Points Miles and Bling (blog) contains referral or affiliate links. The blog receives a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your continued support. Credit Card issuers are not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details, current product information, and Terms and Conditions, click the link included.
RBC and WestJet have announced significant updates to the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard, including changes to WestJet Rewards and how rewards are earned and redeemed. These changes will take effect on April 30, 2025, and will impact WestJet Rewards members and WestJet RBC Mastercard cardholders. Below is a detailed breakdown of the changes.
Credit: WestJet via Facebook
WestJet Dollars Becoming WestJet Points
- Each 1 WestJet dollar (WSD) will be converted into 100 WestJet points on April 30, 2025
- The value of the rewards balance will remain the same. For example, if a member had 100 WSD, it would convert to 10,000 WestJet points, which would still provide $100 in redemption value when redeemed on WestJet fares and vacations.
- WestJet points can be redeemed in the same way as WSD, meaning 100 points = $1 CAD when booking fares and vacation packages.
Highest Status by spending on the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard
Thanks to the enhanced Status Lift benefit, members can now achieve any level of tier status, including Platinum, without travelling, by spending on the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard, or with any combination of flight and credit card spending through the updated Status Lift feature. In addition, all ticket components, aside from government taxes and fees, will be counted toward Status.
Enhanced Status Lift Benefit
- Instead of earning $500 in tier-qualifying spending per $15,000, cardholders will now earn $200 per $5,000.
- Previously capped at 3 Status Lifts per year, cardholders can earn up to 50 Status Lifts per year—enough to reach Platinum status.
- Eligible purchases for Status Lift qualification will be tracked from January 1 to December 31 each year. Transactions appearing after the December statement date may count toward the following year.
- Eligible purchases from January to April 2025 will be recalculated under the new formula, and any additional Status Lifts will be credited in May 2025.
The WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard will continue to offer the same Earn rates and benefits;
- No changes to annual fees or interest rates.
- Earning Rates:
- 2 points per $1 spent on WestJet flights and WestJet Vacations packages.
- 1.5 points per $1 spent on everyday purchases.
- Travel Benefits:
- One annual round-trip companion voucher (starting at $119).
- Free first checked bag for the primary cardholder and up to 8 guests on the same reservation.
Enhanced Redemption Options
- WestJet Points will be more flexible and can now cover the full cost of a WestJet flight or vacation package, including taxes and fees.
- WestJet Points can also be used for flight extras like seat selection and checked bags.
- Minimum Redemption Requirements:
- 2,500 points for UltraBasic, Economy, Premium, and Business fares.
- 5,000 points for WestJet Vacations and Sunwing Vacations package bookings.
- Full base fare and other Air Transportation Charges (ATC) must be covered when booking Member Exclusive fares.
- New WestJet Rewards eStore to redeem WestJet Points for merchandise and gift cards.
Takeaway
The changes to the WestJet Rewards program and WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard identified above will also apply to the WestJet RBC Mastercard. These changes will be automatically applied to all eligible accounts, and cardholders will not need to take any action. For full details and terms, cardholders can refer to the WestJet Rewards program terms and conditions.
Featured Image Credit: WestJet
