WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard Review

Who is the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard for? 

The WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard is an ideal option for frequent flyers of WestJet that would want to take advantage of bonuses and rewards for travel. The card will earn up to 2% back in WestJet dollars on purchases that can be used to purchase WestJet flights and vacation packages. Upon signing, you are awarded a welcome bonus of 250 WestJet dollars with no minimum spending requirements. To top it off, for a limited time, you receive a compelling 100 WestJet dollars when you make your first purchase. 

The WestJet perks do not stop there. In addition to an annual round-trip companion voucher starting at $119 to any destination covered by the WestJet network, you and up to 8 guests each receive one free checked bag while flying with WestJet. And for added safety during your travels, the card even covers emergency medical insurance and protection for your trip, hotel, and car rental.

If you don’t like paying high annual fees, you may want to consider a different card. The card comes with an annual fee of $119 and $59 for each added user on the account. Cardholders also have to pay an annual interest rate of 19.99% on purchases and 22.99% on cash advances, though this is average in comparison to other credit cards. 

To apply for the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard, you must meet its eligibility requirements. Not only do you have to be at least 18 years of age and a resident of Canada, but you need to have a minimum annual income of $80,000 as an individual or $150,000 as a family. 

There are many factors eligible candidates need to consider when applying for this card. However, if you are someone who frequently flies with WestJet and wants to take advantage of the rewards, bonuses, and added travel perks associated with the card, it may ultimately be the right card for you. 

Rewards

The WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard provides 1.5% cashback in WestJet dollars on everyday purchases and 2% back on WestJet flights or vacation packages. Every WestJet dollar is equivalent to $1 CAD and can be used to purchase WestJet flights and vacation packages. 

One of the key features of this card is a significant welcome bonus. When signing up, you also receive a $250 WestJet dollar welcome bonus with no minimum spending requirements. Also, for a limited time only, you receive an additional $100 WestJet dollar after your first purchase within the first 3 months. With a total of $350 in bonuses, cardholders can easily offset the $119 annual fee, saving $211. For those who do not welcome high annual fees, the bonus makes the card an extremely attractive option. 

The WestJet Dollars that you earn can be redeemed to pay for WestJet flights or WestJet vacation packages -- no blackouts -- to destinations across North America, Central America, the Caribbean, and Europe. With RBC’s new Member Exclusive fares, you can even fly to additional destinations in Asia, Africa, South America, and more with partner airlines. Keep in mind that the travel rewards program is restricted to WestJet and its partners. If you do not frequently fly with WestJet, or in general, you may want to consider another card that offers rewards with more universal usage.

Other Benefits

As evidenced, the travel rewards program is designed to award frequent flyers of WestJet. In exchange for loyalty, this card also offers an annual World Elite round-trip companion voucher starting at $119 CAD for travel in Canada and the continental U.S. and $399 for travel within the rest of WestJet global network. With this companion voucher, you can book a flight for yourself and take someone else with you without having to pay the full fare. However, this voucher only covers the base fare, and cardholders will have to pay taxes and fees. Its use is also restricted to flights operated by WestJet. In addition to the voucher, you and your companion (with a maximum of 8 guests) on the same flight itinerary receive the benefit of waived baggage fees for your first checked bags. 

With the broad insurance coverage associated with the card, cardholders can travel with peace of mind. The travel coverage includes emergency medical insurance as well as trip interruption insurance hotel burglary and rental car insurance. Even eligible purchases you make on the card are protected.

Other security measures associated with the card include a credit card lock. With the RBC Mobile app, you can simply lock and unlock your card, eliminating concerns of its getting misused and the hassle of canceling your card. Locking your card if it is misplaced, stolen, or lost means all cash advances, purchases and withdrawals either online or in-person will be declined. Once you find your card, you can easily unlock it on the Mobile app with a click of a button. 

Another benefit of using the card is instant fuel savings. As part of the RBC partnership with Petro-Canada, you instantly save 3 cents per liter at the pump as well as a 20% bonus on Petro-Points when you link your card. 

Fees

While many rewards and benefits come with the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard, the card is not cheap. Cardholders have to pay an annual fee of $119 and $59 for each card added to the account. There is also an annual interest rate of 19.99% on purchases and 22.99% on cash advances. Your interest rate will increase to 24.99% on purchases and 26.99% if you do not make your minimum payment by the payment due date. However, there is an interest-free period of at least 21 days for new purchases and fees, but not for cash advances, if you pay your statement balance in full promptly. Cash advances include cash withdrawals, balance transfers, certain bill payments, and cash-like transactions. 

The WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard also charges a foreign transaction fee of 2.5% for purchases made outside of Canada. This is ironic considering how the card’s target customers are frequent flyers. However, if you mainly travel domestically within Canada, applying for the card may still be worth it if the rewards and bonuses offset the fees. 

Other fees include cash advance fees of $3.50 for cash withdrawals of cash-like transactions in Canada or $5.00 for those outside Canada. $45 is also charged for returned payments to the credit card and $29 is charged if your balance exceeds your monthly credit limit. Additional fees apply for monthly statement copy requests, ATM transactions, and more. Considering the high-interest rates, strict payment guidelines and penalties, and numerous other fees, beginner credit card users may want to steer clear from applying for this card. 

Conclusion

The WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard has great value if all benefits are used every year to make the high annual fee and penalties worthwhile. If you frequently travel with WestJet, this card can help maximize your travel rewards, bonuses, and vacation options, which may offset the costs associated with the card. However, if you have never owned a credit card before, do not travel frequently, or prefer broader travel options, this card may not be right for you.