Backed by a big advertising campaign and generous welcome bonus, the WestJet RBC World Elite MasterCard is making a push to become the nation’s top airline credit card. Should you “get this card”?
WestJet RBC World Elite MasterCard
WestJet made headlines this fall when the airline announced a $25 fee for a first check bag. WestJet RBC World Elite MasterCard cardholders can get around this because their first checked bag is free on all WestJet flights, for themselves and up to eight companions travelling on the same reservation.
Related: Aeroplan “Rewards” More Expensive Than Cash Fare
New cardholders get a welcome bonus of $250 WestJet dollars as well as an annual round-trip companion flight voucher for $99 (plus fees and taxes) after your first purchase.
Earning and Redeeming WestJet Dollars
Here’s what you’ll get with the WestJet RBC World Elite MasterCard:
- Earn 1.5% back in WestJet dollars on every purchase you make.
- Earn 2% back in WestJet dollars when you purchase WestJet flights or WestJet Vacations packages.
- Receive an annual round-trip companion flight for $99 (plus fees and taxes) on a WestJet marketed and operated flight in Canada and the continental US (excludes Hawaii and Puerto Rico).
- Get your first checked bag free on all WestJet flights.
- Redeem any amount of WestJet dollars, at any time. One WestJet dollar earned is worth one Canadian dollar when redeemed for travel with WestJet or WestJet Vacations.
- Travel whenever you want with no blackout periods or seat restrictions, and no advance booking requirements.
- Use your WestJet dollars just like cash towards all or part of your next WestJet flight or WestJet Vacations package.
This card comes with a $99 annual fee and, since it’s a World Elite MasterCard, you’ll need a minimum $70,000 annual income (or $120,000 household income) to qualify. Additional cards are $49 per year.
Related: Getting approved for premium credit cards – some are easier than others
Final thoughts
The WestJet RBC World Elite MasterCard is the closest competition to the Aeroplan credit cards offered by TD and CIBC. It’s a good choice for frequent flyers who have grown disenchanted with the Aeroplan / Air Canada program. Unlike Aeroplan miles, WestJet dollars are treated like cash and can be used toward any booking without having to worry about mileage charts and redemption levels.
The $250 welcome bonus is one of the most generous incentives on the market and the ongoing $99 round-trip companion flight voucher is another added bonus. The icing on the cake now is that you’ll get one complimentary checked bag, which will save you $25 per trip.