New Altitude Black has landed...

[diningdecadence]

Rang up Westpac today and had my fee waiver granted, even though I haven't used the card that much.

This will be my second free year.

I need to keep this card going as I have a large number of points warehoused there.

ohh i'm up this month too - any tips?

 

[cove]

This card holds many points in a warehouse so I try to keep some activity on it.

 

[deka2]

I agree with Cove
Just keep it ticking over
Last year I put less than $10k through the card.

 

[kallinch]

I tried calling today for my Altitude Qantas Platinum. Stating directly that I would like the fee waived.

I was told the best "current offers that are available" to the Card Retention team [specifically for my account] was a reduction in interest to ~10%. Largely irrelevant to me and I assume most others here who pay the balance in full.

The guy I spoke to suggested I call again <30 days before my Annual Fee is due as that's typically when "offers to waive the fee may become available".

 

[diningdecadence]

I tried calling today for my Altitude Qantas Platinum. Stating directly that I would like the fee waived.

I was told the best "current offers that are available" to the Card Retention team [specifically for my account] was a reduction in interest to ~10%. Largely irrelevant to me and I assume most others here who pay the balance in full.

The guy I spoke to suggested I call again <30 days before my Annual Fee is due as that's typically when "offers to waive the fee may become available".

interesting - i'm within a week of being due...

offered 1/2 price annual fee. declined and cancelled. surprised they didn't seem bothered by the cancellation. haven't used the card that extensively and no loss - might apply for the velocity card to get an amex back in the portfolio!

 

[leyy]

Besides warehousing the points.

Where do you find best value in transferring your altitude points for long-haul J/F redemptions

I normally send to Krisflyer, but was wondering if it is better value to send them to Asiamiles?

Velocity is not bad when there is a 15-20% promo

 

[N860CR]

I used Malaysia for years before they doubled the redemption costs. Krisflyer seems to be the best value now

 

[Deleted member 29185]

I was looking at the Altitude black and realised that my Altitude Business Platinum is supposed to have a platinum AMEX included (which I've never received). That combo ($120/year via "My Business Solutions" package) seems perhaps better than the Altitude Black given it still offers 3/$1 for all domestic AMEX spend which in my thinking gives 1.5VFF/KF points + any transfer bonus which may be on offer. I currently only get 1/$1 for hire cars and many other transactions with AMEX Edge or AMEX Velocity Platinum, so is there any better card for maximising the regular 1/$1 AMEX transactions??

Also, the $5500 hire car excess insurance.....is that just International or does it apply to domestic as well?

 

[AdMEL]

Swanning_it, car rental excess is domestic too.

 

[frequentflyer]

Sorry if this has already been asked but I couldn't seem to find it - the T&C's indicate that the 2x Priority Pass only allows the primary cardholder access to lounges. Is there a way around this, so that you can bring a partner in with you? Perhaps issuing a supplementary card?

 

[prozac]

Sorry if this has already been asked but I couldn't seem to find it - the T&C's indicate that the 2x Priority Pass only allows the primary cardholder access to lounges. Is there a way around this, so that you can bring a partner in with you? Perhaps issuing a supplementary card?

No. Cost charged to card for guest, US$27.

 

[zzyss]

Sorry if this has already been asked but I couldn't seem to find it - the T&C's indicate that the 2x Priority Pass only allows the primary cardholder access to lounges. Is there a way around this, so that you can bring a partner in with you? Perhaps issuing a supplementary card?

Nope, no way around it. I've even tried with two separate PP memberships (one from Altitude Black, the other from Citibank Signature), and because it's only my name on the account they wouldn't allow her to use it (means I have to use all 4 visits myself, and she always has to pay the US$27).

 

[Sora]

The $27 is bargain when you compare it to the normal price you would pay of around $99 - no need to complain, you are getting a pretty sweet deal.

 

[kamchatsky]

The $27 is bargain when you compare it to the normal price you would pay of around $99 - no need to complain, you are getting a pretty sweet deal.

Depend on the airport, sometimes you are better off spending those $27USD on food at airport than going to the lounge. HKG and SIN for example.

 

[Sora]

Depend on the airport, sometimes you are better off spending those $27USD on food at airport than going to the lounge. HKG and SIN for example.

Exactly, depends on the airport which I have to agree with. However, overall when you consider the cost factor you literally save money from the initial cost to get in to the lounge as a non pass holder. I've gone through a few airports and the joy to sit in peace doesn't always come easy

 

[prozac]

Depend on the airport, sometimes you are better off spending those $27USD on food at airport than going to the lounge. HKG and SIN for example.

Why would you want to do that in SIN when you get food and alcohol, plus shower if needed?

 

[ninja-tim]

Tried searching this thread but couldn't find anything related to council rates, either that or I'm cough at searching.

Will you earn points for paying council rates?
I paid via Postbillpay --> Paypal --> Westpac Amex card.

Just wondering if these payments will earn points at the standard rate ($1=3pts)

 

[prozac]

...
Will you earn points for paying council rates?
I paid via Postbillpay --> Paypal --> Westpac Amex card.
...

Westpac Black earns 3pts for council, not they these are real full points, 1.5pts being the effective value. Not sure about the earn using paypal but you are lucky if you have this option as it is fee free points. Can't speak Postbillpay as I have not used it.

 

[legroom]

I have been Xtra Simplifying it for some time now using Alt Black so can't really comment on Council rates directly.

Tried searching this thread but couldn't find anything related to council rates, either that or I'm cough at searching.

Will you earn points for paying council rates?
I paid via Postbillpay --> Paypal --> Westpac Amex card.

Just wondering if these payments will earn points at the standard rate ($1=3pts)

 

[ninja-tim]

Westpac Black earns 3pts for council, not they these are real full points, 1.5pts being the effective value. Not sure about the earn using paypal but you are lucky if you have this option as it is fee free points. Can't speak Postbillpay as I have not used it.

Thanks
Yeah suprised you can use PayPal to pay bills via PostBillPay. It's weird how the money is going through 3 different "merchants" before it gets to the council.