Program guide · Index updated 2026-07-01
WestJet Dollars: the currency that is exactly what it says.
One WestJet Dollar is $1 off a WestJet fare — no chart, no sweet spots, no fine-print valuation debate. The interesting questions are what they don'tcover, and whether earning them beats a flexible-points card. Here's the honest answer to both.
WestJet Dollars calculator
The shortest calculator on this site: your balance in WestJet Dollars is your discount in Canadian dollars, applied to the base fare.
Easy floor · 100.0¢/pt
$500
Face value on any WestJet base fare
Standard value · 100.0¢/pt
$500
Dollar for dollar — always
Strong redemption · 100.0¢/pt
$500
No chart, so no upside beyond face value
Values use The Points Standard Index. Editorial estimates based on observable award pricing — not guarantees.
How redemptions work
WestJet Dollars redeem like a gift card: apply any amount, from one dollar up, against the base fare of any WestJet flight or vacation package at booking. No seats are excluded because there is no award inventory — if a seat is for sale, you can pay for it with WestJet Dollars.
| Redemption | Value |
|---|---|
| Any WestJet flight (applied to the base fare) | 1:1 — dollar for dollar |
| WestJet Vacations packages | 1:1 — dollar for dollar |
| Member Exclusive fares (lower cash fares for members) | Can stretch value further |
| Taxes, fees, and surcharges | Cash only — WestJet Dollars don't apply |
The base-fare restriction matters more than it sounds: on a cheap short-haul ticket, taxes and fees can be a third of the total price, and that portion is always cash. Budget accordingly — a $300 ticket is never fully covered by 300 WestJet Dollars.
How to earn WestJet Dollars
Beyond flying, the main route is WestJet's RBC co-brand cards — where the real value is usually the annual companion voucher and free checked bags rather than the earn rate. We've scored the WestJet RBC World Elite against its verified current offer. Alternatively, RBC Avion points convert to WestJet Dollars, which keeps your earning flexible until you need them.
Earns WestJet dollars directly
WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard
One of Canada's best airline keeper cards if (and only if) WestJet is your carrier. The companion voucher is the whole business case.
$139 annual fee · First-year net value ≈ $460
Converts to WestJet Dollars
RBC Avion Visa Infinite
A dependable flexible-points program with sneaky-good chart redemptions. Strongest inside the RBC ecosystem; middling as a pure earner.
$120 annual fee · First-year net value ≈ $1,000
Frequently asked questions
How much are WestJet Dollars worth?
Exactly face value: 1 WestJet Dollar equals $1 CAD off the base fare of any WestJet flight or WestJet Vacations package, with no award chart, no blackout dates, and no dynamic pricing games. It is the most literal loyalty currency in Canada.
What's the catch with WestJet Dollars?
Two things. First, they apply to the base fare only — taxes, fees, and surcharges are always paid in cash. Second, they only spend at WestJet, so their real-world value depends entirely on whether WestJet flies where you're going. A dollar you can only spend at one airline is worth slightly less than a dollar.
Do WestJet Dollars expire?
WestJet Dollars have historically remained active as long as your WestJet Rewards account shows qualifying activity — but expiry and program terms change, so confirm the current policy on westjet.com before banking a large balance.
Should I earn WestJet Dollars or flexible points?
If WestJet is your primary airline and you'd check a bag anyway, the co-brand route (card perks plus companion vouchers) can beat flexible points on total value. If you split flying across airlines, a transferable currency like Amex MR keeps every option open and typically wins.
Valuations are editorial estimates, refreshed monthly. See The Points Standard Index for every program we track, our Aeroplan points value guide for the Air Canada alternative, and our methodology for how valuations feed card scores.