Qantas/Amex Changes [consolidated threads]

[oz_mark]

Has anyone heard about corporate cards that earn points in the Spirit program? They used to be able to be redeemed for QFF points.

I thought Spirit was specific to the Qantas Amex Corporate Card, so I would think it unlikely while the product exists.

 

[AnonymousCoward]

I thought Spirit was specific to the Qantas Amex Corporate Card, so I would think it unlikely while the product exists.

It is specific to that card, however the card earns regular MR points, which the owner can then choose to move to QFF or redeem for other things (so, similar to Ascent).

Given that this card was pretty cheap ($80 or something for the MR option), this might be a cheap option for some people.

 

[cssaus]

None of these things has been mentioned, as far as I am aware

1) Only Platinum Charge card holders seem to have had any communication
2) They seem to have been moved onto Ascent premium on a complimentary bases
3) Platinum credit card holders do not seem to have been informed of any change at this point in time

I'm a Platinum credit card golder and I got the letter. Not that I really care as I've finally divested myself of all my QFF miles and will now in future direct my AMEX points SQ for usage on *A airlines.

 

[oz_mark]

I'm a Platinum credit card golder and I got the letter. Not that I really care as I've finally divested myself of all my QFF miles and will now in future direct my AMEX points SQ for usage on *A airlines.

On the 8th Sept when I wrote that post, I was unaware of anyone other the Plat Card holders getting the letter. Subsquently others reported getting letters (mostly on Thursday 11 and Friday 12 last week), although at this point I have not.

 

[oz_mark]

It is specific to that card, however the card earns regular MR points, which the owner can then choose to move to QFF or redeem for other things (so, similar to Ascent).

Given that this card was pretty cheap ($80 or something for the MR option), this might be a cheap option for some people.

While it is similar ro Ascent in many ways, the only airline FF program points can be sent to directly is QFF. (There are some hotel programs that points can be sent to). This difference may be telling in whether or not the program continues!

 

[NM]

According to an Amex agent I spoke with today, there may be a new Amex Charge Card option hitting the streets from November. She was not able to provide any details, but suggested it may be an option for some current Credit Card customers unhappy with the recent changes (QFF transfer stopping and 1.5->1.25 points/$ drop for Rewards Maximiser).

 

[oz_mark]

I got my letter about the changes today, but no offer of a plat charge card for $600. Dammit, I was hoping.

(As for Spirit in the revised Terms and Conditions enclosed with the letter, it would appear that the ability to transfer is continuing).

As for the part of the letter that says "in order to focus on further development of the Qantas American Express Cards", I hope they mean something other than putting the fees up

 

[straitman]

I got a letter today but I'm not going to spoil my holiday so it will be opened upon return.

 

[kelix]

My letter arrived last friday (Platty Credit).. was offered the platty charge for $600, for those other platty Charge guys out there.. is the card worth it???

 

[waltervp]

I received the same letter and am pretty upset about it as I really like my Plat.Amex for one because of the 1.5 points per $, and the free flight each year.

The free flight route I wanted to use is not available any more(Melb-Perth return). I originally signed up for that freebie, but that sector was removed as of a date which fell in between me applying for the card and getting approved... Myfirst good reason to have Platinum was removed. And now dropping the QF partnership.

So for me it means dropping the Platinum Amex. What card can we change to en-mass? Any other CC offer 1.5+ points? Remember the good times when overseas spending gave us double points on the Q.Visa? My ANZ Visa card might just become my main card now.

 

[simongr]

My view on the Charge card value is to compare the Gold Charge and Plat Card:

Gold:

Fee $190
Supp Card $60
Ascent $80

Total - $330


Plat

Base fee $900

Benefits/savings values over Gold:

1.5 Points for say $30K of spend is 15k points so say $150
Travel Insurance included for all bookings not just paid for on card: $260
Free flight (with the free Credit Card): $120
Free Supp card: $60
No Ascent fee: $80

So excluding the concierge service (that I have already used to get a table at a restaurant I have been trying to book for years) that is $710 of value thus card is in theory only costing me $190 compared to the cost of $330 for the Gold Charge...

 

[gibspmuh]

So for me it means dropping the Platinum Amex. What card can we change to en-mass? Any other CC offer 1.5+ points?

If you want 1.5 points per dollar and the ability to transfer to QF still then either Platinum Charge Card or the Qantas Ultimate Amex are basically your only options (which is the whole point of the process I'm guessing ).

Apart from that the next best option for QF earning that I'm aware of is the CitiBusiness card from Citibank - it earns 1.25 points per dollar, and for the moment can still be transferred to QF on a 1-1 basis (though in blocks of 10,000 points). Given what seems to be happening with every other non-direct sweep card though, I wouldn't hold my breath on the transfers to QF remaining unfortunately.

 

[oz_mark]

My view on the Charge card value is to compare the Gold Charge and Plat Card:

Gold:

Fee $190
Supp Card $60
Ascent $80

Total - $330


Plat

Base fee $900

Benefits/savings values over Gold:

1.5 Points for say $30K of spend is 15k points so say $150
Travel Insurance included for all bookings not just paid for on card: $260
Free flight (with the free Credit Card): $120
Free Supp card: $60
No Ascent fee: $80

So excluding the concierge service (that I have already used to get a table at a restaurant I have been trying to book for years) that is $710 of value thus card is in theory only costing me $190 compared to the cost of $330 for the Gold Charge...

...and here I was hoping they would give me the $600 offer. The Priority Pass included does have some value to me as well. Looks like I will have to save my sheckels and pay the $900 for it....

 

[oz_mark]

If you want 1.5 points per dollar and the ability to transfer to QF still then the Qantas Ultimate Amex is basically your only option (which is the whole point of the process I'm guessing ).

Apart from that the next best option for QF earning that I'm aware of is the CitiBusiness card from Citibank - it earns 1.25 points per dollar, and for the moment can still be transferred to QF on a 1-1 basis (though in blocks of 10,000 points). Given what seems to be happening with every other non-direct sweep card though, I wouldn't hold my breath on the transfers to QF remaining unfortunately.

Indeed, I would guess that as the contracts are renewed (or not), we may see these types of cards slowly disappear. Not sure what sort of timeframes they normally have on these agreements, but the evidence seems to suggest that an annual review seems to happen.

 

[simongr]

...and here I was hoping they would give me the $600 offer. The Priority Pass included does have some value to me as well. Looks like I will have to save my sheckels and pay the $900 for it....

Noted - there are a number of other ancilliary benefits - Hertz #1 Gold (although you can get that for free as well).

I was half tempted by the Behind the scenes Carols in the Domain but there was no guarantee of meeting the Wiggles - and then I remembered I don't have young Children...

 

[glass]

Just out of interest, you guys that are spending 100k/yr on your AE cards and hitting caps, what do you spend it on? I assume it's not for work since these are not corp cards. Or do we have have a huge concentration of millionaires here?

 

[simongr]

A lot of people do push business expenses through a personal card rather than a corporate card. If you are say a lawyer in private practice you easily push through a lot of business expenses.

Tradespeople as well push a lot of business expense through personal cards.

 

[netjock]

Hi All,

Just received my letter regarding Qantas leaving the Ascent program. EXCEPT there is an option to auto sweep points into QFF (I have a professional affinity card).

They have also stopped 1.5pts per dollar on spend above $10k per year (I don't pay annual fee ever, no cap on points and no fee for Ascent).

I might not opt into the auto sweep program because it isn't that easy to get seats on Qantas. The flyer also lists Krisflyer as 1:1.

The 10k pts = $100 at Travelscene looks interesting. For airfares is Travelscene competitive?

Also do you know if points paid at Travelscene for air tickets with airlines that have reward programs are eligible for airmiles?

If so looks better than letting Qantas' grubby little hands on my points.

 

[orac]

Indeed, I would guess that as the contracts are renewed (or not), we may see these types of cards slowly disappear. Not sure what sort of timeframes they normally have on these agreements, but the evidence seems to suggest that an annual review seems to happen.

You are on the money - so as to speak. I have the Citibank business card you mention on 1.25 points, as well as AMEX. My understanding is from conversations with call centre staff at AMEX that November is the crunch month. From this my view would be that the Citibank cards will come in line with the other cards mentioned in different threads on this site in that your points are sweep automatically across to Qantas.

I hope I am wrong, but it is not looking good at this stage.

 

[jingles]

I thought i read somewhere that there was a fee to change over to accent direct sweep however i cannot see it listed anywhere on the amex website.
American Express


I have a CPA Amex where i receive free membership in accent and a $25pa card fee.

If i change to direct sweep does anyone know if this will stay the same?