Westpac is capping rewards points monthly from June 17th 2013

[AdMEL]

I was advised staff are receiving training next week in preparation for the launch on the 23rd. Wouldn't be the first institution to send out letters/emails about something staff know nothing about (I'm looking at you QF )

Earth Black = Direct Sweep to QFF
Altitude Black = Westpac Rewards Programme

Release date is Monday 25 March.

Don't think Earth Black being direct sweep to QFF and Altitude Black being Altitude Rewards was ever in doubt/question.

 

[medhead]

I find that a little unfair, considering those of us on Platinum Plus are paying $250pa already. Will be discussing with RM.

I assume that $149 is the altitude card.

 

[ComeFlyWithMe]

Received letter, no offer, just a good rodgering by the Westpac Banking Corporation.

 

[wasabiman]

To clarify:

- Black will be Mastercard only (with companion Amex);

- Existing Mastercard holders may get an offer to upgrade to Black at no additional cost, which will be mentioned in the points cap letter either already received or to be received in the next week (if offered, actual Black card will be sent between March 25 and June 17);

- Existing Visa holders will not get an offer to upgrade (Visa arrangement does not allow this until after October), but can contact Westpac and ask to be included, in which case they may be offered a Mastercard on their current fee arrangement.

I have an Altitude Plat Plus Visa and got the Black offer for a World MC without asking for it. I thought it was a bit weird that I was getting swapped over to a MC, but meh.

For those trying to figure out the criteria for the Black invite, I am a Plat Plus holder on a reduced fee arrangement (incentive to upgrade to Plat from Gold). I do do my personal banking with WBC. I spend anywhere between $50-90K/yr (having a guess here), but I don't have a business (so none of these massive ATO payments or anything). Always pay my balance by month end so no interest. Credit limit above $20K.
And I have a relative who has a vanilla Altitude MC and got the Black invite.

 

[ComeFlyWithMe]

Maybe you need to have other banking with WBC to get an invite? Anyone invited without this?

 

[ij05]

I have an Altitude Plat Plus Visa and got the Black offer for a World MC without asking for it. I thought it was a bit weird that I was getting swapped over to a MC, but meh.

For those trying to figure out the criteria for the Black invite, I am a Plat Plus holder on a reduced fee arrangement (incentive to upgrade to Plat from Gold). I do do my personal banking with WBC. I spend anywhere between $50-90K/yr (having a guess here), but I don't have a business (so none of these massive ATO payments or anything). Always pay my balance by month end so no interest. Credit limit above $20K.
And I have a relative who has a vanilla Altitude MC and got the Black invite.

Did you get the invite as part of the letter detailing the cap, or was it a separate letter?

 

[blackcat20]

Maybe you need to have other banking with WBC to get an invite? Anyone invited without this?

Im still waiting; I've had nothing so far, not even advice of the points cap. Have all personal and business accounts with Westpac...

 

[Newk]

Im still waiting; I've had nothing so far, not even advice of the points cap. Have all personal and business accounts with Westpac...

pretty much same same for me

 

[Lewdannie]

Maybe you need to have other banking with WBC to get an invite? Anyone invited without this?

I was, I only have this account

 

[ComeFlyWithMe]

I was, I only have this account

Ugh now I feel really aggrieved...

 

[Lewdannie]

Did you get the invite as part of the letter detailing the cap, or was it a separate letter?

It was part of the cap letter

 

[Ken1]

I received the letter today. I Have the Earth Platinum Plus with direct sweep to QFF. There was no mention of the black card in the letter. I have no other banking with Westpac. Credit limit 20K+ and always pay in full on receipt of statement.

 

[ComeFlyWithMe]

I received the letter today. I Have the Earth Platinum Plus with direct sweep to QFF. There was no mention of the black card in the letter. I have no other banking with Westpac. Credit limit 20K+ and always pay in full on receipt of statement.

You and me both Ken1, except mine is $30k. Clearly we are of no value to Westpac

 

[wasabiman]

Did you get the invite as part of the letter detailing the cap, or was it a separate letter?

Same letter. The letter says that my Plat Plus is a Visa (in the table on the front page), and on the Altitude Black table on the back, it says it will be a World MC.

 

[Beta4Me]

Same letter. The letter says that my Plat Plus is a Visa (in the table on the front page), and on the Altitude Black table on the back, it says it will be a World MC.

Same too. Honestly don't care about MC vs Visa.

 

[ronicat]

Haven't received either letter yet but have put in a request for invitation with my bank manager (who didn't know anything about the black card).
Does anyone know what happens to extended warranty on items purchased on plat plus if you change to black card? Does this move to the new card or is this just another saving Westpac will make by getting you to change over?

 

[m535607]

I have an Earth Plat Plus with $20k limit and always pay off full balance. I have some banking with Westpac but no home loans etc. I received the letter yesterday which says there will be an invite to black before July. my monthly usage is between $2000 to $6000 so would average 4400 QF points a month

 

[oz_mark]

I find that a little unfair, considering those of us on Platinum Plus are paying $250pa already. Will be discussing with RM.

Plat Plus does get better insurance products compared to Plat.

 

[fully6mps]

I wonder if letters mentioning the new card are only being sent to those who opted in to receiving credit limit increases? I remember having to do this a while ago due to some law change that meant Westpac couldn't just offer without consent, wonder if this is an extension of that restriction. Some of the replies above aren't showing anything consistent.

Curious to see what they do with Westpac Group staff cardholders too.

 

[blackcat20]

Just got my letter from Westpac:

Based on how you used your Earth card(s) in 2012, these changes should have no effect on the number of points you earn in the future.

Given I got the card on the 20-something of December, I'd say that's a bit of a stretch. I've certainly been earning over 2500 points a month since I got the card :shock: Given the new Ts&Cs included, it looks like I'm not going to be offered anything....