Last year, Westpac announced that it was going to withdraw its American Express companion cards. In their place, they were planning to have American Express issue the cards directly. The first details of the new Westpac American Express Altitude Cards have now emerged.
In order to apply for these cards, you will need to be an existing Altitude cardholder. Westpac will be contacting affected cardholders with details of the offer, and an application code that will be needed to apply.
The new Westpac American Express Altitude Cards – Qantas
The first details of the earn rates on the new Altitude Platinum and Black American Express cards has now become available. The following table shows the basic details of the new American Express card.
| American Express Westpac Altitude Platinum Card |
American Express Westpac Altitude Black Card |
|
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 first year, then $49 per year | $0 first year, then $150 per year |
| Qantas Points Earning | ||
| Foreign Transactions | 1.5 points per dollar | 2.0 points per dollar |
| Australian Transactions | 1.0 points per dollar | 1.25 points per dollar |
| Australian Government Bodies | 0,5 points per dollar | 0.5 points per dollar |
| Bonus | 1 Bonus Point per dollar on selected Qantas purchases | |
As a comparison, the current Qantas Points earn rate
- 1.25 points per dollar for the Black American Express
- 1.00 points per dollar on the Platinum American Express
So, in both cases you will be better off when using the card outside Australia. On the other hand, use your card at Australian Government bodies and your earn will be sliced.
Other Advantages
As it is an American Express card, it will allow holders access to exclusive American Express offers. For example, the cards will still provide access to the American Express lounges in Sydney and Melbourne International Airports. In addition, cardholders will have access to the various Amex offers, such as the popular statement credit offers.
Westpac are currently contacting cardholders, offering them the opportunity to apply for the new card. As noted, you will only be able to apply for a card if you are an existing cardholder, and get a code from Westpac.
By applying for the card, you will be directly dealing with American Express. They will issue the card, and monthly statements. In addition, you will need to make payments to American Express to pay off the card.
Once you get the offer, it may be worth comparing other American Express options, if you are looking at a directly issued card.