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- WestJet Mastercard RBC now offers up to 15,000 WestJet points on sign-up—here’s how it compares to other travel credit cards
- Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) and WestJet have launched an updated co-branded credit card offering travelers a higher welcome bonus than previous versions, according to Milesopedia, a travel...
- The promotion applies to both the WestJet Mastercard RBC World Elite and WestJet Mastercard RBC tiers, though eligibility and spending thresholds vary.
WestJet Mastercard RBC now offers up to 15,000 WestJet points on sign-up—here’s how it compares to other travel credit cards
Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) and WestJet have launched an updated co-branded credit card offering travelers a higher welcome bonus than previous versions, according to Milesopedia, a travel rewards tracking service. The new WestJet Mastercard RBC now provides up to 15,000 WestJet Rewards points—a 50% increase from the prior maximum of 10,000 points—when cardholders meet spending requirements within the first three months of account opening.
The promotion applies to both the WestJet Mastercard RBC World Elite and WestJet Mastercard RBC tiers, though eligibility and spending thresholds vary. RBC has not publicly disclosed the exact spending requirement, but Milesopedia reports that the previous version required $3,000 in purchases within 90 days. Industry sources suggest the new threshold may remain similar, though RBC has not confirmed this.
Why the points boost matters
This welcome offer ranks among the highest in Canada for travel credit cards in 2024, surpassing competitors like the Air Canada Aeroplan Visa Infinite (which offers up to 50,000 Aeroplan points but requires $5,000 in spending) and the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite (up to 30,000 points with $3,000 in purchases). The WestJet card’s appeal lies in its flexibility: points can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, or even vacation packages through WestJet Vacations, without blackout dates.
For frequent WestJet flyers, the card also includes annual travel credits—$120 in flight credits for the World Elite version and $60 for the standard card—along with complimentary checked bags and priority boarding. However, the card does not earn premium miles on everyday spending, unlike cards such as the American Express Cobalt or CIBC Aventura, which offer higher earning rates on groceries and dining.
| How the new offer stacks up | Card | Welcome Bonus | Spending Requirement | Annual Travel Credit | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WestJet Mastercard RBC (new) | Up to 15,000 WestJet points | ~$3,000 (estimated) | $120 (World Elite) / $60 | WestJet loyalists, vacation redemptions | |
| Air Canada Aeroplan Visa Infinite | Up to 50,000 Aeroplan points | $5,000 | $100 | Star Alliance travelers | |
| TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite | Up to 30,000 Aeroplan points | $3,000 | $100 | Aeroplan members | |
| American Express Cobalt | Up to 20,000 points (flexible) | $1,000 | None | Everyday spenders |
What comes next
RBC has not announced a formal launch date for the updated card, but Milesopedia’s tracking suggests the promotion may go live by mid-July 2024. Applicants should monitor RBC’s website or authorized financial partners for confirmation. The bank has also not specified whether the card’s foreign transaction fees (1.5% for the standard version, 0% for World Elite) will change.
For travelers prioritizing WestJet-specific redemptions, the increased welcome bonus makes the card a competitive option—though those seeking broader airline partnerships may still prefer Aeroplan or other multi-carrier programs. RBC’s decision to raise the points reflects growing competition in Canada’s travel rewards space, where issuers are increasingly sweetening sign-up incentives to attract spenders.
Key questions answered
How do I qualify for the 15,000-point bonus?
According to Milesopedia, applicants must meet RBC’s spending requirement—likely $3,000 in purchases—within the first 90 days of account opening. The exact threshold has not been confirmed by RBC.
Can I use WestJet points for non-WestJet flights?
Yes. While points are earned through WestJet, they can be redeemed for flights on Star Alliance partners (including Air Canada, United, and Lufthansa) as well as WestJet Vacations packages.
Is this card worth it for non-WestJet travelers?
It depends on spending habits. The card’s $120 annual travel credit (World Elite) and complimentary checked bags may offset costs even for non-WestJet flights, but earn rates on everyday purchases (1 point per dollar) are lower than premium travel cards.
Where can I apply?
Applications are available through RBC’s website or authorized financial partners. RBC has not yet enabled direct applications for the updated card, pending launch.