How Do These Premium Travel Cards Compare?
Travel rewards credit cards have become essential tools for savvy Canadian travelers looking to maximize value on everyday purchases. The BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard and WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard represent two distinct approaches to travel rewards, each with unique strengths that appeal to different types of travelers.
The BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard focuses on a flexible points system with accelerated earning in specific categories like travel, dining, and entertainment. This card provides a comprehensive rewards structure that benefits those who spend across multiple categories and prefer flexibility in how they redeem their points. The card's premium features include extensive insurance coverage and concierge services that enhance the overall travel experience.
Meanwhile, the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard takes a more airline-specific approach with direct benefits for WestJet flyers. This card offers straightforward rewards in the form of WestJet dollars that have a clear 1:1 redemption value against future travel costs. The card's standout features include the annual companion voucher and free checked baggage, which provide immediate and tangible value for frequent WestJet customers.
Annual Fee and Cost Considerations
The financial commitment required for premium travel cards plays a crucial role in determining their overall value proposition. Understanding the fee structure helps cardholders assess whether the benefits justify the cost.
The WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard charges an annual fee of $119, positioning it as a relatively affordable option in the premium travel card segment. This lower fee makes the card particularly attractive when considering the potential savings from its companion voucher and free checked bag benefits, which can easily exceed the annual cost for frequent travelers. The straightforward fee structure makes it easier for cardholders to calculate their return on investment.
The BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard comes with a higher annual fee of $150, representing a $31 premium over the WestJet card. This additional cost reflects the card's broader suite of benefits, including more extensive insurance coverage and premium concierge services. For travelers who value these additional protections and services, the higher fee may be justified by the comprehensive coverage and assistance provided throughout their journeys.
Both cards maintain competitive interest rates typical of premium credit products, with purchase APRs around 20.99% and cash advance rates slightly higher at approximately 22.99%. These rates underscore the importance of paying balances in full to maximize the value of rewards and avoid interest charges that could quickly outweigh any benefits earned.
Rewards Structure and Earning Potential
The rewards earning system represents one of the most significant differences between these two premium cards. Your spending habits and redemption preferences will largely determine which card offers better value.
The BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard employs a tiered earning structure with category bonuses:
- Travel purchases: Earn 5 BMO Rewards points per dollar spent (up to annual caps)
- Dining, entertainment, and recurring bills: Earn 3 points per dollar spent (with category-specific annual caps)
- All other purchases: Earn 1 point per dollar spent (no cap)
This structure rewards cardholders who spend heavily in the bonus categories, particularly on travel-related expenses. However, the annual spending caps on bonus categories (typically $15,000 for travel and $10,000 each for dining and recurring bills) can limit earning potential for high spenders.
The WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard offers a more straightforward earning structure:
- WestJet flights and vacation packages: Earn 2% back in WestJet dollars
- All other purchases: Earn 1.5% back in WestJet dollars (no cap)
This uncomplicated system provides consistent returns across all spending categories, with a slight bonus for WestJet-specific purchases. The absence of category caps makes this card particularly valuable for high-volume spenders who might otherwise hit limits on category bonuses with other cards.
What Travel Benefits Come With Each Card?
The distinctive travel perks offered by each card often become the deciding factor for many consumers. These benefits directly enhance the travel experience and can provide substantial savings on travel-related expenses.
The WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard shines with its tangible travel benefits that provide immediate value for WestJet flyers. The annual round-trip companion voucher allows cardholders to bring a companion on a WestJet flight for as little as $119 (for domestic and continental U.S. travel), potentially saving hundreds of dollars on a single trip. Additionally, the primary cardholder and up to eight guests on the same reservation receive their first checked bag free, representing a savings of approximately $30-35 per person each way.
The BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard takes a different approach with benefits focused on enhancing the overall travel experience. Cardholders receive four complimentary airport lounge passes annually, providing access to premium lounges where they can relax away from crowded terminals. The card also includes a 24/7 concierge service that assists with travel arrangements, dining reservations, and event bookings, adding a layer of convenience and luxury to the travel experience.
Insurance Coverage and Protection
Comprehensive travel insurance represents a significant value proposition for premium travel cards, potentially saving cardholders thousands of dollars on separate policies while providing peace of mind during their journeys.
The BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard offers an extensive insurance package that includes:
- Travel medical emergency coverage: Protection for unexpected medical expenses abroad
- Trip cancellation and interruption insurance: Reimbursement for non-refundable travel expenses
- Flight delay and baggage insurance: Coverage for delays and lost or damaged luggage
- Car rental collision/loss damage waiver: Protection when renting vehicles
- Purchase protection and extended warranty: Coverage for eligible purchases made with the card
This robust insurance suite provides comprehensive protection throughout the travel journey and extends to purchases made with the card, offering significant value beyond travel-specific benefits.
The WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard also includes solid insurance coverage, though slightly less extensive than the BMO offering:
- Out-of-province/country emergency medical insurance: Coverage for medical emergencies while traveling
- Trip interruption insurance: Protection if your trip is cut short due to covered reasons
- Auto rental collision/loss damage insurance: Coverage for rental vehicles
- Hotel/motel burglary insurance: Protection for personal belongings during hotel stays
While the WestJet card's insurance package may not be as comprehensive as BMO's, it still provides essential coverage for the most common travel concerns, offering valuable protection for cardholders during their trips.
Redemption Value and Flexibility
How rewards translate to real-world value significantly impacts a card's overall appeal. The redemption process and value per point determine how effectively cardholders can utilize their earned rewards.
WestJet dollars earned with the RBC World Elite Mastercard offer straightforward redemption value. Each WestJet dollar equals one Canadian dollar when applied toward the base fare of WestJet flights or vacation packages. This 1:1 redemption ratio provides clear, predictable value and makes it easy for cardholders to understand exactly what their rewards are worth. The simplicity of applying WestJet dollars directly during the booking process enhances the user experience and eliminates confusion about redemption values.
BMO Rewards points typically yield approximately 0.67 cents per point when redeemed through BMO's travel portal. This means that even with accelerated earning in bonus categories, the effective return rate may be lower than the WestJet card's straightforward percentage-based system. However, the BMO program offers greater flexibility in redemption options, allowing cardholders to book travel with any airline or provider through their portal rather than being limited to a single airline's network.
Which Card Matches Your Travel Style?
Determining the ideal card requires an honest assessment of your travel preferences and spending patterns. Your loyalty to specific airlines and frequency of travel play significant roles in maximizing card benefits.
Frequent WestJet flyers will likely extract maximum value from the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard. The companion voucher alone can save hundreds of dollars annually for those who regularly travel with a partner or family member. Combined with the free checked bag benefit and straightforward WestJet dollars earning structure, this card provides immediate, tangible value for loyal WestJet customers without requiring complex point calculations or redemption strategies.
Travelers who value flexibility and premium services might prefer the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard. The ability to earn accelerated points in multiple spending categories and redeem them across any travel provider offers versatility that airline-specific cards cannot match. Additionally, the extensive insurance coverage and concierge services provide valuable support throughout the travel journey, enhancing both convenience and peace of mind for cardholders who prioritize these premium features.
Maximizing Category Bonuses
Strategic spending can dramatically increase the rewards earned with either card, particularly when focusing on bonus categories and special promotions.
The BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard rewards strategic category spending with its tiered earning structure. To maximize returns with this card:
- Concentrate travel bookings: Use the card for all travel purchases to earn 5x points, focusing on hotels, flights, car rentals, and vacation packages
- Dining and entertainment: Pay for restaurant meals, concert tickets, and movie outings with the card to earn 3x points
- Set up recurring bills: Arrange for monthly subscriptions and utility payments to be charged to the card for 3x points
Remember that category caps limit these accelerated earnings, so tracking your annual spending in each category helps ensure you're maximizing bonus potential before hitting the limits.
The WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard benefits from a simpler maximization strategy:
- Book WestJet flights and vacations: Use the card for all WestJet purchases to earn 2% back in WestJet dollars
- Everyday spending: Use the card for all regular purchases to consistently earn 1.5% back
- Companion voucher optimization: Plan annual travel to maximize the value of the companion voucher, focusing on longer or more expensive routes where the savings would be greatest
The absence of category caps makes this card particularly valuable for high-volume spenders who might otherwise hit limits on category bonuses with other cards.
Income Requirements and Accessibility
Premium travel cards typically target consumers with higher income levels, reflecting the cards' enhanced benefits and rewards potential.
Both cards maintain similar eligibility criteria, requiring a minimum personal annual income of $80,000 or a household income of $150,000. These requirements position the cards in the premium segment of the Canadian credit card market, targeting frequent travelers with significant spending power. The income thresholds help ensure that cardholders can generate sufficient spending to offset the annual fees and maximize the cards' benefits.
For consumers who meet these income requirements, both cards represent accessible options for premium travel rewards. The application processes are straightforward through their respective financial institutions, with online applications typically resulting in quick decisions. Existing customers of BMO or RBC may find the application process even more streamlined, potentially benefiting from pre-approvals or special offers based on their banking relationship.
How Do These Cards Compare For Everyday Use?
Beyond travel-specific benefits, a card's value for everyday spending significantly impacts its overall utility. The earning rate on regular purchases determines how quickly rewards accumulate during periods between trips.
The WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard offers a competitive 1.5% return on all everyday purchases with no category restrictions or spending caps. This straightforward earning structure provides consistent value across all spending categories, making it an excellent option for everyday use. The uncomplicated rewards system eliminates the need to track categories or adjust spending patterns to maximize returns, offering simplicity and reliability for cardholders who prefer a hassle-free approach to earning rewards.
The BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard provides varying returns depending on the spending category. While the card offers accelerated earning in specific categories like dining and recurring bills (3x points), purchases outside these categories earn just 1 point per dollar spent. This base earning rate translates to approximately 0.67% return on general spending, significantly lower than the WestJet card's 1.5% rate. However, cardholders who concentrate spending in the bonus categories can achieve higher overall returns despite the lower base rate.
Foreign Transaction Fees and Travel Expenses
International travelers should consider how each card handles foreign currency transactions, as these fees can significantly impact overall travel costs.
Both cards charge a foreign transaction fee of approximately 2.5% on purchases made in currencies other than Canadian dollars. This standard fee applies to most Canadian credit cards and represents an additional cost for international travelers. Neither card offers an advantage in this regard, making them equally suitable (or unsuitable) for frequent international travelers who make significant purchases in foreign currencies.
For travelers concerned about foreign transaction fees, supplementing either of these cards with a no-foreign-transaction-fee card for international purchases might be a strategic approach. This combination allows cardholders to maximize travel benefits from their premium card while avoiding foreign transaction fees on overseas spending.
Customer Service and Digital Experience
The quality of customer support and digital tools can significantly enhance or detract from the overall cardholder experience, particularly when issues arise during travel.
The BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard includes 24/7 concierge service as a core benefit, providing personalized assistance with travel arrangements, dining reservations, and event bookings. This premium service adds considerable value for cardholders who appreciate dedicated support and personalized recommendations. The BMO digital banking experience offers comprehensive account management tools, including spending trackers and rewards monitoring features that help cardholders maximize their card benefits.
The WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard, while not offering dedicated concierge service, provides specialized customer support for card-related inquiries and WestJet Rewards assistance. The integration with RBC's digital banking platform offers a seamless experience for tracking spending, managing payments, and monitoring WestJet dollars accumulation. The straightforward rewards structure makes it easy to understand and track progress toward redemption goals without requiring complex calculations or category tracking.
Which Card Delivers Better Overall Value?
When evaluating the total value proposition of each card, considering both direct benefits and opportunity costs helps determine which option better aligns with your specific needs and preferences.
The WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard offers exceptional value for loyal WestJet customers through its combination of direct travel benefits and straightforward rewards structure. The annual companion voucher alone can provide savings that far exceed the card's $119 annual fee, particularly for cardholders who regularly travel with a partner. When combined with the free checked bag benefit and consistent 1.5% earning rate on everyday purchases, the card delivers substantial value without requiring complex maximization strategies.
The BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard provides superior value for travelers who prioritize flexibility and comprehensive coverage. The accelerated earning in multiple categories rewards strategic spending, while the extensive insurance package and premium concierge services enhance the overall travel experience. Despite the higher annual fee and lower base earning rate, cardholders who maximize the bonus categories and utilize the premium services can extract significant value that justifies the additional cost.
Long-Term Relationship Considerations
Building a relationship with a financial institution through a premium card can lead to additional benefits and opportunities over time, enhancing the card's overall value proposition.
RBC customers may find additional value in the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard through relationship benefits such as bundled banking discounts, preferential rates on other financial products, and seamless integration with existing RBC accounts. The longstanding partnership between RBC and WestJet ensures stability in the rewards program and consistent value for cardholders who maintain their relationship with both organizations.
Similarly, BMO customers can benefit from the integrated banking experience offered by the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard. Existing relationships with BMO may lead to special offers, simplified application processes, and enhanced customer service. The comprehensive BMO Rewards program provides opportunities for points pooling across multiple products, potentially increasing the overall value derived from the BMO ecosystem.
How To Choose Your Ideal Travel Card
Making the final decision between these premium travel cards requires careful consideration of your personal travel habits, spending patterns, and value priorities. The right choice depends on aligning card benefits with your specific needs.
The WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard represents the optimal choice for:
- Frequent WestJet flyers who can maximize the companion voucher and free checked bag benefits
- Travelers who prefer straightforward rewards with clear redemption values
- Consumers who value consistent returns on everyday spending without category restrictions
- Budget-conscious travelers looking for a lower annual fee with tangible travel benefits
The BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard better serves:
- Travelers who value flexibility in airline and travel provider choices
- Consumers with significant spending in the card's bonus categories
- Those who prioritize comprehensive insurance coverage and premium assistance services
- Travelers who can take advantage of airport lounge access and concierge support
Your ideal card ultimately depends on how well its specific benefits align with your travel preferences and spending habits. Carefully evaluating your typical annual travel patterns and category spending will reveal which card offers superior value for your unique situation.
Maximize Your Travel Rewards Today
Selecting the right premium travel credit card represents an important financial decision that can significantly enhance your travel experiences and provide substantial value over time. Both the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard and the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard offer compelling benefits packages that appeal to different types of travelers.
The WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard delivers exceptional value through its straightforward rewards structure and tangible travel benefits, particularly for loyal WestJet customers. The combination of the annual companion voucher, free checked bags, and consistent earning rate makes this card a powerful tool for maximizing travel value without complexity or excessive fees.
The BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard provides premium features and flexibility that appeal to travelers seeking comprehensive coverage and personalized service. While requiring more strategic use to maximize its value, this card rewards cardholders who spend significantly in bonus categories and appreciate extensive insurance protection and premium assistance services throughout their travel journeys.
Whichever card you choose, understanding its specific benefits and aligning them with your travel habits will ensure you extract maximum value from your premium travel credit card. Take time to evaluate your spending patterns, travel preferences, and service priorities to make an informed decision that enhances your travel experiences for years to come.
