WestJet Rewards is built on WestJet Dollars — a currency worth exactly $1 CAD each, with no complex redemption charts or award inventory restrictions. For Canadians who fly WestJet regularly, the program and its RBC credit cards offer some of the most straightforward travel rewards available.
WestJet Rewards is a travel rewards program that lets cardholders earn WestJet dollars on everyday spending.
WestJet Rewards at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program operator | WestJet Airlines |
| Currency | WestJet Dollars ($1 CAD each) |
| Expiry | No expiry with annual WestJet flight (card holders: no expiry) |
| Transfer partners | None |
| Credit card partner | RBC |
| Membership cost | Free |
How to Earn WestJet Dollars
Flying WestJet
| Membership tier | Earn rate on base fare |
|---|---|
| Member (no status) | 2% |
| Silver | 3% |
| Gold | 5% |
| Platinum | 6% |
Earn applies to base fares only — taxes and fees do not generate WestJet Dollars. Higher fare classes (Premium, Business) earn at enhanced rates.
WestJet RBC Credit Cards
| Card | Annual fee | Earn rate | Key benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard | $119 | 2% everywhere | $250 companion voucher, free first bag |
| WestJet RBC Mastercard | $39 | 1.5% WestJet, 0.5% elsewhere | Annual $99 companion voucher |
WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard is the standout value for frequent WestJet flyers:
- $250 companion voucher: Book any WestJet fare and bring a second passenger for a $0 base fare (taxes and fees still apply). On a $400 round-trip, this saves your companion $400 — typically worth far more than the $119 annual fee.
- Free first checked bag: Valid for you and up to 8 companions travelling on the same reservation. A family of four saves $280–$320 per round trip at $35–$40 per bag per direction.
- 2% everywhere: Flat earn rate with no category restrictions or rotating bonuses.
WestJet Vacation Packages
Book WestJet Vacation packages (all-inclusive resort packages) and earn 2–4% in WestJet Dollars on the package price. Premium and all-inclusive room categories earn at higher rates.
How to Redeem WestJet Dollars
WestJet Flights (Best Use)
Apply WestJet Dollars at checkout on westjet.com. Every available WestJet seat qualifies — no award inventory restrictions unlike programs such as Aeroplan. You pay taxes and fees in cash; WestJet Dollars cover the base fare.
Example: A Toronto–Calgary round trip at $550 base fare + $160 in taxes. Redeem 550 WestJet Dollars to cover the base fare; pay $160 in cash.
You can apply a partial WestJet Dollar redemption — useful if you don’t have enough for the full base fare.
WestJet Vacation Packages
Apply WestJet Dollars toward the package price when booking WestJet Vacations. Most all-inclusive packages are eligible.
Delta Partner Itineraries
WestJet and Delta Air Lines have a codeshare partnership. Earn WestJet Dollars on select WestJet-marketed Delta flights and redeem WestJet Dollars on qualifying Delta codeshare itineraries.
WestJet Status Tiers
| Tier | Qualify by | Earn rate | Key perks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Member | — | 2% | Base earn on WestJet flights |
| Silver | $3,000–$5,999 WestJet spend | 3% | Priority check-in, same-day standby |
| Gold | $6,000–$11,999 WestJet spend | 5% | Priority boarding, select lounge access |
| Platinum | $12,000+ WestJet spend | 6% | All Gold perks, upgrade priority |
WestJet Dollars earned from RBC credit card spending do not count toward status — only flight spend qualifies.
WestJet Rewards vs Aeroplan
| Feature | WestJet Rewards | Aeroplan |
|---|---|---|
| Currency | WestJet Dollars ($1 each) | Points (variable value) |
| Redemption complexity | Low — any seat, fixed value | High — award inventory, charts |
| Best value | ~2% on all WestJet spend | 2–4¢+ per point (premium cabins) |
| International routes | WestJet + Delta network | Star Alliance (40+ airlines) |
| Companion benefit | Yes (RBC World Elite) | No standard companion benefit |
| Best for | Domestic and US/Caribbean WestJet flyers | International and premium cabin travellers |
If you primarily fly WestJet within Canada, to the US, or to the Caribbean, WestJet Rewards delivers easy, transparent value with no strategy required. Aeroplan is better if you value Star Alliance partners, long-haul premium cabins, or routing beyond WestJet’s network.
Common WestJet Rewards Mistakes
| Mistake | Better approach |
|---|---|
| Not using the companion voucher annually | Book one trip per year using the voucher — it usually covers the full card fee |
| Ignoring the free checked bag | Always book under the World Elite cardholder’s name for group travel |
| Letting WestJet Dollars expire without flying | Book any WestJet flight once per year to maintain your balance |
| Using the $39 Mastercard for primary spending | Upgrade to World Elite for 2% flat and the $250 companion voucher |
Sources
- WestJet Airlines. “WestJet Rewards.” westjet.com/en-ca/rewards
- RBC Royal Bank. “WestJet RBC Credit Cards.” rbc.com
- Financial Consumer Agency of Canada. “Credit Cards.” canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency