Points Pulse for April 20, 2026: Rogers caps cash back, WestJet links with Petro-Canada
In this edition of NerdWallet Canada’s Points Pulse series:
Rogers caps cash back on the Red cards
Rogers Bank has told cardholders that, starting August 4, 2026, its Rogers Red Mastercard lineup will move to tiered earn rates tied to annual spending caps.
Annual spending caps will be $16,000 for the Rogers Red Mastercard, $26,000 for the Rogers Red World Mastercard and $61,000 for the Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard. Once you cross them, the earn rate drops from the 2% Rogers-customer high to 1%, 1% and 1.5%, respectively.
The same notice also raises the standard purchase and fee interest rate to 21.99% for personal cards and broadens Rogers’ definition of cash-like transactions.
For people who liked these cards because they were easy, this is a meaningful downgrade. The card can still work well up to the cap. After that, the math gets much less appealing.
Nerdy take: Check your year-to-date spending in the Rogers app. If you are nowhere near the cap, you can probably ignore this for now. If you are getting close, it may be time to line up a better cash-back credit card.
WestJet and Petro-Canada link up at the pump
WestJet and Petro-Canada announced a new loyalty partnership on April 15, 2026. Starting in early 2027, linked accounts are expected to unlock more ways to earn rewards, redeem WestJet points at Petro-Canada and convert Petro-Points into WestJet points.
WestJet says members will be able to earn their preferred loyalty currency on fuel, car washes and convenience-store purchases. The partnership also promises a 20% boost in Petro-Points.
Right now, though, this is still more promise than payoff. WestJet has not shared the conversion ratio, stackability rules or what the points will actually be worth in practice. The bigger idea is clear enough: WestJet wants to be part of your everyday spending, not just your travel plans.
Nerdy take: Until the conversion math is public, there is no reason to change your habits. For now, keep filling up wherever is cheapest or most convenient.
Turn business spending into travel rewards with the WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard for Business‡. For a limited time, get a special offer of $450 in WestJet points when you’re approved and make your first purchase — no minimum spend required. You’ll receive 45,000 welcome WestJet points and unlock savings toward your next flight or vacation. Plus, enjoy instant WestJet Silver status, with perks like priority boarding, lounge vouchers, and two free checked bags.
Aeroplan and United make free Wi-Fi more useful for Canadians
Air Canada says that, as of April 9, 2026, Aeroplan and United MileagePlus members can get reciprocal fast, free Wi-Fi when flying the partner airline.
Aeroplan members can access the perk on United’s Starlink-equipped aircraft. United members can get onboard Wi-Fi on Air Canada by adding their MileagePlus number to the booking and logging in through the portal.
Air Canada also says free Wi-Fi on its own long-haul international flights will roll out later in 2026.
This also lands at a good time for Canadians to care a little more about MileagePlus. Neo Financial and United Airlines recently launched the United MileagePlus Neo World Elite Mastercard, giving Canadians a new way to earn MileagePlus miles on daily spending.
Nerdy take: Free Wi-Fi is one of the few loyalty perks that feels both useful and low-effort. If you are flying United soon, make sure your Aeroplan number is attached to the booking before you leave.
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Shannon Terrell
