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Westpac Altitude Credit Card Rewards Program Review
Earn points as you spend and redeem them for travel, frequent flyer points, gift cards and more with a Westpac Altitude Rewards credit card.
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Westpac Altitude Rewards is a loyalty program that offers you points for your everyday credit card spending, which you can then redeem for rewards through your online account. You also have the option of choosing to earn Qantas Points instead of Altitude Rewards points.
If you have a Westpac Altitude Rewards credit card, or are interested in getting one, you can use this guide to compare your options and learn more about the rewards program, including how to earn points and the rewards you can get.
Compare Westpac Altitude Rewards credit cards
How to earn Westpac Altitude Rewards
Westpac Altitude Rewards credit cards earn points for every $1 you spend on eligible purchases. The number of points you earn varies depending on whether you have a classic, platinum or black account.
You’ll also have different earn rates if you get an American Express Westpac Altitude card bundle. With this option, you’ll get a Westpac-issued Mastercard as well as an Amex card issued by American Express.
What is an eligible purchase?
Eligible purchases cover most payments for goods and services, which means you’ll usually earn points on your everyday spending with an Altitude Rewards card. However, both Westpac-issued and Amex-issued Altitude Rewards credit cards list a number of transactions that are not considered eligible purchases, which we have outlined in the table below.
Transactions not eligible to earn reward points
| Westpac-issued credit cards | American Express-issued credit cards |
|---|---|
|
|
Can I earn Westpac Altitude Rewards points for ATO payments?
Currently, you can only earn points for ATO payments if you use an American Express Westpac Altitude Rewards card (issued by Amex) for the payment. Both the American Express Westpac Altitude Platinum and American Express Westpac Altitude Black offer 1 Altitude Rewards point per $1 spent on government charges, including payments to the ATO.
If you choose to earn Qantas Points, you’ll earn 0.5 points per $1 for ATO payments made with the Amex-issued credit card. Note that you will not earn points if you use the Mastercard linked to your American Express Westpac Altitude card bundle.
What rewards can I get with Westpac Altitude Rewards points?
Frequent flyer points
You can transfer your Westpac Altitude Rewards points to your frequent flyer account with any of the following programs:
The number of frequent flyer points you'll get when you transfer your Westpac Altitude Rewards points varies between these programs. There is also a difference in the transfer rate you'll get before or after 9 November 2018, which we've outlined in the table below.
| Frequent flyer program | Exchange rate before 9 November 2018 | Exchange rate from 9 November 2018 |
|---|---|---|
| Velocity Frequent Flyer (one-off transfer) | 2 Altitude points = 1 Velocity Point | 3 Altitude points = 1 Velocity Point |
| Velocity Frequent Flyer (monthly auto-redemption) | 2 Altitude points = 1 Velocity Point * Minimum of 2 Altitude points required for a transfer |
2 Altitude points = 1 Velocity Point (unchanged) * Minimum of 6 Altitude points required for a transfer |
| Asia Miles | 2.5 Altitude points = 1 Asia Mile | 3 Altitude points = 1 Asia Mile |
| Airpoints | 180 Altitude points = 1 Airpoints Dollar | 180 Altitude points = 1 Airpoints Dollar (no change) |
| KrisFlyer | 2.5 Altitude points = 1 KrisFlyer Mile | 3 Altitude points = 1 KrisFlyer Mile |
| Enrich Miles | 2 Altitude points = 1 Enrich Mile | 3 Altitude points = 1 Enrich Mile |
Note that you also need to transfer a minimum of 3,000 Altitude Rewards points for one-off transfers to Velocity, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, Asia Miles or Malaysia Airlines Enrich. For Air New Zealand Airpoints, there is a minimum transfer of 2,700 Altitude Rewards points.
If you want more information on transferring your Altitude Rewards points to a frequent flyer program, visit www.altituderewards.com.au, select the “Travel” category and click through to “Frequent Flyer”. Alternatively, you can log in to your account and see accurate transfer details based on your Altitude Rewards account balance.
Altitude Qantas Rewards
If you’d prefer to earn Qantas Points instead of Altitude Rewards points, you also have the option of enrolling in the Altitude Qantas Rewards program. You can choose this option when you first apply for your Westpac Altitude Rewards credit card, or by calling the Westpac Cards Services team on 1300 651 089 or the Westpac Platinum Priority Service Line on 1300 859 100 (for platinum cards).
Note that you will need to provide your Qantas Frequent Flyer membership number to enrol in Altitude Qantas Rewards. There is also a $50 annual fee for choosing this option, which is charged in addition to your card’s annual fee.
Other travel rewards
You can also use your Westpac Altitude Rewards points to book flights, hotels, car hire, travel activities or packages directly through Altitude Travel. With this service, you can search for travel options and book online or over the phone by calling 1300 887 820.
You also have the option of using a combination of points and cash to pay for your booking, although you will need a minimum of 3,000 points per transaction. The amount of points you’ll need varies based on a range of factors – including demand and availability – which means you’ll need to phone up or log in to your account and browse the options available to see how many points are required for each booking.
Cash back and account credit options
If you're focused on paying off your credit card balance, you could redeem your points for a credit on your account. While you'll typically be able to redeem cashback values of $50, $100, $500 or $1,000, the points required for a cashback redemption can vary. So, log in to your Altitude Rewards account to see what rates are available before redeeming this reward.
Pay with Points
This option allows you to use your points to pay off any eligible purchase made on your card in the past 90 days. Once you have logged in to your account and selected “Pay with Points”, you’ll see a list of eligible transactions, as well as how many points are required to pay each one off.
Note that Pay with Points does not count towards your minimum monthly payment. It also can’t be used for BPAY payments.
Gift cards and other financial options
Other financial rewards you can redeem with your points include:
Gift cards. The Westpac Altitude Rewards website lists a wide range of gift cards you can redeem with your points, with brands including Westfield, David Jones, Myer, Woolworths and Bunnings Warehouse.
Donations. Put your points towards a cause you care about by making a donation to a charity such as the Starlight Children’s Foundation, Cancer Council, Landcare or Oxfam.
Home loan fee rebates. If you have a home loan with Westpac, you could use your points to pay off some or all of your monthly loan maintenance fees or package fees.
Retail items
The Altitude Rewards website has a huge list of items you can get with your points, including wine and gift hampers, homewares, coffee machines, and computers and tablets. It also has a section for featured offers that could include bonus items or discounts on travel packages.
How do I redeem Altitude Rewards points?
- Log in to your account on the Westpac Altitude Rewards website.
- Browse the range of rewards available or select your chosen reward.
- Click the “Add to cart” or “Redeem now” button and follow the prompts to complete your redemption.
Note that if you want to redeem your points for travel directly through Altitude Rewards, you will have to enter your desired details, such as the travel dates, number of passengers and fare class for flights. You can then browse the travel options provided and select the reward option that suits your plans.
What should I consider before getting a Westpac Altitude Rewards card?
Weigh up these pros and cons to help you decide if a Westpac Altitude Rewards credit card is right for you.
Benefits
- Earn points for your spending. If you regularly use a credit card and usually pay your account balance in full each month, reward points are an easy way to get something back for your spending.
- Bonus points. Westpac Altitude Rewards credit cards may offer introductory bonus points that can boost your balance when you first get a card. Just remember you’ll need to meet the offer’s spending requirements.
- American Express option. If you choose an American Express Westpac Altitude Rewards bundle, you’ll get both an Amex card issued by American Express and a Mastercard issued by Westpac. This gives you more options for earning points (which will be pooled into one rewards account).
- Frequent flyer partners. Westpac Altitude Rewards lets you transfer your points to five different frequent flyer programs. There’s also an option to earn Qantas Points by opting in to the Westpac Altitude Qantas Rewards program (for a fee of $50 p.a.). Just make sure you’re a member of the airline loyalty program you want to transfer your points to and add your membership number to your Altitude Rewards account.
- Flexibility of rewards. From travel options to paying for purchases or getting a gift card for your favourite store, the Westpac Altitude Rewards program offers a variety of options that can help you make the most of your points.
Potential issues
- Frequent flyer transfer rates. If your goal is to earn more frequent flyer points, you might find you get a higher earn rate from a frequent flyer card.
- Interest rates. If you struggle to repay your balance in full each month, the interest costs you collect could potentially outweigh the value of your rewards.
- Annual fee. Westpac Altitude Rewards credit cards have annual fees ranging from $150 for the Westpac Altitude Platinum Card up to $499 for the American Express Westpac Altitude Black Bundle – Qantas. If the value of the rewards and benefits is less than the annual fee, this type of card may not be worth it.
- Different accounts. If you choose one of the American Express Westpac Altitude Rewards bundles, you’ll get two accounts: a Mastercard account issued by Westpac and an Amex account issued by American Express. This also means you’ll have two statements and two lots of payments to make each month.
The Westpac Altitude Rewards program gives you a way to earn points for your everyday credit card spending, as well as an option for earning points on government charges (including payments to the ATO) through the American Express Westpac Altitude Rewards bundles. It also offers a variety of rewards, including transferring them to five different frequent flyer programs.
So, if you’re interested in getting a credit card linked to this program, start by comparing your options and check out individual card reviews. You may also want to look at other reward credit cards or frequent flyer cards so you can find one that works for you.
FAQs about Westpac Altitude Rewards
If you want to learn more about this credit card rewards program, check out our answers to common questions. You can also use the comment box below to ask your own question.
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If I transfer my Altitude points to Singapore Airlines and I use to book a flight will I get the miles back if I have to cancel.
Hi Elaine,
Thanks for your inquiry
Yes, you may indeed redeposit your frequent flyer miles in the event that you cancel your award trip. However, it will cost you to do so. Members will have to pay a fee to cancel your trip and redeposit your miles to your account. For more information, please visit your frequent flyer’s website.
Hope this information helps
Cheers,
Arnold
Hi, is there any way I can use my Westpac Altitude Reward points to book flights on Air Asia and Jetstar? Thank you!
Hello Skye,
Thanks for your question,
I am pleased to inform you that you may use your Westpac Altitude Reward points to book domestic flights thru Jetstar. You may visit the Westpac redeem points page to view if a specific flight is available.
Hope I was able to answer you question.
Cheers!
Chester
Can I use my Westpac Altitude points to upgrade to business class on a Qantas flight from Perth to Melbourne.
Hi Denise,
Thanks for your inquiry.
In order to upgrade to Qantas business class flight, you must first transfer your Westpac Altitude points to Qantas points. To transfer, please call Altitude Rewards Centre. Please allow at least three business days for your Altitude Points to be converted to frequent flyer points or as advised at the time of conversion.
Once use your points have been converted, you can then use your Qantas points to upgrade to a business class flight. Please also note the following so you can upgrade:
1. You must be a member of Qantas FF Club so you can transfer Altitude points to Qantas.
2. You must have an eligible paid and confirmed ticket on a Qantas operated service (with a QF flight number on your ticket).
3. Use the ‘Upgrade Calculator’ (from Qantas website) to find out how many points are required to request a Classic Upgrade Reward. You can request an upgrade between 353 days and 24 hours before the scheduled departure of your flight.
I also emailed you the contact details of Westpac Altitude Rewards Centre, for your convenience.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
May
Can my husband book flights for me with his Altitude points?
Hi Marg, thanks for your inquiry!
You can book flights through Altitude by contacting the dedicated Altitude Rewards Centre on 1300 887 820 (Altitude cardholders).
Cheers,
Jonathan
I would like to upgrade 2 return fares perth to Rome to business class using my Westpac Altitude points. the airlines I am considering are Qantas/Emirates, Etihad & Qatar. Our preference being the Qantas/Emirates Flight. Could you please advise how we would best go about this.
Thank you Kerry
Hi Kerry,
Thanks for reaching out.
Kindly note that finder.com.au is an online comparison service and does not represent any credit card issuer such as Westpac.
The best way to go about this is to directly get in touch with your provider to make the necessary arrangements.
I have emailed you their contact details for reference.
I hope this has helped.
Cheers,
Ally
I have 155000 Altitude points earnt on my Altitude Black card. I want to use some of these to book a flight on Qantas/Emirates to Uk can I do this and how do I go about transferring and booking the flight,
Thanks Kathy
Hi Kathy, thanks for your inquiry!
Please refer to the link I have sent to your email for booking flights with Altitude Rewards.
Cheers,
Jonathan
Can I transfer Westpac Altitude Black points to Etihad Airways Guest frequent flyer programme. How long does it normally take. Thank you
Hi Chris,
Thank you for your question.
Please note though that you can’t transfer your Westpac Altitude Black points for Etihad Airways Guest frequent flyer miles.
However, you can use them to redeem rewards with Virgin Australia, Air New Zealand, Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines and Air Asia. If you opt for the Qantas Rewards program, then you can redeem points with Qantas.
Generally it will take around 2-3 days for your Altitude Points to appear in your frequent flyer account.
I hope this has helped answer your question.
Thanks,
Sally
can i transfer some of my westpac altitude rewards points to a westpac family member
Hi Jen,
Thanks for your inquiry.
Please be informed though that Altitude Points and rewards are non-transferrable.
I hope this answers your question.
Thanks,
Sally
What airlines can I book with to use my Altitude rewards points? I want to use Thai Airways, can I redeem points with this airline?
Regards
Anne
Hi Anne, thanks for your inquiry!
Thai Airways is an eligible airline with the Altitude rewards program. Please refer to the link I have sent to your email for the extensive list of airlines you can book through Westpac.
Cheers,
Jonathan
I have been a member of American Express since 1986, and have a large number of points accumulated, if I was to acquire a “Westpac Altitude” credit card with Amx card will I be able to merge my already earned points? Also, I require two cards for my wife & I, but on one account, will this require to joining fees?
Look forward to your reply,
Joe
How long do I get to keep my Altitude points? Is there a time limit to use them as I lost hundreds of Qantas frequent flyer points.
Hi Kristina, thanks for your inquiry!
Altitude points do not expire while you are a cardholder. If you cease to be an Altitude cardholder, your points will expire 90 days after the date you close your Altitude account.
Cheers,
Jonathan
Thanks for your reply, I forgot to ask, will I be able to merge on QANTAS frequent flyer points with the Westpac Altitude card?
Hi Joe,
Thanks for your question.
If you opt for Altitude Qantas rewards with your Altitude card, then your Qantas points will be credited to the same account, given that you provide the same Qantas membership number for your Altitude Qantas.
Hope this helps,
Shirley
Hi Joe,
Thanks for your question.
Unfortunately the Westpac Altitude Rewards system and AMEX Membership Rewards program have different terms and conditions. I’d recommend speaking directly to AMEX to discuss your options about transferring your points.
You can add one additional cardholder (16 years or older) at no extra cost.
Cheers,
Shirley