
- Grocery stores (excluding Costco and Walmart warehouses): 2 points per $1.
- Transportation (gas, EV charging, transit, rideshare): 2 points per $1.
- All other eligible purchases: 1.5 points per $1.
- Sunwing Vacations packages (from Nov 5, 2025): 2 points per $1.
Companion Voucher Rules and Use
The annual companion voucher is a central benefit of the card with specific rules for earning and use. New cardholders receive a welcome round-trip companion voucher after making their first purchase on the card. Thereafter, an annual companion voucher is issued when the cardholder spends a minimum of $5,000 on the card within a year. The tracking period for this $5,000 spend begins after the issuance of the previous companion voucher. For existing cardholders before November 5, 2025, tracking starts after the voucher issued on or after that date. For new cardholders, tracking starts after the issuance of their welcome voucher on or after November 5, 2025.
The companion voucher provides a round-trip flight for a companion at a reduced base fare starting from $119, plus taxes, fees, charges, and other airline transaction charges. The voucher is flexible and can now be exchanged for alternative benefits if the cardholder prefers. The exchange options include a voucher for 30% off the base fare for one traveller on a WestJet flight, a $200 travel credit applicable toward a WestJet or Sunwing Vacations package, or two airport lounge vouchers. This flexibility allows cardholders to select the benefit that best suits their travel plans for the year.
Insurance Coverage and Protections
The WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard includes a comprehensive suite of insurance coverages designed for travellers. These insurances provide protection before, during, and after trips. The travel insurance package includes trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance, which can reimburse non-refundable trip costs under covered circumstances. There is also mobile device insurance that covers repair or replacement if a smartphone is damaged or stolen. This coverage applies when the monthly wireless bill is charged to the card.
Additional protections extend to everyday purchases. The card offers purchase security and extended warranty insurance on eligible items bought with the card. Purchase security covers against loss, theft, or damage for a limited period after purchase. The extended warranty feature can double the original manufacturer's warranty period, up to an additional year. The card also provides coverage against fraudulent or unauthorized use, protecting the cardholder both for in-store and online transactions. An optional coverage called BalanceProtector Max is available to protect the credit card balance. This is a separate product that cardholders can cancel at any time.
Considerations for Canadian Cardholders
The value of the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard is highly dependent on the cardholder's travel habits and loyalty to WestJet. Its strongest benefits are the annual companion voucher and free checked bags, which can deliver significant savings for individuals, couples, or families who fly WestJet regularly. If these perks are used consistently, they can offset the $119 annual fee and provide substantial net value. The card is particularly suited for travellers who typically purchase the cheapest available fares and would benefit from the companion discount and baggage fee savings.
However, the card has limitations that may affect some Canadians. The 2.5% foreign transaction fee makes it an expensive choice for spending outside Canada, reducing its utility as a general travel card for international purchases. The rewards system is also narrow, as WestJet points are most valuable when redeemed for flights on WestJet and its partner airlines. This contrasts with more flexible travel rewards currencies offered by other premium cards. The card's benefits are less compelling for travellers who prefer booking with multiple airlines, seek broad redemption options, or do not frequently check bags. The minimum income requirements of $80,000 personal or $150,000 household also restrict eligibility.
The card's connection to other loyalty programs can add secondary value. Cardholders can link their WestJet Rewards account with Triangle Rewards to earn additional points at participating Canadian Tire, Sport Chek, and other affiliated stores. This integration slightly improves the everyday earning potential for those who already shop at these banners. The various retail partnerships, such as those with Petro-Canada, Rexall, and DoorDash, provide ancillary savings and points, but these should be viewed as supplementary benefits rather than primary reasons to choose the card.
Common Application and Usage Mistakes
Prospective applicants sometimes misunderstand the income requirements or the nature of the rewards. A common error is applying without meeting the minimum personal income of $80,000 or household income of $150,000, which can lead to application denial. Another mistake is overestimating the value of the WestJet points without considering one's actual travel patterns. The points are most valuable for someone who already plans to fly with WestJet. Cardholders may also fail to track the $5,000 annual spending requirement to qualify for the companion voucher, missing out on this key benefit.
When using the card, a frequent oversight is not activating or using the companion voucher before it expires. Cardholders should be aware of the voucher's validity period and plan travel accordingly. Another common error is expecting accelerated earnings at all grocery stores. Purchases at Costco and Walmart will only earn the standard 1.5 points per dollar, not the 2-point rate. Travellers should also remember the 2.5% foreign transaction fee and consider using a different card for purchases in foreign currencies to avoid this cost. Finally, cardholders may forget to link their card to partner programs like Petro-Points or the Be Well program at Rexall to unlock the additional savings and points offered through those partnerships.
Steps to Maximize Card Value:- Ensure you meet the $80,000 personal or $150,000 household income requirement before applying.
- Track your spending to reach the $5,000 annual threshold to earn the companion voucher.
- Redeem the companion voucher or exchange it for an alternative benefit before it expires.
- Use the card for WestJet flights and eligible grocery/transportation spending to maximize point earnings.
- Pay for WestJet flights with the card to activate free checked bags for your booking.
- Link your card to partner programs like Petro-Canada and Rexall for additional savings.
- Use a different credit card with no foreign transaction fee for purchases abroad.
- Review the insurance benefits to understand what is covered before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get the companion voucher each year?
New cardholders receive a welcome companion voucher after their first purchase. To earn a companion voucher in subsequent years, you must spend a minimum of $5,000 on your card within the annual tracking period. This period starts after the issuance of your previous companion voucher. The voucher provides a round-trip companion fare starting at $119 plus taxes and fees.
What is the annual fee for the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard?
The annual fee for the primary cardholder is $119. Each additional cardholder costs an extra $59 per year. This fee provides access to the card's premium travel benefits. These benefits include an annual round trip companion voucher after meeting a spending threshold, free first checked bags for the cardholder and guests, and comprehensive travel insurance coverage. The fee is standard for a World Elite Mastercard product in the Canadian market.
Does spending at Costco earn 2 WestJet points per dollar?
No, spending at Costco does not earn the accelerated 2 WestJet points per dollar rate. Costco and Walmart are categorized as warehouses under the merchant category code system. Therefore purchases at these retailers do not qualify for the grocery store bonus rate. Spending at Costco will earn the card's standard earn rate of 1.5 WestJet points for every dollar spent. This policy is explicitly noted in the card's terms and conditions.
What are the income requirements for this card?
The WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard requires a minimum personal annual income of $80,000. Alternatively applicants can qualify with a minimum household annual income of $150,000. These are standard income requirements for premium World Elite Mastercard products in Canada. The card is positioned as a premium travel credit card with corresponding benefits and eligibility criteria. Meeting these thresholds is necessary for application approval.
Is there foreign transaction fee on this card?
Yes, the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard charges a foreign transaction fee of 2.5 percent. This fee applies to all purchases made in a foreign currency. It includes both in person transactions abroad and online purchases from international merchants. This fee is a common feature on many Canadian credit cards including co branded airline cards. It makes the card less ideal for spending while travelling outside Canada.
Can I exchange my companion voucher for something else?
Yes, cardholders now have the option to exchange their annual companion voucher for alternative benefits. The three exchange options are a voucher for 30 percent off the base fare for one traveller on a WestJet flight. Another option is a $200 travel credit for a WestJet or Sunwing Vacations package. The third option is two airport lounge vouchers. This flexibility was introduced to provide more value for cardholders who may not use the traditional companion fare.
Sources and further reading
- WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard‡ westjet.com
- WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard Travel Credit Card rbcroyalbank.com
- WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard: Is it Worth it? nerdwallet.com
- Westjet Credit Card vs BMO World Elite | Blog | Keep, TryKeep trykeep.com
- RBC WestJet World Elite MASTERCARD Consumer Reviews insureye.com
This article explains how things work and is not financial, tax or legal advice. Rules, limits and rates change, so check the current figures with the Canada Revenue Agency, your province or your financial institution before you act.