Bank of Melbourne credit card options

[Edge]

Looking at switching from Westpac over to Bank of Melbourne because they're much more competitive in terms of mortgage rates. The issue is their credit card offerings leave a lot to be desired compared to the Westpac Earth Black. I'm guessing my only real option for points earning is to apply for a card with another provider? Any suggestions or recommendations?

Thanks

 

[Mwenenzi]

Bank of Melbourne is 100% owned by Westpac. Is a recent name - brand makeover in Victoria. Looks like it worked
Bank of Melbourne (2011) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[Beta4Me]

Or keep your Westpac card? Is there a reason to close it? IMO the Altitude Black is the bomb!

 

[cove]

No need to drop your current Westpac Earth Black although I find Westpac Altitude Black to be more valuable for international and Earth Black for domestic travel.

 

[Edge]

I currently pay the $395 annual fee for my Westpac banking package and would be paying the same fee for BoM if I decide to go with them. It includes a credit card but it's far inferior to Westpac's. That was really the crux of my question - if I did have to get a separate credit card for points-earning, what would be the best bet in terms of bang-for-buck with a reasonable fee?

 

[DaveB]

If you are quick, Citi Signature for visa spend has a fee free offer ending this month. Amex Edge would cover your groceries and petrol.

 

[AdMEL]

No need to drop your current Westpac Earth Black although I find Westpac Altitude Black to be more valuable for international and Earth Black for domestic travel.

Why do you find Altitude more valuable for overseas and Earth for domestic?

Other than Altitude earning Altitude points (which can be converted to points in VA, MH, SQ, NZ) and Earth earning QF points, The only difference in benefits is Altitude gives you two passes for Priority Pass (which is only really useful overseas) and Earth gives you two Qantas lounge passes (more useful in Oz, but also useful overseas). There is no other difference that I am aware of that makes one more valuable domestically and the other overseas.

 

[Beta4Me]

Why do you find Altitude more valuable for overseas and Earth for domestic?

Other than Altitude earning Altitude points (which can be converted to points in VA, MH, SQ, NZ) and Earth earning QF points, The only difference in benefits is Altitude gives you two passes for Priority Pass (which is only really useful overseas) and Earth gives you two Qantas lounge passes (more useful in Oz, but also useful overseas). There is no other difference that I am aware of that makes one more valuable domestically and the other overseas.

Qantas for Domestic and Singapore for overseas is what cove meant.

 

[cove]

Yes the two cards have given us the very best of both world offerings.
This year the four of us may do about 7,000 status credits on QF and we have not needed to try with SQ. The booking processes are quit different once the points arrive in our accounts but both the Earth Black for Qantas and Altitude Black for SQ have us "living the dream".

 

[Beta4Me]

Yes the two cards have given us the very best of both world offerings.
This year the four of us may do about 7,000 status credits on QF and we have not needed to try with SQ. The booking processes are quit different once the points arrive in our accounts but both the Earth Black for Qantas and Altitude Black for SQ have us "living the dream".

I've found the ANZ QF Plat to be particularly appealing given it pays points on BPAY. Free points from BPAYed government charges at 0.5ppd is always appealing