• expired

Free International Travel Insurance with Zero MasterCard Platinum $0 Annual Fee @ Bankwest

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Annual fee - $0

Foreign transaction fee - Waived, though I guess this will reflect on the foreign currency exchange rate

Cash advance fee - $4 for transactions up to $200, 2% over $200

Wish I saw this earlier as I have just renewed my CBA card for another year. Could have saved $89 🙄

Though, unlike with CBA (where there are no eligibility criteria. With CBA the only thing you have to do to get maximum insurance cover is to register your upcoming trip on their website),

to be eligible for this insurance you have to spend at least $500 on prepaid travel costs (i.e. the
cardholder’s travel costs you pay for before leaving
Australia) with your Bankwest credit card

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closed Comments

  • The Zero and the Platinum are two different cards.

    The Platinum card has been around for a while, and is the only one with the free travel insurance. The Zero card is just a basic credit card. The Platinum one has no transaction fees and complimentary travel insurance.

    • +3

      Yes, correct. There are two types of Zero cards @ Bankwest: Classic and Platinum

      • any additional card fee?

  • Bankwest More Rewards cards have had this 'perk' on them for years now.
    Looks more like a re-badge if anything.

    • +1

      Different products as the Bankwest More Platinum Rewards has a $160 annual fee as opposed to free.

  • +5

    This is an excellent card for travel and buying shit online due to the no foreign currency fees - the exchange rate you are charged is the one from mastercard with nothing tacked onto it. This makes it equivalent to using other good cards like Citibank Plus (debit) and 28 Degrees (credit).

    • -7

      I believe there is a bank's component on the exchange rate which is hidden for us, end users, but outlined in agreement between MC and bank. They'll get their commission from Mastercard based on this.

      • +5

        Nope, the it's straight from Mastercard exchange rate

          • +2

            @alexshel: I have checked in the past and it uses the listed rate on the MC site.

            Great credit card for travel, no points vs fee free. I use the Macquarie and Citibank Debit cards for cash advances, ING is too much mucking about for me.

    • +4

      Yep. Zero Forex fees are why I keep this card

  • $250 excess on the travel insurance is less generous than Amex $50, but same as say Westpac Black Amex.

    • Same excess with their parent bank CBA (with $89 annual fee)

  • -5

    The insurance is absolutely rubbish. Claimed twice but neither one succeed. They will find whatever reason on the 1 of million page fine prints to reject you. Don't trust these kinds of rubbish so-called "free" travel insurance!

    • Everything outlined in fineprints is important part of insurance policy - you always read and acknowledge the conditions before accepting the insurance plan. Then before lodging a claim you know whether you eligible or not.

    • +12

      Out of interest, what did you claim that was rejected. Context is VERY important (for me) when I see these types of reviews.

      NB: This is a good card which I use regularly for travel and online purchases but not sure it should be under 'bargains' as it's been around for a long time with the same features.

      • Reading the PDS would be more important and useful in any context

        • +8

          I've read the PDS. Context is more important in this case when someone says it's 'rubbish'. We live in an entitled world. I just want to know what someone's definition of 'rubbish' is.

          • +1

            @gimme: I've also read the PDS and compared the Bankwest PDS to the Allianz PDS (cause at the time they were underwriting the Bankwest Insurance).
            I could find no difference between the product being offered to the public by Allianz versus the Bankwest free insurance (this is 2 years ago, so things may have changed).
            On this basis, I decided that it was unnecessary to purchase Insurance for our travel as we easily qualified for the minimum spend on the Bankwest by paying for flights and accommodation with the card..

            • @ESEMCE: @scubacoles: have you tried to claim anything under Allianz or contact them with a potential claim? I've ANZ platinium. It used to be under QBE but now switched to Allianz. Touch wood. I haven't needed to claim. Before that, i bought southern cross travel insurance, which i find their customer service superb in an emergency. I didn't file the claim in the end with Southern cross so can't say anything more. Yes. I would be interested to know what @tota0921 tried to claim and got rejected.

              • @koala123: Thankfully haven't had the need to claim.
                But on the basis that Allianz are as reputable a company as Insurance companies can be, I wouldn't expect the claim to have been successful if OP had been covered by Allianz directly or any other company for that matter.

      • Show an example of an ongoing deal with the same title (not feature) and where comments are not closed

    • +1

      If you don't mind can you share what you claimed for that was not covered. It would give us a little more idea.

      • -1

        Obviously that was something that they didn't read in the PDS before lodging a claim assuming they are eligible

    • +3

      The devil is in the (fine print) detail as they say.

      If you know Paul Clitheroe, financial dude, have a read of his "enlightenment" about his card's insurance madness and assumptions.

      Go to page 10 - and full screen to read: https://issuu.com/ymuuiui/docs/28dfvdfv

  • +6

    This is the normal price.

    • $0 ?

      • +14

        Yes I've had this card for years.

          • +7

            @alexshel: No need to get defensive mate. This card has been talked about previously on the forum. People can't be expected to share everything with 'you' on the off chance that you weren't aware. But more importantly, it's not a 'deal' in the sense that it's the NORMAL price and features.

          • +4

            @alexshel: Didn't need to given it's on the ozbargain wiki

        • Yeah it's been around for many many years. Jumped to it after 28 degrees changed their card. If only bank west had a better points card. The minimum annual spends are massive to get the bonus points

  • +11

    I might be wrong, but I think the Zero Platinum always have free travel insurance. I've had the card for a few years.

  • +2

    Its been a card popular here for a while and is well documented, but it looks like nobody looks at the wiki, more 'ozbargainer' friendly cards here

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/wiki/cards_with_no_overseas_tra…

    for those who don't use the other parts of the site :)

    • -1

      Though nobody highlighted that only this $0 fee card offers free international travel insurance.

      • i did many years AGO

        • -2

          Why noone listed this great offer as an ozbargain deal before, so it is visible to the community?

          If they are offering this free international travel insurance for a long time, this could be a very popular ongoing deal now.

            • -3

              @tukanglistrik: First link points to a $0 fee credit card deal from 2013, emphasizing cost of holding a credit card in general. With only 23 "plus" votes since 2013 - why is that?
              Yes, I knew it had a free travel insurance as a feature, though this info is hard to find among other ongoing deals.

              Second link is for a deal expired in 2009. Guess why it was expired..

              • +2

                @alexshel: I'm not sure why you're being defensive and blaming ozb community because of your lack of research. Also isn't it good that now you know you don't need to renew your CBA card from next year?

  • +4

    This is a standard inclusion on this card so not really a 'deal' per se.

    It's worth noting the insurance isn't automatic just because you have the card. In short though, you need a return overseas ticket before leaving Australia and have spent at least $500 on "prepaid travel costs" on the card before you leave. Anyone over 80 years of age isn't covered for medical or cancellation.

    There's a more detailed list of eligibility criteria for what you're covered for, when you are covered, for how long and so in in the PDS (https://www.bankwest.com.au/content/dam/bankwest/documents/l…).

    The list of events or types of goods not covered by the insurance is quite extensive but as a free inclusion on the card, it's mostly useful for the medical coverage.

    • Thanks for the reference to PDS. Corrected the deal description.

    • -1

      I don't know how you could be unhappy with the coverage or terms though, its very generous in my opinion for free travel insurance.

      The money you spend on separate travel insurance would cancel any benefit you could have, and you are unlikely to use it anyway.

  • +15

    What's the deal? Part of a product feature.

    • +1

      Not sure why got negated for stating a fact. Plus 1 for you.

      • Depends on what perspective you look at this from

  • +2

    I've had this card, with these features, for at least 10years, maybe 12.
    zero annual fees,
    no foreign currency conversion fees,
    platinum cards tend to have travel insurance, though the inclusions can sometimes be limiting.

  • +3

    Be aware that this card only covers cruising in Australian domestic waters only - so would not suffice for any international cruises.

    I wonder if they charge an additional amount to cover cruising in international waters?

    So, in effect, this is NOT international cruise insurance and should not be seen as such.

    It's critical that anyone relying on this Insurance should read the terms and email the insurer for written answers to questions specific to their situation prior to travel.

  • +3

    Personally wouldn't rely on the complimentary insurance until vetting the fine prints.

    So far, the black cards or higher tier AMEX offer the best complimentary insurance. Ie. Coverage limit, more inclusions such as car rental insurance excess.

    • -1

      Isn't it by default that you wouldn't rely on any non-standard service without reading the conditions.
      Free travel insurance indicates for me that it is not a standard paid insurance where you are offered to read all conditions before you pay.

  • +2

    this has been around since its launch like decade ago ?

    and has always been Ozb standard recommendation everytime someone asks for best free CC in forum every now and then

    also listed on Ozb wiki

  • We looked at this for our upcoming family trip. The gotcha here is you have to spend at least $500 per family member to be eligible to cover them as well.
    Was a problem for us since our flights were booked using points and accomodation will be free. For example, had to spend $500 to cover me, then another $500 to be able to cover my wife and another $500 my daughter. My boy, under 1 is covered under me.

    You should be careful and read PDS as been mentioned. We ended up buying Budget Direct travel insurance.

    A good card for travel none the less, we have had it for nearly a decade and has been go to card overseas.

    • Almost no credit cards (except CBA) cover you if you're flying with points anyway. Also it only covers up to 31 days if you buy only one way outbound ticket (i.e. fly back with points) and no coverage at all if you buy only the inbound ticket.

    • +1

      Minimum $500 each? How they calculate accomodations cost which is shared?

      I thought spouse and kids are automatically covered?

      Was dependant on this (Westpac Black) when travelling last year, lucky I still keep CBA for just in case…

      • Yeah check the PDS as mentioned above. They have a separate clause for family member eligibility.

  • Cash advance fee should be "2% of transaction amount or $4 (whichever is greater)".

  • This card has always been mentioned in regards to $0 fees or no foreign currency charges as well as for a free travel insurance credit card. Been around for years and years.

  • +1

    Sorry this has been around for quite a while, not a deal

  • +1

    In other bargains, are you a permanent resident / citizen of Australia? You are eligible for a FREE medicare card!

  • Also complimentary app with this credit card another deal.
    Sorry not a deal.

  • +1

    Nothing new, already in wiki.

    • -1

      New for 30+ people, and even more will be thankful for highlighting this credit card feature. It must stand out as a deal, rather than being hidden somewhere in the wiki.

      • You are going to have a credit enquire on your record anyway. Wouldn't you choose something that offer $700 worth of points instead or free flights? Black,signature and ultimate card always have travel insurance included. Many deals that have been posted had no fee for the first year.
        If you are after no foreign purchase and atm fees there are plenty of debit cards available there icludinding ubank,Macquarie,ing and city bank.

        • -1

          This is the only card I know on AU market that has no annual fee and provides travel insurance => FREE travel insurance (if you spend $500 on travel expenses beforehand), and this is the point.

          Do you really believe in "points" that can be converted into $700 or free flights? How much you have to spend to get these? I guess at least 100 times more. All these advertised thousand points are worth a few dollars.

          Also, there are people who never use credit cards, never buy travel insurance and there are countries that require you to hold travel insurance to be able to travel there.
          I guess this is a great deal from Bankwest for them.

          • +1

            @alexshel: While I agree with you that this is a decent card if you are planning to keep it for a few years, I think you should have a read about other options.
            What you get with other credit cards is basically free money.
            Just to give you an example with my anz FF black card:
            https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/355115
            In a year I have flown 8 times domestic paying only airport fees. Some of the flights were $350.
            Rented cheap cars in Australia as the excess were covered by the credit card.
            Used travel insurance overseas for me and my partner.
            Had access to qantas lounge in Australia and veloce world while overseas.
            To qualify for the points the minimum spend was $2500 in three months. Which is achievable by anyone who buy groceries and pay bills.
            Cancelled the card after 11 months and applied for a new one.

            • @Chridim: So your entire point is that there are better cards if you abuse the ability to create and cancel cards?

              How about an example of a better card that does not require huge hoops to jump through just to not lose money?

              That card is terrible if you kept it, $425 per year, $15,000 minimum credit limit and you have to jump through hoops.

              • +1

                @samfisher5986: The entire points is giving OP a reason why this has not been posted before and he has being downvote.
                What you are calling jumping through the hoops was in my case a 5 minute call to cancel the old one and 10 minutes online to apply for a new one.
                And if you feel guilty for ripping off huge financial corporations, I can assure they can handle it.

            • -1

              @Chridim: Thanks for the info, mate. Fair enough.

              I guess qantas lounge is only for those flying with qantas. I don't as I'm not very happy with the way they market themselves and treat customers. Overpriced airlines. Lots of money wasted for marketing.
              I am wondering who is paying for the membership now - $99.5 joining fee isn't it crazy?? Even though I had a chance to join them for free, FF points don't attract me anymore since they removed all their points from my account due to over a year of inactivity and refused to reinstate them. I missed a deadline otherwise could spend them in their shop.

              Also, do not fly so often within Australia. $425 is much more than I would pay for zero excess rental car insurance with Allianz, as not renting cars that often.

              The Bankwest card is for those mainly who need some sort of travel insurance but doesn't want to pay for it.

  • +2

    I have had this card for over 10 years, have never used the free travel insurance feature due to lack of coverage.

    I have always used 1Cover for my travel insurance for completeness in coverage.

    • +2

      Could you confirm what 1cover covers that the complimentary doesn't cover? Always wondered this

    • Also curious. Looking at the PDS it seems to be extremely reasonable coverage. My partner and I can be covered for 4 months overseas with a ~$4000 worth of camera gear, and for snow sports for FREE. Or I could pay Cover1 more than $1300. On the face of it - it's a no contest.

      • That's what I've always thought. Was wondering but never got an answer

  • Works with Google Pay too…no need to card the card around.

  • +1

    I think this might be off topic but i can't find any relevant discussion about travel insurance on the ANZ platinium/black card. For the travel insurance to come into affect, the min spend of $250 toward the travel is needed. It doesn't matter if the airfare is paid by points etc. It covers the whole family, although I am not sure if it will only cover flight destination (bought with the card) or many countries on the same trip. I am yet to find out. $250 spend isn't for each family member. This makes the bankwest card less attractive. Did i miss something? My friend doesn't trust credit card insurance so has always bought extra. I can't justify paying the annual fee if it isn't worth for the travel insurance cover.

  • This isn't a deal - This card has been around for 10+ years.

  • 2-3 years ago the zero plat card has car rental excess insurance, now it does not. It stipulates you have to BUY the RENTAL agencies insurance….defeating the point of having BW's insurance in the first place.

    • The benefit here is that BW will pay for your excess if you had to make a rental car claim.

  • Does the BankWest platinum zero credit card have additional card holders fee? I would like to add my partner to the card account.

  • +2

    Uhh is it okay if we update this post.

    "There is no cost for this cover and no requirement to spend a
    certain amount on prepaid travel costs by charging those costs
    to your eligible credit card account"

    Looks like you don't even have to do a $500 prepaid thing to be eligible for the free travel insurance.

  • ref "There is no cost for this cover and no requirement to spend a
    certain amount on prepaid travel costs by charging those costs
    to your eligible credit card account" where did you find this?

    its great if you don't have to make any prepaid spend or purchases to be covered i guess its just like the CBA policies now.

    all i could find is probably old as it used to be " Spend at least $500 of your prepaid travel expenses on your eligible card, or redeem Bankwest More Rewards points. "

    ref https://www.comparetravelinsurance.com.au/travel-insurance-t…

    btw it comes with Purchase now, pay off later now

  • i just read the new pds it appears you are right for platinum now you don't need to pay for any prepaid travel but for World Mastercard you still do to get certain covers

    also car rental is now not covered unless your pay to get Optional – Upgraded Benefits and only then Rental Vehicle Insurance Excess is covered.

    Complimentary Overseas Travel Insurance covers a maximum
    duration per journey of up to:
    – 31 consecutive days

    its pretty limited cover if you don't pay to upgrade .
    i guess it free and better than nothing but beware it only covers:
    Overseas Emergency Medical
    and Hospital Expenses*
    Personal Liability
    Accidental Death
    Baggage and Personal Goods

    ref https://www.bankwest.com.au/content/dam/bankwest/documents/l…

    • Hmm this new update in travel insurance takes away travel delays and luggage delays etc when it was complimentary before. These are now an upgrade option..

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