Can I Transfer WestJet Dollars? | Essential Loyalty Facts

Understanding WestJet Dollars and Their Restrictions

WestJet Dollars are a popular loyalty currency offered by WestJet Airlines, designed to reward frequent flyers with a flexible way to save on flights and vacation packages. Unlike traditional points, WestJet Dollars hold a fixed monetary value, making them straightforward to use. However, one of the most common questions among travelers is about their transferability: Can I Transfer WestJet Dollars?

The short answer is no. WestJet Dollars are non-transferable by design. They are linked directly to the account in which they were earned and cannot be moved or gifted to another individual’s account. This policy is in place to prevent misuse or fraud and to maintain the integrity of the rewards system. Understanding this limitation is crucial for maximizing their value.

Why Are WestJet Dollars Non-Transferable?

The decision to keep WestJet Dollars non-transferable stems from multiple operational and security considerations:

• Fraud Prevention: Allowing transfers could open doors for fraudulent activities such as selling or trading currency outside official channels.
• Account Security: Tying rewards strictly to one account ensures that only verified customers can redeem their earned benefits.
• System Simplicity: Managing transfers would complicate the loyalty program’s backend systems and customer service operations.

By restricting transfers, WestJet ensures that rewards are used exactly as intended—by the traveler who earned them—thus preserving fairness for all members.

How Does This Impact Travelers?

For travelers hoping to share or combine their rewards with family or friends, this non-transferability can be disappointing. However, there are still ways to maximize the use of your WestJet Dollars within these restrictions. For example, booking flights for others using your own WestJet Dollars is allowed since you control the account during redemption.

This means you can purchase tickets for family members or friends using your balance without needing to transfer funds. It requires a bit more planning but offers flexibility in how you utilize your rewards.

Alternatives to Transferring WestJet Dollars

Since direct transferring isn’t an option, there are legitimate alternatives that allow you to make the most out of your WestJet Dollars:

1. Booking Flights for Others

You can use your WestJet Dollars balance to book flights or vacation packages for anyone you choose. The booking process requires you to log into your account and redeem the dollars at checkout. This method effectively lets you “gift” travel experiences without transferring currency between accounts.

2. Pooling Points via Household Accounts (Not Applicable Here)

Some airlines offer household pooling options where family members combine points into one account. Unfortunately, WestJet does not currently provide this feature for WestJet Dollars, so pooling points isn’t possible.

3. Using Companion Vouchers

Certain credit cards affiliated with WestJet issue companion vouchers as part of their perks. These vouchers allow a second passenger to fly free or at discounted rates when traveling with the primary cardholder. While not a transfer of dollars per se, this is another way families can save collectively on flights.

The Value and Expiry of WestJet Dollars

Understanding how much your WestJet Dollars are worth and when they expire is key to avoiding wasted rewards.

Monetary Value:

WestJet assigns a fixed value where 1 WestJet Dollar equals CAD $1 toward flight purchases on their platform. This clarity simplifies budgeting trips since each dollar directly reduces your fare cost.

Expiry Policy:

WestJet Dollars typically expire after 12 months from issuance if unused. The expiration countdown resets whenever new dollars are earned or spent in the account. So active users who regularly fly and redeem won’t lose value easily.

Table: Key Features of WestJet Dollars

Feature	Description	Details
Value per Dollar	Fixed Monetary Worth	$1 CAD per WestJet Dollar
Transferability	Status of Transfers Between Accounts	Non-transferable
Expiration Period	Dollars Validity Duration	12 months from issuance (rolling reset)

The Redemption Process for WestJet Dollars

Redeeming your hard-earned dollars is straightforward but comes with some nuances worth noting:

• Booking Flights: At checkout on westjet.com or via app, select “Pay with WestJet Dollars” option if available.
• Mixed Payments: You can combine cash and dollars during payment; partial redemptions are allowed.
• No Cash Out: You cannot convert dollars into cash or gift cards; their use is limited strictly within the airline ecosystem.
• No Transfers: As mentioned earlier, dollars cannot be moved between accounts but can be used by you for anyone’s booking.

This system keeps things simple while encouraging redemption on actual travel products rather than secondary markets.

The Impact on Group Travel Planning

If you’re traveling with family or friends, understanding these rules helps avoid confusion during booking:

• Use one person’s account with sufficient dollars.
• Book all tickets under that single transaction.
• Coordinate payments ahead of time since only one account’s balance applies.

This approach streamlines group bookings without needing transfers but requires some upfront coordination.

The Relationship Between Credit Cards and WestJet Dollars

Several co-branded credit cards offer accelerated earning of WestJet Dollars through everyday spending:

• Earning Rates: Cardholders earn multiple dollars per dollar spent on eligible purchases.
• Loyalty Boosts: Some cards offer bonus dollars upon sign-up or anniversary milestones.
• No Transfer Flexibility: Despite enhanced earning capabilities, these dollars remain locked within your personal loyalty account.

Credit cards enhance earning speed but do not change fundamental rules about transferability.

A Quick Comparison: Credit Card Benefits vs Account Rules

Although credit cards turbocharge dollar accumulation, they do not enable sharing those dollars directly through transfers:

	Earning Speed	Dollar Transferability	User Control Over Booking
Main Loyalty Account Rules	N/A (Earned via flights)	No transfers allowed between accounts.	You decide who flies with redeemed dollars.
Credit Card Linked Earnings	Earnings accelerated through spending.	Dollars added directly into personal loyalty accounts; still no transfers allowed.	You control redemption similarly as above.

The Risks of Attempting Unauthorized Transfers or Trades

Some travelers might consider unofficial methods like selling accounts or trading credentials online in hopes of transferring value indirectly. This practice carries serious risks:

• Breach of Terms: Violates WestJet’s terms of service leading to suspension or closure of accounts.
• Poor Security: Sharing login details exposes personal data and financial information.
• No Guarantees: Transactions outside official channels carry no consumer protections—losses are likely permanent.

Avoid shortcuts that jeopardize your membership status or personal security.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Transfer WestJet Dollars to Another Account?

No, WestJet Dollars are non-transferable and cannot be moved between accounts. They are strictly tied to the original account holder to prevent misuse and fraud.

Why Are WestJet Dollars Non-Transferable?

WestJet restricts the transfer of WestJet Dollars to maintain account security, prevent fraudulent activity, and keep the loyalty program simple and fair for all members.

How Does Non-Transferability of WestJet Dollars Affect Travelers?

Travelers cannot share or combine WestJet Dollars with others directly. However, they can still use their balance to book flights for family or friends through their own account.

Can I Gift My WestJet Dollars to Someone Else?

Gifting WestJet Dollars is not allowed since they cannot be transferred. The rewards must be redeemed by the account holder who earned them.

Are There Alternatives to Transferring WestJet Dollars?

While direct transfers aren’t possible, you can use your WestJet Dollars to book flights or vacation packages for others by managing the booking within your own account.