In this edition of Head-to-Head, we’ll take a look at two of the primary mass-consumer credit cards for Air Canada and WestJet: the TD Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card and WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard.
Despite the card similarities between the flagship co-branded credit cards of Canada’s two largest airlines, we’ll also look at the important differences to determine which card ultimately comes out on top.
Card Basics
1. Welcome Bonuses
One of the most compelling factors when deciding between two credit cards is the signup bonus.
The current offer for the TD Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card is for up to 50,000 Aeroplan points,† along with an annual fee rebate for the first year.† This offer is available until January 4, 2024.
Meanwhile, the WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard currently offers a record-high welcome bonus of up to 700 WestJet Dollars (WSD),† until March 14, 2024.†
It’s important to keep in mind that WestJet Dollars essentially have a fixed value equal to one dollar (nominal discounts via Member Exclusive fares notwithstanding), while Aeroplan points have a variable value based on your eventual redemption.
Indeed, we value Aeroplan points at 2.1 cents per point (cpp), and WestJet Dollars at $1.02 per WSD.
Using these valuations, we’d peg the total value of the welcome bonuses at $1,050 (CAD) for the TD Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card, and $714 (CAD) for the WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard.
However, these values don’t take into consideration the cards’ annual fees, or any points earned through the minimum spending requirements.
As for the structure of the welcome bonus, both cards have three components to unlock the full allotment.
To earn the full welcome bonus of up to 700 WestJet Dollars on the WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard, you’ll need to complete the following:
- Earn 300 WSD upon making your first purchase†
- Earn 300 WSD upon spending $5,000 in the first three months†
- Earn 100 WSD as a one-time anniversary bonus†
Meanwhile, the welcome bonus of up to 50,000 Aeroplan points on the TD Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card is structured as follows:
- Earn 10,000 Aeroplan points upon first purchase†
- Earn 25,000 Aeroplan points upon spending $5,000 in the first 180 days†
- Earn 15,000 Aeroplan points on renewal after spending $7,500 in the first year†
Both cards offer a boost upon making your first purchase, and a second swath upon spending $5,000 in the first three months as a cardholder.
Furthermore, both cards offer a third portion awarded in the second year as a cardholder; however, the TD Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card’s is paired with a total spending requirement of $7,500 in the first year, while the WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard’s is awarded without any such measure.
Verdict: While both cards have a strong welcome bonus, the TD Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card wins this category, as Aeroplan points offer the potential to get outsized value from redemptions.
2. Annual Fee
Both the TD Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card and the WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard charge an annual fee upfront. However, you’ll receive an annual fee rebate in the first year as a TD Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* cardholder,† while you won’t with the current offer on the WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard.
After that , the TD Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card comes with an annual fee of $139,† while the WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard continues to levy an annual fee of $119.
Verdict: Overall, the WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard has the more favourable annual fee, as it’s cheaper by $20. However, the first-year annual fee rebate† on the TD Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card’s current offer tips the scales in its favour.
3. Earning Rates
The WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard has an earning structure of 2% back on WestJet flights and WestJet Vacations, and 1.5% back on all other purchases, paid out in WestJet Dollars.†
Meanwhile, the TD Aeroplan card offers 1.5 Aeroplan points per dollar spent on eligible groceries, gas, and direct through Air Canada® purchases, including Air Canada Vacations®, and 1 Aeroplan point† per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.†
Verdict: In nominal terms, it appears that the WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard does better on most purchases, while the two cards are tied for eligible grocery and gas purchases. However, as mentioned previously, we value Aeroplan points much higher than WestJet Dollars.
Indeed, once we factor in our valuations, the TD Aeroplan® Visa Infinite® Card earns the equivalent of a minimum 2.1% return, which edges out the WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard’s maximum 2.04% return.
Once again, the TD Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card scores a victory, thanks to the inherent strength of Aeroplan points and the value that lies within.
4. Ease of Redeeming
You can apply WestJet Dollars towards the base fare of a WestJet flight as long as you have a minimum of 15 WestJet Dollars in your account. For WestJet Vacations packages, a minimum of 50 WestJet Dollars per booking applies.
Note that for flights purchased with a Member Exclusive Fare, the entire base fare for all guests on the booking must be paid with WestJet Dollars.
Redeeming Aeroplan points is also flexible, especially with Points + Cash redemptions; however, you’ll still need 60% of the required Aeroplan points price in order to lock in a redemption.
Verdict: WestJet wins in this category, due to the simplicity of its redemption structure and the lower minimum amount required to redeem.
5. Foreign Transaction Fees
Both the TD Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card and the WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard have a 2.5% foreign transaction fee,† so it’s a clear tie in this department.
Verdict: Both cards are equally disappointing in that they’re geared towards travellers but still levy foreign transaction fees. Whichever issuer makes the first move in offering no foreign exchange fees would surely earn a strong advantage in this comparison.
Perks and Benefits
Premium travel cards typically justify their annual fees through added travel perks, so let’s see how Aeroplan and WestJet’s flagship cards stack up against each other in this department.
1. Free Checked Bags
Both credit cards offer free checked baggage for the primary cardholder and up to eight additional guests who are travelling on the same reservation.†
The TD Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card also extends this benefit to supplementary cardholders,† while the WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard does not – giving the TD card a slight edge.†
2. Companion Voucher
The WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard offers a companion voucher as an ongoing annual benefit,† which is important to factor in when comparing the cards over the long-term.
When used strategically, the companion voucher can offer solid savings, especially when booking travel during peak periods, higher fares, or premium cabins.
Presently, the TD Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card doesn’t offer a companion voucher, either as part of its welcome bonus or as a benefit earned through spending.
It’s worth noting that this card used to come with a Buddy Pass; however, it’s been a long time since it was offered, and there’s no telling if it’ll ever make a return.
Verdict: It’s a clear win for the WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard here, since there’s currently no companion voucher associated with the TD Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card.
3. Lounge Access
On the surface, neither card comes with complimentary lounge access as an ongoing cardholder benefit.
However, with the WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard, you can convert a companion voucher into four lounge passes if you wish, marking another win for WestJet in terms of optionality.†
This feature is particularly useful for anyone who isn’t able to make use of their companion voucher, and especially those who can visit the airline’s flagship lounge in Calgary.
4. Onboard Wi-Fi
The WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard offers free Boingo Wi-Fi on WestJet flights and other airlines that use Boingo.† As a cardholder, you get 12 complimentary 90-minute in-flight Wi-Fi sessions, as well as unlimited access to Boingo hotspots on the ground across the world.†
On the other hand, the TD Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card doesn’t offer any free Wi-Fi benefits. However, it’s worth noting that cardholders are occasionally provided with complimentary Wi-Fi vouchers for Air Canada flights.
Verdict: With 12 free 90-minute in-flight Wi-Fi sessions available each year, this is another clear win for the WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard.†
5. Elite Status via Spending
The TD Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card earns Status Qualifying Miles (SQM) and Status Qualifying Segments (SQS) to contribute to Aeroplan Elite Status. For every $10,000 spent on the card, the cardholder earns 1,000 SQM and 1 SQS to get them closer to the next tier of elite status.†
Meanwhile, the WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard features the “Status Lift” benefit. For every $15,000 spent on the card, the cardholder earns $500 in qualifying spend towards a higher level of WestJet Rewards status, up to a maximum of $45,000 spent and $1,500 in qualifying spend earned.†
On the surface, WestJet’s Status Lift offers a more meaningful boost in elite-qualifying criteria for the same level of spending – after all, $1,500 in status-qualifying spend is 50% of the $3,000 required to earn WestJet Silver status, while a corresponding $45,000 in spending would only earn you 4,000 SQM or 4 SQS towards Aeroplan Elite Status.
However, this comparison is flipped on its head when we consider one key additional component: spending on the TD Aeroplan card can also get you closer to entry-level Aeroplan 25K status by earning 100,000 Aeroplan points through eligible sources via Everyday Status Qualification, while the WestJet Rewards program includes no such option to earn status exclusively based on spending.
6. Other Benefits
The TD Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card gives preferred pricing and discounts on Aeroplan flight redemptions,† while the WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard doesn’t offer any type of preferred pricing model for cardholders when booking WestJet flights.
Furthermore, the TD Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card offers a $100 (CAD) NEXUS application credit, which isn’t offered on the WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard.
Other Factors
1. Supplementary Cards
TD Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Cardholders may add an additional cardholder for $75, while the WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard allows an additional cardholder for $59.
Under the current welcome bonuses, the TD Aeroplan® card includes a First Year Free offer on the first authorized user as well,† as long as it’s added at the time of application.
Verdict: While the WestJet RBC® World Elit Mastercard has a lower authorized user fee, it’s worth noting that the TD Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card extends more benefits, such as the free first checked bag, to the authorized user as well.†
Which one you prefer will depend on whether you’re adding an additional card for the convenience of having a shared account, or the upside of sharing cardholder benefits.
2. Travel Insurance
Both credit cards offer a competitive package of travel insurance, but there are a few key differences.
The TD Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card provides longer travel medical coverage for up to 21 days on out-of-province trips, or four days if you’re 65 or older.†
Meanwhile, the WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard only covers you for the first 15 days or three days if 65 and older.†
The TD card includes mobile device insurance,† while WestJet does not. Furthermore, both cards offer up to $5,000 per person in trip interruption insurance, although the TD Aeroplan® also includes trip cancellation interruption while the WestJet card does not.†
In the case of lost or delayed baggage, WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard only covers $500 in emergency purchases after a four-hour delay,† while the TD Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card covers a higher $1,000 maximum, although only after a six-hour delay.† Note that you could also be covered under the Montreal Convention on an international flight.
Both cards’ insurance policies also apply on trips booked through their respective loyalty currencies: flights booked on Aeroplan points when you pay for the taxes and fees with the TD Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card,† and flights booked using WestJet Dollars in the case of the WestJet card.†
Verdict: On balance, the TD Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card’s insurance package is slightly stronger, with a longer period of medical insurance coverage and a wider range of insurance types.
3. Ease of Getting Approved
As a Visa Infinite product, annual income requirements for the TD Aeroplan card are set at $60,000 for an individual and $100,000 as a household.†
Meanwhile, as a World Elite Mastercard, the WestJet RBC credit card has a higher minimum income level of $80,000 per individual or $150,000 as a household. †
Verdict: While TD has a lower published income requirement, some applicants have reported challenges with TD’s system, and being denied for cards despite meeting all published criteria and maintaining excellent credit scores.
This strict approval process on TD’s part leaves this criterion as a tie between both cards.
4. Visual Appearance
The TD Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card features a more minimalistic design. The 16-digit card number has been removed from the front of the card, creating a sleek, higher-end look compared to the WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard.
Verdict: TD’s modern design gives it a much snazzier look.
Conclusion
Despite some meaningful advantages in the WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard‘s favour, such as an ongoing companion pass benefit, free Wi-Fi, and convertible lounge vouchers, the TD Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card holds the edge in terms of the overall value proposition due to its superior travel insurance coverage, stronger cardholder engagement, and ultimately the much more valuable nature of Aeroplan points vs. WestJet Dollars.
Having said that, there’s a strong case to be made for having both cards in your wallet, especially if you live in a city served by both of Canada’s two largest airlines and would like to take advantage of both of their offerings on your domestic and international travels.
† Terms and conditions apply.