Which card has the better welcome offer: BMO VIPorter or WestJet RBC?

Both cards currently offer up to 70,000 points as a welcome bonus, but the total package favours the BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard, which adds a round-trip companion pass for a combined value of approximately $1,249. The WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard also includes an annual companion voucher after $5,000 in spending, but the total first-year value is closer to $700. BMO VIPorter wins on overall welcome value once the companion pass is factored in, especially for travellers based in Eastern Canada who can quickly use it.

What are the earning rates on each card?

The BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard earns 3 VIPorter points per $1 on Porter Airlines flights, 2 points per $1 on groceries, restaurants, hotels and gas, and 1 point per $1 elsewhere. The WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard earns 2 WestJet dollars per $1 on WestJet flights and 1.5% back on all other purchases. BMO VIPorter has stronger category bonuses on groceries, restaurants and gas, while WestJet RBC offers a simpler flat-rate everyday earn that suits people who do not want to track categories.

Which card is better for Eastern Canada (Porter) flyers?

The BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard is the obvious choice for Eastern Canada travellers, since Porter Airlines's network is concentrated in Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes (Toronto-Billy Bishop, Montreal, Halifax, Ottawa, etc.). Cardholders also get accelerated VIPorter status, priority boarding and free seat selection on Porter flights — perks that simply do not exist on the WestJet card. For frequent Porter Airlines flyers based in Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa or the Maritimes, the BMO VIPorter card delivers more value year after year thanks to status acceleration.

Which card is better for Western Canada (WestJet) flyers?

The WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard is purpose-built for Western Canada travellers, with WestJet's network spanning Calgary, Vancouver, Edmonton and many smaller Western destinations. The annual companion voucher lets you bring a guest for as little as $119 on select routes, and WestJet dollars apply directly to flight costs as cash. The lower $139 annual fee (vs. $199 for the VIPorter) also makes it more accessible for casual flyers who only take 1 or 2 WestJet trips per year.