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WestJet Rewards Guide

WestJet Rewards guide

Cory Santos Credit card expert

Fact checked by Amy Tokic

Updated Apr 14, 2025

WestJet Rewards offers Canadians flexible points that never expire, attainable elite status perks, and expanded earning opportunities through travel and everyday purchases.

While we adhere to strict editorial guidelines, partners on this page may provide us earnings.

WestJet Rewards offers Canadian travellers flexibility, transparent rewards, and attainable elite status perks.

Did you know that over 60% of travellers leave their airline rewards unused or redeem them for less than optimal value?

Whether you're a frequent flyer or occasional traveller, the WestJet Rewards program offers significant opportunities to earn and save on travel. In fact, members can earn WestJet dollars on flights, everyday purchases and partner activities, while enjoying benefits across different status tiers.

Image by WestJet

WestJet's Boeing 737-8 MAX

WestJet: At a glance

Fact Details
Routes 3,000+
Destinations 109 in 24 countries
Hubs Calgary (main hub), Toronto-Pearson (secondary)
Rewards value • 1 WestJet dollar = $1 CDN
• 100 WestJet points = $1 CDN
Reward expiry No

WestJet Rewards has come a long way since its inception 15 years ago. Here’s a quick rundown of the key historical milestones in the WestJet frequent flier program:

  • 2010: WestJet Rewards launches, introducing a simple, spend-based program
  • 2015: The program celebrates its 5th anniversary with over five million members
  • 2018: Introduction of Platinum, Gold and Silver tiers, enhancing benefits for frequent flyers
  • 2023: WestJet Rewards surpasses 10 million members
  • 2025: Major program overhaul, introducing WestJet points and new earning and redemption options

WestJet network

WestJet’s extensive network connects you to a world of possibilities:

  • Hubs: Calgary International Airport (YYC), Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
  • Destinations: Over 100 destinations across Canada, the United States, Europe, the Caribbean and Mexico
  • Partner airlines: Access to over 300 destinations worldwide through airline partnerships

How to earn WestJet dollars

WestJet makes it easy to accumulate WestJet dollars, helping members earn travel rewards even when they’re not flying. Here’s every way to earn WestJet Rewards:

Flying with WestJet presents the most direct route to earning WestJet dollars. Your earning rate depends on your membership tier:

  • Teal members earn 0.5% back in WestJet dollars on base fares
  • Silver members earn 3% back
  • Gold members earn 5% back
  • Platinum members earn an impressive 8% back

For example, if you're a Platinum member spending $1,000 on a base fare, you'll earn 80 WestJet dollars, compared to just five WestJet dollars as a Teal member.

Note that you can only earn rewards on the base fare, not taxes or fees. Additionally, you won't earn WestJet dollars on UltraBasic/Basic fares, Member Exclusive fares or any portion of a ticket paid using WestJet dollars.

When booking vacation packages through WestJet Vacations, your earning rate also varies by tier status:

  • Teal members earn 0.5% back in WestJet dollars
  • Silver members earn 1% back
  • Gold members earn 1.5% back
  • Platinum members earn 2% back

Beyond flying, credit cards offer a simple way to accumulate WestJet dollars through everyday purchases. WestJet partners with RBC to offer two co-branded credit cards:

100 WestJet dollars†

Welcome Bonus

$289

First Year Value

$189

Annual Value

Welcome Bonus: Earn up to 100 WestJet dollars (with $1,000 spend in the first 3 months).†

Learn More Apply Now On RBC's Secure Site

450 WestJet dollars†

Welcome Bonus

$667

First Year Value

$217

Annual Value

Welcome Bonus: Get up to 450 WestJet dollars.† Expires May 28, 2025

Learn More Apply Now On RBC's Secure Site

Here’s how the two RBC WestJet credit cards compare:

WestJet RBC® Mastercard WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard
Annual fee:
$39 		Annual fee:
$119
Welcome bonus:
Earn up to 100 WestJet dollars (with $1,000 spend in the first 3 months).† 		Welcome bonus:
Get up to 450 WestJet dollars.†
Earn rate (WestJet):
1.5% 		Earn rate (WestJet):
2%
Earn rate (other purchases):
1% 		Earn rate (other purchases):
1.5%
Companion voucher:
Round-trip within Canada and continental U.S. for $199 		Companion voucher:
Round-trip within Canada and continental U.S. for $119 or rest of WestJet network for $399
1st bag free:
N/A 		1st bag free:
Yes (up to eight guests)
Status lift:
N/A 		Status lift:
Earn $500 in tier qualifying spend for every $15,000 spent (up to $1,500 annually)
Apply Now Apply Now

Disclosures:

  • Refer to RBC page for up to date offer terms and conditions.

WestJet has expanded earning possibilities through various partnerships:

  • Partner airlines: Earn WestJet dollars when flying with Delta, Air France, KLM and Qantas. Unlike WestJet flights, partner airline earnings are based on distance flown and booking class rather than fare price.
  • Car rentals and hotels: All members earn 1% back in WestJet dollars on car rentals booked through WestJet, regardless of tier status. The same rate applies to hotel stays and other travel activities booked through WestJet.
  • Converting points: RBC Avion Rewards members can convert Avion points to WestJet dollars at a rate of 100:1. This option is available through the Avion website.

WestJet Rewards made significant changes to its loyalty program, seeking to provide greater value for members while better aligning with industry norms by shifting to points instead of dollars.

Each WestJet dollar will convert to 100 WestJet points, meaning:

  • 1 WestJet dollar = 100 WestJet points
  • 2 WestJet dollars = 200 WestJet points
  • 5 WestJet dollars = 500 WestJet points

You get the point. And any redemption value remains consistent with the previous WestJet dollars, meaning members still enjoy the same "cash equivalent" value that WestJet Rewards is known for across Canada.

For example:

  • 100 WestJet points = C$1
  • 1 WestJet dollar = C$1

Earn WestJet points on bags, surcharges and more

WestJet members now also earn points on carrier surcharges, seat selection, checked bags and upgrades — a great boost from the old program, where only base fares earned rewards.

WestJet dollars are now WestJet points. Image courtesy of WestJet

WestJet Rewards expiration and value

Good news for members: WestJet points never expire! This gives you the flexibility to save up for that dream vacation without worrying about losing your hard-earned points.

Here’s the sort of value you can expect when redeeming your WestJet Rewards:

  • Flight redemptions: 1 cent per point (100 points = 1 dollar)
  • Taxes and fees: 0.91-0.95 cents per point
  • Other redemptions: Value may vary

How to redeem WestJet Rewards

What makes the WestJet Rewards program particularly valuable is the flexibility it offers for redeeming your rewards:

As mentioned, redeeming WestJet dollars for flights is straightforward with a fixed value of $1 per WestJet dollar. When booking flights in Economy, Premium or Business class, the following rules apply:

  • A minimum of 15 WestJet dollars per guest, per direction is required
  • WestJet dollars can only be applied to the base fare, not taxes or fees
  • No blackout dates

Member Exclusive fares offer even better value, which require paying the entire base fare with WestJet dollars but potentially offer a redemption value greater than the standard 1:1 ratio.

Beyond WestJet's own flights, you can redeem for codeshare partner flights including:

  • Air France/ KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (European destinations)
  • Delta Air Lines (North American routes)
  • Qantas (Australian cities)

WestJet Vacations packages also offer significant value when redeeming, but require a minimum of 50 WestJet dollars per booking. What makes these packages so great is that they typically include:

  • Flights and hotel accommodations
  • Optional add-ons like meal plans and airport transfers
  • Attraction tickets (such as Disney park passes)

Essentially, you can apply WestJet dollars to most of the package cost except taxes and fees, paying for almost everything with rewards! Travellers may find vacation packages provide better value than booking flights and accommodations separately.

As of 2025, WestJet Rewards has announced partnerships with:

  • TELUS Rewards: Point transfer and bonus offers
  • Skip: Earn and redeem WestJet points on food delivery orders

More partnerships are expected to be announced throughout the year.

Guide to WestJet Rewards elite status tiers

WestJet's loyalty program features four tiers that reward you with increasingly better perks as you climb the loyalty ladder. Here's what you need to know about each level and how to make the most of them.

Everyone joins WestJet Rewards at the Teal level. While it's the entry point, you'll still earn 0.5% back in WestJet dollars on flights and vacation packages.

The benefits are modest but still worthwhile:

  • Access to member-exclusive deals and promotions
  • Earning opportunities on partner airlines
  • A better 1% return on car rentals, hotels and other travel add-ons

If you're an occasional WestJet flyer, Teal gives you a taste of what's possible as you climb higher.

Once you hit $4,000 in qualifying spend, you'll jump to Silver status — and this is where the program really starts shining.

If you fly WestJet regularly, Silver is a great goal, as the benefits are substantial:

  • Your earn rate jumps dramatically to 3% on WestJet flights
  • Two free checked bags save you $70+ per round trip
  • Priority check-in means less time waiting in line
  • Airport lounge vouchers let you escape the terminal chaos
  • Advance seat selection vouchers help snag those coveted seats
  • Potential free upgrades at check-in or the gate when available

Silver members also get milestone rewards starting at just $2,000 in qualifying spend — a nice bonus even before you fully reach this tier.

Hit $6,000 in qualifying spend and you've made it to Gold — the sweet spot for frequent WestJet travellers.

At this level, your benefits take a serious leap forward:

  • Earn a generous 5% back on all WestJet flights
  • Two free checked bags for all your travel needs
  • Advance seat selection vouchers for you and companions
  • Unlimited lounge access for you and immediate family (that's huge!)
  • Zone 1 boarding means you're among the first on the plane
  • Same-day flight changes with no fees (a lifesaver when plans change)
  • A dedicated support line gets you help faster when you need it

If you're taking more than five WestJet flights annually, Gold status delivers tremendous value through both earning potential and travel comforts.

At $10,000+ in qualifying spend, you've reached WestJet royalty with Platinum status.

The perks at this tier are simply outstanding:

  • A whopping 8% back on WestJet flights (that's like getting nearly one free flight for every 12 you take)
  • Three free checked bags for those longer trips
  • Unlimited advance seat selection for yourself plus six guest vouchers
  • First dibs on complimentary upgrades when available
  • The full VIP treatment with comprehensive priority services
  • Unlimited lounge access with family privileges

For WestJet loyalists, Platinum status transforms your travel experience from ordinary to exceptional.

Tips for climbing WestJet tiers

All status tiers (above Teal, unfortunately) offer a parental leave program — a fantastic feature that lets you keep your hard-earned status during this important life event.

If you've got the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard, you're in luck! The "Status Lift" feature gives you $500 in qualifying spend for every $15,000 charged to your card (up to $1,500 annually). This can significantly fast-track your journey up the status ladder.

Getting maximum value from the WestJet Rewards program requires strategic planning and understanding key program features. Here's how to make your WestJet dollars stretch further:

  1. 1 Maximize credit card perks: Track your spending milestones carefully — every US$5,000 in purchases now earns you C$200 in tier qualifying spend.
  2. 2 Strategic redemptions: Savvy members focus on Member Exclusive fares, which often provide better value than the standard 1:1 ratio. Starting April 30, 2025, the program will undergo significant changes, allowing members to redeem points for the entire fare — including all extras and taxes.
  3. 3 Timing your bookings: Despite having no blackout dates for standard redemptions, timing your flight bookings is key. Periodically, WestJet offers sales on WestJet dollars with discounts up to 40%.
  4. 4 Combine Rewards with other promotions: Using a mix of Rewards with Status Lifts and WestJet promotions can supercharge your rewards and save you even more money.

Getting the most from companion vouchers

Companion vouchers are one of the most lucrative perks within the WestJet Rewards program, often delivering exceptional value that exceeds the cost of holding a WestJet credit card.

Redeeming companion passes with WestJet Rewards

Understanding Voucher Costs

The cost structure for companion vouchers varies based on which WestJet RBC credit card you hold:

For the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard, companion vouchers work on any WestJet route with the following base fare costs:

  • Canada/Continental US: US$199.00 for Economy or US$299.00 for Premium
  • International destinations (including Europe/Asia): US$399.00

For the WestJet RBC Mastercard, companion vouchers have more limited usage:

  • Only valid within Canada and Continental US (excluding Hawaii)
  • US$199.00 for Economy or US$299.00 for Premium fares

Both cards provide a companion voucher upon approval and then annually, appearing in your account four to six weeks after your first purchase and 30 days after each card renewal.

Booking companion vouchers

Booking with a voucher is straightforward:

  1. 1 Sign into your WestJet Rewards account
  2. 2 Check the "Use companion voucher" box on the booking widget
  3. 3 Search for flights

Important terms and conditions for maximizing value:

  • Only one voucher may be used per booking
  • The companion voucher owner must be on the booking
  • Vouchers work with all published fare types (including seat sales)
  • You can pay the base fare partly or fully with WestJet dollars
  • For round-trip bookings only; one-way bookings forfeit half the voucher value
  • Always compare prices with and without the voucher to confirm savings

Cancelation policies vary by fare type — UltraBasic bookings are non-refundable and the voucher will be forfeited, whereas other fare types allow the voucher to be reinstated with its original expiry date.

TravelBank

If you cancel your eligible flight or change to a cheaper fare more than 24 hours after booking, WestJet will refund you with credits in your Travel Bank — which is like finding money in your pocket for your next trip. These credits are automatically linked to your WestJet Rewards account, making them easy to access when you're ready to fly again.

Your credits work just like cash — one credit equals one dollar. The best part? You can use them toward any flight with no blackout dates getting in your way.

Just remember, these credits from changes or cancellations will expire after 12 months, so you'll want to plan another getaway within a year to make the most of them. I found this out myself, the hard way, a few years ago, costing myself hundreds of dollars.

WestJet Rewards airport lounges

WestJet offers a premium lounge experience:

  • WestJet Elevation Lounge (Calgary): Access for Platinum members, eligible credit cardholders, and Business class passengers.
  • Partner Lounges: Access to select partner lounges for eligible members.

How does WestJet Rewards compare?

When it comes to Canadian frequent flyer programs, WestJet Rewards, Aeroplan, and the newer VIPorter each offer distinct advantages and drawbacks. Let's break down how these programs compare across key factors to help you determine which might be best for your travel needs.

Feature
WestJet Rewards
Aeroplan
VIPorter
Points value
Fixed value of $1 CAD each
Variable, typically 1.5-2.1 cents per point
Variable, typically 1.5-1.7 cents per point
Earn rate
0.5% to 8% of base fare depending on tier status
Up to 150% of actual miles flown based on fare class and status
5-7 points per dollar spent
Redemption system
Simple - WestJet dollars directly reduce fare costs
Complex - Uses both fixed charts and dynamic pricing
Mixed - Points-based redemption on select routes
Special feature
Annual Companion Voucher ($119+ round-trip)
Family Sharing (up to 8 members)
Lower status thresholds ($3,000 vs $8,000-$20,000)
Lounge access
Vouchers at higher tiers or exchange companion voucher
Maple Leaf Lounge access with premium cards/status
Limited lounge options
Free bags
2-3 checked bags (Silver/Gold/Platinum)
Available with premium cards and elite status
Available at Priority tier or with World Elite card

Read more: The best travel loyalty programs in Canada

Is WestJet Rewards worth it?

Yes, if you're a Canadian traveller looking to save on flights. WestJet Rewards delivers real value through multiple earning channels and practical redemptions that actually benefit your wallet.The higher your status tier, the better your perks – think priority services and higher earning rates.

For the biggest bang for your buck, focus on companion vouchers and Member Exclusive fares. These can save you hundreds on flights and vacation packages with minimal effort.

What’s next? Check out the best travel rewards programs in Canada

FAQs

  • What are milestone awards in the WestJet Rewards program?

    +

    Milestone awards are special perks earned based on your milestone qualifying spend. Starting April 30, 2025, there will be eight milestone tiers ($2,000, $8,000, $12,000, $16,000, $20,000, $30,000, $40,000 and $50,000) with unique reward options at each level.

  • What is the WestJet Rewards eStore and how does it work?

    +

    The WestJet Rewards eStore lets members earn and redeem points for online shopping with popular retailers like Amazon, Apple, Sephora, and Sport Chek. The store launches on April 30, 2025 and provides WestJet Rewards members even more options for earning (and redeeming) points.

  • What does tier qualifying spend include in the updated program?

    +

    Tier qualifying spend now includes more components: purchases of WestJet eligible fares, WestJet-eligible ancillaries (like seat selection and baggage fees), purchases of WestJet Vacations eligible packages, and amounts earned from Status Lift. Essentially, all components of the ticket except government taxes and fees now count toward status.

  • What is the special Wi-Fi benefit coming for WestJet Rewards members?

    +

    WestJet Rewards members enjoy access to fast and free Wi-Fi presented by TELUS on WestJet flights (effective Spring 2025).

  • What's the difference between WestJet points and tier qualifying spend?

    +

    WestJet points are the reward currency that can be redeemed for travel, vacations and merchandise. They're independent of tier qualifying spend. Tier qualifying spend, on the other hand, tracks your progress toward elite status levels. It has no monetary value and cannot be redeemed or exchanged.

  • How have the tier qualifying spend thresholds changed for 2025?

    +

    Effective January 1, 2025, WestJet increased the qualifying spend thresholds for each tier level. Silver now requires $4,000 (up from $3,000), Gold requires $6,000 (up from $5,000), and Platinum requires $10,000 (up from $8,000). These are the first threshold changes since 2018. If you achieved status during the 2024 qualifying year, you'll continue to enjoy those benefits throughout 2025

Cory Santos Credit card expert

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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