Fee hike among changes coming for Canadian WestJet RBC Mastercard holders
Canadian WestJet RBC Mastercard holders can expect significant changes in the next few months.
On Wednesday, the airline and bank announced updates coming to the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard and WestJet RBC Mastercard.
Starting Nov. 5, 2025, cardholders will be able to earn WestJet points faster on everyday purchases, while enjoying more travel benefits and insurance options on both credit cards.
“We’re making it easier for WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard and WestJet RBC Mastercard cardholders to earn more WestJet points on the purchases they make every day,” said Steve McClelland, vice president of loyalty at WestJet.
“These updates will give cardholders more flexibility and accelerated earning opportunities, so they can enjoy affordable adventures and get the most out of every trip.”
How WestJet RBC Mastercard users will earn more
sockagphoto/Shutterstock
According to the companies, cardholders will be able to earn more WestJet points across new everyday categories.
World Elite Mastercard holders will be able to earn two points per dollar spent not only on WestJet flights and vacations, but also on Sunwing Vacations and on all eligible purchases in new everyday categories. This includes groceries, gas, electric vehicle charging, and public transit or rideshare. They will continue to earn 1.5 points for every dollar spent on all other purchases.
WestJet RBC Mastercard users will be able to earn 1.5 points on Sunwing Vacations and all eligible purchases, including restaurants, food delivery, streaming services, digital games, and digital subscriptions. This is in addition to the 1.5 points per dollar spent on WestJet flights and vacations. They will continue to earn one point for every dollar spent on all other purchases.
Flexible companion voucher options
Holders of the two Mastercards will still benefit from annual companion vouchers. However, beginning Nov. 5, primary cardholders will have the option to use their voucher for travel with a friend or exchange it for new alternatives, including:
WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard
- A 30 per cent flight discount for one traveller in the economy cabin
- A $200 WestJet Vacations credit
- A $200 Sunwing Vacations credit
- Two lounge vouchers (a reduction from the current option to exchange for four vouchers)
WestJet RBC Mastercard
- A 25 per cent flight discount for one traveller in the Economy cabin
- 5,000 WestJet points that can be redeemed for flights and all extras, vacation packages or merchandise in the WestJet Rewards eStore
The companies note that the annual companion voucher for both cards will have a minimum spend requirement. For World Elite, users must spend a minimum of $5,000 a year using the card, starting from the date vouchers issued on or after Nov. 5, 2025, are received.
The WestJet RBC Mastercard requires a minimum annual spend of $2,500 to receive a companion voucher. All vouchers issued before Nov. 5, 2026, will not require a minimum spend.
Increased Mastercard fees
RBC
All of these new perks come at a cost for some cardholders.
According to the bank, starting Dec. 1, 2025, the annual fee for the World Elite Mastercard will be “updated to reflect the enhanced value of the card,” increasing from $119 to $139. Additional cardholder fees will remain the same at $59.
The annual fee for the WestJet RBC Mastercard will remain the same.
RBC is also expanding the insurance benefits on both cards:
- World Elite Mastercard – Trip Cancellation, Mobile Device Insurance
- WestJet RBC Mastercard – Mobile Device Insurance
For more information, visit Mastercard’s FAQ page.
Earlier this year, WestJet also implemented big changes to its loyalty program.