Citibank Qantas Rewards Program going to $2 = 1 point

[one9]

I just called and double checked with Citibank and they confirmed that the Signature card points for cardholders enrolled in Qantas program would change to 1 point per $2 spent from April 2012.


So this makes it a no brainer to not use this card for Qantas points.


FOR THE SIGNATURE CARD:


$15000 Spend (if not enrolled in Qantas):


* Domestic = 15,000 Krisflyer (or Asia miles points)
* International = 40,000 Krisflyer points (or Asia miles points) (but Citibank charge extra 0.8% compared to most other banks)



$15000 Spend (if enrolled in Qantas):


* Domestic = 7,500
* International = 7,500

 

[M@rcoPolo]

Citibank charge extra 0.8% compared to most other banks

Where did you find this info?
I have both AMEX (Platinum Charge & Platinum Reserve Combo) and Citi Signature - and I'm not quite sure which one is cheaper to use overseas when it comes to FX conversion + additional charges

 

[WindowSeat]

Anyone heard about the Citibusiness card? My guess is it will be cut back as well but can't find any info on it.

Weird that on their "qantaschanges" site Citibank explicitly say they're not changing Signature or Select.

 

[gibspmuh]

I got an email re my Jetstar MasterCard the other day, there is now an option to get 1 QF point per $ instead of Jetstar cash, only applies to the Plat version of the card, but they upgraded me for free and waived the annual fee.

Has anyone else seen any details about this offer? It doesn't appear to be on the Jetstar MasterCard website at the moment, but certainly makes it a more attractive choice if that option becomes open to everyone.

 

[one9]

Where did you find this info?
I have both AMEX (Platinum Charge & Platinum Reserve Combo) and Citi Signature - and I'm not quite sure which one is cheaper to use overseas when it comes to FX conversion + additional charges

I double checked again and guess I should not have said "most other banks". They charge 0.8% above the other card which I use (NAB Platinum Qantas Card).

Citibank Signature card charges 3.3%
NAB charge: 2.5%
ANZ charge 3%
CBA charge 2.95%
Westpac charge 3%
HSBC charge 3.5%
American express charge 3%

 

[Duffa]

Citibank Signature card charges 3.3%
NAB charge: 2.5%
ANZ charge 3%
CBA charge 2.95%
Westpac charge 3%
HSBC charge 3.5%
American express charge 3%

Thanks for your effort, one 9. Very useful info to know!!

 

[ians1949]

Just activated the Signature card sent me by Citibank to replace my Platinum card ("To celebrate the launch of our new suite of ... Cards, we're delighted to invite you to upgrade to the new Signature card at no extra cost...").

The FAQ included with the card states
"Q: I am currently enrolled in the Citibank Qantas Rewards Program - what will happen if I accept this upgrade?
A: Your enrolment will automatically transfer with your upgrade however your earn rate will not increase on this program - you will continue to earn 1 point per dollar spent".
So given that my annual fee is $0.00 (introductory offer in 2006), plus free Priority Pass membership etc, I couldn't refuse.

I guess this (1 QFF point per dollar spend) is only for existing Platinum card holders who accept the "upgrade" offer. 1 QFF point per $2 is for new customers, or those not offered the upgrade.

 

[one9]

Just activated the Signature card sent me by Citibank to replace my Platinum card ("To celebrate the launch of our new suite of ... Cards, we're delighted to invite you to upgrade to the new Signature card at no extra cost...").

The FAQ included with the card states
"Q: I am currently enrolled in the Citibank Qantas Rewards Program - what will happen if I accept this upgrade?
A: Your enrolment will automatically transfer with your upgrade however your earn rate will not increase on this program - you will continue to earn 1 point per dollar spent".
So given that my annual fee is $0.00 (introductory offer in 2006), plus free Priority Pass membership etc, I couldn't refuse.

I guess this (1 QFF point per dollar spend) is only for existing Platinum card holders who accept the "upgrade" offer. 1 QFF point per $2 is for new customers, or those not offered the upgrade.

I was told the following:
Platinum cardholders who upgrade for free to Signature card will initially keep earning 1 point per dollar, but on April 12 it will change to half point per dollar. I believe Citibank only made the decision somewhat recently to also include the Signature card in the points reduction (before they only intended Platinum card and below) and intend to announce it better before April 12. I have an operator tell me wrong information and only after I spoke to the Supervisor was it confirmed that Citibank will half the Qantas earn rate on Signature card in April 12. But of course Citibank being Citibank, anything could happen.

 

[MAX_1]

Brother in law was offered a free upgrade to Citi Signature. I mentioned that I had read that the Qanatas earn will change 1 April 2012 and suggested he ring more thanonce to fnd out.
He called back after speaking to a Card expert ( lol ) and was told that if he stayed Platinum there will be a chnage 1 April. If he converted , the re will be no change to the Qantas points conversion.
I think I would have made another call.
I recommended that he apply for a Woolies EDRC Qantas.

 

[DeKa]

Two weeks ago, when I thought WW EDR weren't going to waive my annual fee, I took Citibank's offer to upgrade from Gold Platinum on the legacy $0 annual fee and add the $49 Qantas Rewards program. I'm pretty disappointed now, as surely they would have known that this change was coming through. I haven't received the letter yet. When I do, I will complain and see if I can get them to refund the $49 Qantas Rewards fee, and change me back to the Citirewards program. To top it off, WW EDR waived the annual fee!

I'd be sending the letter back unopened and demanding a refund. They have made a material change to the program before you've even had a chance to use it. I wouldn't mention the EDR card

I called Citibank today and said I wasn't happy with the change to $2 to 1 point on Citi Qantas rewards and asked why I wasn't told 2 weeks ago when I paid the $49. They couldn't tell me and apologised. I asked to be moved back to Citi Rewards and have the $49 refunded. Apparently they need to get supervisor approval to do so, but it is possible.
Let's wait and see.

For now, I've moved back to WW EDR given they waived my annual fee.

It took a few weeks, but I received a refund of the $49 Qantas Citi Rewards annual fee (and I received the points I had earned in the few weeks I was in the Qantas Citi Rewards program in my Qantas FF Account. I've quoted the whole discussion for ease of reference for others.

As someone else said, the real loser here is QFF. I won't be using Citibank for QFF earn anymore.

 

[Duffa]

I'm now TOTALLY confused.
I have the Signature Upgrade offer letter right in front of me.
It says, and I quote
" There has never been a better time to upgrade to the new Signature card to earn 1 Qantas Frequent Flyer point for every dollar spent and unlimited Qantas Frequent Flyer points. (If you choose to remain on your current platinum card, the earn rate will change to one point per $2 spent from 1 April 2012 as outlined in the enclosed Rewards Variation Notice.

On the right side of the letter, in blue highlight, in dot point form
Signature Card features and benefits
1 Qantas Frequent Flyer point for every dollar spent1

The small 1 guides you to the small print on the same letter, which states ..........From 1 March 2012 ........1 point for every $2 spent etc

The Rewards T&C, which came with the letter, state (Section 13.5) that the earn rate is 1 point per $2 and don't even mention a start date!

?????????????????

 

[Austman]

Yes- it's confusing! I got the offer. It is very badly worded:

1. The Signature Card cover letter (dated 10 November 2011) Introduction: "There has never been a better time to upgrade to the new Signature Card to earn 1 Qantas Frequent Flyer point for every dollar spent and unlimited Qantas frequent Flyer points. If you choose to remain on your current Platinum card, the earn rate will change to 1 point per $2 spent from 1 April 2012 as outlined in the enclosed Rewards Variation Notice)."

2. The Signature Card cover letter (dated 10 November 2011), Signature card features and benefits: "1 Qantas Frequent Flyer point for every dollar spent".

3. The Signature Card cover letter (dated 10 November 2011) Terms and Conditions (for the Signature Card): "From 1 March 2012 the Citibank Qantas Rewards Program earn rate will change to 1 point per $2 spent. Please see enclosed Rewards Variation Notice for further information."

4. The Variation Notice (dated 18 October 2011) (for Rewards Classic, Gold and Platinum cards only) : "Effective 1 July 2012... we will allocate 0.5 Citibank Qantas Rewards Points for each whole $1.00 AUD". 13.1 (a) of the Notice is particularly confusing!

5. The Frequently Asked Questions brochure (printed August 2011) for the upgrade to the Signature Card: "... you will continue to earn 1 point per dollar spent. The annual Citibank Qantas Rewards Program fee will remain at $49."

So what date applies for the earning reduction? 1 March 2012, 1 April 2012 or 1 July 2012. All are mentioned!

The main issue I think is point 3. It would seem the Signature Card is dropping to 1 point per $2 from 1 March 2012. And it also refers to the "enclosed Rewards Variation Notice for further information". But the "enclosed Rewards Variation Notice" is NOT for the Signature Card. I hope that point 3 meant to say : "From 1 March 2012 changes to the Citibank Qantas Rewards Program for Rewards Classic, Gold and Platinum cards will become effective. Please see enclosed Rewards Variation Notice for further information."

 

[Duffa]

Oops. Should have posted in "Free upgrade to Citibabk Signature Visa" thread.
Seems everyone there is just as confused as me.
Citibank have emailed a calrification saying Signature will stay 1 for 1. Hmmm

 

[Austman]

Yes - on the other thread there was:

I emailed Citibank re accruing QANTAS Freq flyer points - this is their response:

Dear xx_ Thank you for your email. We confirm that Qantas Frequent Flyer earn rate on Citibank Signature card will remain as one point per one $1.00 spent. However, if you choose to remain on your current Platinum Card, the earn rate will change to one point per $2.00 spent from 01 March 2012. Fore your reference, please be informed of the following additional benefits that you will get from our new Citibank Signature Card: - 1.5 reward points for per dollar domestic spend (for cards enrolled with Citi Rewards program) - four points for overseas spend (for cards enrolled with Citi Rewards program) - unlimited points per year, with no expiry - for Citibank Qantas Rewards Program, you will earn one Reward point per $1.00 spend. - complimentary Priority Pass membership with lounge access (two per year) - a complimentary bottle of award-winning wine every time customers dine at one of hundreds of participating restaurants - complimentary International Travel Insurance and Transit Accident Insurance - complimentary Purchase Cover and Extended Warranty - unique Signature Events. Furthermore, we advise that Signature cardholders must enroll for the Priority Pass standard membership at prioritypass.com/citibankaus and enter in the special offer code CSA1430911. Once you are enrolled, you are entitled to one complimentary Priority Pass standard membership, with two complimentary lounge visits for the primary cardholder each year. Once you are enrolled, please allow up to 15 working days for your Priority Pass card to arrive in the mail. Simply present your Priority Pass card to obtain access to over 600 VIP airport lounges in 300 cities across 90 countries. For a list of lounge locations, please visit link to Priority Pass (removed due insufficient posts) . For general reference, Citibank offers various campaigns to existing customers. One of these campaigns is being able to upgrade your card with the same annual fee as your old card. To confirm and take advantage of the available offers on your account, we recommend that you please contact us on 13 24 84. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We hope this information is useful. If there’s anything else we can do to assist you, please let us know and we’ll be happy to help. Thank you for using the Citibank Australia Website. Yours sincerely, Citibank Online Customer Service Centre Citibank Pty Limited ABN 88 004 325 080 AFSL No. 238098 citibank.com.au

Hopefully that's right! Because in the Citibank mailing it's not quite the same.

 

[blue_bug]

Just to add more confusion into the mix, I just got off the phone with Citibank, and they told me that because I had been Platinum/Qantas direct swipe programme since the beginning, the change to the earn rate will take affect on the 1st of July. This is different to what I have received in the mail (1st of April).....

Also, anyone got any comments on the HSBC Platinum Qantas VISA? at the moment, that's $1 = 1 QFF for a $199 yearly fee.

 

[DeKa]

Also, anyone got any comments on the HSBC Platinum Qantas VISA? at the moment, that's $1 = 1 QFF for a $199 yearly fee.

Not enough points to be worth it. Go for the Woolworths Qantas Everyday Rewards - same $1:1 point but $89 annual fee.

 

[Austman]

Just to add more confusion into the mix, I just got off the phone with Citibank, and they told me that because I had been Platinum/Qantas direct swipe programme since the beginning, the change to the earn rate will take affect on the 1st of July. This is different to what I have received in the mail (1st of April).....

See my post #32. 1 March 2012, 1 April 2012 or 1 July 2012 - all are mentioned!

I think they meant to say the new Rewards Variation Notice will start on 1 March 2012 and in that notice it states the "Effective 1 July 2012... we will allocate 0.5 Citibank Qantas Rewards Points for each whole $1.00 AUD" I think the 1 April 2012 is an error.

 

[cove]

Wow it sounds like you get to pick any one of three dates! This is all very unusual.
"As popular as a pork chop in Jerusalem" is a saying that popped into my mind when I read the posts......
I think your alternatives are probably :
Do a card upgrade by calling Citi
Switch points earn on your card across from Qantas to the other guys by calling Citi
Move to Woolworths EDR, HSBC (capped) or Bank West (capped)

 

[SIA1A]

Citi select converts to kris flyer at 1.33 points per dollar spend domestically and 3.33 per dollar internationally. Just ask the Guru, Cove!

Are you sure? 1.33 KF miles per A$ spent? That's a very enticing rate.

I recall that before I converted to the Citi Platinum / Qantas sweep scheme a couple of years ago, the Citi rewards earn rate was 1 rewards point per A$1 spend. At that time conversion to KF was at a rate of 1.5 Citi Rewards points to 1 KF mile. Has the Citi to KF conversion rate changed? (Perhaps it increased in tandem with the recent increase to 1.25 Citi Platinum Rewards points per A$1 spent.)

If it's still 1 KF mile per 1.5 Citi rewards points and Select cards also get the same KF conversion rate, then on the basis that Select cards earn 1.5 Citi Rewards points per A$ spent, I believe Select cardholders will get 1 KF mile per A$ spent. Attractive - amongst the best in the market.

If the KF conversion rate for Select Rewards has risen to 2 Citi rewards points per KF mile and Select cards earn 1.5 points per A$ spent then 1 KF mile will be earnt per A$1.33 spent. That's not so flash - equal to 0.75 KF miles per A$ spent and roughly in line with the market (eg the lowly ANZ Rewards Visa/Amex combo card gets something like 0.5 KF miles per A$ Visa spend and 0.75 KF miles per A$ Amex spend).

 

[MAX_1]

Question sent to Citibank:

"Citi credit card question - Is the Qantas earn rate changing from 1 April 2012 for all cards including Select and Signature ?"

Answer from CitiBank:

"Hi . thanks for your question. It's only changing for the Platinum card - not Select or Signature."

Basically, stay with your old card and halve your earn or take up the offer and change to Slect or Signature card and double your earn.

For me, the uncapped Woolworths Qantas EDR Credit card ( free for first year and 5000 points ) at $89 per year earning 1:1 is great value. Will also apply for a Signature card for the KF earn $1:1.33KF.