Westpac is capping rewards points monthly from June 17th 2013

[Keith009]

Still sticking with my cheaper KrisFlyer Platinum card for now. But if they do touch that one I'll be moving back to AMEX Reserve which at least comes with more tangible benefits for the fee - unless they offer a Black for the same fee as currently paying for KrisFlyer.

 

[danmar]

Apologies if this has been covered already but I'm wondering if the 40000 bonus QF points as advertised will be given to existing customers who convert to the new black card? I currently have earth plat plus, $40k limit and accrue around $200k points annually. I fail to really see the point of this change but I have to admit the new cards look pretty cool.
Note. I received the earth black letter a couple of weeks ago (which I have misplaced) from memory I get the new card for current fee.

 

[AdMEL]

Apologies if this has been covered already but I'm wondering if the 40000 bonus QF points as advertised will be given to existing customers who convert to the new black card? I currently have earth plat plus, $40k limit and accrue around $200k points annually. I fail to really see the point of this change but I have to admit the new cards look pretty cool.
Note. I received the earth black letter a couple of weeks ago (which I have misplaced) from memory I get the new card for current fee.

As previously posted:

From the website ....

If you obtain a credit card as part of a Westpac package, or switch from an existing Westpac card, you are not eligible for the bonus point described.

Altitude Black | Westpac

 

[Andrew1209]

thanks for the feedback. its looking like a pretty good option for cx and singapore flexibility

 

[aussieboozer]

I have the Altitude Qantas Platinum Amex/Visa combination and have received no correspondence from Westpac at all. Should I be worried?

 

[oz_mark]

I have the Altitude Qantas Platinum Amex/Visa combination and have received no correspondence from Westpac at all. Should I be worried?

Possibly. The website says that the Altitude Qantas cards are getting capped as well

Manage your Altitude Qantas Platinum credit card | Westpac

 

[dane]

Just spoke to another Westpac phone rep, who was friendly and polite, but wouldn't budge on a Platinum Plus to Black upgrade at the same annual fee.

She understood that I would have hit the points cap a couple of times in 2012 and the changes would impact me (a much better experience than having to argue that the changes would impact me!). The upgrade means I'd have to pay $395/year and would not receive the 40,000 sign-up points. Feedback is being collected and sent to management, and she mentioned they may have offers for existing customers to upgrade if I try again in a month.

I mentioned if I wasn't offered the Black at a reasonable annual fee by the time my account renews in May I would be leaving...

 

[cyberpt]

I called the Earth Platinum Card line this afternoon and they have put me through to the Earth Black line... asked them to check the system to see if i have the invitation in the system for a new Black card. the guy confirmed to me based on my account detail that i have invitation to free upgrade with the same annual fee and will receive the card shortly.

i am currently on Earth Platinum Plus with around 130K QFF points via credit card ... and will exceed the 3750 points cap.. i would imagine Westpac offer free upgrade to those people so they can keep the customers!!!

i would encourage all of you haven't received the upgrade letter just call them and confirm what's in the system...

 

[wallacej]

Based on a previous call I made to the call centre, I was advised to wait until the 25th March when letters would be sent out. (FYI/Reminder I have Amex/Visa Plat Plus combo).

So I would expect there might be another round of letters coming out to those holding the Visa combo?

 

[Keith009]

Looking at the structure of the new Westpac portfolio of cards - once again confirming that Platinum is the new Gold/basic... Unobtanium cards next?

 

[Supersonic Swinger]

Just spoke to another Westpac phone rep, who was friendly and polite, but wouldn't budge on a Platinum Plus to Black upgrade at the same annual fee. <snip.... Feedback is being collected and sent to management, and she mentioned they may have offers for existing customers to upgrade if I try again in a month.

Sorry, but I'm amazed that when there are so many different credit cards and credit card providers fighting for your business, you feel you are compelled to fight for benefits from a provider who hasn't even made their mind up about whether they really want your business!

 

[Beta4Me]

If you want SQ, flexibility and an Amex, Westpac is the place to be...

 

[dane]

Sorry, but I'm amazed that when there are so many different credit cards and credit card providers fighting for your business, you feel you are compelled to fight for benefits from a provider who hasn't even made their mind up about whether they really want your business!

Tell me about it! I'm not sure why I tried again either... a decade of blind loyalty has somehow skewed my perception of value. Seriously considering the Diners combo for a cheaper annual fee and a wider range of transfer partners (Hyatt, AA, Delta, SPG, etc.) - they also have a very similar line up of bonus partners.

 

[Newk]

Tell me about it! I'm not sure why I tried again either... a decade of blind loyalty has somehow skewed my perception of value. Seriously considering the Diners combo for a cheaper annual fee and a wider range of transfer partners (Hyatt, AA, Delta, SPG, etc.) - they also have a very similar line up of bonus partners.

Yes, terrific range of transfer options
very poor acceptance of Diners.
Not bad points earn for MC especially for Velocity
Wondering how long we'll get points for ATO with the MC

 

[Supersonic Swinger]

very poor acceptance of Diners.

Acceptance is not the best, but with supermarkets, airlines, petrol stations, taxis covered (and as I look around quite a few other places I go to), I'm earning more Velocity or SPG points than I would using any other combo, and have found the complimentary international airport lounge access comes in very handy.

 

[Lewdannie]

I notice the Black Mastercard offers 3 points for overseas transactions on the Mastercard, and idea if thier exchange rates/fees for overseas transactions are any better with this card?

 

[cove]

Those 3 points halve when you go to transfer them Lewdannie so don't get taken in by the Westpac marketing team. The idea that Westpac will want to charge between 3% and 4% on doing an overseas transaction for you would be in the ballpark so if it is that high just use a 28 Degree card seeing you would be buying points at higher than 2 cents each. That price is no bargain.

 

[dane]

I notice the Blackk Mastercard offers 3 points for overseas transactions on the Mastercard, and idea if thier exchange rates/fees for overseas transactions are any better with this card?

I believe it's a 0.5% saving using the Mastercard (Westpac 2% + MC Issuer Cross Border Assessment 0.8% + MC Currency Conversion Assessment 0.2% = 3%) instead of the AMEX (Westpac 2% + AMEX FX Conversion 1.5% = 3.5%)... although, as Cove mentioned, even at the lower rate (2c per airline point) it can be an expensive compared to 0% alternatives.

 

[greenfrog86]

Acceptance is not the best, but with supermarkets, airlines, petrol stations, taxis covered (and as I look around quite a few other places I go to), I'm earning more Velocity or SPG points than I would using any other combo, and have found the complimentary international airport lounge access comes in very handy.

Looking around isn't enough though... I've got a Diner's and refuse to pull it out at cafes and restaurants now as everyone laughs in your face (despite having a sticker on the window and being featured on the Diner's app). I use mine mostly online and with PayPal...

 

[djchuckles]

Credit where credit's due. We got the letter advising of the pts limit but no invite for Black. Looked back through statements and I earn on average 15,000 pts a month so we'd have been impacted by at least 50%

Girlfriend (who is the account holder) phoned up today and asked if we could have Black and they said no problem - all done. No other changes to the account - so i assume we are still fee free for life (as she used to work for Westpac)