WestJet RBC World Elite MasterCard Review
Pros
- Earn 1.5% back in WestJet dollars on every purchase
- Earn 2% back in WestJet dollars when booking WestJet flights or vacation packages
- Receive an annual round-trip companion voucher from $99
- Save on baggage fees with the first checked bag free for the primary cardholder and up to eight additional guests on the same reservation
- Comprehensive travel insurance coverage, including emergency medical, trip cancellation, and car rental collision/loss damage
- No foreign transaction fees on purchases made in foreign currencies
Cons
- $119 annual fee
- Limited to redeeming WestJet dollars for WestJet flights and services
- The companion voucher is subject to taxes, fees, and restrictions
- Requires a personal annual income of at least $80,000 or a household annual income of at least $150,000 to qualify
- Not ideal for individuals who don’t frequently fly with WestJet or use their services
- WestJet dollars expire if there’s no account activity for 24 consecutive months
How you earn rewards
Each card earns rewards differently. Part of choosing your card is deciding what type of rewards you want to get. With WestJet RBC World Elite MasterCard, here’s how you earn rewards:
| Specific Stores | 2% |
| All Other Spend | 2% |
How much your rewards are worth
The dollar value of your rewards depends on the specific RBC rewards program and what you choose to redeem your points for.
For WestJet RBC World Elite MasterCard in particular, if you spend $2,000.00 per month, here’s our estimated rewards earned depending on which reward you choose:
| Redemption method | Annual rewards |
|---|---|
| Flight rewards | $7.34 |
Calculating your annual rewards
$24,000.00 annual spending x $2.00% return on spending = $480.00 annual rewards
$480.00 annual rewards – $119.00 annual fee = $$361.00 net annual rewards
Details and eligibility
| Do I qualify? | |
|---|---|
| Estimated Credit Score | 760 – 900 |
| Personal Income | $80,000.00 |
| Household Income | $150,000.00 |
| Interest Rates | |
|---|---|
| Purchase | 20.9% |
| Cash Advance | 22.9% |
| Balance Transfer | 22.9% |
| Fees | |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $119.00 |
| Extra Card Fee | $0 |
| Card type | MasterCard |
Insurance coverage
| Extended Warranty | 1 year |
| Purchase Protection | 90 days |
| Travel Accident | 500000 |
| Emergency Medical Term | 15 days |
| Emergency Medical over 65 | 3 days |
| Trip Interruption | 5000 |
| Flight Delay | 500 |
| Baggage Delay | 500 |
| Lost or Stolen Baggage | 500 |
| Rental Car Theft & Damage | Yes |
| Hotel Burglary | 2500 |
WestJet RBC World Elite MasterCard Review
The WestJet RBC World Elite MasterCard is a co-branded travel rewards credit card designed for WestJet flyers and RBC customers. It offers a solid earning potential and various benefits that cater to both frequent and occasional travelers. However, there are also some drawbacks to consider. In this review, we’ll discuss the earning rates, benefits, and drawbacks of this card to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.
Earning potential with the card
The WestJet RBC World Elite MasterCard earns 2% in WestJet dollars on all WestJet purchases, including flights and vacation packages, and 1.5% in WestJet dollars on all other purchases. The card does not have specific reward categories, but the percentage of cash back in WestJet dollars earned remains constant for a simplified reward system. These WestJet dollars can then be used towards future travel purchases with ease.
Benefit 1: Companion voucher
Each year, as the primary cardholder, you receive a companion voucher. This voucher allows you to bring a guest on a WestJet flight with a reduced fare, starting at $119 CAD and varying depending on the chosen destination. This can lead to substantial savings for those who travel with a companion regularly.
Benefit 2: First checked bag free
The first checked bag is free for the primary cardholder and up to eight additional guests on reservations paid with the WestJet RBC World Elite MasterCard. This can provide significant savings on baggage fees, particularly for families and groups traveling together.
Benefit 3: World Elite MasterCard benefits
As a World Elite MasterCard, this card offers additional perks beyond WestJet-specific rewards. Cardholders have access to premium benefits such as 24/7 concierge service, travel insurance coverage, and roadside assistance, making travel both more convenient and more secure.
Benefit 4: Airport lounge access
Cardholders receive a pay-per-use membership to more than 800 LoungeKey airport lounges worldwide. You also have the option to purchase discounted access for guests traveling with you.
Drawback 1: Annual fee
The WestJet RBC World Elite MasterCard carries a relatively high annual fee of $119 CAD. While the companion voucher and other benefits may offset the fee for frequent travelers, infrequent flyers may find it harder to justify the cost.
Drawback 2: Limited travel partners
WestJet dollars are primarily redeemable towards WestJet flights and vacation packages, with only a few partner airlines available. This may limit the card’s usefulness for those who prefer a wider range of travel options or who are not loyal to WestJet.
In summary, the WestJet RBC World Elite MasterCard can be an excellent choice for Canadians who frequently fly WestJet and want to make the most of their spending on travel. The earning potential, companion voucher, and other benefits make it a solid option for loyal WestJet customers, but those who prioritize more flexibility and broader travel options may prefer a different travel rewards card.
Is the WestJet RBC World Elite MasterCard not convincing you? Consider the RBC Cash Back Mastercard or the RBC Visa Classic Low Rate Option. Still not the right credit card? Make sure not to miss the RBC Cash Back Preferred World Elite MasterCard.
FAQ
Key benefits
- Earn rewards at accelerated rate: 2% WestJet dollars on WestJet-related spending, 1.5% on all other purchases
- Exceptional travel perks: Free first checked bag for primary cardholder and up to 8 travel companions
- Easy redemptions: Book flights, vacation packages, and more using earned WestJet dollars
- Accompanying benefits: Annual round-trip companion voucher starts at $99
- Impressive travel insurance: Emergency medical, trip cancellation, and car rental coverage
- Globetrotter-friendly: Elimination of foreign transaction fees on overseas purchases
- Introductory promotions: Welcome bonus offers for newly approved cardholders
- Income threshold: Must have $80,000 individual or $150,000 household annual earnings
- Moderately priced: Annuity expenses at $119 per annum
- Exclusive to WestJet: Redeem rewards solely for WestJet flights and services
- Restrictions on vouchers: Taxes, fees, and limitations applicable on companion vouchers
- Inactivity consequences: Forfeiture of WestJet dollars after 24 months without account activity
- Maximum benefit for frequent flyers: Most advantageous to regular WestJet customers
