Overall rating
First year value
$2,985
Scores by category
Welcome Bonus 4.0
Travel 3.4
At a glance
The BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard is a premium travel credit card from Bank of Montreal (BMO) and Porter Airlines. The card features a huge welcome bonus, up to 3x on flights and a selection of great perks such as priority boarding, an annual companion pass and more. Porter is one of Canada’s fastest-growing airlines and focuses on travellers who value convenience and comfort, including no middle seats.
Highlights
$2,985
First year value
up to $2,400 value*
Welcome bonus
$199
Annual fee
Annual fee waived in the first year*
Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase APR
23.99%
Balance transfer APR
23.99%
Cash advance APR
21.99% for Quebec residents
Eligibility
Good
Recommended credit score
$80,000
Required annual personal income
$150,000
Required annual household income
Quick overview of the BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard
The BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard is a premium travel credit card from Bank of Montreal (BMO) and Porter Airlines. The card features a huge welcome bonus, up to 3x on flights and a selection of great perks such as priority boarding, an annual companion pass and more. Porter is one of Canada’s fastest-growing airlines and focuses on travellers who value convenience and comfort, including no middle seats.
Who’s the BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard
The higher-tier Porter VIPorter World Elite Mastercard is designed for the Porter fanatic who prizes their comfort and wants to earn maximum rewards when they travel with their preferred airline. The instant Avid Traveller Venture status means they’ll earn up to 7x on Porter flights, plus enjoy great perks like priority checking and boarding, free bags and a complimentary PorterClassic seat selection for you and a travel companion. Not bad!
Pros and cons
Pros
-
Annual companion pass: Get an annual companion pass (typically requires $50,000 in spending) each year
-
Instant elite status: Get complimentary VIPorter Avid Traveller Venture status, offering two free lounge passes
-
No middle seats: Porter's aircraft use a 2-2 seating configuration, meaning you've got two seats on each side of the aisle and no one in between.
Cons
-
Paid lounge access: The card offers lounge access but it costs USD$32 per visit (outside of the annual Porter lounge passes)
-
Average insurance: The card offers solid travel insurance but other banks may provide greater coverage
BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard welcome bonus
-
Get up to $2,400 in value* including 70,000 VIPorter points and a round-trip companion pass.* Plus receive $1,000 in Qualifying Spend.* Plus no annual fee in your first year*.
How to earn VIPorter points with the BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard
As a premium travel credit card, the BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard earns enhanced points on purchases beyond what you get with the basic version of the card. Cardholders earn the following VIPorter points on eligible purchases:
- 3 points per $1 spent on Porter flights
- 2 points per $1 spent on transportation, gas, groceries, dining, and hotel accommodations
- 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
Cardholders instantly earn double the rewards on Porter flights however, thanks to 7 points per dollar on Porter flights, plus a host of impressive benefits touched on later in the review.
The 3x base earn rate on travel is excellent and matches or exceeds many top-tier travel cards in Canada. For example, the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card offers 3x points on Air Canada flights and vacations, but comes with a much higher $599 annual fee. On the other hand, some cards, such as the TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card, offer higher earn rates (up to 8x points) on travel booked through their portal, but may have limitations on how points can be redeemed.
What are VIPorter points worth?
VIPorter rewards points do not have a set value, as points can be worth anywhere from 1.5 to 6 cents each, depending on how you redeem them. The highest value comes from Dollars & Points, as more exotic destinations and upgraded seats offer lower value for money.
When it comes to redeeming your VIPorter points, you’ve got options:
- 1 Full fare redemption: Use your points to cover the entire base fare of your flight.
- 2 Dollars & Points: Combine points with cash to pay for your ticket.
Regardless of how you redeem, you’ll still need to pay taxes and fees in cash.
It's worth noting that VIPorter doesn’t have a fixed award chart, which means point values can vary.
PorterClassic vs. PorterReserve
When redeeming, you’ll have two seat options:
- PorterClassic: Your standard economy seat.
- PorterReserve: A premium economy option with slightly larger seats.
Keep in mind that PorterReserve can cost 1.5x to 3x more points than PorterClassic, depending on availability. Weigh the comfort against the cost to decide what’s best for you.
Do VIPorter points expire?
VIPorter points expire after 24 months of inactivity. Fortunately, keeping your account active is as easy and making a purchase with the VIPorter credit card.
Porter Airlines airline partners
Porter Airlines features two types of codeshare partners loyalty program partners and other partners.
Loyalty program partners means that VIPorter members can earn VIPorter points for flights with these carriers. Currently, Porter has two loyalty partners: Alaska Airlines and Air Transat.
Other partners do not allow VIPorter members to earn VIPorter points, but do provide seamless connections and easy check-in options. Porter partners with the following carriers:
- Aeromexico
- Azores Airlines
- British Airways
- Delta Air Lines
- Fiji Airways
- Icelandair
- JetBlue
- Qatar Airways
- Singapore Airlines
Key benefits of the BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard
- Instant elite status: Cardholders can enjoy premium travel perks without the usual spending or flying requirements.
- Accelerated earning: Higher earn rates on everyday purchases mean faster accumulation of travel rewards.
- Flexible redemptions: Points can be used across Porter’s expanding North American network and with partner airlines such as Air Transat and Alaska Airlines.
- No blackout dates: Redeem for any seat with no restrictions, offering true freedom in travel planning.
Cardholders enjoy automatic VIPorter Avid Traveller Venture status, the premier tier in the VIPorter loyalty program. This tier usually requires $5,000 on Porter flights in a calendar year or an eye-watering 50 one-way flights in a calendar year.
Avid Traveller Venture offers the following benefits:
- Earn seven points per dollar spent on Porter flights (that’s 40% more than basic members!)
- All Avid Traveller benefits, plus:
- Complimentary PorterClassic seat selection for you and a travel companion
- One free checked bag
- Dedicated phone line for priority support
- Two Porter lounge passes annually
- A round-trip companion pass per year*
- 1 complimentary checked bag*
- 1 complimentary carry-on bag on all Porter fare types*
- Free PorterClassic seat selection*
- Priority re-accommodation for flight delays*
- Priority check-in, security and early boarding*
- No VIPorter points expiry
- Earn $1 of qualifying spend for every $25 spent
*This benefit applies to up to eight companions travelling on the same booking"
Like any impressive travel credit card, the BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard offers airport lounge access through Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass - although an entry fee of USD$32 per person, per visit fee applies.
Additionally, the DragonPass network does not cover all of Porter’s destinations. The DragonPass network includes over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide but currently only covers around 12 of the 37 destinations in Porter Airline’s route map. For example, Halifax Airport (YHZ) offers a Maple Leaf Lounge, but this lounge is not part of the DragonPass network.
But there is some good news. DragonPass membership usually costs $99 per year, so the VIPorter credit card’s complimentary membership is a plus. And while not free, the US$32 per person, per visit fee is significantly lower than the standard pay-per-use rates at many airports.
Porter destinations with DragonPass lounges
While DragonPass does not reach all of Porter Airlines' destinations (including big names like Los Angeles, Chicago and Tampa), the DragonPass network does reach the following Porter destinations:
- Calgary: 3 lounges
- Montreal: 3 lounges
- Ottawa: 1 lounge
- Quebec City: 1 lounge
- Toronto (Billy Bishop): 1 lounge
- Vancouver: 6 lounges
- Winnipeg: 2 lounges
- Boston: 1 lounge
- Ft. Lauderdale: 1 lounge
- Miami: 2 lounges
- New York (LaGuardia): 1 lounge
- Orlando: 1 lounge
- Phoenix: 2 lounges
- San Diego: 1 lounge
- San Francisco: 2 lounges
- Washington DC: 2 lounges
- West Palm Beach: 1 lounge
While Porter Airlines flies into both Toronto Pearson and Toronto Billy Bishop airports, it's Billy Bishop that serves as the carrier's main hub.
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ), located on Toronto Island, offers a unique blend of convenience and efficiency for both business and leisure travellers. This strategic location positions YTZ as a key asset in Porter's operations and a vital link in the city's transportation infrastructure.
Porter's presence at Billy Bishop is characterized by a state-of-the-art terminal, designed to streamline the passenger experience from check-in to boarding. Billy Bishop is also a great choice if you don't want to get stuck in the endless security queues at Pearson Airport.
Photos courtesy of Money.ca's VP of Marketing, Kris Bruynson
BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard insurance coverage
Extra benefits of the BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard
- Save up to 20% on National Car Rental®†† and Alamo Rent A Car®†† and up to 5% on Enterprise Rent-A-Car®†† at locations worldwide using the Car Rental Booking tool
- Get 20% off admission to Cirque du Soleil shows touring Canada* and 15% off resident shows in Las Vegas
- Save up to 7% on your Booking.com prepaid hotel or property rental bookings at booking.com/mastercardcanada
- Mastercard World Elite concierge
How does the BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard compare?
up to 40,000 points
Welcome Bonus
$1,646
First Year Value
$546
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Join and get up to $1,100 in value in your first year!†
Get this card if you...
-
frequently travel with Air Canada and collect Aeroplan points
-
value comprehensive travel insurance
-
value a great welcome offer
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$139
Annual Fee
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card is a travel rewards credit card tailored for frequent Air Canada travelers, offering elevated Aeroplan point accumulation on eligible gas, grocery and direct Air Canada purchases. Cardholders benefit from perks such as a free first checked bag on Air Canada flights, access to exclusive Visa Infinite offers, and comprehensive travel insurance.
Eligibility
Very Good (671 - 739)
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000
Required Annual Household Income
Pros
-
Earn up to 40,000 bonus Aeroplan points in the first year
-
Earn up to 1.5 Aeroplan points on purchases
-
Free checked bags on Air Canada flights
-
Special pricing on Aeroplan flight rewards
-
Includes travel insurance
Cons
-
High income requirement of either $60,000 personal or $100,000 household
-
Rewards go furthest when redeeming for Air Canada flights, so that can limit your travel options
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
25.99%
Penalty
Fees
$139
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
5.00%
Balance Transfer
$5
Cash Advance
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
$42.5
Return Penalty
Rewards Aeroplan
1.5 pts
for every $1 you spend on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries and with Air Canada directly, including through Air Canada Vacations®
1 pt
for every $1 you spend on all other purchases.
2x
Earn points twice at over 150 Aeroplan partners and more than 170 online retailers through the Aeroplan eStore.
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$2,500
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Join and get up to $1,100 in value in your first year!†
Get a total of up to 40,000 Aeroplan points (up to $800 in travel value†):
10,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first purchase†.
10,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $5,000 or more during the first 4 monthly statements periods†.
20,000 Aeroplan points as an additional anniversary bonus when you have at least $10,000 in net purchases posted on your account during the first 12 monthly statement periods†.
Enjoy a free first checked bag: a $140 value for 2 travellers for each round-trip flight, assuming you take one round-trip Air Canada flight in the first year†.
Plus, get a one-time annual fee rebate ($139) for you (the primary cardholder) and up to three authorized users ($50 each): up to $189 value†.
Our Take
The CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card is a travel rewards credit card tailored for frequent Air Canada travelers, offering elevated Aeroplan point accumulation on eligible gas, grocery and direct Air Canada purchases. Cardholders benefit from perks such as a free first checked bag on Air Canada flights, access to exclusive Visa Infinite offers, and comprehensive travel insurance.
Eligibility
Very Good (671 - 739)
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000
Required Annual Household Income
Pros
-
Earn up to 40,000 bonus Aeroplan points in the first year
-
Earn up to 1.5 Aeroplan points on purchases
-
Free checked bags on Air Canada flights
-
Special pricing on Aeroplan flight rewards
-
Includes travel insurance
Cons
-
High income requirement of either $60,000 personal or $100,000 household
-
Rewards go furthest when redeeming for Air Canada flights, so that can limit your travel options
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
25.99%
Penalty
Fees
$139
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
5.00%
Balance Transfer
$5
Cash Advance
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
$42.5
Return Penalty
Rewards Aeroplan
1.5 pts
for every $1 you spend on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries and with Air Canada directly, including through Air Canada Vacations®
1 pt
for every $1 you spend on all other purchases.
2x
Earn points twice at over 150 Aeroplan partners and more than 170 online retailers through the Aeroplan eStore.
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$2,500
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Join and get up to $1,100 in value in your first year!†
Get a total of up to 40,000 Aeroplan points (up to $800 in travel value†):
10,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first purchase†.
10,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $5,000 or more during the first 4 monthly statements periods†.
20,000 Aeroplan points as an additional anniversary bonus when you have at least $10,000 in net purchases posted on your account during the first 12 monthly statement periods†.
Enjoy a free first checked bag: a $140 value for 2 travellers for each round-trip flight, assuming you take one round-trip Air Canada flight in the first year†.
Plus, get a one-time annual fee rebate ($139) for you (the primary cardholder) and up to three authorized users ($50 each): up to $189 value†.
| BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard | CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card |
|---|---|
|
Annual fee:
$199 (waived for the 1st year) |
Annual fee:
$139 (waived for the 1st year) |
|
Welcome bonus:
Get up to $2,400 in value* including 70,000 VIPorter points and a round-trip companion pass.* |
Welcome bonus:
Join and get up to $1,100 in value in your first year!† |
|
Earn rates:
Earn 3 points for every $1 spent on Porter purchases*. Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on gas, transportation, groceries, dining*, and hotel accommodations. Earn 1 point for every $1 spent everywhere else*. |
Earn rates:
Earn 1.5 Aeroplan points on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries and with Air Canada directly, including through Air Canada Vacations®† Earn 1 Aeroplan point on all other purchases† Earn points twice at over 150 Aeroplan partners and more than 170 online retailers through the Aeroplan eStore |
|
Travel perks:
Automatic VIPorter Passport Avid Traveller membership Paid lounge access Priority boarding Good travel insurance Rental car discounts |
Travel perks:
Complimentary lounge access NEXUS statement credits Comprehensive travel insurance Rental car discounts |
| - | Apply Now |
Disclosures:
- †Terms and Conditions Apply. This offer is not available for residents of Quebec.
- The information for the CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card has been collected independently by Money.ca. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
450 WestJet dollars†
Welcome Bonus
$667
First Year Value
$217
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Get up to 450 WestJet dollars.† Expires May 28, 2025
Get this card if you...
-
frequently travel with WestJet
-
take advantage of premium travel perks like lounge access
-
need robust travel insurance
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$119
Annual Fee
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard is a premium travel rewards credit card tailored for frequent WestJet travelers, offering elevated earn rates on WestJet flights and vacation packages, as well as on everyday purchases. Cardholders benefit from a generous welcome bonus, an annual companion voucher, complimentary first checked bags and access to over 1,300 global airport lounges; however, the card carries an annual fee and has high personal or household income requirements for eligibility.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$80,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$150,000
Required Annual Household Income
Pros
-
A generous welcome bonus of up to $450 WestJet dollars
-
Good earn rate of up to 2% back in WestJet dollars
-
Good travel insurance coverage
Cons
-
High annual income requirement: Personal: $80,000 or Household: $150,000
-
Insurance doesn't include trip cancellation coverage or lost baggage
-
Reward redemptions are restricted to WestJet
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$119
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
5.00%
Balance Transfer
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
Rewards Westjet dollars
2%
Earn 2% back in WestJet dollars on WestJet flights or WestJet vacation packages.
1.5%
Earn 1.5% back in WestJet dollars for everyday purchases.
Wi-Fi
access to over 1 million Wi-Fi hotsports around the world with Boingo Wi-Fi for Mastercard
1
annual companion voucher (starting at $119)
3¢/L
savings at Petro-Canada and 20% more Petro-Points
$0
delivery fees for 12 months from DoorDash
Insurance Benefits
$500,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$2,500
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Get up to 450 WestJet dollars (a value of up to $450 off the base fare) when you spend a minimum of $5,000 in the first 3 months on your card, as well as an anniversary bonus.
Receive 250 WestJet dollars upon your first purchase and 200 WestJet dollars when you spend $5,000 or more in the first 3 months.†
Plus, receive a round-trip companion voucher every year for any WestJet destination.†
Offer valid until May 28, 2025.
Our Take
The WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard is a premium travel rewards credit card tailored for frequent WestJet travelers, offering elevated earn rates on WestJet flights and vacation packages, as well as on everyday purchases. Cardholders benefit from a generous welcome bonus, an annual companion voucher, complimentary first checked bags and access to over 1,300 global airport lounges; however, the card carries an annual fee and has high personal or household income requirements for eligibility.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$80,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$150,000
Required Annual Household Income
Pros
-
A generous welcome bonus of up to $450 WestJet dollars
-
Good earn rate of up to 2% back in WestJet dollars
-
Good travel insurance coverage
Cons
-
High annual income requirement: Personal: $80,000 or Household: $150,000
-
Insurance doesn't include trip cancellation coverage or lost baggage
-
Reward redemptions are restricted to WestJet
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$119
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
5.00%
Balance Transfer
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
Rewards Westjet dollars
2%
Earn 2% back in WestJet dollars on WestJet flights or WestJet vacation packages.
1.5%
Earn 1.5% back in WestJet dollars for everyday purchases.
Wi-Fi
access to over 1 million Wi-Fi hotsports around the world with Boingo Wi-Fi for Mastercard
1
annual companion voucher (starting at $119)
3¢/L
savings at Petro-Canada and 20% more Petro-Points
$0
delivery fees for 12 months from DoorDash
Insurance Benefits
$500,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$2,500
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Get up to 450 WestJet dollars (a value of up to $450 off the base fare) when you spend a minimum of $5,000 in the first 3 months on your card, as well as an anniversary bonus.
Receive 250 WestJet dollars upon your first purchase and 200 WestJet dollars when you spend $5,000 or more in the first 3 months.†
Plus, receive a round-trip companion voucher every year for any WestJet destination.†
Offer valid until May 28, 2025.
| BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard | WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard |
|---|---|
|
Annual fee:
$199 (waived for the 1st year) |
Annual fee:
$119 |
|
Welcome bonus:
Get up to $2,400 in value* including 70,000 VIPorter points and a round-trip companion pass.* |
Welcome bonus:
Get up to 450 WestJet dollars.† |
|
Earn rates:
Earn 3 points for every $1 spent on Porter purchases*. Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on gas, transportation, groceries, dining*, and hotel accommodations. Earn 1 point for every $1 spent everywhere else*. |
Earn rates:
Earn 2% back in WestJet dollars on WestJet flights or WestJet Vacations packages using your card Earn 1.5% back in WestJet dollars on everyday purchases |
|
Travel perks:
Automatic VIPorter Passport Avid Traveller membership Paid lounge access Priority boardingGood travel insurance Rental car discounts |
Travel perks:
Complimentary lounge access Complimentary bags Boingo Wi-Fi access Comprehensive travel insurance Rental car discounts |
| - | Apply Now |
Disclosures:
- Refer to the RBC Page for up to date offer terms and conditions.
Is the BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard worth it?
The VIPorter World Elite Mastercard from BMO is an intriguing travel card that offers plenty of perks for its hefty annual fee. The points on offer are double that of the lower-cost BMO VIPorter Mastercard, but the perks struggle to justify the fee unless you are a determined Porter fan.
Probably the most disappointing feature of the card is the paid lounge access through DragonPass. Fortunately, the Passport Avid Traveller status offers two Porter lounge passes per year, but that’s a limited perk that pales in comparison to several free passes from Priority Pass or Visa Travel Companion.
But those who fly often with the underdog carrier will love the benefits, including the free bags, priority boarding and companion pass. Even better, the travel perks extend to up to eight people flying on the same reservation.
Eligiblity criteria
- Age: 18+
- Residency: Canadian resident
- Credit score: Good
- Income: $80,000 (personal); $150,000 (household)
Disclosures
-
*Terms and conditions apply
BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information.
FAQs
Cory Santos is a finance writer, editor and credit card expert with nearly a decade of experience in personal finance. Cory joined Wise Publishing from BestCards, with bylines in numerous print and digital publications across North America, including the Miami Herald, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Debt.ca, AOL, MSN and Medium as well as financial podcasts like KOFE Talk.
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Disclaimer
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†Terms and Conditions apply.