Points Pulse for Dec. 2, 2025: PayPal debuts BNPL as WestJet credit cards get a refresh
In this edition of NerdWallet Canada’s Points Pulse series:
WestJet RBC Mastercard updates: Higher fees for Elite cardholders, richer perks for all
Both of RBC's co-branded WestJet cards got a glam-up on Nov. 5, 2025.
WestJet RBC Mastercard changes:
For cardholders of the baseline WestJet RBC Mastercard, this means new rewards for everyday spending and (mostly) better benefits at no added cost: the $39 annual fee remains unchanged. Card updates include:
More point-earning opportunities: The pool of spending categories that earn the card’s top 1.5x WestJet point rate has been significantly expanded with restaurants, food delivery, digital subscriptions, streaming services, digital games and Sunwing vacations. Previously, this card only earned 1.5x points on WestJet purchases.
Redemption flexibility: Companion flight vouchers can now be exchanged for a 25% flight discount for one traveller or 5,000 WestJet points.
More insurance: New mobile device coverage.
Less exciting is the newly introduced $2,500 minimum annual spend now required to unlock the companion flight voucher — a perk that used to be automatic for cardholders each year.
WestJet RBC World Elite changes:
WestJet RBC World Elite cardholders also get some perk upgrades — at a cost. The card’s $119 annual fee has been bumped to $139. For another $20 a year, cardholders get:
New spending categories: Cardholders will earn the card’s top 2x WestJet point rate on public transit, rideshare, electric vehicle charging, grocery stores, gas and Sunwing Vacations. Previously, this card only earned 2x points on WestJet purchases.
Redemption flexibility: Companion flight vouchers can be exchanged for a 30% flight discount for one traveller, a $200 credit towards a WestJet Vacations package or Sunwing Vacations package or two airport lounge passes.
More insurance: New mobile device and trip cancellation coverage.
Annual companion vouchers for the WestJet RBC World Elite also got slapped with an annual spend minimum, except theirs is double that of the baseline card at $5,000.
Nerdy take: Arguably, the most valuable update for both cards is the expanded pool of spending categories. It used to be that RBC WestJet cardholders could only earn top rates on WestJet purchases. Now, WestJet cardholders have more everyday opportunities to rack up points beyond purchasing plane tickets.
Buy now, PayPal later: Just in time for the holiday checkout
Both of RBC's co-branded WestJet cards got a glam-up on Nov. 5, 2025.
On Nov. 10, 2025, PayPal announced PayPal Pay in 4, its new buy now, pay later program for Canadians. Here’s what to know:
Eligible purchase amounts: $30-$1,500.
Terms: Four bi-weekly payments over six weeks. First payment due at time of purchase.
Interest rates: 0%.
Late fees: None.
Available: Anywhere PayPal is accepted.
Purchase protection is included on eligible items and you can make extra or unscheduled repayments through your PayPal account to pay off your balance early.
There are no listed fees for missing a payment, but PayPal may revoke your eligibility for the program.
Nerdy take: NerdWallet Canada’s 2025 Holiday Spending Report found that 12% of holiday shoppers plan to use BNPL services to purchase holiday gifts this year. These services are convenient to use, but BNPL programs aren’t without risk. Splitting up gift payments doesn't make them any cheaper in the long run. Plus, it's easy to lose track of what you owe once you start tapping multiple programs for different purchases.
DIVE EVEN DEEPER
Shannon Terrell
Shannon Terrell