WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard Review
Searching for a hefty credit card welcome bonus? Done. How about an annual round-trip companion ticket to anywhere in North America? Covered. Free first checked bags for you and your entire family? Of course.
The WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard comes with an impressive welcome bonus of up to 450 WestJet dollars. You can redeem your WestJet dollars at any time, with no blackout periods on any flights.
But what makes this card stand out among most Canadian travel credit cards is the round-trip companion voucher you get every year you keep the card. You can fly your spouse, child or friend return to anywhere in continental North America for $119 with no restrictions!7 Not to be outdone, first checked bags are free for you and up to 8 of your travelling companions on the same reservation – at up to $30 a bag each person, each way, that can be a lot of savings.
For a limited time, get up to 450 welcome WestJet dollars1– that could be up to $1,350* on travel saved in your first year.
• Up to 450 welcome WestJet dollars1 limited time offer (when you spend a minimum of $5,000 in the first 3 months on your card)
• Save $240 with free first checked bags for a family for 4 (traveling on the same reservation)
• $119 for the second guest using your annual World Elite round-trip companion voucher
*Savings value calculated based on select round-trip Econo fare flights within Canada when using the companion voucher, free first checked bags for a family of 4, and for a limited time, 450 welcome WestJet dollars with minimum spend.
Corresponding legal references and product terms are available on the RBC website, which will be available and agreed upon in the customer onboarding process.
In This Article:
WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard Credit Card Benefits
One WestJet dollar equals $1 Canadian towards travel with WestJet. You earn 2% on WestJet related spend and 1.5% everywhere else.
As we said before, what distinguishes this card from most Canadian travel rewards cards is its annual companion voucher.
- $119 CAD, plus taxes & fees, to anywhere in Canada & continental U.S.
- $399 CAD, plus taxes & fees, to Hawaii, Mexico, Caribbean & Central America
- $399, plus taxes & fees, to anywhere else WestJet flies (aka Europe).
It’s important to note that some of these paid prices are a downgrade from the previous deals available with WestJet. The Canada and Continental U.S. fare formerly cost $99, so the jump to $119 isn’t outrageous. But the Hawaii-Mexico-Caribbean-Central America fare has skyrocketed from $299 to $399. This puts a big damper on this feature, considering you can easily find WestJet flights from Toronto to Hawaii for around $400 or even less, which makes the companion fare useless.
One benefit of this feature is that you can book any class of fare, and your companion ticket will be eligible for the same class fare, i.e. if you book in Plus, your companion will sit in Plus with you. Not every companion ticket program does that. The only restriction is that the primary cardholder has to fly on the same itinerary as the companion.
Here’s a breakdown of the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard’s top benefits:
- Annual companion ticket to any destination WestJet flies
- 450 WestJet dollars welcome bonus
- No blackouts or seat restrictions on any flights, any time
- Free first checked bag for the primary cardholder and up to 8 additional guests on the same reservation
- Comprehensive travel insurances including travel medical, trip interruption, auto rental collision & loss, purchase security and extended warranty
- 2% back in WestJet dollars per $1 spent on WestJet purchases
- 1.5% back in WestJet dollars per $1 spent on all other purchases
- Annual Fee is $119
Eligibility Requirements
You will need to either have a minimum personal income of $80,000 or a minimum household income of $150,000 to be eligible for the card.
How Does the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard Compare to Competing Cards?
The WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard’s companion fare feature is very rare in Canada. There are a number of other strong travel rewards cards in Canada that outclass the WestJet card if you look beyond the companion fare and into the card’s overall value.
| WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard | TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card | BMO Ascend™ World Elite®* Mastercard®* | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $119 | $139 (first year rebate)† | $150 |
| Sign-Up Bonus | 450 WestJet dollars1 | Online exclusive: Earn up to 50,000 Aeroplan points†. Plus, first year no Annual Fee†. Conditions Apply. Must apply online by January 3, 2023. | Get up to 60,000 points and the annual fee waived in the first year for both the primary cardholder and authorized users.* |
| Regular Earn Rate | 1.5 WestJet Dollars per $1 spent on all eligible purchases | 1 Aeroplan point† for every $1 spent on all eligible purchases | 1 point for every $1 spent everywhere else* |
| Special Earn Rate | 2 WestJet Dollars per $1 spent on WestJet purchases | 1.5 Aeroplan points† for every $1 spent on eligible grocery, gas, and direct through Air Canada® purchases (including Air Canada Vacations®) made with your card | 5x the points for every $1 spent on eligible travel purchases,* 3x the points for every $1 spent on eligible dining and entertainment purchases and recurring bill payments* |
| Lounge Access | $32 per entrance to LoungeKey lounges; no free access | N/A | Complimentary membership in Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass,* with four annual complimentary passes. |
| Companion Fare Voucher | Pay $119–$399 | N/A | N/A |
†Terms and conditions apply.
TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card
– Balance Transfer APR: 22.99%
– Cash Advance APR: 22.99%
– Credit score required: Good-Excellent
– Min personal income required: $60,000
– Annual fees: $139 (Annual Fee Rebate the first year)†
Gravitating away from WestJet and toward Aeroplan opens up your flight redemption options considerably, as Aeroplan points can be redeemed for flights with Air Canada or one of its 35+ international partner airlines. And the best Aeroplan card on the market right now is the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card. The card has an impressive welcome offer.
Earn up to $1,400 in value† including up to 50,000 Aeroplan points, no annual fee for the first year and additional travel benefits. Must apply online by January 3, 2023.
- Earn a welcome bonus of 10,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first purchase with your new card†
- Earn 20,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $1,500 within 90 days of Account opening†
- Plus, earn an additional 20,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $7,500 within 12 months of Account opening†
- Enroll for NEXUS and once every 48 months get an application fee rebate†, and share free first checked bags†
- Plus, get an annual fee rebate for the first year†.
To receive the first-year annual fee rebate, you must activate your Card and make your first Purchase on the Account within the first 3 months after Account opening and you must add your Additional Cardholders by January 4, 2023.
Aside from the limited-time offer the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card gives 1.5 Aeroplan points† per $1 spent on eligible grocery, gas, and direct through Air Canada® purchases (including Air Canada Vacations®) made with your card, and 1 Aeroplan point† per $1 on all other eligible purchases; the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard has a 2% and 1.5% return rate on its accelerated and regular spending categories respectively. Keep in mind that the increased earn rate for the WestJet card only applies to WestJet purchases, whereas the increased earn rate for TD applies to several regular purchase categories.
Click here to apply or learn more by reading our complete TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card review.
This offer is not available for residents of Quebec. For Quebec residents, please click here.
†Terms and conditions apply.
BMO Ascend™ World Elite®* Mastercard®*
BMO Rewards points can be redeemed on a wide variety of airlines, including WestJet and Air Canada, and are worth about $0.0067 each when redeemed for travel. Plus, BMO Rewards can be used to cover a flight’s taxes and fees, unlike WestJet Dollars.
The sign-up bonus for the BMO Ascend™ World Elite®* Mastercard®* beats WestJet’s offer, with up to 60,000 points and the annual fee waived in the first year for both the primary cardholder and authorized users.*. Its earn rates are also comparable to the WestJet RBC World Elite, with 5x the points for every $1 spent on eligible travel purchases,* 3x the points for every $1 spent on eligible dining and entertainment purchases and recurring bill payments,* 1 point for every $1 spent everywhere else.*
But where the BMO Ascend™ World Elite®* Mastercard®* really shines is in its lounge access: like the WestJet card it gives cardholders a complimentary membership, but unlike the WestJet card it offers 4 free entrances annually to lounges: complimentary membership in Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass,* with four annual complimentary passes.. That’s an added $128 USD in value that the WestJet card doesn’t have.
Apply here or learn more by reading our complete BMO Ascend™ World Elite®* Mastercard®*.
*Terms and conditions apply
Refer to RBC Page for up to date offer terms and conditions.
BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information.
Article comments
WEST JET says that I have “0” dollars in my rewards account, I should have about 800$ how do i recover this
Hi Colin,
That’s unsettling to be sure. Your best bet will be to contact WestJet customer service at 1 (888) 937-8538 to find out what’s up with your reward situation. Good luck.
Try canceling the Westjet RBC Elite MasterCard. What a nightmare. I went directly to the Royal Bank and they said they would process the cancelation, just got another annual fee bill. Called the 1-800 number and they said I had to go bank to bank to cancel it again. So frustrated! Why is it so easy to get the card but a nightmare trying to cancel it?
Hi Susan,
Sounds like you’ve climbed aboard the credit card cancellation hamster wheel. I suppose that they hope that you’ll decide to use it again rather than trying to cancel it again. When you’re at the branch this time around, ask for paperwork to confirm the card has been cancelled (or requested) rather than taking their word that they’ll process the cancellation. Also grab the card of the associate that helped you so that you can call that specific individual if the card still doesn’t get cancelled. Hope this helps.
SUCH a scam! You can only use the companion voucher or the WestJet dollars towards the “fare” of a flight. On a $700 flight to London, UK, the fare is only $38. WestJet is calling the rest “service fees” so that you can’t use the voucher or WestJet dollars. This card is entirely pointless except for the free baggage. I think their new fee schedule is a sneaky way to try to recover money after COVID, but it’s the definition of false advertising. I have the BMO world elite and would recommend that card over this one 100 times over.
Hi Marie,
That’s an incredibly maddening experience. Nonetheless, thanks for sharing this practical real world limitation; that really is the worst kind of surprise. Also appreciate your recommendation for an alternative card where the benefits live up to your expecations.
I have the RBC WestJet World Elite MasterCard. If my income decreases in year below $80,000 will I lose my eligibility for any of this card’s benefits?
Hi Betty,
You should be able to continue using your credit card even if your income decreases below the minimum income requirement. If you ever do cancel the card, note that you won’t be able to reapply for it until you meet the minimum income requirement again.
If you cancel your RBC Westjet World Elite Mastercard, would you lose the Westjet dollars accumulated to date?
Hi Ken,
According to Westjet’s Terms and Conditions, Base Rewards will not expire due to the passage of time. That said, bonus rewards will expire on the individual date(s) specified in the terms or conditions of the promotion…or, in the absence of such terms and conditions, then expiry will be one (1) year from date of issuance.
The accumulated points should continue to reside with Westjet, not the RBC credit card but it won’t hurt to reach out to Westjet Customer Service at 1-888-937-8538 to confirm.
Your description is inaccurate about the WestJet master card in saying it doesn’t have lounge pass access. I just read on there website you can exchange the complimentary companion voucher for 4 lounge pass stays. Might want to update that. Huge value over air Canada’s card.
Hi John,
Thanks for sharing this. Anyone interested in exchanging your Annual World Elite companion voucher can make the switch to 4 lounge vouchers at https://www.westjet.com/en-ca/rewards/rbc-mastercard/lounge-exchange. Please note that while you are able to exchange more than one companion voucher (if you have more than one available), you can not transfer the lounge vouchers for anyone else to use. The lounge vouchers will also have the same expiry date as the original companion voucher. Read the full terms and conditions for details.
Forewarning, this card does not have trip cancellation insurance vs the Visa Avion that does. I have been pretty happy with this card overall until I had to cancel a trip due to medical reasons right before departure. If that is important to you, I would go with something else.
Hi Ryan,
Thanks for sharing this. It’s a great point- buyer beware. Hope that the medical situation worked out and maybe there was an opportunity to reschedule the trip.
For the min personal income required can divided & pension income be included in this total.
Hi Brad,
Short answer is yes. In addition to part or full time income, other income sources like trust fund payouts, retirement fund payments and even investment income can count towards your personal annual income requirement total.
Hello,
My husband applied for this card just for himself as I am a stay at home mom. He makes 110,000 a year which is much over their minimum income. He was denied? We have good credit and own our own home? Really disappointed because we fly to Mexico every year and wanted to get this card. Now that he’s denied which would you suggest is a good card as a replacement. We do prefer to fly with WestJet.
Hi Chelsey,
Sorry to hear this didn’t work out. There are several factors that could impact the decision if he was declined. For example, maybe other credit card balances are too high or something on your credit report set them off. It’s worth checking your husband’s credit report (free from Equifax or Transunion) to see if there’s anything that needs to be addressed. As a replacement, consider some of the best travel credit cards currently available in Canada. Points collected with the BMO World Elite Mastercard will cover flight fees and taxes for virtually any airline with no blackout dates or seat restrictions!
Hi Daniel,
So we ended up applying under my name and got approved for this card! Yay! My question is if you pay for your trip with say your debit card but are a WestJet rewards member and have the elite card do you still get your free checked bags? Or do you have to pay for your flights with your WestJet card in order to receive the perks for checked bags?
Hi Chelsey,
Glad to hear this worked out in the end! From what I can gather, the Terms and Conditions only specify that the “Eligible member’s 9-digit WestJet Rewards ID must be on the reservation at the time of check-in.” and that it’s only “Valid on itineraries marketed and wholly operated by WestJet; not valid when travelling with WestJet’s code-share or interline partners.” No signs that the purchase needs to be made on the WestJet card, but best confirm customer service just to be sure.
Ok great! I did confirm with WestJet that my rewards number just needs to be attached to the itinerary and don’t have to use the WestJet card to buy the tickets 🙂 I do have another question, I applied May 12th and it was approved that day. I am still waiting on my card and contacted RBC to see what the hold up was, they said it will be mailed out June 4th to an RBC branch of my choice. What I’m question is….Will we still get the promo for May which is for $0 (plus taxes and fees) companion voucher plus 350 bonus Westjet dollars if we spend on the card in the first 3 months….We were approved on May but won’t get it now for 10 ish days…..
Hi Chelsey,
Whatever promos were available at the time you were approved should still apply. Looks like the $0 (plus taxes and fees) companion voucher was extended through June 30, 2021 and the $350 welcome WestJet dollars are still in affect so you should be good to go. Enjoy your trip and travel safe!
I have the rbc westjet card in the past and have cancelled last year. If I reapply, will I still be able to get the bonus rewards?
Hi Mard,
No because just because you will be opening a new account, it is still the same account, so you are not a new accountholder. Also, if you chronically apply for credit cards just for the bonus and then cancel it once you have it, this can negatively impact your credit score. Every time you apply for a new credit card, your credit score goes down a few points. It’s no big deal if you do it once in a while, but I wouldn’t make it a habit.
Hi, I would like to cancel our WestJet RBC World Elite MasterCard due to COVID and not wanting to fly for a while. We’ve used the Welcome Bonus many years ago but will we retain our accumulated WestJet Dollars if we cancel the card?
Hi D. Chan,
You should not lose your accumulated WestJet Reward Dollars if you cancel your credit card because these points are not tied to your credit card but to your Westjet Reward Dollars account at Westjet.com. The only dollars you might lose is on on pending purchases that have yet to be posted, but all posted purchases that include Westjet Dollars should be part of your account balance.
Thanks Aaron!
Have a question regarding companion fares. We booked a flight for May 2020 and had to cancel re covid. For this flight I used a companion voucher from February 2020. Flight was cancelled due to covid and rebooked for May 2021. If we have to cancel it again if covid hasn’t settled down and is still in effect May 2021, last year’s voucher will have actually expired and by then I will have another Feb 2021 voucher. Is Royal Bank extending these vouchers? I don’t understand why I pay the annual fee (that pays for the voucher) and they expire in 1 year from the issue date. In these circumstances, there should be no expiry dates. Is Royal Bank doing anything about extending these vouchers for the covid situation which is beyond our control?
Hi Carol,
What I’m seeing is the following: To align with our flexible change and cancellation policy, introduced in response to COVID-19, the validity period on companion vouchers issued to cardholders of a WestJet RBC® credit card, or to Platinum, Gold and Silver members as a milestone award, has been extended:
Unredeemed companion vouchers expiring between March 2020 and January 2021 have been extended to January 31, 2021.
Companion vouchers that were redeemed for travel between March 1, 2020 and January 31, 2021, where travel is cancelled, will be reinstated to your account and extended to January 31, 2021 (unless the original expiry date is later). Extensions will be processed within 14 days of cancellation.
I would talk to Westjet and/or RBC about your specific question but what I would say is, we’re all reacting to this situation as it happens, including the airlines, so in the even that you book a flight with your new voucher and that flight gets cancelled, I’m sure you will get another voucher. The airlines are desperate for business and you are in the power position as the customer right now, I’m sure you’ll get another voucher if it comes to that, if I had to guess.
I am a senior..and had booked a trip to visit daughter and family .. i had to cancel trip due to pandemic.. i. Will not be travelling any longer..i would like to cancel my card..would i loose the trip i booked.and paid the taxes etc for?
Hi Mona,
If you cancel your card, you will not lose the trip you booked as that flight was purchased before the card was canceled and your contract is with the airline for the flight, not the credit card issuer. That being said, the canceled card will not work for any other purchases going forward.
Do you like waiting three hours online for a customer service representative to tell you nothing. That’s the Royal Bank avoid dealing with them as much as possible. We have absolutely no respect for the customers
Hi Don,
Sorry you had a bad experience. Of course customer service representatives are under some huge pressure just like rest of us, so just remember they are human and try to have patience, calmness and compassion in the midst of whatever issue you’re dealing with
Hey! Thanks for the information. I’m wondering if you have a limit of cards you can have per household? Because the minimum household income is $115000, can we apply for one each or can we only have one because the income is combined?
Hi Janelle,
Actually, the minimum eligible household income for this card is $150,000. (or a minimum personal income of $80,000) Each of your family members can apply for their own Westjet RBC World Elite Mastercard on the basis of the required $150,000 household income as long as each family member fills out an individual application. Whether each family member gets the card is subject to approval of their individual application.
My annual income was not 80,000 its like 32,000. And my credit score was 716 when I applied. So not sure where these figures are coming from.
The RBC website. States right on there income requirements.
Trying to decide between this card or TD First Class Visa Infinite or BMO World Elite Mastercard. Are you able to offer any advice?
Hi Jacqueline,
Always willing to help. I would get the TD card if you want a huge welcome bonus (apply now because the bonus expires March 2, 2020) that combines to a $520 value, you are already a TD All-inclusive Bank Plan holder, (as those account holders pay no annual fees) you are willing to book travel through expediaforTD (huge 9 point earn rate) and you care about saving on flights and hotels more than secondary travel benefits like travel insurance or lounge access.
I’d get the Westjet card if you fly Westjet a lot and collect Westjet rewards. But if you don’t care what airline, you want a high earn rate, great travel insurance and you don’t mind booking through BMO Travel Agents, go with BMO World Elite. We have reviews for all three cards on our site, just google the name of card plus Greedyrates.ca
Surprised this card doesn’t include trip cancellation insurance. Would be a huge plus if it did.
I am the primary card holder. My wife booked a flight for herself ( I am not going on this trip) and used my WJMC. Does she avoid the luggage card?
Hey Dave,
Unfortunately, a Primary Cardholder isn’t defined as whoever is actually holding the card. If you used your credit and ID to apply for the card then you’re the Primary Cardholder, not your wife, so some perks she can only enjoy while travelling on an itinerary with you. This includes the companion fare but also the free checked bags: “Valid for primary cardholders of the WestJet RBC World Elite MasterCard and up to eight (8) additional guests travelling on the same reservation.” Sorry!
GreedyRates
If a person has a spousal card do they also get a companion voucher? or is it just for the primary card holder.
Hey Lisa,
Great question. Unfortunately, secondary cards for spouses don’t come with another set of perks like those found on the primary card. This is because there’s nothing in it for the bank—no new credit or account, no credit check, no new members, etc. Only primary cards come with benefits for this reason, but that doesn’t mean a spouse can’t avail of them! The companion voucher is actually the perfect spousal benefit as couples tend to fly together, and with this unique perk, at a huge discount.
GreedyRates
I have a question regarding the medical insurance first off my husband is over 65 years are we able to call to get an extension on the 3 days and are the fees for that comparable to buying yourself and does it also cover me the spouse for the 15 days as I am under 65 years
Hey Joanne,
Great questions, we really appreciate you bringing them to us! First of all, if you and your husband have the RBC WestJet World Elite card, then you’re already covered as long as you’re under 65. As a spouse of the primary cardholder, who we assume is your husband, you won’t need to purchase an extension but he likely will. We can’t definitively say how expensive it’ll be for him to extend beyond the 3 days he’s covered for, but it’s likely less than what he’d pay if he was buying full coverage elsewhere rather than “topping up”. To do this, call RBC and inquire about insurance. An agent will connect you with the issuer’s insurer and get the process started. Have a nice trip!
GreedyRates
Hi thanks for posting great questions and answers. I have a question regarding RBC westjet elite card. Does it cover roadside assistance? I had to call my car rental company to unlock doors I had paid for rental using the card.
Hi Arlene,
Thanks for coming to GreedyRates. Unfortunately, your RBC WestJet World Elite Mastercard doesn’t have roadside assistance coverage, so you’ll probably have to eat the fee you paid to retrieve your keys. We’re sorry about that and encourage you to check out BMO’s line of Mastercards, such as the BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard or the BMO Shell CashBack World Mastercard. These include BMO roadside assistance which can cover you when these frustrating events occur. Hope you managed to resolve the matter without too much of an inconvenience, and thanks again for your comment.
GreedyRates
“Free first checked bag for the primary cardholder and up to 8 additional guests on the same reservation”
My husband and I already have a flight booked, and if I book the same flight for our friends who decided to join us, can they still get free first checked bag ?? Or the booing has to be done at the same time ???
Hey Kay,
Thanks for coming to GreedyRates! If you’re on the same reservation as the primary cardholder, then you and 6 others will be able to skip paying for your checked bags on WestJet operated and marketed flights. Be sure to sign up your friends for the same reservation and include your husband’s 9-digit WestJet Rewards ID as well, so that the people at the desk know not to charge you. Enjoy the flight!
GreedyRates
Does the Westjet World Elite Mastercard get you access to airport VIP lounges?
Hey Scott,
Thanks for the quality post. If you’re considering the WestJet World Elite card for its airport lounge access, then it will indeed help you get into the lounge, but perhaps not as much as other cards. For example, WestJet offers cardholders membership to LoungeKey, which is a VIP airport lounge network run by Mastercard with over 500 lounges around the world. Normally, people pay at least $99 per year for membership to programs like these, which lets them get into any LoungeKey lounge during their travels.
Membership doesn’t mean free entry, however. It just means you won’t be turned away at the door. You’ll still pay the regular entry price to get in, which is usually anywhere from $25 to $35 dollars for unlimited access during your layover. If you’re a big fan of staying in the lounge (and who isn’t?) then we suggest you get a card that offers free membership but also a set number of free entry vouchers each year. The best ones we know of are from Scotiabank, BMO, and Amex. Check out the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite, the BMO Rewards World Elite Mastercard, and the Amex Platinum card if lounge access is a priority.
GreedyRates
I recently canceled this card. Do you know what the waiting period is to reapply?
Hi when can I redeem the companion travel voucher first year?
Hey Yee!
Thanks for coming to GreedyRates. If you’re looking to get the RBC WestJet World Elite card to take advantage of its awesome annual perks, such as the companion voucher, then this is entirely possible. The only obstacle is that after receiving your new World Elite card you need to wait on average 6-8 weeks before the two introductory bonuses hit your account. That’s the $250 WestJet Dollar bonus and the annual companion voucher. You can use the voucher right after getting it, so you’re looking at around 2 months maximum from receipt of the card to the ability to redeem the voucher.
In the years after the first you’ll receive your companion voucher on the year anniversary date, so technically that means after receiving the first voucher you may wait as little as 10 months for the next one. Hope that shed some light on how the WestJet voucher works! Enjoy it.
GreedyRates
Hi, I am looking to book a flight for my husband and i next year to mexico on westjet. if i sign up for this card can i use it to book a flight and all inclusive resort together or would it have to be separate? also, we want to travel next year…so how would that work for the companion voucher. is each year considered a calendar year or from the time we get the card? thanks!!!
Hey Kelly,
Thanks for the awesome questions. If you’re thinking about getting an RBC WestJet World Elite card for you and your husbands’ upcoming trip, then it can save you two significant stress and costs, no matter who is the primary cardholder. If you’re primary, then you’ll simply need to be travelling together on the same itinerary and on a WestJet marketed or operated flight for your husband to be eligible for the companion voucher. No partner airlines allowed, and another condition for voucher eligibility is that the flight can’t be booked as a vacation package—round-trip airfare only. This means you’ll have to book your hotel separately, either with dollars or WestJet Dollars, it doesn’t matter.
If you get the card now, you can expect the $250 WestJet Dollar bonus to appear in your WestJet account 4-6 weeks after activating it, and same with the annual companion voucher. Afterwards, the voucher is added to your account on its 1-year anniversary date, so it can be taken advantage of predictably. From our perspective, it’s best to wait for your most expensive vacation before using the voucher, as it has multiple tiers which apply to destinations around the world. Enjoy!
GreedyRates
Hi, I have a BMO world elite mastercard and have had it for years. Can I transfer the points to the new rbc world elite card if I switch?
Hey Bill,
Good question. If you’re seeking to replace your primary card with the RBC WestJet World Elite card, then you won’t be able to convert points to WestJet Dollars since you’re coming from BMO. A cross-bank conversion is rarer, while if you were converting points from one rewards program to another within RBC itself (for example, Avion to WestJet Dollars) then that’s entirely possible. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but at least you can use all those points now and get something nice for all the time you’ve spent saving!
GreedyRates
How many card can I hold ? I currently have one and applied for a credit limit increase from $5000 to $10,000 and was denied. Made me laugh as we have great credit history, own our home and vehicles, travel frequently and household income far above the minimum.
Yet, for some reason RBC turned me down. If I apply for another card with a higher limit is this allowed. If so, how long should I wait from my application for a credit increase application to my new card application?
Hi Richard,
If you have a new RBC WestJet World Elite card and are unhappy with the credit limit, then we don’t suggest applying for a new one—though it is possible to have two with separate limits. You’ll simply end up paying two annual fees, and it won’t look great on a credit report. This would be a pain in the butt and not worthwhile, especially when there are other options. Have you considered a charge card from American Express—something like the Platinum card? These cards give you more freedom when it comes to how much you can spend, though if you don’t pay everything off each month the penalty is harsher.
Oftentimes when a bank isn’t willing to give you a credit card, it’s a signal that a line of credit or charge card might be preferable anyway, as the interest model is different and so are the incentives. Credit cards are designed to carry debt, so if you won’t do much of that, the bank has few reasons to let you use more of their money when they could be using it to accrue new debt or invest it. Lines of credits or even a loan could be an appropriate solution for you as well, but ultimately it depends on why you suddenly need so much more credit.
GreedyRates
Westjet’s RBC Card has a 2.5 % charge for international purchases. So if you use it in the USA you will be service charged for every purchase. CIBC Aeroplan does not. Do not use a card that charges this fee. What good is a travel card that charges for every purchase when you travel?
Hi Shaun,
Thanks for coming to GreedyRates! You’re right that the ability to skip foreign transaction fees is a valuable perk that’s hard to match. Take the total cost of whatever you plan to spend abroad, multiply by 2.50%, and that (inevitably painful) number is what you stand to lose without a card like this. However, it’s not fair to discount other travel cards, which might incur these fees but provide extra value to eclipse whatever you lose. We’re thinking specifically of lounge access, annual companion flights, discounted flight redemption, excellent insurance and other things of this nature.
That said, you’d be smart to find a card which stands in both camps. Something like the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite card has tons of free lounge access, great insurance, fast Scotia Rewards points earnings, and 0% foreign transaction fees. Even if you’re unable to meet the $60,000 income requirement, we still thank you for bringing this notion to the attention of readers!
GreedyRates
Hello,
Great article. I am a long time RB Avion Visa Infinite card holder. Ideally, I don’t want to pay for 2 travel cards. If I was to transfer to WJ Elite, what happens to all my accumulated Avion points? Is transferring not a good strategy? I do see the value in this WJ Elite card and how it would benefit us. Thanks.
Hey Warren,
Appreciate you coming to GreedyRates. If you’re looking to make the switch to a new card and have saved up a ton of rewards or miles on it, then you’re right to be wary. Too often, card issuers impose caveats that make it difficult to receive the full value of their points, but this isn’t the case with RBC’s Avion card. This is why we review it so highly on the merit of its flexibility: the rewards points you’ve earned can be converted to loyalty rewards points from partner airlines—including WestJet.
As long as you’re still an account holder at RBC, you can convert your points to WestJet Dollars at any time by calling an agent or going online. Other partner airlines include British Airways, Asia Miles, American Airlines AAdvantage Miles and more. We think it’s best to open your new WestJet World Elite card first and then convert your points to WestJet Dollars, then transfer to your new account. Add that to the $250 bonus you’ll receive from the card, and you’ll be sure to reap the benefits sooner than you thought. Enjoy!
GreedyRates
Is the comprehensive travel insurance good if you are over 65
Hey Donald,
Thanks for coming to GreedyRates with this matter. If you’re over 65, then the WestJet World Elite card from RBC won’t do you much good. While it’s easily possible to call RBC’s insurance provider and request an extension beyond the 3 days they give this age group, you’d probably prefer to get up to 15 consecutive days of coverage for free, right? In this case, we’ve got two cards you need to consider—one from Desjardins and one from Meridian.
The first card is the Desjardins Odyssey World Elite, which offers up to 2% back on all your purchases, 8 annual passes to the Desjardins Odyssey airport lounge, and of course an excellent travel insurance suite which includes up to 48 consecutive days of medical coverage (15 for those between age 65 and 75). The Meridian Visa Travel Rewards Infinite card has an almost identical insurance setup, but differing perks. We encourage you to check out both and make an educated decision, or alternatively to call RBC and buy temporary coverage.
GreedyRates
we are travelling November 3 to dominican republic. There are 8 of us in the group. same flight. Can i use my Westjet credit card to waive the 1st bag check in fee? should we do this at the airport or is there a way to do it for everyone checkin g in early?
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Hi Greg,
Thanks for the question. If you’re all travelling and want to avail of the free checked bags perk for everyone, then you’ll need to fulfill a couple conditions in order to be eligible. According to the fine print, the free checked bags are available only for primary cardholders, but also guests travelling with the primary cardholder on the same reservation and itinerary. It sounds like this applies to your trip, but you must have also purchased a WestJet-operated and WestJet-marketed flight—no partner airlines allowed. If this describes your trip then you’ll simply get the bags for free when you check-in with WestJet at the counter, but if not feel free to call attention to your Membership ID and inquire. Safe travels!
GreedyRates
I just switched from RBC Avion Visa card to the WestJet World Elite Master Card. I am the primary card holder and I have cards for my wife and daughter. I was just charged $118 & $119 for all 3 cards for annual fees. The first flight my daughter takes we find out that the bags are not covered as she is not the primary card holder. So if only the PCH gets the perks why the extra annual fees?
Also a question about Tiers – the dollar values mentioned are dollars spent with WJ correct and not purchases in general?
Lastly – I received my $250 WJ Dollars in about 30 days but still no companion voucher. How long does that take. Great info on this site……Thanks!
Hey Jeremy!
Thanks for the questions, they’re all great ones to ask and each has a satisfying explanation. To address your first issue with the RBC WestJet World Elite card’s annual fees, it is logical to be charged $119 and $118 for one primary card and two additional secondary cards, as the latter ones each have an annual fee of $59. The point of secondary cards is so that purchases made by all family members contribute WestJet Dollars to the family’s single travel rewards account, meaning that you collect rewards faster and therefore discount trips faster. It’s annoying to deal with caveats about primary cardholder perks, versus secondary cardholder perks—you’re correct.
With the WestJet card, only trips on which the primary cardholder is travelling will all other companions get free checked bags. If they’re travelling alone, this perk therefore doesn’t apply, though they will be able to avail of insurance benefits. Regarding WestJet tiers, you’re also correct that only purchases on travel count towards your tier status. Finally, concerning the $250 WestJet Dollar bonus and the companion voucher, you’ll wait on average 4-6 weeks until both are available in your account. If the $250 already showed up then the companion voucher should be arriving post haste. Safe travels!
GreedyRates Staff
Hi – just wondering on the timelines for the yearly companion rates?
If I were to book/pay for a flight to Vancouver during the 2018 calendar year for a flight taking place in 2019, would I still be eligible for a companion voucher in 2019?
Thanks.
Hey Kailah,
Great question, we appreciate you bringing it to us. You won’t be able to redeem the voucher retroactively, because we found in the fine print that these vouchers must be redeemed at the time of purchase. When you get another voucher, however, doesn’t depend on when the first is used. You’ll get your next annual companion voucher one month after your anniversary date every year, according to RBC and WestJet.
GreedyRates
will Costco accept this card
Hey Rick,
Yep, Costco will accept your WestJet Mastercard, as it will any other Mastercard at any Canadian location. Mastercard took over the Costco exclusivity deal from Amex a few years ago, so now we’re lucky enough to be able to use this card and other high-value examples like the BMO World Elite and Rogers Platinum at Costco for extra cash back.
GreedyRates
I bought a flight for myself and my husband with another credit card before we received the west jet card. I already had a westjet membership number that is attached to my booking. How do go about getting the free checked bags on my file? Is this benefit retroactive at all?
Hey Nicole,
Congratulations on getting the WestJet World Elite card and upgrading from your old one. Now that you have the free checked bags perk, and likely the same WestJet Membership number, you should be able to show you card at check-in to avoid the relevant charges. If you’ve already paid for the checked bags online, then it might be possible to speak to a WestJet agent and get a solution through them. If you run into any other trouble let us know and we’ll do our best to help you guys out. Feel free to email us too, at [email protected]. Good luck!
GreedyRates
What is Purchase Interest rate of $119? Total fees annually for this card is $250.00?
Hi Judy,
Your page probably didn’t load correctly or you misread the card info: the WestJet World Elite card’s annual fee is $119, it’s purchase interest rate is 19.99% and the bonus you get when you sign up is $250 WestJet Dollars. That should result in a sigh of relief!
GreedyRates
I am interested in applying for the WJ World Elite card.. but can’t seem to find any info about balance transfer from another card , so that I don’t need to keep 2 credit cards ?
Hey Chad,
Great question. We’re aware that we put a lot of emphasis on balance transfer promotions here at GreedyRates, and while they are indeed amazing (see MBNA’s True Line Mastercard for a 0.00% for 10 months deal) they aren’t the only way you can do a balance transfer. Balance transfers are a common and fully expected service that banks make easy, and most credit cards allow for them around the standard purchase rate if otherwise unspecified, and if a balance transfer is your primary objective rather than the World Elite card’s perks, then we recommend you check out that MBNA True Line instead.
GreedyRates
I Purchased a flight using the WestJet website, paid using my WestJet world elite card, and then got charged for my first bag returning home from Savannah Georgia, because WestJet used delta airlines to fly me to Calgary After repeated attempts WestJet would not refund me the baggage fee. $30, I’m not very happy with WestJet I booked using their website and using their card with the understanding that first bag was free. I think they are somewhat misleading, they hide the fact that it only is for WestJet planes. After four years of having this card I think it’s time to get a new card hopefully with somebody who treats customers better. They could’ve honoured their agreement and refunded the $30 and had a happy customer, instead they chose to alienate their customers.
Hi Troy,
Sorry to see your trip was a bit more expensive than you anticipated. It’s not fun to pay $30 to check a bag, and we see this happening more and more as airlines’ margins get thinner. WestJet is indeed supposed to cover your checked bags but only on flights where you can attach your personal WestJet ID to the itinerary. That means owned and operated by WestJet, as you’ll read in the link to the fine print, on the card’s webpage. An unfortunate caveat to run into—especially because WestJet changed your flight to a different carrier! In this case we agree they should have eaten the fee, and you’re justified in cancelling if you want.
To be honest, the WestJet card is only at its most powerful when you travel exclusively with them. If you don’t, then you might be better off with one that has more broad redemption. We’re thinking specifically of the Scotiabank Gold Amex, for example, on which travel can be retroactively covered with points. Perhaps the BMO World Elite Mastercard, with its complimentary lounge access and lucrative travel points system would also suit you. Check them out and let us know!
GreedyRates Staff
I had the same issue coming home from the US one time when westjet used another airline. They charged me at the airport. I contacted westjet. And they gave me the equivalent in westjet dollars, which suited me fine.
Hi Catherine,
That’s great news! It did seem a bit unfair to think that WestJet would switch a customer’s flight to another airline and then retroactively remove their free checked bags. Though it would be better to simply get a refund in Canadian dollars, we suppose that it’s no surprise for WestJet to refund in their own rewards. Other readers take note: WestJet customer service is prepared to own up to its own mishaps! Good for us all.
GreedyRates
If my partner and I book a trip to Mexico but not sure how long we will be staying. Will we have to book a return flight to qualify for the partner special. We may want to go to Mexico after 1 month in Mexico. In which case we would be booking a return flight to Montreal (home)
Hi Beverly,
Great question. You may be able to call WestJet customer support and request that the companion voucher be applied to a one-way flight, and it might help to inquire about booking the flight through the same agent at which point you’d also tell them to add your WestJet ID to the itinerary. There’s no guarantee this would work, as the text describing the companion flight voucher specifies “round-trip flight”, which is no doubt intentional. Good luck anyway and let us know if you succeed.
GreedyRates Staff
Can I cancel the card after using the companion voucher and $250 welcome bonus. Then reapply the following year and do it over again?
Hey Ricky,
Thanks for your question. With the two biggest bonuses of the WestJet World Elite card—the companion voucher and the $250 WestJet Dollars—also comes a caveat that will make your strategy lose its edge. It says in the card’s fine print that the $250 bonus is only for new cardholders, so even if you had previously cancelled the card, and reapplied as a “new” cardholder you’d still be at the discretion of the bank. Regardless, the better benefit is the companion voucher, which is an annual feature. This renders the idea of churning redundant, as you already get the voucher each year that you’re a cardholder.
For these and other reasons, like the free checked bags, excellent insurance, savings on fuel and more, you’re getting a better value by keeping the card in your wallet than you are trying to recycle its $250 bonus. Thanks again and good luck!
GreedyRates
My husband booked a flight within Canada with his world elite MC and within the 24 hour period was charged $47 to change his seat and $30 for his 1st bag. Care to respond on that one?
Hey Lisa,
Thanks for your comment. If your husband recently travelled on a flight in Canada and was charged for his checked bag, then there are a couple explanations that may suffice. For instance, WestJet makes it clear that the cardholder’s 9-digit WestJet membership ID must be on the itinerary at the time of check-in, so if he bought a WestJet flight with another card or through a third-party booking site then perhaps he forgot to call WestJet and add his number to the trip itinerary. If so, then that’s something to remember for the future.
Another possible explanation is that he simply didn’t fly with WestJet, or on a flight that was marketed by WestJet. This is one of the prerequisites for a free checked bag as well, and something you didn’t include in your comment. We’d appreciate a bit more detail so we can get down to the bottom of the issue, so please feel free to update your comment, reply to it, or simply email us at [email protected] for a more personal correspondence. Thanks and hope you get a resolution soon!
GreedyRates
Hi! I bought a WestJet flight before I received my WestJet World Elite Mastercard. I’m wondering if it’s still possible to get the first checked in bag covered through the card?
Also, I was just wondering if the cardholder has to be present to get the free checked in bag? For example, if I bought a roundtrip for my parents to visit from Ontario to Alberta, using my WestJet world elite mastercard, would they get their first checked in bag for free?
Thanks!
Hey Kayla,
Thanks for getting in touch. We’re glad you asked this, as it’s a subject worth returning to once in a while. WestJet says that if you want to use the checked bags perks, then you and the people who also want the discount need to be on the same reservation. Your WestJet ID number will need to be on the reservation as well, meaning there’s no way for them to travel without you and also get free checked bags. However, you should encounter no issues using this perk retroactively on flights you’ve already purchased.
There’s no condition requiring you to have purchased the flight with your card to get the free checked bags, and even if you didn’t have a WestJet number to associate with the itinerary, you’re now able to call up WestJet and request that they attach your membership ID to the flight—as long as it’s a WestJet flight of course. Hope that helps, and that you enjoy exemption from those pesky checked bag fees!
GreedyRates
I have just received and activated my new card. Once I make a purchase how long will it be before the $250 WJ dollars are in my card account or WJ rewards account ? Also I am under the impression that the $119 fee is waived for the 1st year. Is this true ? Thanks
Hi Rick!
Great question, and congratulations on receiving your WestJet World Elite card! Here’s what the fine print says about your two new bonuses: “Once approved for the WestJet RBC World Elite MasterCard, please allow 4-6 weeks after the first purchase transaction date for the 250 welcome WestJet dollars to appear on your credit card statement and for the welcome companion flight voucher (the “Flight Voucher”) to appear on your WestJet account [online].”
Accordingly, depending on when you activated it, you’ll have to wait a month or a month and a half before seeing the bonuses reflect on your account. Regarding the annual fee, there’s no waiver or rebate for this card. You may have confused the companion flight voucher, which replaces the normal fare with a $99 fare, with the annual fee. Easy mistake!
GreedyRates
We are a couple who own places in Gatineau Quebec & Mesa Az..We travel to Arizona several times a year..As we are both retired, we no longer meet the annual income rule. both of us ave pensions & no debts..Is it possible to apply for the World Elite Travel card?
Hey Clayton,
Appreciate the question and the post! If you’re worried about not being accepted for a credit card with a higher income requirement, then you have less to fret over than you think. There are several factors that banks consider when determining any potential borrower’s creditworthiness, and income is just one of them (and not even the most important). Your good credit, “character” (the amount of history they have on you), and collateral is more central to the issue at hand, but either way, we always recommend that pensioners apply in person for these cards.
Automatic systems tend to judge approval based on the data alone, and so when you sit in front of a bank employee who’s familiar with your situation, they can push the application through easily (also on the phone). For this reason, even if your pensions don’t add up to $150,000 it won’t much matter—just apply the old-fashioned way! Also, be sure to consider the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite instead of any World Elite card. With many of the same perks (insurance benefits, airport lounge access etc.) plus zero foreign transaction fees, you stand to save much more on your cross-border trips. Just something to think on!
GreedyRates
Is the companion voucher good for a rountrip ticket? say is i have the card and i am buying for my husband. we are going to florida and roundtrip costs me $600. does this mean for my husband i am only paying $99? THanks
Hello Charisse,
Thanks for the great question. In fact, the companion voucher that comes annually via the WestJet World Elite card is intended for redemption on a round-trip flight, though it will work on one-way flights if you like. The companion voucher can be redeemed for flights of varying length and destination, and these are slotted into three different price tiers accordingly. The $99 base fare price that you’re paying when you redeem the voucher is for “round-trip travel in Canada and the continental U.S.”, but there’s also “round-trip travel to/from Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean and Hawaii for a $299 CAD base fare [and] round-trip travel to/from the rest of the WestJet network for a $399 CAD base fare.”
If you can find a suitable flight on WestJet that goes to Florida, then you’ll be able to book it for much less than that $600 once you factor in other fees and charges. This is why we value the WestJet World Elite card so highly—because saving hundreds on a flight each year plus accounting for the bonus and regular rewards gives it significant value. Safe travels.
GreedyRates
How much is a supplementary card?
Hi Debera,
Thanks for the nice question. We don’t blame you for being interested in a supplementary card for your primary WestJet World Elite, as you’ll be able to have two people spending and contributing to the same WestJet Rewards account. The secondary cardholder is also able to avail of some WestJet perks themselves, so it’s only logical that to issue a supplementary card costs $59. That’s per year, remember, so your account will be charged $119 + $59 ($178) annually rather than just $119.
GreedyRates
Can I get a travel agent to book my trip and still be able to use my companion voucher?
Hi Kelly,
Great question. According to the fine print about the WestJet World Elite card, the only conditions you need to fulfil in order to use the companion voucher concern the flight itself and not who booked it. If it’s a WestJet flight marketed or operated by WestJet, booked through WestJet.com or through the WestJet contact centre, then you’ll be able to use the voucher at the time of purchase. This would require your agent to have the voucher and be able to apply it when they buy the flight (with your card) for you and your companion.
The logistics of this situation might benefit you to be present when your agent books the flight, and it’ll be savvy of you to ask the agent if this is feasible beforehand. Oftentimes agents will want to use their own booking tools or contacts rather than an airline or rewards booking platform, which might not agree with some. At the end of the day, what you’re asking is possible but will require some flexibility from all involved. Good luck.
GreedyRates
Hi!
I am currently the primary RBC Mastercard World Elite holder and my spouse got the supplementary card. We’re enjoying the perks the card can offer specially the annual companion voucher. The question is: If my wife will apply for a second RBC Mastercard World Elite (she will be the primary cardholder for the second card), can we both redeem the companion voucher on the same round-trip, either direct flight (i.e, YVR-LAS and return for $99 each person) or connecting flight (i.e, YVR-YYC-CDG and return for $399 each person)? Thanks!
Hey Alexis,
Thanks for the question. The companion voucher is certainly one of the biggest benefits of the RBC WestJet World Elite Mastercard, but the fine print makes it redeemable only in specific situations. One of them is that it can’t be used with other promotions, including this line:
“A maximum of one companion voucher can be used per booking”. To use a voucher in the first place, both the primary cardholder and the companion need to be on the same booking/itinerary anyway. Accordingly, consider this loophole closed by WestJet (unfortunately). Have a nice trip!
GreedyRates
If my spouse and I each have a primary WJ mastercard, can each of us use the companion voucher for our child? I understand we would have to book 2 separate reservations but wouldn’t that essentially give us two vouchers for our 2 children to travel with us?
Can you apply the WJ dollars in your account at any time or do you have to wait until they are deposited annually into your account from your credit spend?
Do you know if the WJ reward dollars have to be used within a certain period or if they expire? Does the unused amount carryforward into the next year?
Thank you!
Hey Gloria,
You might be able to use both of the companion vouchers on your two children simultaneously, but it would require that you and your spouse book separately on the same flight, and then with different WestJet Member ID numbers. In the fine print, you’ll see that only one companion voucher can be used per booking, but also that companion vouchers aren’t allowed to be used with other promotions. Given that you need your WestJet ID number on the itinerary to use the voucher, and that you and your husband likely share a WestJet account (thereby depositing collected rewards to the same place), we’d say you’re out of luck.
Regarding the redemption of WestJet Dollars, you’ll need to wait until they’re in your account before being able to use them. However, the Dollars you earn aren’t credited to your account on an annual basis—they usually show up within 30 days of your travel or purchase being completed. Once they’re there, you can use them to book flights and other travel. In most cases, the Dollars do not expire unless there’s some promotional caveat, so you can bank them for multiple years without fear.
GreedyRates
Is the companion voucher sent by Canada Post or by email?
Hi Chris,
The companion voucher isn’t a paper document but rather a digital perk that you can obtain and then carry in your online WestJet account. Log in to see how many vouchers you have at any given moment, and to see which flights you can book with them. When you want to use a voucher, you’ll already have the option to attach it to a relevant flight because it’s available for WestJet flights exclusively anyway. If you need any help redeeming it and can’t figure out the online dashboard then simply call WestJet and have a representative handle the details instead!
GreedyRates
I make enough to apply for this card but my wife doesnt.
If I get this card and she gets a supplementary card, can a flight be booked for her and my daughter and use the companion voucher for my daughter?
Hey John!
Great question. The companion voucher is one of the most beneficial perks that comes with RBC’s WestJet World Elite credit card, but there are some rules to using it. One of the most important is that primary cardholders who wait to avail of the companion voucher must be present on the flight it’s used on. No voucher without the primary cardholder, so if you want to send your wife and child on a flight and also use the voucher, then your wife will need to apply for the card as a primary cardholder using your combined household income.
This a legitimate tactic to take, as banks don’t draw a distinction between individual incomes and household incomes for married couples. She’ll be the primary cardholder of your joint RBC card, and you can get a supplementary card that affords you access to the account as well. Even though you’re the primary earner, having a secondary card doesn’t represent much of a restriction on you, so no worries.
GreedyRates
Just wondering… does the $250 Westjet Dollar welcome bonus expire?
Hey Debbie,
Appreciate the question about one of our favorite travel cards—the WestJet World Elite, and it’s $250 WestJet Dollar bonus. The bonus is awarded after an initial purchase, and isn’t a limited-time deal, meaning you’ll be able to sign up for the card at any point and expect to receive it. Furthermore, the fine print doesn’t even specify that it’s only available to new cardholders like the annual companion flight voucher. Thanks again and enjoy your card!
GreedyRates
I would like to get your opinion on the benefits of the “Capital One Aspire Travel World Elite Master card”. I realize that this card is no longer available from Capital One but I have been a long time card holder so still active and am considering switching to benefit from some of the other perks offered from different cards including the Westjet card.
Hey Perry,
The Capital One Aspire Travel World Elite card offered a $150 annual fee, 2 miles per $1 spent on anything, a bonus with a $400 value, and relatively flexible travel booking. It’s a great card, at first glance, but remember that we think of a card’s quality in relative terms. How does it stack up with cards that are elsewhere on the market, or those that have launched since it was discontinued 2 years ago? A close contender in today’s market is the BMO Rewards World Elite Mastercard. It may even be better in some cases, given that cardholders who appreciate luxury will be able to relax in airport lounges four times a year for free.
With the same $150 fee, you’re getting a more valuable sign-up bonus worth up to $540, and then a rewards model that collects 3 points per $1 on dining, travel, and entertainment (2 points per $1 elsewhere). You’re also able to fly on any airline and pay for taxes and fees with these points, bringing it close on the flexibility front as well. The WestJet card you mentioned doesn’t have the same benefits and is actually one of the more stringent travel rewards plans.
Our final answer? Ditch the Capital One card. You’ll get another generous bonus and a better deal elsewhere, including with BMO!
GreedyRates
I chatted with a west Jet/RBC representative at the Edmonton international airport. He signed me up or suggested I apply for the RBC Avion card. I have receive the card he explained that once I receive the Avion card to make a purchase …cancel it and that I would receive 300 west Jet dollars in my WestJet bank. I received the card and I am to pay the $120 card fee my husband also received a card. That is $240 in credit card fees so that would leave us as far as I understand only $60 in west Jet dollars. Can you clarify this? I called RBC rewards and they were not sure. Any help on this would be greatly appreciated!
I’m thinking about applying for the card since I’m currently using a Alaska Airlines world Elite card, but changes to their affiliated carriers now makes my usual trips take up to twice as long. Could you tell me if I can transfer those “miles” to a new Westjet Elite card.
Thanks for your help, looking forward to your input.
Hey Robert,
Thanks for coming to GreedyRates. It seems as if you and some of our other readers have confused us drawing parallels between the WestJet and Alaska Airlines World Elite cards—but there’s no transfers or convertibility between WestJet Dollars and Alaska Airlines miles. It’s terrible that the alteration that Alaska made to its partner airlines threw such a giant wrench into your travel plans, but in this case, it’s recommended you switch cards to react to this new variable even if your old miles can’t be transferred to it.
You can still make the most of your Alaska Airlines miles by paying partially for an upcoming flight, while you use your new credit card to make purchases and earn miles or points towards your next one. You may also be able to receive approval for the WestJet World Elite card and then use the bonuses you earn from it (like the companion voucher) to fly with while using your Alaska Airlines miles for a hotel or a rental car on the same trip! There’s lots of options, so figure out what speaks to you and enjoy.
GreedyRates
when can I cancel the card, after 1 Year ?
Hey Allan,
Thanks for posting your question. Technically you can close your WestJet World Elite card whenever you like. Banks aren’t able to force you to keep an account open if you don’t want it to be, but beware that if you’re closing a significant credit limit then your utilization ratio might shoot up, impacting your score even more than the cancellation itself (which is a temporary dent). For this reason it’s generally not recommended to continually open and close credit cards unless there’s a churnable bonus involved. Also remember that when you close your account, your unused companion vouchers will be cancelled as well, and you’ll have a short window of time to use remaining WestJet Dollars.
GreedyRates
Hi there. I just applied for the card.
In order to access the “first checked bag free”, do I have to pay for my flight with this credit card or can I pay with another card, as long as the Westjet rewards number is listed on the itinerary?
Also, FYI. I was speaking to a Westjet rep before I applied and she gave me a tip. She said you will get the signup bonus immediately after getting the card but in order to trigger them issuing the companion voucher, you need to make a purchase on your card. She said just get coffee on the card and it will do it. Then the companion voucher will come within 6-8 weeks. But you must have the companion voucher in hand before booking a trip if you want to use the companion voucher.
Hey Diane,
Thanks for the great question and for coming to GreedyRates! If you’re interested in WestJet’s World Elite Mastercard for its free checked bags perk, we don’t blame you! Too many airlines charge up to $50 per checked bag these days, so avoiding this fee is crucial to reducing the cost of your trip. If you have the WestJet card and want to avail of the free checked bags on your flight, then you’ll need to be travelling with your companions on the same reservation (not a group booking). If you’re alone then don’t worry about this condition.
Your WestJet ID number needs to be on the reservation as well, and the flight also needs to be operated or marketed by WestJet. These are the only caveats, so there’s no requirement that you need to use your card in order to get the free bags! That said, there’s also no need to book on the WestJet website. If you find a WestJet flight elsewhere and book it, you can simply call customer service and have them add your membership number to the itinerary manually.
Finally, we really appreciate your tips on how and when new cardholders get their companion voucher! We knew that it normally takes 4-6 weeks, but it does make sense the way you described. Best of luck on your travels.
GreedyRates
WestJet dollar and westjet rewards same? say if you spend $5000 or more on MC, do I get gold in west jet reweards benefit? like lounge pass, some seat tickets..
Hey Juno,
WestJet Rewards is the name of the travel rewards program operated by WestJet, in which you earn WestJet Dollars from buying things and can spend them on WestJet airfare. With a card like the WestJet World Elite Mastercard, you earn WestJet Dollars when you book travel with WestJet, and if you’re a member (cardholders automatically are) then this spending also contributes towards an upgrade to your next WestJet Rewards tier.
For spending $5,000 on WestJet travel in the year you’re officially a Gold tier member, meaning you earn 5% more WestJet Dollars on flights, 1.5% more on vacations, 1% more on cars, hotels, and travel insurance, and more. This includes 6 advance seat selection vouchers, 2 free checked bags, unlimited airport lounge access where available, and tons of priority privileges when flying with WestJet. Hope that helps!
GreedyRates
Does this card charge international transaction fees when making purchases in Europe?
Hey Brent!
Great question. The WestJet World Elite card does impose a standard fee for transactions made in a foreign currency, so this is something to be aware of when using it abroad (or on foreign eCommerce stores). This is why we often recommend that readers apply for the Home Trust Preferred card to carry alongside their other cards, even if they don’t use it much. It has no annual fee, which makes it easy to carry for special use on vacations and business trips to the US or Europe—where you’ll skip the foreign transaction fee. That’s on top of its 1.00% normal cash back rate.
The Home Trust Preferred card compliments the WestJet card especially well, because you don’t earn much on any spending other than travel, so it’s useful to have that 1.00% cash back when you need it.
GreedyRates
Does this allow companion for 99.00 plus no black outs
Hi Helen,
Thanks for the comment about the WestJet World Elite Mastercard’s annual companion voucher. In the fine print about the voucher (of which there is an extensive amount available on WestJet’s website) you’ll see that bullet number six in the Terms and Conditions states “Valid for travel at any time with no blackout periods.” It means what it says, but keep in mind that other restrictions and caveats to using the voucher limit it regardless. For example, you can’t combine it with other promotions, it must be redeemed at the same time as the primary cardholder’s booking, and it’s only eligible on Basic, Econo, EconoFlex, Premium, and PremiumFlex fares wholly marketed and operated by WestJet. Heed these warnings carefully!
GreedyRates
Hello,
Do I still get a free checked bag if I book through Expedia but the flight is Westjet?
Hey Chantal,
Great question. We think that in the right circumstances, you’ll be able to get those free checked bags when booking a WestJet flight through Expedia, but it might require a bit more legwork. For example, the rules state that “Eligible member’s 9-digit WestJet Rewards ID must be on the reservation at the time of check-in. Valid on itineraries marketed and wholly operated by WestJet; not valid when travelling with WestJet’s code-share or interline partners”, and the most relevant part of this is the addition of your WestJet Rewards ID onto the itinerary.
After booking the flight, you’ll need to let WestJet know about it with a quick phone call. Expedia’s site might not have a place where you can input your member number, but a WestJet representative can attach your member number to the itinerary manually. Booking a WestJet flight on Expedia is still considered a WestJet flight, and as long as it doesn’t say “WestJet – Operated by [Another Airline]” then you should be fine. Have a nice trip!
GreedyRates
I am a WestJet card holder. Can I depart from Comox airport and fly to Puerto Vallarta. Departing from Puerto Vallarta do I have to fly back to Comox or can I fly to another airport using my voucher?
Thank you in advance for your quick reply!
Hey Linda!
Great question. We’ll dig into the specific portions of the fine print for the WestJet World Elite card, which are relevant to your upcoming trip. If you want to use the annual companion voucher then you first need a companion to fly with, as you won’t be able to use it as a standalone traveller—just to defray the airfare cost of a travelling companion on the same itinerary. Second, the voucher is ideally used only with round-trip flights to any eligible destination: “Primary cardholder may use the companion flight voucher only once on their choice of A) $99 CAD (plus taxes, fees and charges) round-trip flight for travel in Canada and the continental U.S.; B) $299 CAD (plus taxes, fees and charges) round-trip flight for travel to/from Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean…” and so on.
We’ve heard tell that if you call and request a voucher redemption for a single leg of a multi-leg trip, then it’s possible as long as the other conditions hold true as well. For example, while this would reduce the relative value of your voucher to redeem it on just a single leg of the trip, if it’s what you really want to use it for then it’s worth asking RBC on the phone. Good luck!
GreedyRates
I just got this card for the Companion Voucher. Do I need to pay for my flight with my Westjet Mastercard in order to redeem this or can I use another card (one with trip cancellation)? Can you also use my Westjet dollars with another card? I understand I wouldn’t be able to use the first checked baggage perk though.
Hey Mik,
Great question. It can be hard to navigate all the terms and conditions when it comes to the WestJet World Elite card especially, but we’ll iron it out for you. First, if you want to use the annual companion voucher, then you need to ensure that the companion is with you on the same itinerary (and that your WestJet membership ID number is on that itinerary), that you’ve booked a round-trip flight through WestJet at the Basic, Econo, EconoFlex, Premium, or PremiumFlex fare, and that it wasn’t combined with any other offer.
However, there is nothing to indicate that you must purchase the flight using your WestJet Dollars or even your RBC WestJet World Elite card in order to use the voucher. If you were to spend your WestJet Dollars at the same time, there’s also no indication that this counts as “another offer” which would preclude you from using it. As for the checked bags, this is only available on WestJet flights and only to the primary cardholder and their guests (not a group booking) when the WestJet ID is on the itinerary.
GreedyRates
Please note. Unlike the Visa Avion or the BMO Mastercard Elite, who offer both trip cancellation and trip interruption. There is NO Coverage for Trip Cancellation with the WestJet M/C. I had to cancel a flight due to a sudden illness and it cost me $500. What is most troubling is that when I talked to the Westjet representative when booking the flight originally, he informed me that there was “essentially” no difference with the Royal Bank Avion and West Jet Cards. In fact The West Jet M/C is one of the few cards that does not cover you for trip cancellation.
Hi Dr. Nicholson,
Thanks for the nice note—this is a great comment highlighting the importance of trip cancellation insurance! Trip cancellation (and to a lesser extend trip interruption) insurance is one of the most highly-valued insurance coverage perks that comes with any credit card, because it allows you to get the cash value of your plane ticket and other incidentals back. Events like the sudden illness of the primary traveller (and in many cases his or her travelling companions and family) is a covered cause that would’ve seen the card’s insurance provider return that $500 to you.
To avoid this in the future, you should definitely pick up one of the two cards you mentioned with trip interruption and cancellation insurance. In our opinion, the best is BMO’s Rewards World Elite Mastercard, which has a better suite of insurance and more flexibility when it comes to travel redemption. You’ll enjoy trip cancellation and interruption insurance, medical emergency coverage and rental car collision and damage coverage as well, plus more. The points you collect come quickly on your most common purchases and can be spent on travel from multiple carriers, merchandise, gift cards and even cash back. A card like this might come with a heftier price tag, but it’s more broadly useful than WestJet’s card.
Another really great alternative is the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite card. Make the switch to either of these and stop worrying about the strangely absent perks on your RBC World Elite—we know you won’t regret it.
GreedyRates
Recently had to cancel a flight 2 weeks before departure due to a dear friend passing away suddenly after a long-standing battle with cancer. The woman I spoke to on the phone had no compassion and was of little help. I asked for only our westjet dollars back or even a credit on my account, which I would put towards another flight – this request was denied. I’ve had a westjet mastercard for over 5 years and use it as my primary card every day. I have nothing good to say about it or the staff. I am full of regret spending thousands of dollars with this card as it goes straight into the pockets of heartless capitalists. I can’t believe in a time of true hardship and loss, they couldn’t bend the rules and give me a credit which in turn, I would be spending with on their airlines. I am truly disappointed and will be cancelling my card immediately and spreading word about this horrible event.
Hi Matthew,
Generally speaking, ‘compassion’ isn’t in the vocabulary of any bank, whether in Canada or any of the major brands like BMO, RBC, TD and others. We’re really sorry to hear about the death of your friend, but even in the event of a covered death (someone in the family or on the itinerary in most cases), the insurance companies representing these banks will scrutinize your claim very closely and impose several hoops to jump through before you’re made whole. While in the midst of grief, this is usually difficult to do.
In short, there’s no real reason to cancel the WestJet card unless you also have an issue with the card’s rewards or redemption, for instance. Most banks won’t act different in the same situation, so you might be creating a bigger headache for yourself by cancelling. Ultimately, it’s up to you, so take our words and our condolences to heart and return to the decision later. Best of luck.
GreedyRates
Does adding a secondary card qualify for an additional companion voucher?
Hi Rob,
Good question! Unfortunately, most of the best perks including the 250 WestJet Dollars and the annual companion voucher are only awarded to primary cardholders of the WestJet World Elite card. That essentially means you’re limited to one voucher per card, and the supplementary cardholder’s role would really just be to have their own link to the primary cardholder’s credit limit and then to help earn more WestJet Dollars for their shared WestJet account.
By getting your spouse a second WestJet World Elite card, you both can still earn Dollars within the same account (just sign up for the second card with your existing membership number) but will also enjoy a new credit limit, the 250 WestJet Dollar bonus again, and another companion flight voucher every year. The best part is that you won’t be paying that much more in terms of annual fees, as another primary cardholder is just $60 more expensive than having the same person as a secondary cardholder ($119 primary vs. $59 secondary).
Whether or not this is worthwhile depends on you and your spouse, so if you’d like to send us more details (perhaps to [email protected] if it’s on the personal side) we are happy to help.
GreedyRates
how long do you have to commit to this card? can you cancel after one year?
Hi Michael,
Your comment is much appreciated. When it comes to the RBC WestJet World Elite card, or any card for that matter, there’s no commitment to keep it open for any length of time. You should be aware that cancelling a credit card will impact your credit score a bit, but as long as you’re in good standing with the bank and issuer there’s nothing preventing you from cancelling after the first year is over. It’s not a bad idea if you’re just planning to use the card and its generous features to discount your upcoming WestJet flight as part of a trip for example.
Most of the card’s bonuses, like the companion ticket and 250 WestJet Dollars are deposited to your account quickly after approval, so there will be no rush to use them all up and then cancel the card at a later date. If you need any further details on how to make the most of your WestJet World Elite, just let us know.
GreedyRates Staff
can you cancel this card at any time? Do you need to commit for a certain number of years? And is there a cancellation fee?
Hey Michael,
Great questions, thanks for bringing them to GreedyRates! Regardless of what credit card you have, if it’s the RBC WestJet World Elite card or something else, you’ll need to zero-out your balance before you can cancel it. Once you no longer owe anything else to the bank and have done your financial due diligence (including making sure that the sudden reduction of your credit limit won’t harm your utilization ratio and therefore your credit score), you can cancel whenever you want. Other good ideas before you cancel are to ensure there are no remaining automatic debits on the account, and to transfer or redeem your rewards points of course!
No card will force you to commit to a certain number of years for approval, so don’t worry about that. As for cancellation fees, there’s no fee for cancelling the card, but if you’re cancelling travel or booking then there may be a fee. Hope that helps! If you need assistance finding your replacement card just let us know.
GreedyRates
I’m looking for some information about seat selection, please. I’ve just booked for the first time using my new WestJet World Elite MasterCard, but it looks like we’ll still have to pay to select our seats. With 2 flights to get to our destination and one return, that’s 3 flights x 2 people for a single trip.
Hey LoSta,
Thanks for the comment. On some airlines, they make you pay for baggage beyond your carry -on luggage, up to $50 per bag in some cases. This seems heinous, but the same airline might let you pick your seat for free. For some airlines the opposite is true, and you’re able to check everyone’s luggage for free (savings hundreds of dollars), but then passengers balk at the fact that they have to pay to sit where they want. It’s logical, but nevertheless a money-grab from the airlines: what’s new? Sorry you encountered this, and if you feel it’s too big of a problem to keep the card, we’ll be happy to help you select a new one. Good luck and happy travels.
GreedyRates
Wondering if the fair and companion fare is transferable. ie: I decide to fly my son and his wife home. Do I as primary card holder need to be flying with them. Currently we have another card where we can buy a full fare along with the companion ticket as long as we buy both fares at the same time.
Hi Again Denise!
Glad to keep receiving comments from you! Remember you can always email us at [email protected] with a list of questions and more personal details you don’t want to share online. That way you don’t have to make separate comments and hear about each answer individually, and you can feel free to be more thorough about your situation, which helps us provide a pertinent answer. Now about the companion flight: it’s highly restricted. You won’t be able to redeem the companion voucher when you take advantage of any other special deals, and you can only use it on certain fares as well.
The biggest limitation, however, is that the primary cardholder must be present on the same itinterary as the companion who you intend the voucher for. They’re also not transferrable, so you can’t send it to a relative and therefore turn them into the primary user. Only you, as the primary cardholder of the WestJet World Elite card, are able to give it to someone who is flying with you. Maybe with the other card you mention (we’re curious to know what it is, by the way), but not with RBC! Best of luck in your efforts though.
GreedyRates Staff
I am wondering if you need to sign up for the supplementary card at the same time I sign up as a primary west jet RBC credit card? Or can it b3 added at a later date?
Hey Denise,
We’re happy you came to GreedyRates to inquire about supplementary cards with us. If you’re interested in the RBC WestJet World Elite card, then getting a supplementary card is recommended because you and a spouse or family member can team up and spend individually to earn more WestJet Dollars faster, thus making your upcoming trip cheaper without any extra effort. To get a supplementary card, you can definitely request it when you fill out the application and it will be sent to you along with the primary card.
You can also call RBC or add a supplementary card to your account at any time through your account online. It doesn’t matter if you’ve had the card for 2 days or 2 years, it’s always possible to add a supplementary cardholder. Hope that helps, and also that you two enjoy the WestJet World Elite card!
GreedyRates
What is the approval for a secondary card holder usually based on? The primary has a excellent credit with 850 and has no outstanding balance on a very high limit card. The secondary applicant has less than stellar credit, just at the “good” mark with a 650. The secondary applicant does not want to apply unless there is a good chance of approval as they do not want to lower their rating with inquiries but dont have any collections or unpaid accounts.
Hi K Lynn,
The approval of the secondary cardholder is based on how the responsibility for the charges is laid out in the cardholder agreement (usually available as an online PDF) In most cases, approval rests entirely on the income and credit history of the primary cardholder since they are responsible for the payment of all charges regardless of if they were made by the secondary cardholder. However, there are some credit cards where the primary and secondary cardholder are jointly responsible for the charges, so in those cases the secondary cardholder’s credit history and income are taken into account when evaluating the application. I wouldn’t worry so much about inquiries lowering either applicant’s credit score. Sure, they will happen, but they only lower a score by one or two points so it will have very little impact on their ability to apply for credit products in the future. Besides, the applicant should be able to raise their score the very next month as long as they are making payments on time.
Two questions: How soon after signing up for the Westjet card, do they give you the companion ticket? And do I have to be a Canadian citizen to get he card?
Hi James!
Two great and easily-answered questions for us! Thanks very much. To address the first one, once you’re approved for the WestJet World Elite Mastercard from RBC, you should allow between 4 to 6 weeks before seeing the annual companion voucher hit your account. The same 2-4 week waiting period applies to the $250 WestJet Dollar bonus as well, and don’t ask us why. It usually takes a few statement periods before cardholders (of any card) receive all the bonuses and rewards that they’re due, so this isn’t abnormal.
To address your second question: Yes, you will need to be a Canadian citizen to get this card. Any unsecured credit from a Canadian financial institution will require Canadian citizenship to obtain, as it is in any other country. If this disqualifies you from the best cards you’re looking at, then pick up a prepaid or a secured card while you build credit and receive citizenship. It would help to let us know your citizenship status and what you’re looking for, as we also specialize in finding great cards for establishing credit. Looking forward to hearing back.
GreedyRates Staff
Great information on here.. Thank you.. I have two questions.. 1) do we have to spend a min annual amount on this card to use the benefits of the card. 2) Can you book any flight so for example can I book a basic flight? or do i have to book Econo at a min level?
Thank you
Tracy
Hi Tracy,
Appreciate the sound lines of questioning—we’ll do our best to give a comprehensive answer. First, there’s no minimum amount that you need to spend with the RBC World Elite card to avail of its perks, like the companion voucher, free checked bags, or $250 WestJet Dollar bonus. These benefits are all given to you once you’re approved for the card and don’t require a single dollar to be spent (except for the first initial purchase, of course). We do recommend that you use it for frequent spending, however, as the card’s 1.50% rate of WestJet Dollar earnings is one of its primary benefits.
Some perks are only accessible when you note your WestJet ID on the booking, but there’s no minimum spend. For example, to avail of the free checked bags and the companion flight voucher, you’ll need to add your WestJet ID to the itinerary via the online portal (third-party sites allow this sometimes) or by calling WestJet and informing them of your travel plans. To address your second question about using WestJet Dollars on WestJet fares, the fine print indicates that you can do so on “all published eligible Basic, Econo, EconoFlex, Premium, and PremiumFlex fares wholly marketed and operated by WestJet”. That’s some good flexibility! Enjoy your trip.
GreedyRates
We just cancelled our WestJet RBC card. We wondering if we reapplied, would we still receive the $250 bonus start up? And if so, how long would one have to wait before reapplying for the WestJet RBC card again?
Hey Paula!
Thanks for the interest in another WestJet World Elite Mastercard from RBC. Unfortunately, we checked into the fine print and discovered that it mentions the $250 WestJet Dollar bonus is only for new cardholders. We take this to mean that those who currently have the card and those who have once had the card will not be eligible for the bonus again, though they may be able to obtain approval for the card a second or third time. This is how it usually is, as the bank’s primary reason for offering such great value is to win a new customer and grow their balance sheet.
If you’re interested in a high-value introductory bonus in March 2019, then check out our article on that very same subject! We publish a new one every month about the must-have sign-up bonuses ending soon, and this month has some lucrative limited-time deals. Take the BMO World Elite Mastercard, for example. Ending March 31st, the introductory bonus value of $540 includes 35,000 points, an annual fee waiver, four free annual passes to VIP airport lounges, and awesome travel insurance. You can hardly do better on travel cards today, especially considering that you won’t get the $250 WestJet dollars from the RBC World Elite. Good luck with your choice!
GreedyRates Staff
I have confirmed with Westjet that you can in fact go through the application process a second time and remain eligible for the $250 welcome bonus.
Hi Jason,
Thanks for getting back to us. We’re glad that we were correct in our assumption and that your past cardmembership wasn’t an obstacle to getting that nice 250 WestJet Dollar bonus once more! Apparently, this means that as long as you’re willing to go through the application process and endure hard credit checks, then you can effectively churn the card for that bonus. However, given that the companion voucher is given every year anyway, we think there are better candidates for the churning method out there. Regardless, enjoy the bonus and don’t hesitate to return if you have other questions!
GreedyRates
Has anyone recieved this card without meeting the min. 80,ooo a year.
Hi Robert,
Thanks for the question and for coming to GreedyRates! The best credit cards with the highest rate of cash back or rewards, and the most luxurious perks all have a hefty annual income requirement. This is for banks to be sure that you’re able to handle larger credit limits, have the appropriate amount of capital, and are used to similarly upper-tier financial products. That said, one’s income is not the only factor that banks use when determining creditworthiness. They also look at other types of potential collateral (houses, cars, other assets), your credit score and full credit history, existing balances and debts.
If you have outstanding credit, low current debt, and a paid-off house or cars, this will likely increase your chances to be approved with any credit card issuer. It’s no guarantee but remember that hard credit checks are only temporary detriments to your score, so ultimately you won’t be permanently scarred by a denied application. It’s your choice but be sure to do a thorough checkup on the factors mentioned here before trying again. Good luck!
GreedyRates Staff
Yes, I did. I am retired with good net worth, but initially my electronic applications were rejected 3 times because I just do not SPEND the required amount per year to qualify for cut off income requirements. The meeting with a rep in a branch and proof of my net worth did the trick!
Hey AT!
Awesome comment—this is something that we encourage in many cases, especially those like yours where cash flows aren’t as volatile. Retirees are often confused when the online application systems reject them, but it’s because these systems are unsophisticated and cannot consider the full range of factors that a bank looks at when determining creditworthiness. It’s impossible for a credit application to confirm your net worth or prove the value of your assets, so just do things the old-fashioned way! If you’ve got collateral, few banks will turn you down even if your income is passive or under the requirement (in the case of RRSPs, pensions etc.) but it takes actually talking to a representative to get to this point. Thanks for posting!
GreedyRates
Hi there. I was just reading thru your articles below and something caught my eye. My husband and I purchased two WJ CC last year due mostly to the companion ticket benefit. However, we found out that we have to travel together to use that benefit and on the same itinerary..i.e. there and back together. But i noticed you said the following below “You’ll be free to travel and use the companion voucher individually instead of being forced to be on the same itinerary as the primary cardholder as well, but if you travel together exclusively, this benefit is diminished. Is this worth paying two annual fees? Am I correct in my assumption as I was thinking of giving up one card this year and just getting a supplementary card on my husbands card and collecting points there. thoughts
Hi Lesley,
Thanks for the comment. Your observation is correct, but we think you’ve misunderstood our point slightly. What we meant when describing a husband and wife who had paid for two primary WestJet World Elite cards, is that they have more freedom in how they can use the annual companion flight voucher. If the husband wants to bring a friend on his trip he can do so, and his wife can still use her own voucher on her friend or husband later. Additionally, if the husband and wife travel together exclusively, then they can both fly for free once with two vouchers, instead of one of them in a single instance.
Essentially, if the above sounds good to you, then paying two annual fees for the card is worthwhile, because you receive this benefit every year. If you need any other information on how WestJet allows you to take advantage of the companion voucher, we suggest getting in touch with them. Best of luck!
GreedyRates
When you use a companion voucher to book a flight do you have to also use the WestJet credit card to pay for the entire booking? Or, can you use a different travel card if you had one to pay for the booking and still use the companion voucher? If you did this would you also lose out on the checked bag benefit because you didn’t book with the WestJet credit card?
Hey Justin,
It seems like you’re asking two questions wrapped up into one: If you don’t pay for the booking with your WestJet card, are you able to use the companion flight voucher or avail of the free checked bags perk? WestJet certainly has some conditions attached to its companion voucher, and one of them is that you aren’t able to take advantage of any other promotions when using it. This does not include the checked bags, however, only other discounts and promotions. You will absolutely need to purchase the airfare using your WestJet World Elite card to apply the companion voucher, and you can definitely get both at the same time.
If you’re planning to pay for the flight with another card, you can still save on the checked bags as long as your WestJet ID is on the itinerary. You don’t need to pay for the flight with the World Elite card for free checked bags, and WestJet and many third-party sites like Expedia leave room on the booking form to input your rewards program ID. If there isn’t an option to enter your ID, simply call WestJet and tell them you’ve booked a flight and want to get free checked bags. They’ll make note in the system, and then you’ll get the $0 baggage fee at the airport. Enjoy!
GreedyRates
I need a credit card for USA transactions. What would be the best card to in the US? I would like to have a card that collects. rewards.
Hey Harvey!
Thanks for your awesome question about Canadian credit cards that are suitable for US purchases. Your main consideration should be avoiding the 2.50% foreign transaction fees, which occur when you make a purchase in a foreign currency other than the one your card uses (CAD). You can technically use any rewards card in the United States but incurring these fees effectively erases any benefits you’ll get, so our premium choice for you is the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite card, which offers both foreign fee exemption and fast rewards. You’ll avoid all foreign transaction fees when using the card and will earn Scotia points for everyday spending. Some great perks bring the card into the upper tier rewards-wise, including 6 (six!) annual free passes to VIP airport lounges worldwide plus great travel insurance.
You could also look at the Rogers World Elite card, which collects 1.75% cash back on all purchases in Canada, and then 4.00% cash back on all purchases made in a foreign currency. This means you won’t avoid the foreign transaction fee but instead exceed it out with greater cash back rewards, netting 1.75% at home and then 1.50% on all purchases abroad after the fees are accounted for. Other than these two options, earning rewards and also escaping fees is a difficult proposition, so you’ll have to choose which is most important to you. In this case just let us know what you’re thinking, and we can help narrow down your choice. Thanks!
GreedyRates
The Hometrust Visa is the best as far as I’m concerned for not paying the exchange fees. No annual fee and you get cash back rewards and no bank account with the institution needed ( unlike others mentioned)
Hi Kevin,
Thanks for the comment—we love a good opportunity to talk about the awesome Home Trust Preferred card. This card has quickly emerged at the top of the Canadian market for its ability to grant three of the most direct benefits to financial health: no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, and cash back on everything. When stacked together, this means the card is virtually free to have, earns cash back at 1.00% on all your expenses, and saves you from all 2.50% foreign transaction fees when buying things abroad or online. You’ll also skip out on the necessity to open an extra bank account, like you said. Such a simple and accessible package of benefits is likely why the card is carried by countless Canadians.
GreedyRates
How often do they give you west jet points
Is the points on all purchases restaurant tickets gas and is it calculated on paid money on the card
Hey Barry,
Thanks for the great question. We’re assuming that you’ve asked about how you receive WestJet Dollars and then also how you go about redeeming them, and this is something we can help you with. First, be aware that the WestJet World Elite Mastercard doesn’t have a special spending category for groceries or gas where you’ll earn Dollars at a faster rate—the card collects 1.50% back on ‘everyday purchases’. Essentially, the way it works is that card issuers are able to classify different purchases by assigning codes to merchants such as McDonalds (so that every purchase made there carries the relevant code). All merchant codes which are deemed ‘everyday’ by Mastercard will therefore earn WestJet dollars. To us this means that most purchases are eligible.
You’ll earn a small amount of WestJet Dollars to your WestJet account for each individual purchase, not as a fraction of the monthly total. While you might need to wait a few statement periods for the 250 WestJet Dollar bonus and annual companion flight to hit your account, the Dollars you earn from everyday purchases are applied immediately, so that you can spend them as you like. Hope that clears everything up for you, but if we misunderstood, feel free to respond back and we’ll take another crack at it. Thanks again.
GreedyRates Staff
West jet fees are getting too expensive. Am I correct in assuming if I cancel my card when it comes due that I will be allowed to use my travel rewards until they are used up?
Hey Yvonne,
Great question, thanks for reading and coming to GreedyRates! When you get a nice upper-tier credit card like the RBC WestJet World Elite card, the bank opens an account and also prompts their partnered rewards program (in this case WestJet) to open an account as well. Your two accounts are related but not the same, because the spending in one results in WestJet Dollars in the other. If your card is cancelled, the WestJet Dollars you’ve collected will stay in the account and be accessible for you to spend on WestJet flights and travel bookings.
If you’re looking to cancel the RBC World Elite card because its fees are too high, perhaps we can suggest an alternative card for you? We’re very particular about fees ourselves, and for this reason we often recommend the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite card. One of its standout features is the 0.00% on foreign transaction fees, as well as a generous introductory bonus, fast Scotia rewards, VIP airport lounge access, and great insurance. Best of luck in your decision!
GreedyRates
I just got my 250 WestJet dollars welcome bonus. I thought it would expire one year from the day I got it but it says expiration is 31 May 2019. Is it normal to have WestJet dollars expire so soon?
Hey Sue-Anne,
Appreciate the interesting comment. WestJet Dollars are rewards points that don’t expire unless your account is removed from ‘good standing’ status, and even then, only after a certain period of time. However, this may only apply to WestJet Dollars that are defined as Base Rewards and not Bonus Rewards (according to what we read in the fine print). First check to ensure that you’re not referring to the annual companion flight voucher, which does have an expiration date but is then replaced with the same voucher for the next year. Take a closer look at the fine print, we think you’ll see that the date you referenced in your comment might concern the voucher.
Otherwise, WestJet may have classified the 250 WestJet Dollars under their Bonus Rewards definition, which states in the fine print that they will “expire on the individual date(s) specified in the terms or conditions of the promotion, contest or compensation initiative or, in the absence of such terms and conditions, then expiry will be one (1) year from date of issuance.” The first part indicates to us that the introductory bonus might have come with a custom expiry date that you should check in the terms and conditions sent alongside the card itself. We didn’t find evidence of one, but banks are good at hiding certain details. Call WestJet to confirm and then check back with us—we’d love to get to the bottom of it as well.
GreedyRates
I have the RBC Westjet card and am happy with it so far. My question is this ~ if I do a balance transfer to another of my cards that is offering a lower interest rate at the moment, do I lose the points earned so far from the purchases I’ve made using my Westjet MC?
Thanks!
Hey Lisa,
We appreciate your comments about the RBC WestJet card. We’re also glad to hear you’re satisfied with it! Now, if you want to do a balance transfer to MBNA to take advantage of their 0.00% interest rate deal via the True Line card (for example) then that’s totally fine, and it won’t affect the state of your WestJet Dollar rewards whatsoever. The WestJet membership account is separate from the RBC card, so even if you transfer the balance and cancel the card outright, your WestJet account remains open with your Dollars intact. This is how most rewards program models work: the bank simply directs its partner rewards program to open an account for you when your application for its card is accepted.
Other rewards from WestJet do expire, however. For example, the companion voucher must be used within a year of receiving it. You can’t stack multiple vouchers, as you’ll simply receive a new one on the 1-year anniversary of obtaining the prior. However, if you no longer use the RBC card and your WestJet account is inactive you should spend them! Take advantage and have fun, and if you want, close your account when you’re ready (and if it won’t mess up your credit utilization ratio).
GreedyRates
I’ve got a family of 6 and one RBC Westjet Mastercard. We only plan on traveling as either a couple or family. Would it better to get a secondary card to pool purchases under one account or get another card for the wife?
Hey Mike,
Thanks for your question about the RBC WestJet World Elite card. If you’ve got a large family, then you’ll enjoy the card more than most, given that you can exempt yourself and up to eight travelling companions from extra baggage fees. That’s a significant expense avoided when you fly, and the companion voucher can also be useful when you and your spouse fly together. It’s therefore logical to want to double these perks by getting another of these cards for your wife, but keep in mind that her name will be on the application, along with her credit score, and don’t forget the notion that RBC will need to approve an additional credit limit for the card as well—you can’t share two cards with one credit limit as that’s just a supplementary card.
However, you’ll also get two of each perk offered by the WestJet World Elite, including two companion vouchers and two introductory bonuses. This could be great if you actually manage to use these perks each year and travel frequently with WestJet, but some of them are redundant. For example, you’ll still be sharing the same WestJet membership account but will earn rewards at the same rate as if you had two supplementary cards. You’ll be free to travel and use the companion voucher individually instead of being forced to be on the same itinerary as the primary cardholder as well, but if you travel together exclusively, this benefit is diminished. Is this worth paying two annual fees? We’ll leave it up to you.
GreedyRates
I am waiting on my new card to come in the mail. I would like to book a flight before Jan 10th as the rates are going up. I was wondering if I can use the new card and get the companion ticket as soon a l get my new card ??
Hi Donna,
Thanks for the excellent comment. If we understand correctly, you recently applied for the card in the hopes that it would come before your date of departure and delivers its bonus perks immediately, so that you could then use the annual companion voucher to discount your friend or relative’s flight. One of the prerequisites for using the voucher is in fact that the flight must have already been booked through WestJet, so you’re covered here as long as you booked accordingly. However, know that the 250 WestJet Dollars and the companion voucher are applied to your account only after 4-6 weeks from the date you were approved for the card.
Try to determine when you were approved (we know you were since you’re now waiting for the card to arrive), and then count 4-6 weeks from that date. This is the earliest you can expect the voucher to be usable, so we hope that your flight doesn’t take off before! If it does, don’t worry because you’ll still be able to use it later this year, and if you don’t plan on flying just make time for it! The two bonuses combined will make the trip much less expensive. Have a safe flight and great trip.
GreedyRates
Is this a good choice for traveling to Europe from Canada if you need to take multiple airlines?
Hey Alex,
Interesting question! In truth, most of the special perks that the WestJet World Elite card offers are only applicable to flights that were purchased through WestJet’s booking service. For a Europe to Canada flight with multiple airlines and legs, it might not be the best option. Here’s a few reasons why. The perk offering free checked bags for you and your companions is only for “itineraries marketed and wholly operated by WestJet; not valid when travelling with WestJet’s code-share or interline partners.” This means that even if your Member ID number is on the itinerary, the flight itself must have originated from the WestJet network.
With the World Elite card, you’ll also only earn WestJet Dollars on WestJet flights, and can only use WestJet Dollars on WestJet flights. Essentially, it’s a closed ecosystem to airlines that aren’t affiliated in some way to WestJet. A better option for you is the RBC Visa Infinite Avion card, which has a larger airline network and a model that allows you to book with any airline and still earn rewards. A Gold Amex card is also suitable, as you’ll earn Membership Rewards points for all travel-related spending (and elsewhere) and can then use these points to pay off ANY travel expenses that show up later on your statement.
GreedyRates
I have to say the worst part of this card must be RBC itself… Here’s my story in case others are tempted like I was… I was attracted by the perks, and read this review and applied and was accepted. The acceptance e-mail said I’d receive the card in the mail after 7-10 business days. Over a month passed, nothing arrived. Figuring it was postal strike related I called up the line to check on status. I waited on hold for 30 minutes before I finally got someone. They said it was supposed to have been sent to a local RBC branch (first I’d heard of it) but never actually had been so they said they’d re-issue the send. They also said the’d refund the card fee until activation as it had already been charged (why would that fee ever had been charged if it hadn’t been activated?!). They just had to transfer me to security to coordinate and verify. “Sure,” said I. Then they transferred me to security, but in reality the call dropped.
I waited a week and called back. Same drill, explained everything to another agent. She said she’d put me through to security, same as before. Put me on hold for a few minutes, and then came back on the line to tell me that she couldn’t put me through to security because of “technical difficulties.”
At this point enough alarm bells had run for me, I simply asked for the card and application to be canceled. This isn’t the level of service I’d want on an ongoing basis, they obviously have process dysfunctions. I never had these kinds of issues with my CIBC credit cards over the years. They didn’t even try to talk me out of it. Clearly I wasn’t the first.
The stupidest part is they told me I’d receive a cancellation notice in the mail within a couple days. That was over a week ago and I have not received anything.
So… buyer beware.
Hey Ryan,
We’re sorry to hear about your poor experience with RBC, and it’s strange to us because our own calls with them are frequent and consistently satisfying. Also, we find it weird that it took so long to get your card, so we’ll be sure to keep an eye on this issue in the future and warn other readers if it persists. Regardless, it’s your right to switch or cancel and we encourage you to do so if you’re at the end of your rope! Next time you have an issue with the card be sure to call every day—even every hour—instead of waiting a week. This will show them that you’re serious, and sometimes you just have the bad luck of being connected to a representative who isn’t in the zone. Our advice is to exercise your right as a consumer and literally pester them with calls about cancellation.
In the meantime, if CIBC is your preferred bank, then check out the reviews we’ve written about CIBC’s cards. Thanks again for the thorough and concerning comment, and if you’d like to keep us in the loop we’d definitely appreciate it.
GreedyRates
Hi! Love your insight so hope you can help with this decision. I need to pare down to one credit card but which should I keep for best travel rewards – RBC Avion or TD Infinite?
Alternatively, maybe I should switch to RBC WestJet?
Thanks so much!
Terri
Hey Terri!
Thanks for your comment! We love helping cardholders weigh the various cards in their wallets against one another, and the matchup is truly a nail-biter when it comes to these two powerful travel cards. Ultimately, the decision is very subjective and depends on your preferences alone, but it is possible to determine which is broadly better. Let’s dive in.
We’ll start with what’s the same between the two. The annual fees are both $120, and the matching annual income requirements are $60,000 personal or $100,000 household. Both offer a great introductory bonus, but this is entirely irrelevant to you as you’re choosing which to keep, not which to apply for. Interest rates between the two are exactly the same as well, as are insurance benefits. Where the cards differ is their other perks and benefits, such as the earning rate between them, and how points are spent or redeemed.
The TD Infinite card earns 3 points per $1 spent in general, which adds up to around $0.015 of redemption value for every $1 spent. On the other hand, the RBC card just has a 1 point per $1 earnings rate, and redemption for RBC points is valued at around $0.0114. While the value is slightly better with TD, there are a few things to keep in mind.
You can reference our Loyalty Program Bible for more details on redemption value. It’s important to remember that the TD card doesn’t enjoy the same redemption flexibility as RBC, where points can be converted to other kinds like WestJet Dollars, Hudson Bay Rewards and more. The TD card makes up for this discrepancy by offering a better earnings rate to those who like to book on Expedia, at 9 points per $1 for booking on ExpediaForTD.com. In the end, you’re basically choosing between more flexibility (RBC) or the ability to earn more by booking on Expedia. Hope that helps you out a bit!
If you do decide to switch to the WestJet card, you’ll enjoy less flexibility than with your current RBC card, as most of the perks require you to either spend WestJet Dollars or be with the primary cardholder to redeem. However, the companion flight can be very useful for certain Canadians who travel within Canada and with their spouse, for example.
GreedyRates
I would like to know whether additional cards are eligible for free first checked bag. I know that the terms stated that’s only for “primary cardholders…” but I still wanna confirm because there are different definitions of primary cardholders used by other banks. And it seems like the emphasis of that statement is that the card holder has to travel on the same itinerary as up to 8 companions.
Hi Tommy,
As the fine print and our review indicate, only travelling companions who are on the same itinerary as the primary cardholder can get the free checked bags, and the itinerary itself must have the WestJet Rewards ID number associated with the RBC WestJet World Elite Mastercard. That doesn’t mean you need to pay for the trip with the card to avoid baggage fees, however.
Supplementary cardholders, even the spouse of the primary cardholder, aren’t able to get the same perk if they’re alone or with family—even if the family’s WestJet ID is on the itinerary. This is why it pays to get a second primary card for the family, because besides enjoying double benefits like the free baggage and $250 WestJet Dollar bonus, you’ll also be able to get a second yearly companion flight. Hope we’ve cleared it up for you!
GreedyRates
The companion vouchers are for base fare only, you will never find a ticket where you can use it. It’s a complete waste. As an example, flying to the UK as an example, two tickets came out to 600 total for base fare, so the voucher couldn’t be used. After fees and taxes the two tickets totaled $1900.
I could get a cheaper ticket through Air Canada on the same days without using my Westjet $’s and paying for checked bags. That seems crazy to me. This card is not worth the annual fee, I have nothing but regrets getting it.
Hi Ed,
Your comment about the WestJet World Elite card is fair. We called them recently to inquire about how WestJet brings value to cardholders and found out that they have a company policy not to allow members, cardholders, or any of their customers to “stack” promotions such as the companion flight voucher with others. This means that any fare above base price is considered a “promo rate” and therefore isn’t applicable to the voucher.
Unfortunately, this also means that the voucher isn’t as immediately valuable as one might think. As the traveller is stuck with these inopportune rates and cannot cover accompanying taxes and fees with their WestJet Dollars, the flight often ends up being a similar price to full fare. Those who fly WestJet exclusively and within Canada on business trips for example, are the ideal customer for this card. If you’re looking to complicate your trip with multiple connections, promotional fares, or outside booking sites, it’s not for you.
Perhaps, you’d appreciate a card with greater flexibility in how rewards are redeemed. The Scotia Gold card for example allows you to earn points on anything you purchase, and then redeem them on any travel-related expense. You can book airfare wherever you want, and then once the charge hits your statement, pay it off with your points. Check it out!
GreedyRates
I have used this card multiple times flying to Florida and the companion voucher along with my WestJet dollars brought the price down considerably. I had no problem using the voucher against the fare cost.
I’m interested in applying for a Westjet MC. My only concern is the amount of WJ $ it takes to book a flight. For example, if a flight from Phoenix to Kelowna costs $250, then that is the amount of WJ $ that will be deducted from our account?
Hi Ken,
Appreciate your comment! If you’re looking at the regular WestJet site then you have no way of knowing how much the same flight costs in WestJet Dollars, even though WestJet claims that one of their Dollars is equivalent in value to a Canadian dollar when redeemed on base rate airfare. If you want to see WestJet Dollar fares, you can sign up for a WestJet account and then shop in their member travel catalogue.
In practice, many of our readers report that WestJet flights are priced similarly to the regular fiat money fare, but the kicker is that it takes more than $1 of spending to earn a WestJet Dollar, and WestJet Dollars don’t cover fees or taxes. This makes it about the same as other travel programs, in that your everyday spending directly reduces the price of your next trip or vacation, but how valuable this is depends on you. If you like WestJet and rarely travel outside its network, the card will suit you well, but otherwise we can make alternative suggestions. Let us know!
GreedyRates
I am thinking of getting this card, but if there is a seat sale can I book the tickets at that price and then use the 99. voucher for one of my other children. Or do I have to book full price for my ticket in order to be eligible for the voucher
Hey Niky,
We talked to WestJet recently about the possibility of using one’s annual companion voucher on discounted flights, and only one “promotion” is allowed to apply to your flight at a time. While our question was about combining WestJet’s Basic Rates program with the companion voucher, this is the same as if the airline discounted a regularly-priced flight, and still cannot be stacked with your voucher. Unfortunate, but not surprising. You should call WestJet and tell them exactly what you want to do just to see if it’s possible, but the odds are against you. It won’t hurt to try though. Good luck!
GreedyRates Staff
On the RBC website it says an additional card is $59. Does this second card come with the same benefits as the first card. Ie yearly companion voucher and 250 welcome west jet points?
Hi Jeff,
Thanks for your great question about the RBC WestJet World Elite card, and its yearly companion voucher. If you get a secondary World Elite card for someone else in your family (like a spouse), you’ll pay a $59 annual fee for the card on top of its $119 fee for your primary card. However, that doesn’t mean you suddenly obtain two of every benefit that the primary card supplies, such as the companion voucher or the initial $250 WestJet dollar bonus. Secondary cards are useful because they allow another person in the family to collect rewards for family purchases, such as the ability to accrue WestJet Dollars on things you buy with the WestJet World Elite card.
This makes more sense because a household that qualifies for the card based on their annual income should be able to earn cash back on all their purchases. If the biggest welcome bonuses were doubled for secondary cards, however, banks wouldn’t be able to afford to give them out at all. Remember you can always get two primary cards and pay two annual fees, which might be a nice option considering that it’s only $50 more expensive than a secondary card. This would also mean RBC would extend you more credit as well. Good luck with your decision.
GreedyRates
I am interested in getting this card, however I heard the following story.
A couple travelling to Heathrow paying with the WJ MC card had the following experience,
Westjet rescheduled the flight from Heathrow to YYC by one day later, one companion voucher had been used, upon changing the departure date by Westjet, the companion voucher/ticket became null and void and WJ insisted that a full fare ticket had to be purchased for the return flight!?
Hi Roger,
Great comment. We’re always prepared to follow up on internet rumors, and we’ve done the same in this case by calling WestJet and asking them some details about how the companion voucher is used. This is something you can do for free if you have a few minutes of spare time, and our experience has proven to us that WestJet representatives are capable and ready on the line within minutes of calling. Our rep informed us that as long as the voucher is valid (i.e. not expired), you can always call WestJet and inform them of changes to your itinerary, even as soon as days before the flight, and they’ll apply the voucher to your new itinerary at no extra cost.
If a flight is cancelled last minute that you’ve used the companion voucher on, then the same call will decouple the voucher from your cancelled flight and have it refunded to your account immediately. This is what the representative told us, so while we believe the story that you used as an example, the couple featured should have called WestJet as soon as their flight plan changed. Remember that WestJet can also retroactively change the price of your tickets, refund money, and help you use the voucher flexibly should you need to.
Not everything you read on the internet should be considered gospel—our own advice included. However, we make sure to back up our claims with information directly from the bank or bank representatives, and we cover all our bases before making a recommendation. We hope our answer satisfied, but if it didn’t feel free to reply back or email us at [email protected]. Thanks again.
GreedyRates
I’ve noticed that if the companion fare is selected, WJ will not allow you to use any coupon codes for the flight. This means that the primary cardholder has to pay full price and then the companion fare and this usually costs more than the total of two tickets using the coupon code. Makes no sense at all! The other bogus thing is that if you book a “basic” fare, you don’t earn any West Jet dollars and they leave you in the lurch. I’m so tired of West Jet turning into an airline that is purely looking out for their own interests and sacrificing good customer service!
Hey Lori,
Thanks again for the comments. We called WestJet to confirm the two points you’ve made here: 1) that you cannot use your companion fare discount alongside a coupon code, and 2) that you won’t earn WestJet Dollars when purchasing a Basic fare flight. The agent was able to confirm both of these facts, and gave some explanation as to why. Regarding the inability to use your companion fare and a coupon, she said that only one promotion is eligible per itinerary, which is actually not very surprising. Most rewards program partners don’t allow you to stack promotions.
As to your second statement, the agent said that the WestJet Basic fares program is still quite a new offering to customers. You’ll notice that Basic fares purchased through WestJet are offered at rock bottom prices relative to the market, and as such they don’t allow you to get a refund, change your date or even your seat choice. It being so new and bare bones (all to shave every last dollar from the fare), WestJet doesn’t yet allow you to earn Dollars on these fares. Perhaps soon. Thanks again for your readership and great comments. Keep it up!
GreedyRates
I heard there’s a restriction of one card per household. Is this true? I can’t find it written anywhere…
Hi Chris,
Thanks for the great question. We weren’t sure whether or not this was true but went ahead and called RBC ourselves to confirm. Firstly, if you’re ever in need of assistance like this in the future, feel free to come to us always, but also know that RBC has stellar customer service. Our super-friendly representative informed us that there is no such restriction on the WestJet RBC World Elite card. For example, a husband and a wife could apply at the same time or separately and both be approved as a part of the same household.
Can we inquire where you heard this rumor? Unfortunately, you may often get bad advice if you’re browsing websites where the guidance is more of an amalgamation of personal opinions rather than fact-based data. We take care to double-check and confirm with the relevant banks before publishing anything, and unlike other sites, take a rather hard stance on these banks when they act in a misleading manner. Regardless, good luck with your (two) WestJet World Elite cards and let us know if you need anything else.
GreedyRates
I believe you have to pay for an additional card for another household member.
Lori!
What a prolific commenter you are! Thanks again for your correspondence with us and with other readers. We can confirm: it costs $59 per year to add an additional cardholder to your WestJet World Elite account from RBC (this includes giving them their own printed plastic card). Totally recommended, as the WestJet card has many perks for which families and children especially are highly applicable.
GreedyRates
Does the card owner have to fly or could the companion pass be used by 2 of your children?
Can you get a second card?
Hi Sue!
We appreciate your questions about the WestJet companion flight voucher granted annually to WestJet World Elite Mastercard members. If you want to use the companion voucher to discount the airfare of a family member, you (as the primary cardholder) will also need to be travelling with them on the same itinerary. You can’t just give it to your child, like you can with WestJet Dollars. This is what the fine print says on the matter: The annual companion voucher “…is valid for one (1) round-trip for the primary cardholder and a companion of their choice travelling on the same itinerary; these vouchers are non-transferable.”
If you want to avail of two companion flight vouchers you could always get a second card for your spouse. If you have two children and travel as a family together, this means you’d be able to vouch for both the kids’ flights. Also remember that getting a secondary card doesn’t mean you’ll be able to use the companion voucher any more flexibly. Let us know if you have any questions. Thanks!
GreedyRates
My family and I booked a WJ flight a few months ago but with the increase in baggage fees, I’m thinking of giving this card a try. Because we haven’t flown yet but had already attached all of our WJ rewards ID to the reservation (we’re all under the same booking), could any of us get this card and be assured at check-in that we’ll all have the baggage fee waived? In the fine print, it seems like the only stipulations are that the WJ rewards ID is on the reservation and that the cardholder is travelling, so I’m hoping this is truly the case!
Hi Kat!
Thanks for the comment about how to redeem your WestJet membership for free baggage for you and your travelling companions. If you’ve already got a WestJet rewards account and have purchased a flight with your number on the reservation, then you can absolutely apply for the World Elite Mastercard and (if accepted) be able to avoid baggage fees at check-in. The number of your WestJet account won’t change if you get the card, so you won’t need to do any extra work, just have the number on your reservation (and the card on your person) before you get to the airport.
There are a couple minor conditions and restrictions that could affect your eligibility for this perk. Remember that the free checked bags count for one-way only, so if you’re a group of 4 people then you could each avoid these fees twice during a round trip flight. With 6 people for example, you could each skip the fees on the way there, and 2 could avoid them on the way back. Also, if the flight isn’t operated by WestJet exclusively (no partner flights or group fares) then you can’t get your free checked bags either. However, it seems like you have nothing to worry about. Enjoy your flight and your savings too!
GreedyRates Staff
I personally think the flights need to be purchased already with the WJ card for you to get free baggage. Has nothing to do with the WJ Rewards ID if it’s after the flight was booked with another card. For example, benefits offered by the card, like travel insurance, trip interruption, wouldn’t apply because the trip wasn’t booked with the WJ Card.
Hi Lori,
This is an issue that’s cropped up several times, and so we decided to hunt down an answer from an authority over at RBC. Why? The only thing that the fine print reveals is this:
“Valid for primary cardholders of the WestJet RBC World Elite MasterCard and up to eight (8) additional guests travelling on the same reservation; not valid for companions when travelling on a group booking (10+ guests on the same reservation). Eligible member’s 9-digit WestJet Rewards ID must be on the reservation at the time of check-in.”
Using this information, one might assume that as long as they have a WestJet account ID (which won’t change after they receive the World Elite card), that they’re good for free checked bags after they receive the card. This is true! There is no requirement that you must book the trip with the RBC WestJet World Elite card beforehand.
However, after calling the bank and talking with two people (including a credit card specialist), there was still one question that was left unanswered: if all that’s required for one to be eligible for the free checked bags is their WestJet account ID on the itinerary, what happens when a 3rd party booking site doesn’t offer you the option to add your account ID during the purchase? In some cases, another rep (this one from WestJet) said, aggregate sites like Expedia allow you to enter your loyalty program ID during the purchase.
In cases where this isn’t an option, you can simply call WestJet (not RBC) and inform them about the flight—even one purchased using a different card. They’ll attach your ID to the flight in their internal system, and you’ll find that your bags are free when you get to the airport. Again, you still must be a WestJet World Elite cardholder. Hope that clears up the situation somewhat.
GreedyRates
I recently went on 2 different work trips in which my company paid for my flights. I was unable to pay my baggage fee online ahead of time as it was an expedia group booking. When I went to pay at the kiosk they waived the fee for my baggage both times! I didn’t even have to ask. So I can confirm this works!
Hey Lily,
That’s right! We also love the immediate accessibility of the free baggage perk and enjoy simply flashing the card at the counter and getting our (sometimes exorbitant) baggage fees waived. It’s especially useful on flights that charge up to $50 per bag in an attempt to reduce the price of their airfare—a ploy that we know better than to believe. We’re glad you’re enjoying this perk as well and encourage readers who often overpay for baggage to take note. Thanks again.
GreedyRates
If a person booked a vacation package with the westjet mastercard and had to change the booking or cancel do the service fees still apply to rebook?
Hi Rod,
If you book the vacation with WestJet, then you’ll be subject to a “change fee” for making an alteration to your vacation within 21 days of booking it, at a charge of $100 per guest. However, if you booked with a round-trip Plus fare, then you will not be charged this fee. All WestJet vacations are subject to supplier fees and charges, and all changes are made at the current retail price, which might also account for some price differences in your pre and post-altered vacation.
Unfortunately, it’s pretty common to expect that you’ll pay more fees for changing a booking after you’ve made it, especially if it wasn’t a “flex fare” or something similar. If you want precise details, check them out here, and get the information straight from the issuer. Good luck and have a fun trip—if there’s anything else you need to know just reply.
The GreedyRates Team
When do you get the first companion voucher?
Hi Mike,
Great question! Though WestJet states that the companion voucher is given annually (and little else), by reading the fine print you’ll discover that after being approved for the card, your first voucher appears in your WestJet account in 4-6 weeks. Afterwards, in your second year and beyond you can expect to receive the voucher on the anniversary of your account opening.
Remember also that you can’t save up these vouchers year-over-year. They each have an expiry date (which is also the date that you’ll get another one), so be sure to find an excuse to use them every year, or you’re essentially leaving money on the table!
The GreedyRates Team
Card holders beware, I have been battling for 6 months to have two (2) recurring Fraudulent “NETFLIX” charges blocked, removed or whatever you may call it.
very month the charges are reversed without a problem. I have replaced the card once already. I have heard so many different stories from the security office at Mastercard hard to say what is the truth. Today the agent in the security department told me to call “Netflix ” direct as they are the ones putting the charges through my card. Funny thing have never had Netflix to even give them a card number, and earlier this year when I did call they had no record of me… WTF is going on at Mastercard? Could it be time for a class action ? Anyone else having a similar problem ?
Hi Jim,
Thanks for the comment. We’re sorry that you’re experiencing such a confusing and frustrating problem. If you’ve never had Netflix and keep getting charged, then changing your card will likely do nothing. It sounds like you may have been the victim of fraud, and someone has been charging your bank account Netflix for several months. Replacing your card won’t do anything because each card is still attached to the same account, so the best thing to do is to follow Mastercard’s advice.
You might be able to ask Netflix to identify the account associated with your bank or payment method. If possible, they’ll ban the person purchasing a subscription with your money. The other thing to do—and arguably the most important—is to forget Mastercard and call your bank directly. You can ask them to block all future charges from Netflix permanently, and they’ll comply with no questions asked. This applies to any recurring charges you receive. Good luck and keep us in the loop!
GreedyRates
Hi wondering if you can use westjet dollars and companion voucher to save on the flight portion of the trip in an all inclusive vacation? thanks
Hi Mark,
Unfortunately, one of the stipulations on using WestJet’s companion voucher is that it can’t be applied to group discounts or WestJet Vacation bookings, so no using it on an all-inclusive trip. You can find the information here on the companion voucher page. Thanks!
The GreedyRates Team
My Mom has the WestJet Elite MC. She travels once a year to Mexico and meets her friends there. She does not travel with a companion. I am wondering if this card is right for her or is there a different card which would better suit her needs? Thanks!
Hi Kim!
It’s nice of you to look out for your mom. The WestJet RBC World Elite card does have some group-focused perks, such as free checked bags for up to 8 people and of course the companion voucher, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t great for a single traveller like your mom. As a World Elite card, it doesn’t sacrifice much to offer these high-tier benefits, and also crams a lot of extra value that applies to your mom as much as any large family.
For example, she likely enjoys earning 1.50% on all her purchases (a highly competitive flat rate) and 2.00% when purchasing travel. It also has premium insurance coverage, but there are some options that could serve her better. For instance, we’re not sure how old she is (and it’s improper to ask!) but if she’s reaching those senior years around age 65 and older, all but the best cards will begin severely limiting her ability to avail of card-based insurance benefits.
She should check out the Desjardins Odyssey World Elite card, which has a best-in-class insurance package covering those age 65 to 75 for 15 days consecutively. It also has an earnings rate of up to 2.00% depending on what she buys, and how much, with the points (Desjardins BONUSDOLLARS) able to discount her flights. Give it a gander and let us know what you/she thinks. It would help to know what her own criteria for a credit card are, which would enable us to make more precise suggestions.
GreedyRates
I understand that WestJet & Delta have merged. I booked my flight with Delta, we are driving from Wpg to Fargo (I am leaving from Fargo to Minneapolis & Minneapolis to Miami). I booked my flights through a travel agent using my WestJet credit card (for both my daughter & I). Will my baggage still be covered? Or will I have to pay a baggage fee in both Fargo & Minneapolis on the way there & then in Miami & Minneapolis on the way back to Fargo?
Just to let you know WJ no longer offers the best deal on it’s own flights. Since it’s partnership with Delta you are better off booking with expedia. My wife booked a seat sale on Westjet and then found Delta through Expedia offered the same flight for $180.00 less. The response from Westjet was they don’t control how Delta prices their fares. Just to clarify if I had booked through Delta. I would have been on the same aircraft (Westjet) at the same time.
Hey William,
Thanks for the info. As always, we’re appreciative when our readers come to us with their own money-saving tips, and don’t simply follow our advice blindly! If you’re finding better luck on Expedia than you are with WestJet, that’s no surprise, given that Expedia is a worldwide booking aggregate encompassing pretty much every airline and destination.
If you like Expedia then consider picking up the TD First Class Visa Infinite card, which rewards you 9 TD points per $1 spent on the TD-exclusive booking site ExpediaForTD.com. It also comes with some great insurance perks alongside a rewards earning rate. If you apply through our site and before August 27, 2018, you’ll also have the opportunity to earn the first year’s annual fee rebate plus up to 40,000 bonus TD points. Great deal—and super relevant to you. Good luck.
The GreedyRates Team
Can you purchase an westjet ticket with points you have accumulated and use the companion voucher on the same trip?
Hi Michelle,
Thanks for your interest in the WestJet World Elite Mastercard. You can surely use it the way you’ve described: pay for your own ticket with WestJet Dollars, and then use the companion voucher to cover your companion’s flight. However, you can’t use WestJet Dollars to pay for the cost of the companion voucher, which is $99, $299, or $399 depending on where you two will fly. This means that it isn’t possible to have a “cashless” flight with your companion. They’ll also need to cover the extra taxes, fees, and other charges incurred from their flight. Have fun!
GreedyRates
We went to pay our house taxes yesterday and the firm would not accept our WJ world elite card unless we paid an additional 3%. However, they would accept our BMO world MC . Can you explain why WJ card was not accepted? We have had not problem anywhere else using the WJ world elite card. Thanks.
I was told that when making a payment to RBC World Elite Mastercard if you paid your bill early or over paid the amount you wouldn’t receive your WestJet dollars for this amount. Could this be true or just rumor?
Greetings Keane,
Thanks for the interesting question. We’re not sure where you heard this rumor, but it’s likely just that: a rumor. Please provide us with a source if you can, either by replying to our comment here or simply emailing us. Concerning the WestJet card, you’ll receive WestJet dollars directly as a result of your purchases on the card, and in real-time, so there’s no need to wait for a monthly statement before seeing them hit your account balance.
Paying your bill early is always recommended, so continue doing so! Looking forward to hearing back from you.
GreedyRates
If I use my Airmiles or avion points
For my
Flight but use my west jet Mastercard for the taxes can I still get the free baggage?
Great question Lisa.
We dug into the fine print to try and answer it, and used the information there to confirm a solution with WestJet on the phone. The only prerequisite to the free checked bags perk is that your WestJet ID must be on the on the booking record or itinerary somewhere. If you’re the primary cardholder and are travelling with companions, they’ll need to be on the same itinerary with you (and your WestJet ID number) to also get their bags checked for free.
In the end, we called RBC and then WestJet, and found an agent who could verify some relevant details for us. She confirmed that adding your WestJet ID number to an itinerary is possible online at WestJet’s website or over the phone by talking to a representative. You can do this as a WestJet account holder, and do not need to purchase any portion of the trip with your WestJet card to avoid the baggage charges.
However, you must also remember that there’s no guarantee that you’ll be able to attach your WestJet ID to a flight operated through Air Miles or Avion. The agent said that only flights booked WestJet’s site or with an agent over the phone (regardless of your payment method) can carry a WestJet ID.
GreedyRates Team
My wife obtained the card because she said we get free checked bags. So, I’m booking all these flights to DFW, Europe and return then find out “primary cardholder” only benefit. Of course, she was surprised she had been fooled into thinking it was for the family and I never saw the conditions as a secondary user. Therefore, I’d say the savings to WJ for that baggage income is now far outweighed by the fact I’ve booked on other carriers with better conditions for baggage. It is too bad such a silly condition caused such a disparity within our “family” group. WestJet is now viewed as a company that gives one spouse more privilege than the other. We will be skeptical of any future WJ offerings for sure. I think the promotion was ill-conceived in that respect.
Greetings P Miller,
We’ve also just learned about the small stipulation that WestJet applies to users of its WestJet Mastercard who want to redeem the card’s free baggage perk. It is mildly inconvenient that supplementary cardholders who are travelling alone cannot get free baggage, but they can still collect WestJet dollars, and will avail of the other perks while travelling with the primary cardholder. This is typically how supplementary cards work. They don’t apply every single benefit to each supplementary card, because some of the primary perks are meant to be shared together (the companion voucher is a good example of this).
If a secondary cardholder likes the benefits of a rewards or travel card and wants to experience them without being tied to the primary cardholder in any way, then they should get a similar card for themselves. Couples will commonly get two different cards that accrue the same rewards, so that they both get the best perks individually, yet collectively earn rewards at a faster rate, which they often will use together. This works just as effectively with WestJet Dollars as it would with Air Miles, for example. Hope that stirs your imagination somewhat!
GreedyRates Staff
Having a spousal card is great when you are travelling together but it does NOT give you the free baggage or any of the other perks if you are travelling solo or with a slightly different itinerary.
Hey Lois,
Thanks for leaving your comment with us. You’re correct that secondary cardholders, travelling companions, and spouses must be on the trip itinerary with the primary cardholder to take advantage of the WestJet Mastercard’s various perks–such as free checked bags. This is logical when you consider how much the airline stands to lose if everyone in the primary cardholder’s family could take advantage of their relative’s credit card benefits whenever they like. It’s common with most travel-focused rewards credit cards to limit their cards in this way, but it doesn’t remove much value from the card itself, in our opinion.
If you travel solo often, then maybe you should get your own travel credit card. You could get a WestJet card as well (even the same one), collect WestJet Dollars to the same account as your spouse, and also get a second introductory bonus! This will help you two to save up for your vacations faster, and not fret over who is the primary cardholder and who isn’t. For instance, with your own WestJet RBC Mastercard, you can immediately add $50 bonus WestJet Dollars to your joint rewards account, and earn more while out shopping. If you’re interested in the baggage and companion perks, however, then we’d suggest just getting a second WestJet World Elite Mastercard. This way you’ll get two companion vouchers, and be less restricted in terms of having to fly with one another.
Best of luck,
GreedyRates Team
My husband has a West jet card is it possible to get a spousal card
Hey Lorri,
Appreciate the question. If you want to extend the benefits of your husband’s lucrative RBC WestJet World Elite Mastercard to yourself, you’re welcome to order a supplementary card from the bank. You’ll appreciate the card’s various perks and will also collect WestJet Dollars, which can accelerate the account’s rewards and put you on the fast track to an upcoming vacation together. However, you should know that supplementary cards also cost an annual fee, though it isn’t as high as the fee paid for a primary cardholder. With this card, the annual fee is $119, and your card will cost $59 per year. That’s $178 or so between you two, so figure out if it’s worthwhile and act accordingly.
Thank you,
GreedyRates Staff
I have a west jet RBC Master Card and I’m going to Thailand and Vietnam next April (2019) can i use my West Jet Reward Dollars to fly there , even those West Jet doesn’t fly there. I thought I read somewhere about using these reward dollars on Partner Airline Qatar . Is this true? and if it is can I still use companion flight for a guest?
Hello Pat, and thanks for your inquiry. If you want to use your WestJet Dollars to fly internationally to a place in Asia like Thailand or Vietnam, you probably can redeem your Dollars only for the first leg of the trip. The companion flying with you will also be able to redeem his or her voucher for this leg, regardless of when the return flight is or where it’s coming from.
However, we say that you’ll have to use cash for the second, and possibly third leg of your trip because Qatar Airlines is not a partner airline. It’s possible to redeem your Dollars on partner airlines, but the only partners that WestJet has are Qantas, Air France, Delta, and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. It might be that one of these airlines has a flight that aligns with your trip schedule, and if you have enough WestJet Dollars, you can give it a shot. Do some browsing on Air France’s booking tool, for example, to see if you can find a flight from wherever your first leg’s destination is.
GreedyRates Staff
Is there a annual fee for the supplementary card holder? I realize the primary card holder fee is $119 annually. Is the supplementary card holder also charged an annual fee for the second card?
Hey Kirk! With the WestJet World Elite card from RBC, you’ll pay $119 per year as the primary cardholder. If you want to extend the card’s benefits to another relative or spouse, you’ll pay $59 per year for each supplementary card you add to the account. We know that RBC didn’t make it super obvious on their website whether the $59 was a one-time card-printing fee or recurring, but are happy to clear it up for you. Best of luck.
GreedyRates Staff
I recently applied and used the RBC Visa Infinite Avion CC for one month. I received 25,000 Avion points and FYF for signup. I am now interested in the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard.
Rather than having two cards – the Avion and WJWE.
Can I switch the RBC Visa Infinite Avion to RBC WestJet World Elite Mastercard. If I can will I be able to keep the 25,000 Avion points or transfer to WJWE and get FYF on the WJWE. Also will the $250 WestJet dollars for signup be applicable or not applicable because it is a switch.
Hi Tom! Great question, we’ll help you untangle this situation easily. First, congratulations on getting that big introductory bonus from the Avion card–that must have felt good! Now that you’re moving onto another great RBC card–the WestJet World Elite card–you should know that the two rewards that these cards earn are different. The Avion card earns RBC Rewards points and the WestJet World Elite earns WestJet Dollars, which are kept in a WestJet Rewards account that will be opened for you after your approval.
There’s no way to transfer your Avion points to the WestJet card, unfortunately. However, RBC Rewards points can be redeemed on more than travel, so you can buy something smaller (like electronic merchandise or gift cards) with your 25,000 points, and then cancel the card afterwards. This has no impact on your ability to earn that $250 WestJet Dollar bonus, so you can enjoy it without worry. If you need more guidance, just let us know.
GreedyRates Staff
All right – here’s the question that hundreds are likely asking but I cannot find an answer: Booked return flights YEG – TPA May 19-27 using my WestJet Mastercard, WestJet Dollars AND a companion flight. Pilots have agreed not to disrupt any long weekend traffic, meaning that my group of 4 will get to Tampa, however….will the coverage on my card help with anything should we not be able to get home on the 27th? (Note that one member of our party MUST be home on the 27th, the other 3 could wait a few days if it’s necessary)
Hi Lynda, thanks for coming to us for clarification. Your credit card has trip interruption and flight delay insurance, so all of your companions on the same itinerary will be eligible for reimbursement should the flight encounter problems getting in the air on time. Unforunately, the WestJet representative we talked to said that the person flying on the companion voucher isn’t eligible for coverage. We’re still skeptical, and might call again to confirm with someone else that this is the case. We encourage you to give them a ring as well.
GreedyRates Staff
Can the flight with the companion at $99 include flights with an additional leg if it’s all booked in one booking? e.g. Regina to Ottawa, Ottawa to Halifax, Halifax to Regina? or…. does it have to be a straight return flight, e.g. Regina to Ottawa and back to Regina.
Hey Susan, thanks for coming to us for an answer. We checked out the WestJet Mastercard World Elite’s fine print to determine how you can use the companion voucher. We saw nothing that indicates that the voucher won’t be redeemable on round-trip flights with more than one leg. The only requirements seem to be that the companion be flying on the same itinerary as the primary cardholder, and that the flight is booked via WestJet and not some other booking service.
It looks to us like WestJet may adjust the value of the companion voucher depending on the trip details, if you look at the last clause in this snippet of text from the legal disclaimer: “Flight Voucher is available on all published eligible fares marketed and operated by WestJet. Flight Voucher is available on all published eligible Econo, Flex or Plus fares wholly marketed and operated by WestJet and may only be used if the companion is travelling with you on the same itinerary. Flight Voucher pricing differs based on origin and destination.”
In our opinion, it’s always worth a call to WestJet before you start making plans. While you might find yourself waiting on hold for a few minutes, this is a minor hurdle compared to being surprised at the airport.
GreedyRates Staff
We did a trip to Scotland last August, we had a direct flight to London, where we stayed a few days, however, on the way home, we had to change flights, my son was travelling with my companion flight voucher & there were no issues. As long as he was on the same itinerary as I was since I am the primary card holder. I hope this helps with your question. 🙂
Going to UK in the fall and have a westjet mastercard world elite ,and i was wondering about insurance on rental cars,do i have to buy extra insurance from them or is what this card offers enough.
thanks
David
Hey David! Thanks for coming to GreedyRates with your questions. With the WestJet World Elite Mastercard, you’ll be happy to hear that the card does indeed include insurance coverage for rental car collisions and accidents. It also covers your trip, hotel, personal belongings and more. If you run into trouble while driving a rented vehicle, you can call Mastercard and a representative will assist, and also tell you what to do to avail of your coverage.
Regarding your seat selection when booking flights with WestJet, you get special rights as a World Elite member. There are no seat restrictions or blackout dates when using WestJet’s booking tool, no matter where you’re going. WestJet has connecting flights to all of North and Central America, the Caribbean and Europe. Let us know if you need anything else–always great to see readers return to our comments section. Happy travels!
GreedyRates Staff
Can the supplementary card holder use the companion fare independent of the primary cardholder?
Hi Chris, thanks for the question. We dug into the fine print for the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard to figure out if supplementary cardholders could use the companion fare by themselves. Unfortunately, it was pretty easy to discover that this isn’t possible. Here’s what WestJet says on the matter:
“Primary cardholder may use the companion flight voucher only once on their choice of a $99 (plus taxes, fees and charges) round-trip flight for travel in Canada and the continental US, a $299 round-trip flight for travel to/from Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean and Hawaii; or a $399 round-trip flight to/from Europe. The Flight Voucher may only be used if the companion is travelling with you on the same itinerary.”
So, if you want to use the companion voucher, then you as the primary cardholder must be present for its redemption, and the one benefitting from it must be travelling with you. That’s it! Thanks again for reading.
GreedyRates Staff
We are booked on a WestJet flight from Calgary to London and have booked a hotel in London. We have a WestJet RBC World Elite MasterCard. What insurance coverage do we have if the flight happens to be cancelled?
Hi Don, thanks a lot for your great question. If you have the WestJet World Elite card from RBC, then you won’t have coverage for trip cancellations. The card does have trip interruption insurance, so in some cases you’ll be able to cover these inconveniences, but not always. If you need a card with good coverage of both trip interruption and cancellation, look at the Scotia Gold Amex card, the National Bank World Elite card or even the Desjardins Visa Odyssey Gold card. If your flight is unexpectedly cancelled, you’ll be able to get reimbursed for each ticket–the primary cardholder, spouse, and dependents flying with you.
GreedyRates Staff
I was wondering when the companion vouchers are given out each year?
Hi Dale, thank you for coming to GreedyRates. The companion voucher from WestJet is given annually to the primary cardholder. When you’re approved for the card and activate it, it usually takes between 4-6 weeks for the companion voucher to arrive to your WestJet account. The voucher will have a date on it, and you’ll need to use it by that date or it will expire, at which time