hi everyone, we have previously had westpac altitude black which had mastercard and amex. however apparently they are cancelling the amex component due to some RBA changes? so we are then stuck with mastercard only. It was previously good to be able to use the linked amex as it had higher points earning capacity and use mastercard where amex not accepted.
anyone else in the same position? should i change now? how will i be able to access all the amex deals?!
What is the best card to get with Westpac, I've just moved there with my Home Loan and they let me choose?
Black.
They are going to have a westpac-branded Amex directly issued card.
I am currently in the same position. Unless you stop earning qantas points and opt for altitude points…but who am I kidding.
There is a going to be a westpac amex equivalent card issued by amex directly to be issued in the coming weeks. As Dennis has said. I am not sure if it's worth waiting for, but going to keep my eyes open in the meantime. It will depend on the benefits and annual fee.
Westpac is giving me much choice but to cancel the altitude card, not going to be worth the annual fee for a singular card with no real selling point.
Anyone with a Westpac issued AMEX card will be issued a replacement AMEX card issued directly from AMEX.
It will still be a seperate account with AMEX; You will still need to apply for the card.
source?
We’re excited to announce that Westpac and American Express have formed a new partnership, introducing a choice of two new cards that are issued and serviced directly by American Express.
The new cards will be available exclusively for eligible Westpac cardholders, who can apply in early 2018.
They will allow you to continue earning accelerated Altitude Points or Qantas Points into your existing rewards account and includes great benefits such as:
high points earn rate
uncapped points
complimentary insurances
access to American Express benefits including Amex Offers and Amex Invites.
Currently, the Westpac-issued American Express card is linked to your Westpac credit card account. The new card will be separate and in addition to the current Westpac credit card account, with its own statement and credit limit.
You will need to complete an application to get a new card from American Express. Look out for more details on the new card in early 2018.
good idea. i'll just wait what they do with the AMEX partnership then. i dont want to have 2 separate cc accounts tho.
As an aside, what happens to any programs we have signed onto when the amex is discontinued - the priority pass card expires in 2020 - will it be cancelled when the westpac amex is cancelled?
Westpac won't be cancelling the accompanying card, so would assume it just continues as normal.
i dont have a priority pass card? what is this
Airport lounge access.
I used to have an ANZ card and shortly before my year with them was up they cancelled the AmEx. Now Westpac is doing the same but a full 4 months before the year is up. I'm honestly surprised that banks can just do this, i.e. alter the conditions the cards were received under. If I have paid the fee for a full year, can they just take away the primary reason I paid the fee in the first place?
I don't know much about the laws of Australia around these issues. Sure, they can put this stuff in the T&Cs (and I assume it is) but I'd expect there'd be laws in place preventing what is effectively a change of the service I already paid for…? Does anyone know details about why the banks are allowed to do this?
Looks like I'll be changing credit cards every year now… >.<
I'd expect there'd be laws in place preventing what is effectively a change of the service I already paid for
A change in law is the reason banks are moving like this
You can cancel for a pro rata refund of the annual fee.
lol I called the service rep and she said, no difference, you just don't get amex now :) and have to apply and pay for one yourself, and I'm like…. wtf I pay an annual package fee and you said it's no difference? Then she gives me a bullshit spiel to say it was actually a freebie we gave to you for free, now no more freebie.
first year fee is waived.
Anyone receive the new Amex offer yet?
Yes. I saw it yesterday when I login to online banking.
Mine is just no annual fee for the first year and 20K bonus points if you spend $3K in the first month. My Earth Black card is no annual fee, and 20K points is not worth the effort for me, so no deal.
I think i might apply for this one as i can pool the points and its a cheaper card compared to the Explorer. I have to check my mail box for that 4 digit code. Haven't checked for a few weeks now lol. Is there a way to turn of paper based notifications?
Each to their own, but just remember the 100k points offer from Amex now is worth ~$750 of gift cards and you'll still get $400 travel credit to at least partially offset the card fee.
I'm personally going to drain my Westpac points as soon as I get the Explorer card, because I don't use the MasterCard.
Sorry, no idea about the paper based notifications. I suspect Westpac will send a letter anyway.
I use the MC quite a bit. I pay one of my accounts with it each month which can be anywhere from 10k to 21k. They used to take Amex but took it away a few years ago :(
So yea not so good if you use the MC a lot.
Yea but i like how the points is in the same account rather then having to save up on 2. I don't convert to FF so its Myer or DJ gift cards.
Yes the MasterCard earn rate is terrible. Get a Visa card with a 1pt per dollar rate at least.