WestJet RBC Mastercard

Overview

The WestJet RBC Mastercard is the entry-level WestJet co-branded credit card issued by RBC Royal Bank on the Mastercard network — a lower-cost alternative to the World Elite version for Canadians who fly WestJet occasionally and want a companion voucher without an $80,000 CAD income requirement. Like its premium counterpart, it earns WestJet points (the rebranded rewards currency worth approximately $0.01 CAD each in WestJet redemption value), redeemable for WestJet flights, vacation packages, and seat upgrades. At $39 CAD annually with no income requirement, it's accessible to most working Canadians.

Who this card is for

This card is for Canadians who fly WestJet occasionally — once or twice a year — and want an annual companion voucher at a low card fee without the income threshold of the World Elite. It's a natural starting point for someone who's new to WestJet credit cards or doesn't yet qualify for the higher-tier card. It also suits cardholders who book WestJet for leisure travel and primarily want the companion voucher benefit rather than premium lounge access or maximum earn rates.

Key benefits

The earn rate is 1.5 WestJet points per $1 CAD spent on eligible WestJet flights, WestJet Vacations, and Sunwing Vacations, and 1.5 WestJet points per $1 on restaurant purchases, food delivery, digital subscriptions, streaming services, and digital games — and 1 WestJet point per $1 on all other eligible purchases.

The annual round-trip companion voucher is included with the card and covers a companion's base fare for $199 CAD in economy on domestic and continental U.S. routes (excluding Hawaii), plus taxes and fees — a meaningful saving on a WestJet booking for two. Starting November 2026, an annual card spend of $2,500 CAD will be required to unlock companion vouchers issued on or after that date.

At $39 CAD annually, the fee is low enough that a single use of the companion voucher on a domestic flight typically recovers it. No income requirement means almost any employed Canadian can qualify.

Potential drawbacks

WestJet points are closed-loop — they work only within WestJet's ecosystem and cannot be transferred to Aeroplan, Avios, or any other program. If WestJet doesn't serve your frequent destinations, this card has limited value. The 1x earn rate on non-bonus spending is the minimum for any card in Canada worth carrying. The incoming $2,500 CAD spend threshold for the companion voucher (effective November 2026) is easy to meet for most cardholders but worth confirming against your typical annual spend.

How it compares

The RBC WestJet World Elite Mastercard earns 2x WestJet points on groceries, gas, and more, includes a lower companion base fare ($119 CAD on domestic routes vs. $199 CAD on this card), and adds a free first checked bag — all for $139 CAD annually and an $80,000 CAD income requirement. If you qualify and fly WestJet more than twice a year, the World Elite is worth the upgrade. The RBC Avion Visa Infinite earns Avion points transferable to WestJet Rewards, British Airways Avios, and others — a more flexible option if your flights span multiple carriers.

Bottom line

An accessible low-fee entry into WestJet's co-branded card family. The companion voucher alone can return more than the $39 CAD fee on a single domestic booking — and if you expect to qualify for the World Elite in the future, starting here builds your WestJet points history in the meantime.