Aeroplan vs WestJet: Earning Travel Rewards

Aeroplan Points vs WestJet Dollars: Which Travel Reward Is Easier to Earn?

Aeroplan and WestJet Rewards can both help Canadians turn spending into travel value, but they are not built the same way. Aeroplan uses points. WestJet Rewards uses WestJet dollars or points depending on the current card and program language, with a more cash-like feel for WestJet travel.

If your goal is to earn rewards from shopping and everyday spending, the easier program depends on where you shop, which credit cards you use, and how much flexibility you want.

Aeroplan has more shopping visibility

Aeroplan has a major advantage for online shoppers because of the Aeroplan eStore. The eStore gives members a clear place to start when they want to earn points at participating retailers. You sign in, click through to a retailer, and earn based on the current offer if the purchase tracks and qualifies.

That makes Aeroplan relatively easy to add to your shopping routine. Before checkout, you can check whether the store is listed and whether a bonus multiplier is running.

WestJet Rewards is more focused on WestJet travel, WestJet vacation purchases, and WestJet RBC credit card earning. That can still be useful, but it is less portal-driven for general online shopping.

WestJet can feel simpler

WestJet Rewards often appeals to people who like straightforward travel value. WestJet dollars have historically felt easier to understand than airline points because they connect more directly to WestJet purchases. You do not need to think as much about award charts, dynamic pricing, or point valuation.

That simplicity is useful if you mainly fly WestJet and want rewards that are easy to apply toward future trips. The trade-off is that the earning ecosystem may feel narrower than Aeroplan for everyday retail shopping.

Credit cards change the answer

For many Canadians, the easiest travel rewards are the ones earned automatically on a credit card. Aeroplan cards can help you earn Aeroplan points on everyday purchases, with extra value if you also use Aeroplan partners and the eStore. WestJet RBC cards can help you earn WestJet rewards on eligible spending, with added travel perks depending on the card.

The right answer depends on your spending categories. If your card earns more in groceries, gas, transit, dining, or travel, those category bonuses can matter more than the program name.

Shopping portal vs card-first earning

Aeroplan is easier if you want a shopping portal habit. You can check the eStore before buying from brands like electronics, beauty, apparel, travel accessories, and household retailers.

WestJet is easier if your travel loyalty is already tied to WestJet and you want card spend to feed one travel account. You may not have as many online shopping click-through opportunities, but your earning path can be simpler.

Which is easier for most shoppers?

For pure online shopping, Aeroplan is usually easier to engage with because the eStore gives you a visible list of partners and rates. For people who mostly care about WestJet flights and want a simpler reward currency, WestJet Rewards can still be easier emotionally and practically.

Ask yourself:

• Do I want the most online shopping opportunities? Aeroplan may win.
• Do I mostly fly WestJet? WestJet Rewards may fit better.
• Do I value flexible redemptions? Aeroplan may offer more options.
• Do I want simpler travel value? WestJet may feel easier.

Bottom line

Aeroplan is generally easier to earn through online shopping. WestJet Rewards can be easier to understand and use if WestJet is your main airline. The best program is the one you will actually use before checkout and redeem confidently later.