The RBC WestJet Mastercard is the entry-level co-branded WestJet credit card from RBC, positioned below the premium RBC WestJet World Elite Mastercard. At approximately $39 per year, it earns WestJet dollars on everyday purchases and provides access to the WestJet rewards ecosystem at a lower annual fee — suitable for occasional WestJet flyers who want to accumulate WestJet dollars without committing to the World Elite’s $119 fee or income requirement.
Quick Verdict
Best for: Canadians who fly WestJet 1–3 times per year and want to accumulate WestJet dollars at a low annual fee without the income requirements of the World Elite Mastercard.
Not ideal for: Frequent WestJet flyers who would benefit significantly from the World Elite’s companion voucher and higher earn rate, or those who prefer flexible travel points that transfer to multiple airlines.
Key Card Details
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Annual fee | ~$39 (verify at rbc.com) |
| Additional cardholder fee | Verify at rbc.com |
| Purchase interest rate | 20.99% |
| Cash advance rate | 22.99% |
| Foreign transaction fee | 2.5% |
| Income requirement | None |
| Network | Mastercard |
| Welcome bonus | Verify current offer at rbc.com |
Annual fee, earn rates, companion voucher terms, and welcome bonus are subject to change. Always verify current details at rbc.com before applying.
Welcome Bonus
RBC periodically offers a welcome WestJet dollars bonus for new WestJet Mastercard cardholders. The welcome bonus for this entry-level card is typically modest compared to the World Elite tier.
Always verify the current welcome bonus at rbc.com before applying.
WestJet Dollars: How the Earn Works
The RBC WestJet Mastercard earns WestJet dollars at a base rate on all eligible purchases, with an elevated rate on WestJet purchases (flights, vacation packages, WestJet More).
| Category | WestJet Dollar Earn Rate |
|---|---|
| WestJet flights and vacation packages | Elevated — verify at rbc.com |
| All other eligible purchases | Base rate — verify at rbc.com |
Verify exact current earn rates at rbc.com.
Calculating WestJet dollar value
WestJet dollars are worth exactly $1 each toward WestJet base fares. Unlike airline miles where redemption values fluctuate by route and availability, WestJet dollars apply like cash against any available seat on WestJet.
On $2,000/month in general spending, at a base earn rate of approximately 1% in WestJet dollars:
- $24,000/year × 1% = $240/year in WestJet dollars
- Minus $39 annual fee = $201 net value if fully redeemed toward WestJet flights
This is a conservative estimate — elevated earn on WestJet purchases and any welcome bonus improve the return.
WestJet Dollars: The Ecosystem
WestJet dollars are simpler than points-based travel programmes:
- No expiry on active accounts (verify inactivity terms at westjet.com)
- No blackout dates on WestJet flights
- No seat restrictions — redeem against any available fare
- Transferable to other travellers’ bookings
- Limited to WestJet — cannot be used on Air Canada, United, or other airlines
For dedicated WestJet travellers, this simplicity is a strength. For those who want flexibility across multiple airlines, a transferable points card (Aeroplan, Avion, Amex MR) is more versatile.
Companion Voucher
Verify companion voucher availability and terms for the base RBC WestJet Mastercard at rbc.com. Companion voucher terms for the entry-level card may differ significantly from the World Elite — which includes a round-trip companion voucher on any WestJet destination. The base card may include a restricted voucher or no voucher at all.
Card Benefits
As an entry-level travel card, the RBC WestJet Mastercard includes a more limited benefit set than the World Elite. Verify at rbc.com, but expect:
- Basic travel insurance (may include some trip interruption or flight delay coverage)
- Purchase protection
Comprehensive emergency medical insurance, extensive trip cancellation coverage, and lounge access are typically reserved for the World Elite tier.
Fees and Rates
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual fee | ~$39 (verify at rbc.com) |
| Purchase interest rate | 20.99% |
| Cash advance rate | 22.99% |
| Foreign transaction fee | 2.5% |
Who Is the RBC WestJet Mastercard Best For?
Ideal cardholders:
- Occasional WestJet flyers (1–3 trips per year) who want to earn WestJet dollars on everyday spending without the World Elite fee or income requirement
- Canadians who want WestJet dollar simplicity — no blackout dates, no seat restrictions, straightforward value
- Those who do not meet the $80,000 income requirement for the World Elite Mastercard
- RBC banking customers building toward the World Elite as income grows
Less suitable if:
- You fly WestJet frequently — the World Elite’s higher earn rate and companion voucher typically outperform the base card for regular travellers
- You want flexible travel points that can be used on Air Canada or other carriers
- Travel insurance is a priority — the base card’s coverage is limited vs. the World Elite
RBC WestJet Mastercard vs. World Elite
| Feature | RBC WestJet Mastercard | RBC WestJet World Elite |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | ~$39 | $119 |
| Earn on WestJet | Lower | Higher |
| Earn everywhere | Lower | Higher |
| Companion voucher | Limited/none — verify | Annual round-trip |
| Income requirement | None | $80,000 personal |
| Travel insurance | Basic | Comprehensive |
For most WestJet flyers who qualify on income, the World Elite Mastercard at $119 is the better product — the companion voucher alone (saving $119–$500+ on a companion’s fare) typically justifies the higher fee. The base Mastercard serves those who cannot meet the income threshold or who fly WestJet too infrequently to benefit from the World Elite.
Alternatives to the RBC WestJet Mastercard
| Card | Annual Fee | Earn | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| RBC WestJet World Elite Mastercard | $119 | WestJet dollars (high) | Frequent WestJet flyers |
| TD Aeroplan Visa | $89 | Aeroplan miles | Air Canada / Star Alliance flyers |
| Amex Gold Rewards Card | $250 | MR points (transfers to Aeroplan) | Flexible points collector |
| RBC Avion Visa Infinite | $120 | Avion points | Flexible RBC travel rewards |
| Scotiabank Scene+ Visa | $0 | Scene+ | No-fee travel/grocery points |
Bottom Line
The RBC WestJet Mastercard is a reasonable entry point into the WestJet ecosystem for occasional flyers or those who cannot yet qualify for the World Elite. Its low annual fee keeps costs manageable while providing WestJet dollar earning on everyday purchases.
However, for Canadians who fly WestJet more than once or twice a year, the jump to the RBC WestJet World Elite Mastercard ($119) is almost always worth it — the companion voucher alone can save hundreds of dollars per year, and the higher earn rates deliver significantly more WestJet dollar value.
Card terms, annual fee, earn rates, companion voucher, and welcome bonus are subject to change. Always verify current details at rbc.com before applying.