Commonwealth Platinum & Diamond Zero International Fee

Amaris on 01/07/2017 - 22:38
Last edited 02/07/2017 - 11:01

FYI…

From today the Commonwealth Bank's Platinum and Diamond AMEX cards have zero international fees and 2.5 and 3 points respectively per A$ spent. Can be converted to Velocity points at 2 Commbank points per Velocity point.

The exchange rate seems even (slightly) better than 28 Degrees. To test the rates I bought 2 x US$25 Amazon gift cards back to back. The gift card paid with 28 Degrees cost A$32.63 and with CommBank cost $32.58.

Seems like a good way to earn some points buying from overseas merchants.

Financial

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Comments

  • icejester on 01/07/2017 - 23:08

    Note:
    Only for the commbank amex card

    • Pumpkin_rrr on 02/07/2017 - 08:10

      I remember they sent a letter saying that points for Amex has dropped, quite significantly. But dunno where I keep the letter now. Might check website.

  • altomic on 01/07/2017 - 23:40

    Is that for both ATM withdrawals and purchases?

    • sj2can on 02/07/2017 - 17:27

      No, only purchases. Withdrawrals are always a cash advance on an atm.

  • Pigey on 02/07/2017 - 00:04

    Yes, that's only for the Amex card.

    Don't forget earn rate on the Amex has gone from 3pts/dollar to 0.5pts/dollar for regular spend as well.

    • Amaris on 02/07/2017 - 10:02

      Earn rate is still 3/2.5 points for overseas purchases

  • Baysew on 02/07/2017 - 09:45

    Note: Zero international fee is on the AMEX card using AMEX Exchange Rate

    CBA Card Fees

    CBA Awards Points Changes

    • Amaris on 02/07/2017 - 10:04

      Still zero international transaction fees for Amex platinum or diamond. Have a look at the card fees link you shared

      • Baysew on 02/07/2017 - 10:06

        Have a look at my comment.

        Note: Zero international fee…

        You post does not point out that the international transaction must be on the AMEX card, for zero fees. Could you change that to make it clear?

        • Amaris on 02/07/2017 - 11:02

          Sorry. Amended.
          The Amex exchange rate I got was better than 28 Degrees' MasterCard exchange rate

  • pencilman on 02/07/2017 - 14:18

    Thank you OP. Did not know about new zero international fee for CBA Diamond Amex.
    Will be useful as supplement to my 28 degrees card.

    Also helpful to know about the earning points - so in Australia, best to use the CBA Diamond AMEX card for supermarkets, petrol stations, and department stores ONLY.

    • sj2can on 02/07/2017 - 17:28

      Correct, and when buying anything outside of Australia online use your AMEX [if possible].

  • momov3 on 02/07/2017 - 22:27

    Someone in the know working for CBA, please confirm once and for all, foreign transactions on website using AMEX (Platinum) CBA card will earn 2.5 pts (even online) as long as the transaction is paid directly via that card? What if click on the PayPal button and then fund the Paypal payment via AMEX? I went into the bank last week and asked an officer. She had no idea - she sat down with me, pulled out the exact letter that we all were sent, and translated it to mean, that any PayPal involvement will not award the 2.5 pts but 0.5. But on reading the fine print again, I seem to conclude this 'paypal' exclusion for 2.5 pts pertains only to domestic transactions on supermarts, petrol stations, and department stores. So is the bank officer correct?

    • T-man on 03/07/2017 - 05:57

      Can you make a small amount test using your PayPal on overseas website and report back? I would do that if you have a Diamond card but I don't have one and going to apply.

      • momov3 on 03/07/2017 - 20:02

        Just spoke to the Awards officer, and as long as Paypal is involved, you don't get 2.5 points.

  • momov3 on 03/07/2017 - 22:35

    Looks like AMEX CBA card is the way to go now when overseas! Formerly it was always 28 degrees but I get no award points on that one - zilch. Just fee free. Now it will be the AMEX card for 2.5 points and foreign fee free.

  • AndyRates on 10/07/2017 - 21:25

    Has anyone tried buying from a local seller but in foreign currency. Will that attract a 3% fee?

    • Baysew on 11/07/2017 - 09:33

      That would be pointless.

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