How Do These Premium Travel Cards Stack Up?
The Canadian credit card market offers numerous options for travelers, but the WestJet and BMO World Elite cards stand out for their robust travel benefits and rewards structures. These premium cards target consumers who travel regularly and want to maximize their spending through travel-specific perks and comprehensive protection. While they share similarities as travel-focused World Elite Mastercards, their rewards systems and benefit structures differ significantly.
The WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard costs $119 annually and rewards cardholders with WestJet dollars, featuring an annual companion voucher and free checked bags on WestJet flights. Meanwhile, the BMO Ascend® World Elite Mastercard charges $150 yearly and uses BMO Rewards points, offering enhanced earnings on travel, dining, and recurring bills alongside comprehensive insurance coverage and airport lounge access. These fundamental differences create distinct value propositions for different types of travelers.
Each card targets a specific traveler profile, making your personal preferences and travel habits crucial factors in determining which option provides superior value. The following sections will examine these cards across multiple dimensions to help you make an informed decision based on your unique needs.
Rewards Programs That Match Your Spending Style
The rewards structure forms the foundation of any credit card's value proposition. Both cards offer attractive earning potential but function quite differently in how they reward cardholders for their spending habits.
The WestJet card employs a straightforward rewards system where cardholders earn 2% back in WestJet dollars on WestJet flights and vacation packages, plus 1.5% back on all other eligible purchases. This simplicity appeals to those who prefer a consistent earning rate without tracking multiple spending categories. WestJet dollars maintain a direct 1:1 value when redeemed for WestJet flights, creating a transparent rewards system that's easy to understand and maximize.
The BMO Ascend card takes a different approach with a tiered category-based structure. Cardholders earn 5 BMO Rewards points per dollar on travel purchases (up to $15,000 annually), 3 points per dollar on dining, entertainment, and recurring bill payments (up to $10,000 annually per category), and 1 point per dollar on everything else. This structure rewards those who spend heavily in specific categories but requires more attention to maximize value. BMO Rewards points typically yield about 0.67 cents per point when redeemed for travel, making the effective return rate slightly different than the raw points earned.
For someone spending $2,000 monthly across various categories, our analysis suggests the WestJet card could generate approximately $366 in annual rewards value—about $85 more than the BMO Ascend card might earn for the same spending pattern. However, this calculation assumes a spending distribution that favors the WestJet card's structure.
What Makes Each Card's Welcome Bonus Unique?
The initial welcome offer often serves as a powerful incentive when selecting a new credit card. Both cards feature attractive bonuses, though they differ significantly in structure and potential value.
The WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard currently offers up to $450 in WestJet dollars as a welcome bonus. This consists of $250 in WestJet dollars upon making your first purchase and an additional $200 after spending at least $5,000 within the first three months. This two-tiered approach rewards immediate card activation while encouraging substantial initial spending. The straightforward dollar value makes it easy to understand exactly what you're getting and how you can use it toward future WestJet travel.
The BMO Ascend® World Elite Mastercard typically offers welcome bonuses in BMO Rewards points, with the specific amount varying based on promotional periods. These points can be redeemed across multiple categories, providing greater flexibility than the airline-specific WestJet dollars. The redemption value typically works out to approximately 150 points equaling $1 when used for travel bookings through BMO's travel portal.
Welcome bonuses should be evaluated not just on their face value but also on how well they align with your travel plans. If you frequently fly WestJet, their welcome bonus provides immediate, tangible value toward your preferred airline. Conversely, if you value flexibility across different travel options, the BMO points-based welcome bonus might better suit your needs despite potentially lower direct cash equivalence.
Annual Fees and Interest Rates Comparison
Credit card costs play a crucial role in determining overall value, especially for premium travel cards that charge annual fees. Understanding these costs helps ensure the benefits outweigh the investment.
The WestJet card charges a $119 annual fee, positioning it at the lower end of the premium travel card spectrum. This relatively modest fee becomes easier to justify when considering the companion voucher alone, which can save hundreds of dollars on a single trip. Additional benefits like free checked bags further offset this cost for regular WestJet travelers. The card maintains standard interest rates of 20.99% on purchases and 22.99% on cash advances, aligned with industry norms for premium cards.
The BMO Ascend card commands a higher $150 annual fee, reflecting its broader benefits package and more versatile rewards structure. This $31 difference requires cardholders to extract additional value from the BMO card's enhanced category earnings and comprehensive insurance coverage to justify the premium. The card features similar interest rates to the WestJet option, with 20.99% on purchases and 22.99% on cash advances, though slight regional variations may apply.
Both cards charge a standard 2.5% foreign transaction fee on purchases made in foreign currencies. This fee is consistent with most Canadian credit cards but represents a consideration for frequent international travelers who might benefit from cards specifically designed to waive these charges. For optimal value, both cards should be paid in full monthly to avoid interest charges that would quickly erode the rewards earned.
Which Travel Perks Matter Most to You?
Travel benefits often distinguish premium cards from their standard counterparts. The specific perks offered by each card reveal their target audience and potential value proposition.
The WestJet card centers its benefits around the WestJet travel experience, with the annual round-trip companion voucher serving as its flagship perk. This voucher allows cardholders to book a second ticket at significantly reduced rates starting from $119 for travel within Canada/US or $399 for international destinations. Cardholders can alternatively exchange this voucher for four lounge access passes if preferred. The free first checked bag benefit extends to the primary cardholder and up to eight companions on the same itinerary, potentially saving hundreds of dollars per trip for families or groups.
The BMO Ascend card offers a more diverse set of travel benefits, including four complimentary airport lounge passes annually through programs like Mastercard LoungeKey. The card also provides a 24/7 concierge service to assist with travel arrangements, dining reservations, and entertainment bookings. These benefits cater to travelers who value premium experiences and personalized assistance rather than airline-specific savings.
For WestJet loyalists who travel with companions or checked luggage, the WestJet card's benefits can quickly surpass its annual fee in tangible savings. Meanwhile, the BMO card appeals to travelers who prefer flexibility across airlines and value premium experiences like airport lounges regardless of which carrier they choose.
Insurance Coverage That Protects Your Journey
Travel insurance represents a significant but often overlooked component of credit card value. Both cards offer robust protection, though with different emphases and coverage limits.
The WestJet card provides a comprehensive insurance package including:
- Emergency medical coverage: Protection for unexpected illness or injury while traveling
- Trip cancellation and interruption: Reimbursement for non-refundable expenses if your trip is disrupted
- Flight and baggage delay: Coverage for essential purchases when your travel plans face delays
- Rental car damage/theft: Protection when renting vehicles and paying with your card
The BMO Ascend card elevates insurance coverage with up to 14 different types of protection:
- Travel accident insurance: Coverage for accidents while using common carriers
- Enhanced trip cancellation/interruption: Often with higher limits than the WestJet card
- Comprehensive rental car coverage: Extensive protection for car rentals worldwide
- Purchase protection and extended warranty: Safeguards for everyday purchases beyond travel
Both cards include standard purchase protection and extended warranty coverage that apply to everyday shopping. These features add value beyond travel by protecting electronics, appliances, and other significant purchases against damage, theft, or manufacturer defects for extended periods.
Insurance benefits become particularly valuable during travel disruptions or emergencies when out-of-pocket costs can quickly escalate. The BMO card's more extensive insurance portfolio may appeal to risk-averse travelers who prioritize comprehensive protection across various scenarios.
How Do Redemption Options Compare?
Reward flexibility often determines long-term satisfaction with a credit card. The redemption options available through each program reveal important differences in how cardholders can utilize their earned rewards.
WestJet dollars function essentially as cash when applied toward WestJet flights or vacation packages. Each WestJet dollar directly offsets one Canadian dollar of the base fare, creating a straightforward redemption process with predictable value. This simplicity appeals to those who regularly fly WestJet and appreciate knowing exactly what their rewards are worth. However, this system lacks flexibility for those who occasionally prefer other airlines or non-travel redemptions.
BMO Rewards points offer significantly more redemption versatility. Cardholders can use points for:
- Travel bookings: Including flights on any airline, hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages
- Merchandise: Electronics, home goods, and other products through BMO's rewards catalog
- Gift cards: From various retailers and service providers
- Statement credits: Applied directly to your credit card balance
This flexibility allows cardholders to adapt their redemption strategy based on changing needs or preferences. However, redemption values vary across these options, with travel typically offering the best return at approximately 0.67 cents per point. This variable value requires more attention to maximize returns compared to the WestJet program's consistent valuation.
The ideal redemption system depends largely on your travel patterns and preferences. Frequent WestJet flyers benefit from the direct application of WestJet dollars toward their preferred airline, while those seeking versatility might prefer BMO's broader redemption options despite potentially lower point values for some redemption types.
Eligibility Requirements and Approval Odds
Premium travel cards typically maintain stricter approval criteria than standard credit products. Understanding these requirements helps determine whether either card represents a realistic option for your financial profile.
Both cards target higher-income consumers with similar eligibility requirements:
- Personal income threshold: Minimum $80,000 annual personal income
- Household income alternative: Minimum $150,000 combined household income
- Credit score expectations: Good to excellent credit history (typically 700+ score)
- Canadian residency: Must be a Canadian resident with a Canadian credit file
These requirements ensure cardholders have sufficient income to maximize card benefits while maintaining responsible payment behavior. Applicants who don't meet these criteria might consider alternative travel cards with less stringent requirements, such as the TD Aeroplan Visa Platinum or entry-level cash back options.
Approval odds improve with higher income levels, excellent credit scores, limited recent credit applications, and established banking relationships with the issuing financial institution. First-time applicants for premium cards may face more scrutiny than those with established credit histories demonstrating responsible management of similar products.
What Do Current Cardholders Say?
Customer feedback provides valuable insights into real-world experiences with these credit cards. Examining user experiences reveals common themes regarding satisfaction and potential pain points.
WestJet cardholders frequently praise the companion voucher's tangible value and the straightforward rewards structure. Many appreciate the immediate savings on checked bag fees, especially when traveling with family members. The direct correlation between WestJet dollars earned and their redemption value creates a transparent system that users find refreshingly simple. However, some users express frustration with the card's limited utility for non-WestJet travel and occasional customer service challenges when dealing with RBC support channels.
BMO Ascend cardholders typically highlight the card's versatility and comprehensive insurance coverage as key advantages. Many appreciate earning enhanced rewards across multiple spending categories rather than just airline purchases. The concierge service receives positive mentions for simplifying travel arrangements and securing difficult reservations. Some users note challenges with maximizing value from the tiered rewards structure, particularly when spending exceeds category caps or falls predominantly outside bonus categories.
Customer satisfaction ultimately depends on alignment between the card's strengths and the cardholder's specific needs. Those who value simplicity and direct airline benefits tend to prefer the WestJet card, while those seeking broader rewards applicability across varied spending patterns often favor the BMO option despite its higher annual fee.
Maximizing Value From Each Card
Strategic usage significantly impacts the value derived from premium credit cards. Implementing specific approaches can help cardholders extract maximum benefits from either option.
To maximize the WestJet card's value:
- Use the companion voucher strategically for longer, more expensive routes where the savings will be greatest
- Book WestJet flights and vacation packages directly with the card to earn 2% back in WestJet dollars
- Take full advantage of the free checked bag benefit when traveling with family or groups
- Consider exchanging the companion voucher for lounge passes if traveling solo frequently
For optimal BMO Ascend card value:
- Concentrate spending in bonus categories (travel, dining, entertainment, recurring bills) to earn enhanced points
- Track category spending to ensure you don't exceed the annual caps where higher earn rates apply
- Redeem points primarily for travel through BMO's portal to achieve maximum point value
- Utilize the included lounge passes during longer layovers or delays to enhance travel comfort
Both cards reward strategic spending and thoughtful benefit utilization. The WestJet card provides more immediate, tangible benefits for loyal WestJet customers, while the BMO card requires more active management to maximize its category bonuses and redemption options. Your personal spending patterns and travel preferences will determine which approach better aligns with your lifestyle.
Which Card Delivers Better Overall Value?
Determining the superior card requires evaluating multiple factors against your specific needs and preferences. This holistic assessment helps identify which option provides better alignment with your financial and travel profile.
For WestJet loyalists who regularly fly with companions or checked luggage, the WestJet card delivers exceptional value through direct travel savings. The companion voucher alone can save hundreds of dollars annually, easily offsetting the $119 fee. When combined with free checked bags and straightforward WestJet dollar earnings, this card creates a compelling package for those who primarily fly with WestJet or its partner airlines. The lower annual fee also means cardholders need to extract less value to break even compared to more expensive alternatives.
The BMO Ascend card shines for travelers who value flexibility and comprehensive benefits across multiple spending categories. The enhanced earnings on travel, dining, and recurring bills reward diverse spending patterns rather than airline loyalty. The extensive insurance package and concierge service provide valuable protection and convenience for frequent travelers regardless of airline preference. Though the higher annual fee requires more strategic usage to justify, the card's versatility appeals to those who prioritize options over airline-specific benefits.
Your ideal choice depends largely on your travel patterns and spending habits. Frequent WestJet flyers who can utilize the companion voucher will likely extract more value from the WestJet card. Meanwhile, those who prefer booking travel across multiple airlines and want rewards on everyday spending categories might find the BMO card's flexibility worth its premium price despite potentially lower direct returns on some purchases.
Long-Term Considerations for Card Selection
Beyond immediate benefits, several long-term factors should influence your credit card decision. These considerations help ensure your selected card remains valuable as your needs evolve.
Credit card benefits and terms frequently change over time, sometimes reducing value propositions that initially attracted cardholders. The WestJet card has maintained relatively consistent core benefits over recent years, suggesting stability in its fundamental value proposition. The BMO card has undergone more frequent refreshes, including recent enhancements to its category bonus structure, indicating a willingness to evolve with market conditions.
Your travel patterns may also shift over time due to changing life circumstances, career developments, or personal preferences. The WestJet card's value diminishes significantly if you no longer regularly fly with WestJet, while the BMO card's broader applicability provides more resilience against changing travel habits. Consider not just your current travel patterns but also how they might evolve in coming years.
Relationship banking benefits can also enhance card value over time. RBC and BMO both offer relationship bonuses for customers who maintain multiple products with their respective institutions. These synergies might include preferential exchange rates, fee waivers on banking products, or enhanced rewards earning potential when combining the card with other financial services from the same provider.
Ready to Choose Your Ideal Travel Companion?
After thoroughly examining both premium travel cards across multiple dimensions, clear patterns emerge that can guide your decision-making process. Your ideal choice ultimately depends on aligning card strengths with your specific travel habits and financial priorities.
The WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard delivers exceptional value for WestJet loyalists through its companion voucher, free checked bags, and straightforward rewards structure. With a lower annual fee and direct travel savings, this card provides immediate tangible benefits that easily justify its cost for regular WestJet travelers. The simplicity of its rewards system and redemption process appeals to those who prefer straightforward value without complex optimization strategies.
The BMO Ascend® World Elite Mastercard offers superior flexibility through its category-based rewards structure and diverse redemption options. The comprehensive insurance package and premium travel benefits create a well-rounded product for frequent travelers who value options over airline-specific perks. Though it commands a higher annual fee, the card's versatility and enhanced earnings across multiple spending categories can provide excellent value for those with diverse spending patterns.
Both cards target similar demographic profiles with comparable income requirements and credit expectations. Your optimal choice depends on honestly assessing your travel patterns, spending habits, and personal preferences regarding simplicity versus flexibility. By selecting the card that best aligns with your specific needs, you'll maximize your rewards potential while enjoying valuable travel benefits that enhance your journey.
