The RBC WestJet World Elite Mastercard can be requested online via RBC’s official website, through the RBC mobile app, or at any RBC branch. Applicants must complete a secure digital application form with personal and financial details. Instant decisions are common, though some applications may require further review, which can extend processing by a few business days.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Minimum personal income: CAD $80,000 annually or household income of CAD $150,000.
- Good to excellent credit score, generally 700+.
- Canadian residency and a valid Canadian address.
- Applicant must meet the age of majority in their province or territory.
Required Documentation:
- Government-issued photo identification (e.g., driver’s license or passport).
- Proof of income (pay stubs, T4 slips, or notice of assessment).
- Banking details for pre-authorized payments, if desired.
- Employment information including employer name, position, and length of employment.
Redeeming WestJet dollars — simplicity vs value
WestJet dollars are straightforward: 1 WestJet dollar = $1 toward a base fare on any WestJet flight. There are no blackout dates and no complicated dynamic award charts. That simplicity is a big plus if you prefer predictable redemptions.
Two important limitations:
- WestJet dollars are only redeemable on WestJet fares — they’re not general cash back.
- Member exclusive fares require the entire base fare to be covered by WestJet dollars; you can’t mix cash + WestJet dollars for the base portion. That rigidity can be inconvenient if you don’t have a large WestJet dollars balance.
Compared to Air Canada’s Aeroplan (where points can effectively be worth ~2¢ each and premium cabin redemptions can be stellar), WestJet dollars generally provide lower per‑point value. But the trade‑off is ease of use and no fumbling with award availability or dynamic pricing gremlins.
Companion voucher — real examples
Three routes illustrate how the voucher performs in practice:
Vancouver → New York
Booking two people without the voucher: $1,066. With the voucher: $847. That’s a savings of about $218 — nearly double the annual fee and a clear win for the companion voucher on a short international route where base fares make up a substantial portion of the total price.
Calgary → London Heathrow
Attempting to use the voucher on this route showed the voucher would have cost more than simply booking two seats without it. Why? Europe is notorious for high taxes and fees. In this case, more than 30% of the ticket cost was taxes & fees, and the base fare portion (which the voucher offsets) ended up being lower than the $399 companion voucher fee. Result: voucher gives little to no benefit here.
Calgary → Tokyo (Narita)
This was an example where the companion voucher excelled. Two people without the voucher: ~$4,200. With the voucher: ~$3,000. Savings were over $1,100 — roughly nine times the annual fee. This demonstrates that when base fares are high (for long‑haul or in‑demand routes), the voucher can deliver exceptional value.
Bottom line on the voucher: it’s valuable most of the time, but not universally. It works best when the base fare (the portion the voucher offsets) is a significant share of the ticket price. High‑tax routes or bookings where taxes/fees dominate can reduce or eliminate the voucher’s value.
Status boost: qualifying spend credits
The card also offers a way to accelerate WestJet status. For every $15,000 spent on the card you receive $500 toward qualifying spend. You can do this up to three times per year (i.e., up to $1,500 in qualifying spend). That’s useful if you’re close to the next tier and want to bridge the gap without flying extra segments — but it won’t replace substantial WestJet travel for anyone aiming for Gold or Platinum status.
Final verdict
The RBC WestJet World Elite Mastercard is a practical, straightforward co‑brand card that rewards WestJet loyalty with a few high‑value benefits. The annual companion voucher and free checked bag are the two features that make this card compelling for many Canadians, especially families or frequent WestJet flyers. The 1.5% base earn rate on everyday spend is another meaningful advantage.
However, the card’s value is tied to how and where you fly. If your travel patterns include a lot of high‑tax European routes or you need flexible redemptions across multiple airlines, the card’s limitations will become more apparent. For those who fly WestJet regularly — and especially those who can maximize the companion voucher on routes with high base fares — this card is often a keeper.
Useful Contacts
- Website: www.rbc.com
- Phone (Canada): 1-800-769-2512
- RBC Mobile App: Available for iOS and Android
Considerations before applying
- Estimate whether the companion voucher and free baggage benefit will cover the annual fee for your typical travel patterns.
- Factor in the 1.5% general earn rate — if you prefer a card with tiered bonuses (dining, groceries), compare alternatives.
- If you’re targeting airline status, weigh whether the $500 qualifying spend credit per $15,000 charged is helpful in reaching the next level.
For many Canadian families and West Coast flyers, the RBC WestJet World Elite Mastercard strikes a useful balance between simplicity and tangible travel perks. It’s not perfect, and it won’t replace every travel card in every wallet — but for the right traveler, it’s a solid, easy‑to‑use card that can pay for itself quickly.
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