28 Degrees - New $8 Monthly Fee (Effective 17/9/24). Alternatives?

ifcw on 07/08/2024 - 12:41
Last edited 09/08/2024 - 11:02 by 1 other user

Hey all,

Just got an email about the 28 Degrees Mastercard introducing a new monthly card fee of $8 per month, which is quite steep as I only use it for travel and YouTube Argentina.

Any other recommendations for alternatives?

28 Degrees Global Platinum Mastercard Credit Card Changes FAQs

Effective from Tuesday 17 September 2024, there will be some important changes to your Latitude 28° Global Platinum Mastercard credit card product. A card fee of $8 per month will be introduced and the interest rate on purchases will increase to 27.99% p.a. New features will be available including a new rewards program where you will be eligible for a $10 e-gift card every statement period when you spend $1,000 or more on eligible transactions within the statement period, and access to complimentary E-Commerce Protection Insurance and Purchase Protection Insurance.

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  • CodeXD on 07/08/2024 - 13:06

    Before everyone is all trigger happy to cancel, make sure that you claim:

    • 82
    • Mokr on 07/08/2024 - 13:48

      6 Months Free Uber One with Latitude Mastercard -

      will have to use this credti card to get uber one offers.

      • 5
      • CodeXD on 07/08/2024 - 13:49

        You need to have the card selected, but if you happen to have ubereats gift card that can cover the entire purchase, then there is no charge to the card 😏

        • 6
      • McMaferMur on 07/08/2024 - 13:56

        correct. but codexd way is also good to overcome

        • 0
      • DingoBlue on 07/08/2024 - 16:08

        Unfortunately, the offer you're trying to claim will expire before your current offer ends.

        • 0
    • tdth99 on 09/08/2024 - 15:49

      Just a note that it's not much point claiming the Uber one if you're going to cancel the card.
      Uber requires you to use the MasterCard associated with the promo as a payment method to get Uber one benefits.

      • 2
        • odysseus on 09/08/2024 - 18:18

          The terms say Mastercard is funding the monthly fee.

          If your Mastercard is no longer active - which Mastercard will know - they will not fund the monthly fee, and it will get disabled like that other Amazon Prime promo some time back.

          • 0
          • CodeXD on 09/08/2024 - 18:58

            @odysseus: I did that exact thing back in September last year.

            I got a CBA credit card and got my 6 months free Uber one. I closed the account after getting introductory offer and it did not cancel my Uber one.

            I only use cheap gift cards either from ShopBack or prezzee or Amazon. The card never got charged since gift card covered the entire order.

            • 2
            • odysseus on 09/08/2024 - 20:30

              @CodeXD: Good to hear. Practice doesn't always align with what is stated :-)

              • 0
    • [Deactivated] on 07/08/2024 - 13:09

      Very good reminder.

      • 1
    • unco on 07/08/2024 - 14:08

      Wow didn't realise I could claim it again. Perfect timing because my last 6 months free expires soon.

      Uber One
      6 months free thanks to Mastercard until Saturday, 17 August, 2024

      6 months free from Mastercard starts on 17 Aug, 2024

      • 1
      • McMaferMur on 07/08/2024 - 21:44

        Must be from different mastercard, i ahve the same exact dates like yours. One from citi one from Latitude

        • 0
    • mellow on 07/08/2024 - 15:21

      Tips like these are why I come to ozb, thanks dude. My Prime subscription trial was about to expire - now I have another 3 months. Awesome

      • 1
    • whatisk on 07/08/2024 - 15:49

      Anyone know if you can pick a start date for the 3GB free data? Heading OS in December and was going to use it then. But with fees being introduced, I'll be cancelling this card before then.

      Not sure if I could set a date to activate the data plan….

      • 0
      • bdl on 07/08/2024 - 16:00

        I used it in June and I think you've got a week or two to start the SIM, definitely won't hold off to December. Still, may as well claim the eSIM now and then just recharge it in December when you do travel.

        I found it really good in the US, even though all my data was being routed through Dallas.

        • 0
      • tiara on 09/08/2024 - 09:51

        Here's from the FAQ:
        Will the Starter Pack expire if I don't activate after redemption? Yes, the Flexiroam Starter Pack expires if it is not activated within 6 months of redemption.

        • 0
    • Pone on 07/08/2024 - 16:32

      Cool, the Amazon offer is good! thanks

      • 0
    • McMaferMur on 07/08/2024 - 17:01

      checked all 3 and i have claimed them all last year lol

      • 0
    • yoquierotaco on 07/08/2024 - 20:47

      Yep went and claimed all of this when I saw the post title. Good while it lasted.

      • 0
    • yoyobananas on 09/08/2024 - 14:01

      For Uber One, do we activate 6 months free with 28 global, cancel 28 global, add a new payment method in Uber One and keep the 6 months free?

      • 0
  • eecan on 09/08/2024 - 15:55

    Just in case it helps anyone else I have tested a transaction of 112000 KRW today on multiple cards. I did this over about 30 minutes so there may have been a slight fluctuation of the rate. I tested them in order of CBA, 28 Degrees, Revolut, Wise, Macquarie then NAB.

    $124.70 Revolut (VISA)
    $124.86 Wise (VISA)
    $125.24 CBA Ultimate Awards (Mastercard)
    $125.24 28 Degrees Card (Mastercard)
    $125.24 Macquarie Platinum Transaction Account (Mastercard)
    $125.44 NAB Classic Banking (Old Citibank account) (VISA)

    • 38
    • eug on 10/08/2024 - 10:54

      This is an interesting watch. The guy compared overseas withdrawals and purchases with a whole bunch of cards:

      1) Up
      2) Ubank
      3) Macquarie Platinum
      4) Wise
      5) Revolut
      6) ING Orange Everyday
      7) Westpac Worldwide Wallet
      8) CashPassport Platinum
      9) TravelEx Money Card
      10) Qantas Money
      11) Commbank Travel Money Card

      • 3
    • DingoBlue on 09/08/2024 - 16:23

      Thanks for this, much appreciated.

      • 0
    • UltimateAI on 09/08/2024 - 16:32

      Thanks, I believe result charges an Extra 1% on Weekends (After 5pm Friday), unsure of the specifics.

      • 0
    • CodeXD on 09/08/2024 - 16:45

      Legend! tysm!

      • 0
    • CalmLemons on 09/08/2024 - 17:38

      Wait but don't some of these cards charge an internationla transaction fee?

      • 0
      • eecan on 09/08/2024 - 17:53

        None of those specific cards/accounts do.

        • 0
        • CalmLemons on 09/08/2024 - 17:59

          Oh then isn't it just easier to get a cba ultimate awards if i'm already with cba??

          i have a normal cba awards card.

          • 0
          • eecan on 09/08/2024 - 18:47

            @CalmLemons: It has a high monthly/annual fee but if you met the conditions for a fee waiver (or had it otherwise discounted) then the award points for international transactions on the card would be worth more than the rate difference and you would get other benefits like insurance.

            • 1
          • timhn on 09/08/2024 - 19:12

            @CalmLemons: You can check out the smart rewards card. Ultimate has higher fee.

            • 0
    • jace88 on 11/08/2024 - 10:43

      Looks like Wise is a good bet then! I’ll start loading up my account.

      • 0
      • eug on 11/08/2024 - 11:35

        Just be aware of the ATM withdrawal limits if you're intending to withdraw cash at your destination, and fees if you need to transfer out any balance after your trip.

        • 0
        • jace88 on 11/08/2024 - 13:37

          I was thinking more for paying for stuff online like YouTube subscriptions.

          • 0
  • McMaferMur on 07/08/2024 - 12:44

    are you serious…. ok then cancel for sure.
    hmmm how about bankwest? theres is ozb wiki or whirlpool wiki for travel friendly CC check it out.

    but for me travelling nowadays, macquarie debit is just good enough. atm everywhere. … tap to pay everywhere… conversion is amazing.
    backup: ING orange. similar as above.

    but yeah those are DC, few cases we still need CC to pay hotel etc etc or online purchases from here

    • 24
    • Dr Phil on 08/08/2024 - 08:32

      Here is your answer:

      https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/818657

      • 6
    • sillyhead on 13/08/2024 - 08:06

      The only big downside of the Bankwest card is I find the security too heavy handed.
      Had issues a couple of times when we were in the US recently. Basically if I tapped my card at the same vendor twice within a short amount of time (for example tapping for a Meal at Maccas, then grabbing some Maccas ice cream cones for the kids before leaving) and the card would lock out for 24 hours. It was like protection for a stolen card tap frenzy I theorise. I called the Bankwest card number and they couldn't see any reason the card should not work. It happened a couple of times when I was there - this 24 hour lockout from double taps. I got a bit annoying as it happened to block a few hotels from charging our accommodation which was quite difficult to handle though I had the 28 degrees card which was a great fee-free lifeline and manged to work around it.

      • 1
      • sav11 on 14/08/2024 - 22:09

        I've travelled dozens of times using a Bankwest card and never had that happen.

        I always inform Bankwest of my travel plans before I leave, did you do that?

        • 0
    • shw01 on 07/08/2024 - 15:32

      Just wonder what exchange rates are macquarie using for FX transactions. Interested in knowing how they are compared to the ones used by 28 degrees. Thanks.

      • 0
      • aaronaldo on 07/08/2024 - 16:22

        I believe they use the Mastercard FX rate, same as 28 degrees.

        • 4
        • shw01 on 07/08/2024 - 16:40

          thanks

          • 0
    • cycleri3 on 08/08/2024 - 10:13

      How to use macquarie debit overseas without incurring atm fees? thought most atms overseas still charge a fee? ING used to refund that but didn't think macquarie does?

      • 0
      • daleeeeeeex on 11/08/2024 - 13:36

        withdraw via local currency not AUD

        • 1
        • spudwa on 11/08/2024 - 14:49

          I thought this was a bad idea as the rate was crap

          • -1
      • jackystudio on 09/08/2024 - 11:48

        all overseas atm charge fee, ING no longer refund that fee.

        • -1
        • McMaferMur on 12/08/2024 - 11:42

          huh weird just last month went to overseas taking local currency from atm using macq, no fee

          • 0
  • spaiydz on 07/08/2024 - 12:46

    LMAO what jokers… freaking $96 a year no way I'm doing this. Goodbye Latitude!

    • 22
    • McMaferMur on 07/08/2024 - 12:48

      LMAO i will write feedback to them no way even $69 a year you better shove the card to your axxxx latitude

      • 6
  • Jase83 on 07/08/2024 - 12:44

    Just got the email, no way I will pay $8 a month.

    I have a Maquarie platinum debit account with mastercard no overseas fees which I can use. Or the Citibank transaction account which was moved over to NAB I think is grandfathered into no overseas fees still.

    • 21
    • fantombloo on 07/08/2024 - 12:56

      And 27.99% - WTF ??

      • 17
      • cheaptech20 on 08/08/2024 - 21:55

        I hope you're never paying interest on it…

        • 4
    • bdl on 07/08/2024 - 15:36

      Citibank transaction account which was moved over to NAB I think is grandfathered into no overseas fees still.

      Yep still no overseas fees

      • 4
      • scottishdave on 07/08/2024 - 22:37

        I have both old Citibank (now NAB) and Latitude cards. I used to use the Latitude cards for purchases and the Citibank for ATMs overseas. I thought the Citibank card had fees for purchases but none for ATM withdrawals.
        Is the NAB card fee free for both overseas purchases AND ATM withdrawals or just ATM withdrawals?

        • 0
        • CodeXD on 07/08/2024 - 22:39

          Both :)

          https://nab.com.au/cititransaction

          Item NAB Visa Debit card
          ATM cash withdrawal Fee waived
          Balance enquiry Fee waived
          International transaction fee Fee waived
          • 6
          • scottishdave on 08/08/2024 - 06:31

            @CodeXD: I wonder how long NAB will keep this as is? I might get a Bendigo Bank or Bankwest card just in case.

            • 1
          • Butt Scratcher on 08/08/2024 - 11:57

            @CodeXD: Does this mean we are able to make purchases in an overseas currency without incurring exchange rate fees?

            I didn't realise it still had prior benefits and assumed that it was just a basic nab account

            • 0
            • CodeXD on 08/08/2024 - 11:58

              @Butt Scratcher: yes click the link in my comment, it has more details

              • 1
              • Butt Scratcher on 08/08/2024 - 12:12

                @CodeXD: Awesome! thanks for making us aware of this.

                I had problems activating the card after the merger and just didn't care about it

                • 3
          • jace88 on 08/08/2024 - 16:09

            @CodeXD: Do they still offer the really good FX rate as well?

            I'm tossing up between my NAB or Macquarie accounts for my YT premium!

            • 0
            • CodeXD on 08/08/2024 - 16:14

              @jace88: I only switched my YT premium payment from 28D to NAB yesterday. I would say they will be very similar.

              • 1
              • seniordoc on 09/08/2024 - 05:02

                @CodeXD: Hi CodeXD, how to switch the YT premium (india) to another credit card? I need step by step instruction as I don't want to lose the current Youtube premium membership. Many thanks.

                • 0
          • Gunnar on 15/08/2024 - 21:48

            @CodeXD: That’s exactly what I was after. Time for my 28 degrees card to go and just use the (now NAB) debit card when I’m overseas

            • 0
        • liam2040 on 08/08/2024 - 04:12

          That is (now was) my strategy too. In the early days Latitude was good for withdrawals too, then Citibank came to the fore when they butchered that feature.

          • 1
          • jace88 on 08/08/2024 - 16:20

            @liam2040: Yeah I remember the good old 2010's… travelled to the US in 2012, preloaded a bunch of cash onto my 28 degrees card, and withdrew at a local ATM at around a 1.08 exchange rate.

            For the younger folk on here… yes, there really was a time when the AUD was stronger than the USD.

            • 5
            • liam2040 on 08/08/2024 - 18:48

              @jace88: Europe and Central Asia for me in 2012 … what a time to travel, and plenty of 28 degrees moments lol. RIP

              • 1
    • twjr on 07/08/2024 - 17:45

      I was about to close that NAB account as I thought for sure they'd remove the no international fees. Just checked the terms and conditions and sure enough they grandfathered that feature over. Just saved me $8/month and opening a new account.

      • 4
    • shw01 on 07/08/2024 - 15:28

      Did NAB still offer these benefits? I thought they removed them so that didn't use the NAB one for this purpose.

      • 0
  • McMaferMur on 07/08/2024 - 12:45

    i think after the leak/hack they now need $ from us to rump up their security team.
    very sad. we are the victim and then we need to foot the bill.
    welcome to the greedy corporation world we lived in

    • 20
  • nodirect on 07/08/2024 - 13:33

    End of an era; what lousy news. I've had this card since 2009 when it was branded Wizard Clear Advantage.

    $96 annual fee and 28% interest is not even remotely competitive. Agreed that it seems like they intend to discontinue the product and are just grubbing some gotcha fees out of anyone not paying attention to the change.

    RIP wizard.

    • 19
    • mellow on 07/08/2024 - 15:33

      Same, had it since 2008 and it's been used quite a bit. Over the years I've seen it be sold by Wizard to GE Money, and then sold by GE Money to Latitude Financial - and somehow, all that time, they kept my goddamn driver's license scans and personal information on file (apparently illegally) from the 2008 application to Wizard, so it was lost in the breech last year. I needed to get my license reissued, etc, which Latitude reimbursed. I've only kept the card in order to make it easier to claim on the hopefully positive outcome of the class action that's slowly making its way through the court system.. but I'm not going to pay them for the privilege. Will be bailing now.

      Regarding their future, I presume like you do, they're sqeezing the remaining customers and chasing off frugal customers (that're lower value to them) to see what they can recoup - but I don't think they'll kill the product. I think we'll see Latitude Financial sell off the credit card customers/service to yet another financial entity, it's worth more under a new brand as Latitude now has negative brand recognition.

      • 2
    • Kabal on 07/08/2024 - 15:07

      Doubt they woulda bothered with the gift card and what not if killing it was the plan.

      Most likely not profitable so turning it into something else with the same name.

      • 1
  • Leonidas on 12/09/2024 - 13:17

    Thanks to everyone that cancelled for your sacrifice

    • 15
  • Nalar on 07/08/2024 - 13:39

    So is Price protection worth $96?

    For me, yes, easily make $100+/year off full price purchase with cashback then price matching lowest price.

    • 14
    • reactor-au on 08/08/2024 - 09:44

      Would be nice if there was a way to check how much of the shopper protection limit we have left, I bet most of us are nearing the lifetime limit by now.

      • 1
      • bamzero on 08/08/2024 - 10:16

        You can call to find out (I believe a different call centre to the general card one so shouldn't have to wait in a queue of cancellers :)

        I've kept track with a spreadsheet posted somewhere either on here or Whirlpool. Still have a considerable amount left and is the only reason I'll keep the card for now as on average claim back much more than the $96 a year. My biggest concern is it will start at $8, then start getting bumped up higher.

        • 0
  • mirovich on 07/08/2024 - 12:44
    Merged from Changes to 28degrees Card | $8 Card Fee

    Just received the following from Latitude:

    We are writing to let you know about upcoming changes to your Latitude 28° Global Platinum Mastercard credit card. Please note that from 17 September 2024, the following changes will take effect:

    • A card fee of $8 per month will be introduced. You will see this fee being charged on your first statement from 17 September 2024.
    • Interest rates on purchases – your rate will increase to 27.99% p.a.
    • Under a new rewards program, you will be eligible for a $10 e-gift card every statement period from participating retailers when you spend $1,000 or more on eligible transactions in each statement period1.
    • Complimentary Purchase Protection Insurance will now be available covering the loss of purchases due to accidental damage or theft – up to $1,5002.
    • Complimentary E-Commerce Protection Insurance will now be available covering the non-delivery and/or incomplete delivery of online purchases – up to $1,5003.

    I’m planning to cancel it due to the $8 card fee. The only reason I kept it for so long was because of the Shopper's Protection feature.

    • 12
    • mirovich on 07/08/2024 - 12:54

      Closed it. What a joke. They'll get a flood of cancellation requests.

      • 33
      • parisian on 07/08/2024 - 12:58

        Makes me think that they are trying to kill the product.

        • 50
        • Brianqpr on 08/08/2024 - 08:31

          Probably a lot of unprofitable customers, including myself. I'm out.

          I'll still have my memories of the good old days when you could stack the card with a credit balance and get fee free withdrawals overseas with great exchange rates. Happy days, simpler times.

          • 28
        • R4 on 07/08/2024 - 17:36

          I'm thinking the same. This is a suicide move if they're not. As soon as I get an acceptable alternative, I'll be cancelling too.

          • 5
        • MrFunSocks on 09/08/2024 - 12:53

          They're trying to get those of us who only keep it for the Price Drop Protection to cancel.

          Instead, now I guess I'm going to have to put $8/month more effort into finding prices that have dropped haha.

          • 2
      • Etheltonboy on 08/08/2024 - 08:12

        They did the same with GO Mastercard recently introduced monthly fee whether using account or not so I closed my account. Now GOMC is advertising everywhere…bet they lost heaps of customers.

        • 2
        • Brianqpr on 08/08/2024 - 08:32

          Mainly customers they make no money out of though so probably planned for.

          • 0
        • purplelady on 08/08/2024 - 11:34

          Does Go Mastercard have this?
          Under a new rewards program, you will be eligible for a $10 e-gift card every statement period from participating retailers when you spend $1,000 or more on eligible transactions in each statement period1.

          • 0
    • boomramada on 07/08/2024 - 21:08

      Keep in mind, balance need to be zero to cancel it over the app/website.

      • 3
      • Nexus696 on 16/08/2024 - 09:16

        Tried that… I had a $1.95 balance left after my last payment.. tried to send $1.95 and guess what, they took it and charged me another $1.95 for that transaction.. what a joke…

        • 1
        • eug on 16/08/2024 - 10:10

          Well if you paid by a payment method that incurs a fee, what did you expect? :)

          • 1
          • xlynx on 25/08/2024 - 10:31

            @eug: The free payment method is often "temporarily unavailable" in the app.

            • 0
    • FitLineSale on 08/08/2024 - 09:25

      Considering Shopper's Protection, $8 might be acceptable, but for sure not worthy if you don't have Shopper's Protection

      • 2
      • purplelady on 08/08/2024 - 11:35

        Yeah, this is what i'm contemplating. I love the Shopper's Protection..

        • 1
      • Darkscythe on 09/08/2024 - 20:09

        I've still got Shoppers Protection so I'll still be ahead overall but it's annoying.

        • 1
    • Dejaar on 08/08/2024 - 08:54

      Found my email in junk and just cancelled card. Easy to cancel. Is Bendigo Bank the best similar option?

      • 1
      • xlynx on 25/08/2024 - 10:32

        Easy for some. They wrote to me to ask my email and credit limit. I replied with it immediately, then several days later I got another email saying the request will be closed because I haven't replied.

        • 0
    • McMaferMur on 07/08/2024 - 12:46

      i dont even get that shopper protect im not sure why i was with them for so so sooooooo long

      • 0
      • GOCAT9 on 08/08/2024 - 11:22

        I use two cards, one with shoppers protection and one without. I think I’ll keep the shoppers protection CC though at $8pm because of what it can save. I have got $4000 back so far on that card this year! I’ll cancel the card without shoppers protection.

        • 3
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