• expired

Westpac Altitude Rewards Black: 180,000 Rewards Points with $6,000 Spend in 120 Days, $99 1st Yr Fee ($49 for Westpac Customers)

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Been looking around for a new CC and this seems to come top of the pile with regards to rewards points, looks like 180,000 is worth $750 right now.

Details:

180,000 bonus Altitude Points with $6k+ spend on eligible purchases† within 120 days of card approval^.

You can redeem 180,000 Altitude Points for $750 in eGift cards at a range of retailers or choose merchandise from our online store5.

0% p.a. for 24 months on balance transfer>> when requested at card application. 1% balance transfer fee applies. After 24 months, rate reverts to the variable cash advance rate.

Plus, a reduced first year annual card fee of $99 ($250 thereafter)##. Already with Westpac? Sign in to apply for a $49 annual card fee for the first year**.

Offer not available if you’ve held an Altitude Platinum or Altitude Black card with Altitude Rewards, Qantas or Velocity in the last 12 months. T&Cs apply.

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closed Comments

  • $75,000 p.a - Minimum income required
    :(

    • +10

      What? I thought the majority of Ozbargainers earned at least $100k annually?

      • +8

        *$200k
        Eneloop dividends are paying well

        • Ha 😄

        • I wish it was that easy mate.

          • @rehan770: High yield investment vehicle right here, even with this oil crisis

  • +4

    6k is really challenging to spend. I spend around that a year I think

    • +4

      I do that in 1.5 months

      • +1

        Can I work for you ?

        • +13

          Have more kids then send them all to day care. You'll hit that in no time

    • +4

      Been doing the maths. Health insurance increases coming in April. Can pay a whole year in advance. Even with that, not easy for me. Good for those where 6k is doable.

      • +10

        Cancel your existing car insurance, get the residual back on the old card, then take out new car insurance (paid annually) on the new card.

    • -2

      Someone else quoted in a recent, previous Westpac CC post, you can get away with spending limit by transferring money out and in, can't remember exactly what he said, but was super surprised that was a possibility..

      • +5

        Not seen the post but I'd be careful with trying to transfer money into a credit card… I believe its a no no

        • I think the transferring in was him just making balance back to 0 after taking out the credit. Sorry if I didn't word that correctly.

          It seems pretty obvious as an idea to get that 6k spending done by just taking the credit out, and putting it back in like a minute later.

          I regret not asking him how he did it now, I'll definitely go through previous ozB posts and see if I can find the post and ask him how it worked.

          Edit: In fairness, this offer says "on eligible purchases" so maybe it's corrected now, but I'll definitely report back here if I get some more info.

          • +2

            @[Deactivated]: No need to be sorry :). If you found a legit loophole and shared I'm sure the community would appreciate it.

            Ps I didn't neg you

            • +1

              @Chocobros: I might have misread, I think I read what I was referring to, but it was in response to someone else's comment, not the actual posted bargain.. >.<

              Haha, maybe you should have, I feel bad now that I got your hopes up (including mine, mind you). I've been on the lookout for updating our cards but now realise I need to do A LOT more research before pulling any pin.. 😅

          • +3

            @[Deactivated]: Buy something $500+ from bunnings a few times and refund it to a different card… they haven't bothered to ask me for the exact card now twice. Actually, that goes for EBgames too…

            • @dickiee: any other stores? I think Office works also did refund once to me on another card!

              • @Ehty: I'd be careful with Officeworks.

                The last time I returned a faulty item and opted for a refund, the checkout person asked to see my card I used for the original purchase in order to verify the last four digits of the card number.

            • @dickiee: Username checks out.

      • +1

        Please don’t do this, it’s a 3% fee even if your card is in credit to take money out.

      • +1

        Can’t say for sure with Westpac, but Citibank with Revolut definitely awards points without fee and treats it as a transaction I got like 80k points a month for a while by maxing out my card and paying it back daily I’ve since been permanently banned from Revolut but did get like 400k points out of it. Signed my partner up after I was banned and did the same thing got banned after 2x 5k transfers in and out so not sure if they saw the same surname or they’re just a lot stricter but anyone that doesn’t care about being banned and needs to make the spend just an indication of what to expect

    • perhaps putting the remainder on the Revolut card? Does it work that way?

    • +2

      have you looked at paying rent? with sniip or one of the other BPay point services

    • +1

      If you have a family, $250 per week on food gets you to $4k. An insurance policy renewal plus energy bills and easily $6k. That’s without using your car or going anywhere or buying clothes or owning a house

    • If cash flow allows pre pay insurance, utilities, rates. Utilities such as power shop encourages you by discounts on prepaid electricity. Much better than having cash in a bank account

    • +1

      Who pays for your food?

    • I spent on average 8000 per month lol sounds like a good card for me.

  • +4

    This one isn't bad. Redeemed the points. Paid the statement and looking for the next one. Bonus points came immediately after last expense was recognised.

    • +1

      Same experience, super easy. Worst part was having to call to close my debit account which I opened to get reduced annual fee, but that was a whopping 10 minutes so all good overall.

      • Was a debit account a long process to open? And is it a free to open account in order to get the cheaper fee? Doable online?

  • +1

    Not bad value, personally prefer getting statement credit instead of gift cards.

  • Who are the gift card retailers?

    • +35

      Please note the participating retailers and available denominations may change from time to time.

      Physical or Digital Available Denominations
      Accor Digital $100, $250
      Amazon Digital $50, $100, $200
      Ampol Digital $25, $50, $100
      BCF Digital $20, $50, $100
      Barbecues Galore Digital $20, $50, $100, $250
      Bunnings Physical, Digital $20 (Digital Only), $50, $100, $200
      Catch Digital $20, $50, $100
      Country Road Digital $50, $100, $200
      David Jones Physical, Digital $20 (Digital Only), $50, $100, $200 (Physical Only), $300 (Digital Only), $500 (Digital Only)
      Deliveroo Digital $50, $100
      Dymocks Digital $20, $50, $100
      Endota Digital $50, $100, $200
      Flight Centre Physical, Digital $100, $250, $500 (Digital Only)
      IKEA Digital $50, $100, $200
      JB Hi-Fi Physical, Digital $25 (Digital Only), $50, $100, $200 (Digital Only), $500 (Digital Only)
      Kayo Digital $50, $100
      Kmart Digital $20, $50, $100
      Kogan Digital $50, $100, $200
      Myer Physical, Digital $20, $50, $100 (Digital Only), $200, $300, $500 (Digital Only)
      Priceline Digital $20, $50, $100
      Rebel Digital $20, $50, $100
      Sephora Digital $50, $100, $200
      Supercheap Auto Digital $20, $50, $100
      The Iconic Digital $50, $100, $200
      Target Digital $50, $100
      Uber Digital $50, $100, $200
      WISH (Woolworths Group)1 Physical, Digital $20, $50, $100
      Webjet Digital $50
      Westfield (EFTPOS) Physical $50, $100
      Woolworths Physical, Digital $20 (Digital Only), $50, $100, $200
      iSubscribe Digital $50, $100, $200

      There are also different redemption costs associated with different types of gift cards. If you’re interested in the redemption cost of a particular gift card, let me know!

      Redemption Cost 180,000 Points is Equivalent to…
      $100 WISH Physical Gift Card 24,100 $746
      $100 WISH eGift Card 23,500 $766
      $100 Bunnings Physical Gift Card 23,200 $776
      $100 Bunnings eGift Card 22,600 $796
      $100 David Jones Physical Gift Card 21,600 $833
      $100 David Jones eGift Card 21,000 $866
      $100 Account Cashback 28,200 $638
      $100 Annual Fee Rebate 20,000 $900

      1. I have to clarify the WISH gift cards are the ones issued by Woolworths Group, because some people confuse WISH gift cards for gift cards that could be redeemed on wish.com. One time, when I asked a staff member at BWS whether they sold WISH gift cards, the staff member was like “why would we sell gift cards for wish.com?” 🤦‍♂️ BWS accepts WISH gift cards, so the response from the staff member took me by surprise… 

      • +1

        Pretty and informative. Thanks!

      • do you know the points for Westfield ?

        • $50 Westfield EFTPOS gift card: 12,350 (including delivery)

          $100 Westfield EFTPOS gift card: 24,100 (including delivery)

          • +1

            @WookieMonster: thanks! I found another comment here says:

            Using points for rebate is better (180k points=$900) — how do you think?
            "In rewards redemption section on the Westpac site there is annual fee refunds under Financial.
            You can claim as many of these as you like.
            Works the same as amex rebates where you'll see a negative number in your transaction history that looks like a payment / refund."

            • +1

              @baron33: Personally, I am going to go with the annual fee rebate.

              You’ll need to keep in mind that you can only order fee rebates once per year, but you can add multiple fee rebates (e.g. 2x $250, 3x $25) to that one order.

              • @WookieMonster: So I'd you want the full 180k points redeemed for $900 of value your suggesting doing 9 X $100 fee rebates in one go as you can't do a second one in that yr otherwise?

                  • @WookieMonster: Ok thanks! Just got to setup the transaction account then to get the reduced fee. There only seems to be one 'transaction' account per se for > 30 year olds from what i can see?

                    • @SaberX: Strictly speaking, there are only two types of transaction accounts that you can open with Westpac today:

                      • Westpac Choice
                      • Westpac 55+ and Retired

                      The Westpac website gives the impression that there are separate types of accounts for < 30 year olds, students, people new to Australia and concession card holders. However, those accounts are actually all Westpac Choice accounts; it’s just that those pages outline the different categories of people that are eligible for monthly fee waivers.

                      • @WookieMonster: Gotchya! turns out they dont deactivate your westpac id, so my old 2020 account in the altitude black world that was closed, the assigned westpac id was still active. so my choice account activated pretty quick.

                        Trying my luck on the credit card now. Is this one of those ones where once they pay the points bonus, you can claim the rebate, and then close the account pretty much thereafter once card's paid off? Like no need to hold card for 6 months or 10 months etc so they don't clawback?

                        • +1

                          @SaberX: If you have an old Westpac ID from previous accounts, there's actually no need to open a new transaction account.

                          Is this one of those ones where once they pay the points bonus, you can claim the rebate, and then close the account pretty much thereafter once card's paid off?

                          From what I've read from others on OzBargain, that's pretty much the case, and there's no need to hold onto the card for a number of months.

  • -1

    I've had an Altitude Black card for some years. I did not have to income qualify, guess they changed that!!
    Also, my last annual fee was only $50. It says it's now $250. Is that only for new applications? I hope so, otherwise, kiss my "you know what "

  • +1

    Too easy spending 6k just childcare fees alone :(

    • Yeah having kids is so expensive. I can understand why some choose to have a parent at home full time. Do you at least get rebates? Thinking about having a kid within the next 2 years but the cost is looking ridiculous

      • +1

        Even after a full CCS, you will pay $40 per day per child. If you have three kids, $600 per week. Having a kid is not ideal financial choice but that is a life. Good luck to your future journey!

        • Yeah no, couldn’t possibly afford 3 kids. I struggle working out how to afford one!

          • +2

            @Smol Cat: there should be an equivalent of novated leasing for children. Pay a bit up front, a balloon payment after 10 years if you want to keep them

            • @dtc: Haha amazing. Sick of your children? Hand them into the bank and declare bankruptcy!

        • wow that much? how much is it before concessions? have one on the way (first) and wondering how grossly overestimated those "1m per kid" estimates are. Like are these people buying baby clothes from myers/DJs than target/kmart, private school etc etc.

          Guess the parents (Grandparents) are going to be a real game changer if babysitting is an option.

          • @SaberX: Your biggest cost for children is lost income

            One parent earning $75k and takes a year off and then works part time for 3 years - there is $200k gone already.

            other than child care and education costs (and 'initial establishment costs' ie baby equipment that arent donated), I doubt a kid costs more than $10-15k pa in additional costs over and above what you would be paying for yourself/partner anyway - so food, additional energy costs, clothing etc. Of course if you regularly travel then you add the cost of another ticket, bed etc; maybe you get 2 cars. A few electronic devices, additional christmas presents, music and sports. Health insurance. It adds up a bit here and there, but dont think its a $1m

            its a big hit initially though, because lots of costs but lower income. So its noticeable

            This paper https://aifs.gov.au/publications/issue/new-estimates-costs-c… estimated about $140 to $170 per week additional for one child, but thats a minimum based on low income and low expenditure families. And doesnt capture child care

  • If I were to open a simple Westpac savings account right now, would that qualify me as an existing customer and reduced first year fee?

    The sniip tip from above is great. Could work.

    • +2

      Yes.

      • Are they fee free to open and can be done online? Is it one specific account type that allows the reduced fee?

        • Yes doesn’t take much time online but I got the one which had $5 monthly fee unless you transfer $2000 every month to the account For which I set up a recurring transfer in and out from my main account

          • @Ehty: I saw that one! I'm registering now. the savings account all seem to require a transaction account, and the transaction accounts there only seems to be one option for > 30 year olds, right? There's no fee free option essentially? Only one account type?

            So can you essentially transfer money in by direct deposit transfer from an external account? then transfer it back again thta same day and it'll qualify for the fee free?

            • @SaberX: Yes, I have put recurring payments from one account to another and back

              • @Ehty: ok thanks! will do the same.

                I did notice the qantas version of this card gives a pretty decent points of 120k too… only just not tempted to take this up as ipresume the 'reward' seats are going to be far and few with all the backlog of people trying to fly post covid. value higher if using for flight seats of decent value compared to this rewards program, but the chances of getting those are another issue :(

                • @SaberX: Yeah, that's the problem. Based on where I would use points, and comparing to another freq flyer program I have a ton of points in, I put a value of 92 points per dollar. So, 120K = $1304. That's getting the classic awards with the lowest additional taxes added on. Tough to get though, and usually requires an extra leg instead of the most direct route (e.g., try getting a classic award to NYC with only two segments, it's very very hard to find). So, due to that inconvenience, maybe the points are worth less. To each their own.

  • +11

    Been using RWRDS to keep track of credit card offers -
    https://www.rwrds.com.au/
    You can also put dates in so you know when you're eligible again

    • interesting! i've been trying to find a way to manually record in a to do list or draft email when every card is cancelled, to keep track of the 12 month eligibility things….

  • +7

    PSA: better redemptions rates by claiming the credit card fee rebates. You can claim multiples and fees that you never paid (I claimed about $450 fee credits which just work as cashback directly to your credit card).
    This beats gift card value by about $100+

    • +2

      Yep.
      Just redeemed 130K points on this deal for $650 cashback.

      • What Balance transfer rate does it give you, assuming you didnt apply for BT during application process.

    • +2

      Could you please elaborate a bit on claiming fee rebates? I use the credit rebates on the actual spendings with Amex cards all the time but am not aware of the credit fee rebates. Maybe it’s Westpac specific?

      • +2

        In rewards redemption section on the Westpac site there is annual fee refunds under Financial.
        You can claim as many of these as you like.
        Works the same as amex rebates where you'll see a negative number in your transaction history that looks like a payment / refund.

      • +2

        It's like cashback but more value than the actual cashback redeeming (less points for more cash credit back into your account).

        https://www.westpac.com.au/personal-banking/credit-cards/exp…

        Westpac (also St George) let you claim the annual fee back. They only let you claim once a year but you can claim with multiple combinations, eg 2×$250, 3×$75 + 2×$50, etc.

      • Thanks both. I’ve got it now. It does make the deal more attractive to me!

        • Thanks for the information,I will do this for the 130k bonus from a previous deal, very silly how they offer $100 cashback for about 28k points but you can do this for 20k per $100 even though I haven't paid a annual fee :)

    • So they basically provide a $100 credit back rather than actually physically offset the card fee when it comes through? So for 20k points you could just do an equivalent of $900 cash back on your card?

      • 180k points can be exchanged for the equivalent of $900 in annual fee rebate.
        But can only request once per year so make sure you do it in one lot (e.g select $250x3, $150x1)

    • So it doesn't have to be actual annual fee for the card but can offset any spending with this card?

      • Yes correct. It’s just applied as credit to your account

        • What dorikin said

          I claimed about 3 different value of fees ($25, $150, $250) if I recall correctly, I can't check now as my account is closed

  • A bank of Melbourne customer is considered as Westpac customer as well?

    • +1

      No.

  • is it worthwhile to join westpac before applying for cc to save $50 on annual fee?

    • +2

      Yes, I did.
      Worked fine and no credit check on their basic transaction account.
      Note the one I signed up for was only zero monthly fee by transferring $2000 into it each month (easy to do since spending $6000 anyway)

      • Are there any fee free options with minimal or no money transferring required by any chance?

  • Offer not available if you’ve held an Altitude Platinum or Altitude Black card with Altitude Rewards, Qantas or Velocity in the last 12 months.

    Damn, that sucks.

    • The original TC is

      Existing Westpac customers who currently hold an Earth Classic, Earth Platinum, Earth Platinum Plus, Earth Black, Altitude Classic, Altitude Platinum or Altitude Black credit card, or who have held one in the last 12 months, are not eligible for this offer.

      It doesn't mentioned about Qantas. I guess "Altitude Qantas" shall be OK.

      • I doubt it. They can always claim that "Altitude Qantas Platinum" is an "Altitude Platinum", and "Altitude Qantas Black" is an "Altitude Black". And in fact, they would be correct.

      • Often it's referred to as Altitude Qantas Platinum (e.g. on statements), but when I closed the card they just referred to closing an Altitude Platinum card account with no mention of Qantas. Personally I wouldn't risk it.

  • This the one you can't transfer to airline miles?

    • +5

      Nope.

      Basically, you need to redeem a minimum number of Altitude Reward points for points at participating frequent flyer programmes. You can redeem more than the minimum number of Altitude Reward points outlined in column 2, but only in multiples specified in column 4.

      Program Minimum Altitude Rewards Points for Redemption Frequent Flyer Points Awarded for Minimum Additional Altitude Rewards Points Multiples per Redemption
      Air New Zealand Airpoints 2700 15 540
      Asia Miles (Cathay Pacific) 3000 1000 600
      Malaysia Airlines Enrich1 3000 1000 600
      Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer 3000 1000 600
      Velocity Frequent Flyer 3000 1000 6

      1. The last day for redeeming Altitude Rewards points for Enrich points is 25 March 2022. From 26 March 2022, you will not be able to redeem Altitude Rewards points for Enrich points. 

  • let me try this one after being rejected by HSBC, Does mentioning Balance transfer affect your application?
    is the 0% pa BT rate applicable if we do BT after we receive the card rather than mentioning in the application

  • +3

    For those who think they will struggle to spend 6k in 3 months, you can use the beem app to pay off your tax/hecs debt with zero surcharge.

    It is well documented in several ozbargain threads.

    Also, prepay:
    * Gym membership
    * Internet account
    * Electricity
    * Health insurance
    * Car service (gift cards if necessary
    * Public transport account

    Failing that, purchase gift cards.

    Failing that pre-paid visa card from Officeworks

    • I believe most Govt. providers are excluded from the qualifying spend.
      Most Utilities, Aust post, Public transport, Registration, Council Rates are all non-qualifying spends.

      I usually buy essential goods, like groceries, clothes and work wear.
      For discretionary spends, book a holiday in advance.

      • +2

        If you make these payments through the beem app (BPay), you can pay tax, utilities etc etc.

        https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/639861

        • Just note not all Bpay billers work/are available through beemit .

      • The exact wording says, "Eligible purchases do not include interest, fees and charges, cash or ATM cash advances, cash equivalent transactions, gambling transactions, a purchase from or payment to a local, state or federal government or government related agency, BPAY or similar transactions (such as Post Billpay), refunds and balance transfers debited from the card account."

        There's nothing about Utilities (which generally are private). Sounds like car rego is ineligible though. Maybe AusPost too.

        The "BPAY or similar transactions" could render Sniip and Beemit billpay payments as ineligible.

        • Centerlink repayments is excluded?

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