Westpac Altitude Rewards credit cards provide value and benefits through rewards points. Accumulating every time you make eligible purchases, these points can be redeemed for a wide array of items or services, from travel tickets to merchandise.
The program has several great frequent flyer program partners. These include Velocity Frequent Flyer, Singapore Airlines Krisflyer, Cathay Asia Miles, and Air New Zealand Airpoints.
When comparing Westpac Group's loyalty programs, it is important to understand the difference between Altitude Rewards and Amplify Rewards. Although Westpac owns St.George Bank, Bank of Melbourne, and BankSA, each bank operates a separate rewards program. Amplify Rewards is the loyalty program associated with St.George Bank, Bank of Melbourne, and BankSA, while Altitude Rewards is a separate program.
David Boyd, co-founder of Credit Card Compare, said, “Opening my first Westpac Altitude Rewards credit card was a turning point. The ability to earn while spending was a revelation. If you have the Altitude Black card and choose to connect it with the Qantas Frequent Flyer program, you can use it for daily purchases, from buying groceries to paying utility bills. This everyday spending earns Qantas Points, which can be redeemed for Qantas flights or upgrades.”
How do Westpac Altitude Rewards credit cards work?
These cards work by offering a points program tied to your regular spending. Under the rewards scheme, distinct amounts of points per dollar spent are awarded, depending on the card version and how you utilise it. These points are then stored within your member account, ready to be redeemed when you choose.
Westpac Altitude Rewards credit cards are appropriate for spenders who can pay their balance in full each month, frequent flyers who will benefit from travel rewards, and for shoppers who enjoy getting their rewards as gift cards or shopping vouchers.
Types of Westpac Altitude Rewards credit cards
Westpac offers a range of Altitude Rewards credit cards, such as the Altitude Platinum and Altitude Black. Each card caters to different spending habits and earning preferences, with unique terms and perks such as bonus points and Qantas club complimentary invitations.
How to choose a Westpac Altitude Rewards credit card
Choosing the right card requires an understanding of your spending habits and reward preferences. Use the following step-by-step process:
- Assess your spending: Look at where and how much you generally spend.
- Identify your rewards preference: Be it flight upgrades, shopping vouchers, or cash back.
- Card perks: Consider the annual fees, interest rates, and bonus offerings.
- Compare cards: Compare cards against each other to find one that suits your needs the best.
Altitude Rewards vs Altitude Qantas
Altitude Rewards and Altitude Qantas. While both programs allow customers to earn points on their spending, they differ in the type of rewards points earned and the redemption options available.
Personal Altitude cardholders can switch between Altitude Rewards and Altitude Qantas at any time without restrictions on the frequency of these changes. However, it is important to note that business cardholders can transfer their Altitude points directly to the Qantas Frequent Flyer program at their discretion.
When a personal cardholder requests to switch between programs, they should expect the process to take at least ten business days or as indicated at the time of the request. Opting to earn Qantas Points through the Altitude Qantas program incurs an annual Qantas Rewards fee of $50.
The option to switch between programs can be advantageous for cardholders who wish to earn a signup bonus in one currency (e.g., Altitude Qantas) and then continue earning points in another program (e.g., Altitude Rewards) on an ongoing basis.
Choosing between Altitude Rewards and Altitude Qantas ultimately depends on the cardholder's preferences and redemption goals. Altitude Qantas is the clear choice for those who wish to earn Qantas Points, while Altitude Rewards offers greater flexibility regarding the variety of points programs available. However, it is important to note that personal Altitude Rewards cardholders cannot directly earn Qantas Points, a feature available to business cardholders.
