Westpac Altitude Black credit card

Question 1

David

27 June 2019

Can I put money into the card before using it, that is having a positive balance and then use the card that way. Will their be a limit of how much you can put in and what interest rate will I get in doing so.

Question 2

Roland

Answer

Hi David, you do not get paid any interest from being in debit on a credit card. The issue also is that your money is not protected when you are in debit. Credit cards have certain protections against fraud. Though if you are in debit any of that money could be at risk. Best practice is to use the credit card. Then pay it off in full each month. This way you do not pay any interest but take advantage of all the security features.

Question 3

AJ

25 May 2019

Who issues Black Altitude MAster Card? Is it Westpac Banking Corporation Card Services?

Question 4

Roland

Answer

Hi AJ, I am not completely sure of the exact naming. Though it is Westpac Banking Corporation. Westpac do issue their own credit cards including the Altitude Black.

Question 5

margaret

23 May 2019

How do you get your 2 priority lounge passes? Do you have to join priority pass first for $99? Can you nominate which lounge in the world, whilst travelling?..... for example there is a flight delay at Heathrow airport and you decide that you would like to redeem the 2 passes without prior arrangement.

Question 6

Roland

Answer

Hi Margaret, Priority Pass Membership: To enrol, go to altitudeblack.com.au. Lounge usage in excess of two visits per 12-month membership period and all guest visits will be charged directly to your Altitude Black card at the prevailing visit fee which is currently US$27 per person, per visit. You do you have to pre-arrange a lounge to access. As long as its a lounge supported by Priority Pass. You can enter the lounge at any time.

Question 7

janis

31 March 2019

Does my Black Westpac Attitude MasterCard cover travel insurance within Australia as well as overseas?

Question 8

Roland

Answer

Hi Janis, I found this PDF on the Westpac site that details the insurance available with this card. https://www.westpac.com.au/content/dam/public/wbc/documents/pdf/pb/credit-cards/WBC_Consumer_Credit_Card_Comp_Insurance_Allianz.pdf. There is some insurance available on a domestic level such as Interstate flight inconvenience insurance policy. Though I do not believe there is full domestic insurance with this card.

Question 9

Muhammad

16 December 2018

Hy Roland I got altitude black card and i can get 80000 points if spend 3k in 3 months..my question is that how can i use those points? Secondly would points b added if i buy air tickets from my card through travel agents? Regards

Question 10

Roland

Answer

Hi Muhammad, you can redeem Altitude points here - https://altituderewards.com.au/public/redeem.aspx. Yes you earn reward points for using your card to purchase air tickets inc from your travel agent.

Question 11

Steph

21 September 2018

Hi Roland, if I'm the additional card holder of altitude black card already, can I apply myself as new primary cardholder and get the 120k bonus points please?

Question 12

Roland

Answer

Hi Steph, yes this is possible. As a secondary cardholder you are still eligible for the bonus points.

Question 13

Kath

4 September 2018

I just got this card and trying to earn the bonus 80,000 points by spending $3,000. Can you please explain what is a BPAY equivalent transaction? Is paying council rates, water rates a BPAY equivalent transaction?

Question 14

Roland

Answer

Hi Kath, with the Altitude range you do not earn points with any BPAY transactions. So if you are paying the rates via bpay then you would not. If you pay the rates just using your credit card (which I believe has a surcharge). On the relevant sites then you should earn points. Though checking deeper government charges (other than GST payable in connection with the purchase of goods or services on which you earn points) also do not are points. I would assume that rates are government charges. Bottom line it sounds like paying rates if a no go for points. If you can spend on petrol, groceries etc. That should get you across the line in the required period. A bigger purchase item purchase like buying furniture or clothes shopping would get you there sooner. Review the PDF that details the rewards program terms and conditions. https://www.westpac.com.au/content/dam/public/wbc/documents/pdf/pb/credit-cards/Altitude_Rewards_Terms_and_1.pdf

Question 15

sue

19 July 2018

I had a Westpac earthblack mastercard, and American Express Card. I did not take up their invitation for earlier this year so no longer have the American Express. I would like one now butcannot see how I can apply for one.

Question 16

Roland

Answer

Hi Sue, reach out to Westpac credit card customer service. There is no way that I know you can apply just for the AMEX version now. I know they are offering a bundle with both cards for new customers. I am sure they will still be able to assist you. Otherwise there are a nice range of AMEX cards available, some with no annual fee. Just depends on what rewards you are after.

Question 17

Jorgen

12 July 2018

Thank's Roland for your prompt answer. ANZ Travel Card sounds good for our travel and small everyday expenses. I read that the "cons" was high purchase rate, what do they mean by that?. And just wonder how velocity points rate compared to Qantas points and can they be converted. I like Qantas points also for but only because I travelled a lot to Mount Isa and got good value due to expensive ticket cost compared to Km.I still go there once ore twice a year from Brisbane and sometimes book business class using points. For my large spends half yearly I can only use Mastercard/Visa with preference on Qantas points. would it be feasible to have a third card for this and maybe high dollar value holiday package payments ie. $ 20 - 30.000 ?. Thank you in advance for your advise.

Question 18

Roland

Answer

Hi Jorgen, all rewards credit cards have a high purchase rate. The purchase rate is 20.24% p.a. As with all rewards cards, they are not worth holding a balance and paying interest. You can review the ANZ rewards program here - https://anzrewards.com/public/redeem_category.aspx?deptid=8390. Basically 2 ANZ rewards points convert to 1 Velocity point. One AMEX side I like the Qantas Ultimate for maximum Qantas points. I have this card and use it when I can. For a Visa/Mastercard there seems to be nothing out there anymore with uncapped points earning. That is that don't reduce from a higher tier. A 3rd card I suggest is the Qantas Premier. You get $10,000 at 1 point per spend a month. Then 0.5 Qantas points for $1 spent after this. I think this is the best the Visa/Mastercard options on Qantas points earning and has some other nice benefits for Qantas flights. I would not apply for all of them at once but stagger the applications over a year period. Start with the card you will get the most use out of first. Happy Friday and safe travels.

Question 19

Jorgen

11 July 2018

Hi Roland. I am retired using ANZ platinum that is capped at 2000 Qantas points per statement period for. my average credit spend is 6-7000 plus 15000+ extra every 6 months.My wife & I want to travel a lot here & overseas. Which is the best card for us. Thank you in advance

Question 20

Roland

Answer

Hi Jorgen, you will need to meet the minimum income requirements from your SMSF or other income. When you say 6-7k I am assuming this is monthly. No single card is likely to be best for your situation. Though this card is what I suggest. The ANZ Rewards Travel Adventure credit card. It has 0% foreign transaction fees and some nice insurance package. It earns custom ANZ rewards points. This would be best to use when overseas based on this. Westpac charges a 3% fee on their rewards cards overseas. Outside of this for local spend to maximise rewards it will depend on how much you spend. You could still use this ANZ Rewards Travel adventure card if you like but its points earning drops to 0.5 after 2k a month, from 1.5. I like to earn Qantas points but I don't know your preference and also if you can spend on an AMEX. Let me know what type of rewards and whether you can spend on an AMEX and I will suggest something else. Though for O/S the ANZ card is worth the first application.

Question 21

Lex

28 June 2018

Hi Roland, Can you tell me if the complimentary travel insurance covers my wife as well. Is it necessary for her to be a card holder against my card or does she need her own card? Thanks Lex

Question 22

Roland

Answer

Hi Lex, if you meet the eligibility requirements and your wife travels with you. Then she is covered by the overseas travel insurance as well as yourself. Also dependents that are travelling with you would be covered. Here is a link to a PDF from the Westpac site that provides full details on the insurance with the card. https://www.westpac.com.au/content/dam/public/wbc/documents/pdf/pb/credit-cards/WBC_Consumer_Credit_Card_Comp_Insurance_Allianz.pdf

Question 23

Claire

26 June 2018

I have just received my new Altitude Black credit card. How do I qualify for complimentary passes to Qantas Lounge? Would it apply for domestic & international travel? Thank you.

Question 24

Roland

Answer

Hi Claire, if you choose Qantas Rewards, you are eligible for 2 complimentary Qantas Lounge invitations per year after your first Altitude Black Card spend on selected Qantas products and services. You must first register and opt in to take advantage of this feature. https://loungepass.altitudeblack.com.au/default.aspx?appAction=exit. If you choose Altitude Rewards, you can register your Altitude Black card to receive 2 complimentary passes per year to use at more than 700 VIP airport lounges worldwide. http://info.westpac.com.au/creditcards/black/altitudeblack/rewards/airport-lounge-priority-pass.aspx.

Question 25

John Mcmillan

23 June 2018

Is cruising covered?

Question 26

Roland

Answer

Hi John, Cruising can be covered as long as you meet the requirements. Have a look at this PDF which details the travel insurance available with the Westpac Altitude Black credit card - https://www.westpac.com.au/content/dam/public/wbc/documents/pdf/pb/credit-cards/WBC_Consumer_Credit_Card_Comp_Insurance_Allianz.pdf

Question 27

tina

31 May 2018

if I pay an annual package fee on my mortgage, does this cover (removes) the annual card fee

Question 28

Roland

Answer

Hi Tina, yes there is a loan type with Westpac that provides this card at no annual fee. I have a home loan with Westpac and do get this card with no annual fee as part of the package. Speak to Westpac about this and put the application in with them to ensure that you get the fee waived.

Question 29

Duc Khiem Pham

30 May 2018

Hi,We are travel to America. Please show us how to apply complimentary travel insuranceThanksDuc Khiem Pham

Question 30

Roland

Answer

Hi Duc, I have found this good content page on the Westpac site that gives you good summary information on what is required to activate the travel insurance plus features. https://www.westpac.com.au/personal-banking/credit-cards/manage/travelling-overseas-insurance/travel-insurance/

Question 31

david

14 May 2018

I would want to use this card for the purpose of funding my IG trading account to purchase shares which accepts MC credit as a means of funds. Would this be considered an eligible transaction? would this be considered a cash advance?

Question 32

Roland

Answer

Hi David, I would say that these should be considered purchases rather than cash advances. It does not mention in the PDS that purchases are shares are ineligible. ‘Cash Equivalent Transaction’ means transfers of funds to or from other financial institutions, foreign exchange transactions, travellers cheque purchases, gambling transactions, utility bills paid in person at a bank or Australia Post or any bills paid using the Card in conjunction with the BPAY scheme (if the billing merchant does not accept credit card payment using the BPAY scheme) and any other transaction that is treated as a cash advance. I would say shares do not fit into this. Have a look at this PDF for more details on the terms for points earning - https://www.anz.com.au/content/dam/anzcomau/documents/pdf/anz-qantas-frequent-flyer-terms-and-conditions.pdf

Question 33

Abdul Samad

11 May 2018

Hi Roland, Can you please point me to the best master card offering zero foreign transaction fees and overseas travel insurance.

Question 34

Roland

Answer

Hi Abdul, I like the ANZ Travel Adventures card. Has some nice bonus points on sign up. Good insurance and points earning on spend plus a range of other good features for travelers.

Question 35

David

27 June 2019

Can I put money into the card before using it, that is having a positive balance and then use the card that way. Will their be a limit of how much you can put in and what interest rate will I get in doing so.

Question 36

Roland

Answer

Hi David, you do not get paid any interest from being in debit on a credit card. The issue also is that your money is not protected when you are in debit. Credit cards have certain protections against fraud. Though if you are in debit any of that money could be at risk. Best practice is to use the credit card. Then pay it off in full each month. This way you do not pay any interest but take advantage of all the security features.

Question 37

AJ

25 May 2019

Who issues Black Altitude MAster Card? Is it Westpac Banking Corporation Card Services?

Question 38

Roland

Answer

Hi AJ, I am not completely sure of the exact naming. Though it is Westpac Banking Corporation. Westpac do issue their own credit cards including the Altitude Black.

Question 39

margaret

23 May 2019

How do you get your 2 priority lounge passes? Do you have to join priority pass first for $99? Can you nominate which lounge in the world, whilst travelling?..... for example there is a flight delay at Heathrow airport and you decide that you would like to redeem the 2 passes without prior arrangement.

Question 40

Roland

Answer

Hi Margaret, Priority Pass Membership: To enrol, go to altitudeblack.com.au. Lounge usage in excess of two visits per 12-month membership period and all guest visits will be charged directly to your Altitude Black card at the prevailing visit fee which is currently US$27 per person, per visit. You do you have to pre-arrange a lounge to access. As long as its a lounge supported by Priority Pass. You can enter the lounge at any time.

Question 41

janis

31 March 2019

Does my Black Westpac Attitude MasterCard cover travel insurance within Australia as well as overseas?

Question 42

Roland

Answer

Hi Janis, I found this PDF on the Westpac site that details the insurance available with this card. https://www.westpac.com.au/content/dam/public/wbc/documents/pdf/pb/credit-cards/WBC_Consumer_Credit_Card_Comp_Insurance_Allianz.pdf. There is some insurance available on a domestic level such as Interstate flight inconvenience insurance policy. Though I do not believe there is full domestic insurance with this card.

Question 43

Muhammad

16 December 2018

Hy Roland I got altitude black card and i can get 80000 points if spend 3k in 3 months..my question is that how can i use those points? Secondly would points b added if i buy air tickets from my card through travel agents? Regards

Question 44

Roland

Answer

Hi Muhammad, you can redeem Altitude points here - https://altituderewards.com.au/public/redeem.aspx. Yes you earn reward points for using your card to purchase air tickets inc from your travel agent.

Question 45

Steph

21 September 2018

Hi Roland, if I'm the additional card holder of altitude black card already, can I apply myself as new primary cardholder and get the 120k bonus points please?

Question 46

Roland

Answer

Hi Steph, yes this is possible. As a secondary cardholder you are still eligible for the bonus points.

Question 47

Kath

4 September 2018

I just got this card and trying to earn the bonus 80,000 points by spending $3,000. Can you please explain what is a BPAY equivalent transaction? Is paying council rates, water rates a BPAY equivalent transaction?

Question 48

Roland

Answer

Hi Kath, with the Altitude range you do not earn points with any BPAY transactions. So if you are paying the rates via bpay then you would not. If you pay the rates just using your credit card (which I believe has a surcharge). On the relevant sites then you should earn points. Though checking deeper government charges (other than GST payable in connection with the purchase of goods or services on which you earn points) also do not are points. I would assume that rates are government charges. Bottom line it sounds like paying rates if a no go for points. If you can spend on petrol, groceries etc. That should get you across the line in the required period. A bigger purchase item purchase like buying furniture or clothes shopping would get you there sooner. Review the PDF that details the rewards program terms and conditions. https://www.westpac.com.au/content/dam/public/wbc/documents/pdf/pb/credit-cards/Altitude_Rewards_Terms_and_1.pdf

Question 49

sue

19 July 2018

I had a Westpac earthblack mastercard, and American Express Card. I did not take up their invitation for earlier this year so no longer have the American Express. I would like one now butcannot see how I can apply for one.

Question 50

Roland

Answer

Hi Sue, reach out to Westpac credit card customer service. There is no way that I know you can apply just for the AMEX version now. I know they are offering a bundle with both cards for new customers. I am sure they will still be able to assist you. Otherwise there are a nice range of AMEX cards available, some with no annual fee. Just depends on what rewards you are after.

Question 51

Jorgen

12 July 2018

Thank's Roland for your prompt answer. ANZ Travel Card sounds good for our travel and small everyday expenses. I read that the "cons" was high purchase rate, what do they mean by that?. And just wonder how velocity points rate compared to Qantas points and can they be converted. I like Qantas points also for but only because I travelled a lot to Mount Isa and got good value due to expensive ticket cost compared to Km.I still go there once ore twice a year from Brisbane and sometimes book business class using points. For my large spends half yearly I can only use Mastercard/Visa with preference on Qantas points. would it be feasible to have a third card for this and maybe high dollar value holiday package payments ie. $ 20 - 30.000 ?. Thank you in advance for your advise.

Question 52

Roland

Answer

Hi Jorgen, all rewards credit cards have a high purchase rate. The purchase rate is 20.24% p.a. As with all rewards cards, they are not worth holding a balance and paying interest. You can review the ANZ rewards program here - https://anzrewards.com/public/redeem_category.aspx?deptid=8390. Basically 2 ANZ rewards points convert to 1 Velocity point. One AMEX side I like the Qantas Ultimate for maximum Qantas points. I have this card and use it when I can. For a Visa/Mastercard there seems to be nothing out there anymore with uncapped points earning. That is that don't reduce from a higher tier. A 3rd card I suggest is the Qantas Premier. You get $10,000 at 1 point per spend a month. Then 0.5 Qantas points for $1 spent after this. I think this is the best the Visa/Mastercard options on Qantas points earning and has some other nice benefits for Qantas flights. I would not apply for all of them at once but stagger the applications over a year period. Start with the card you will get the most use out of first. Happy Friday and safe travels.

Question 53

Jorgen

11 July 2018

Hi Roland. I am retired using ANZ platinum that is capped at 2000 Qantas points per statement period for. my average credit spend is 6-7000 plus 15000+ extra every 6 months.My wife & I want to travel a lot here & overseas. Which is the best card for us. Thank you in advance

Question 54

Roland

Answer

Hi Jorgen, you will need to meet the minimum income requirements from your SMSF or other income. When you say 6-7k I am assuming this is monthly. No single card is likely to be best for your situation. Though this card is what I suggest. The ANZ Rewards Travel Adventure credit card. It has 0% foreign transaction fees and some nice insurance package. It earns custom ANZ rewards points. This would be best to use when overseas based on this. Westpac charges a 3% fee on their rewards cards overseas. Outside of this for local spend to maximise rewards it will depend on how much you spend. You could still use this ANZ Rewards Travel adventure card if you like but its points earning drops to 0.5 after 2k a month, from 1.5. I like to earn Qantas points but I don't know your preference and also if you can spend on an AMEX. Let me know what type of rewards and whether you can spend on an AMEX and I will suggest something else. Though for O/S the ANZ card is worth the first application.

Question 55

Lex

28 June 2018

Hi Roland, Can you tell me if the complimentary travel insurance covers my wife as well. Is it necessary for her to be a card holder against my card or does she need her own card? Thanks Lex

Question 56

Roland

Answer

Hi Lex, if you meet the eligibility requirements and your wife travels with you. Then she is covered by the overseas travel insurance as well as yourself. Also dependents that are travelling with you would be covered. Here is a link to a PDF from the Westpac site that provides full details on the insurance with the card. https://www.westpac.com.au/content/dam/public/wbc/documents/pdf/pb/credit-cards/WBC_Consumer_Credit_Card_Comp_Insurance_Allianz.pdf

Question 57

Claire

26 June 2018

I have just received my new Altitude Black credit card. How do I qualify for complimentary passes to Qantas Lounge? Would it apply for domestic & international travel? Thank you.

Question 58

Roland

Answer

Hi Claire, if you choose Qantas Rewards, you are eligible for 2 complimentary Qantas Lounge invitations per year after your first Altitude Black Card spend on selected Qantas products and services. You must first register and opt in to take advantage of this feature. https://loungepass.altitudeblack.com.au/default.aspx?appAction=exit. If you choose Altitude Rewards, you can register your Altitude Black card to receive 2 complimentary passes per year to use at more than 700 VIP airport lounges worldwide. http://info.westpac.com.au/creditcards/black/altitudeblack/rewards/airport-lounge-priority-pass.aspx.

Question 59

John Mcmillan

23 June 2018

Is cruising covered?

Question 60

Roland

Answer

Hi John, Cruising can be covered as long as you meet the requirements. Have a look at this PDF which details the travel insurance available with the Westpac Altitude Black credit card - https://www.westpac.com.au/content/dam/public/wbc/documents/pdf/pb/credit-cards/WBC_Consumer_Credit_Card_Comp_Insurance_Allianz.pdf

Question 61

tina

31 May 2018

if I pay an annual package fee on my mortgage, does this cover (removes) the annual card fee

Question 62

Roland

Answer

Hi Tina, yes there is a loan type with Westpac that provides this card at no annual fee. I have a home loan with Westpac and do get this card with no annual fee as part of the package. Speak to Westpac about this and put the application in with them to ensure that you get the fee waived.

Question 63

Duc Khiem Pham

30 May 2018

Hi,We are travel to America. Please show us how to apply complimentary travel insuranceThanksDuc Khiem Pham

Question 64

Roland

Answer

Hi Duc, I have found this good content page on the Westpac site that gives you good summary information on what is required to activate the travel insurance plus features. https://www.westpac.com.au/personal-banking/credit-cards/manage/travelling-overseas-insurance/travel-insurance/

Answer 33

Hi David, I would say that these should be considered purchases rather than cash advances. It does not mention in the PDS that purchases are shares are ineligible. ‘Cash Equivalent Transaction’ means transfers of funds to or from other financial institutions, foreign exchange transactions, travellers cheque purchases, gambling transactions, utility bills paid in person at a bank or Australia Post or any bills paid using the Card in conjunction with the BPAY scheme (if the billing merchant does not accept credit card payment using the BPAY scheme) and any other transaction that is treated as a cash advance. I would say shares do not fit into this. Have a look at this PDF for more details on the terms for points earning - https://www.anz.com.au/content/dam/anzcomau/documents/pdf/anz-qantas-frequent-flyer-terms-and-conditions.pdf

Answer 34

Hi Abdul, I like the ANZ Travel Adventures card. Has some nice bonus points on sign up. Good insurance and points earning on spend plus a range of other good features for travelers.

Interest Rates
Purchase rate	20.49% p.a.
Cash advance rate	21.49% p.a.
Interest free on purchases	up to 45 days
Balance Transfer
Credit limits
Minimum credit limit	$15,000
Maximum credit limit	$75,000
Fees & repayments
Annual fee	$250 p.a.
Additional cardholder fee	$0 p.a.
Cash advance fee	2%
Foreign transaction fee	3%
Minimum repayment	2%
Late payment fee	$15
Credit card type	Mastercard

Rewards program
Rewards program	Altitude Rewards
Bonus points	80,000 Altitude points
Annual points cap	uncapped
Bonus points spend criteria	Spend $4,000 within first 90 days
Earning points with this card
Altitude points	1.25 points per $1 spent
Overseas earn rate	same as standard earn rate
Points cap per month	N/A

Complimentary insurance
Overseas travel insurance	yes - up to 6 months
Flight inconvenience insurance	No
Transport accident cover	Yes
Smartphone screen insurance	No
Purchase protection insurance	Yes
Extended warranty insurance	Yes
Rental vehicle excess cover	No
Extras
2 lounge passes per year with Priority Pass

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