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Westpac Altitude Rewards

Got a Westpac Altitude credit card? Here's how you can earn points and get rewarded with cashback, gift cards, frequent flyer points and more.

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Amy Bradney-George
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Westpac Altitude Rewards gives you a way to earn points per $1 on your everyday credit card spending. You can use these points to get rewards incuding cashback, gift cards or even transfers to a partnered frequent flyer program like Velocity or Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer. You also have the option of choosing to earn Qantas Points instead of Altitude Rewards points.

What's in this guide?

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 is also different for each card.

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 cardsAmerican Express-issued credit cards
  • Government charges (other than GST payable for goods and services)
  • ATO payments
  • Interest and bank fees
  • Cash advances
  • BPAY payments
  • Balance transfers
  • Cash advances and "cash type purchases", including foreign currency purchases
  • Interest, fees or charges applied to your account
  • Refunded purchases
  • Balance transfers (unless American Express is running a specific promotion that allows this)

Can I earn Westpac Altitude Rewards points for ATO payments?

Westpac Altitude Mastercard credit cards don't earn points for government payments, including to the ATO.

But you could earn points for ATO payments if you have an existing American Express Westpac Altitude Rewards card (issued by Amex) for the payment. These cards are no longer available for new applications, but we have kept the details below for anyone that currently has one.

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.

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:

Virgin Australia Velocity Frequent Flyer
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
Air New Zealand Airpoints
Asia Miles (Cathay Pacific)
Malaysia Airlines Enrich

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 programExchange rate before 9 November 2018Exchange rate from 9 November 2018
Velocity Frequent Flyer (one-off transfer)2 Altitude points = 1 Velocity Point3 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 Miles2.5 Altitude points = 1 Asia Mile3 Altitude points = 1 Asia Mile
Airpoints180 Altitude points = 1 Airpoints Dollar180 Altitude points = 1 Airpoints Dollar (no change)
KrisFlyer2.5 Altitude points = 1 KrisFlyer Mile3 Altitude points = 1 KrisFlyer Mile
Enrich Miles2 Altitude points = 1 Enrich Mile3 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?

hand with credit card and coffee cup on the side

  1. Log in to your account on the Westpac Altitude Rewards website.
  2. Browse the range of rewards available or select your chosen reward.
  3. 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.

Compare Westpac Altitude Rewards credit cards

Data updated regularly
Name Product Bonus points Rewards program Rewards points per $ spent Purchase rate Annual fee
Westpac Altitude Platinum Qantas
Westpac Altitude Platinum Qantas
60,000
Qantas Frequent Flyer
0.5
20.49% p.a.
$149 annual fee for the first year ($200 p.a. thereafter)
Get 60,000 bonus Qantas Points when you spend $3,000 within 90 days. Plus, a first-year annual fee discount and a 0% balance transfer offer.
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More Info
Westpac Altitude Black
Westpac Altitude Black
150,000
Westpac Altitude Rewards
1.25
20.49% p.a.
$250
Earn 150,000 bonus Altitude Points when you spend $4,000 within the first 90 days. Plus, save with 0% interest on balance transfers.
Go to site
More Info
Westpac Altitude Platinum Card
Westpac Altitude Platinum Card
80,000
Westpac Altitude Rewards
1
20.49% p.a.
$99 annual fee for the first year ($150 p.a. thereafter)
Get 80,000 bonus Altitude Points (worth $350 in eGift cards) when you spend $3,000 in the first 90 days, and a first-year annual fee discount.
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More Info
Westpac Altitude Black - Qantas
Westpac Altitude Black - Qantas
120,000
Qantas Frequent Flyer
0.75
20.49% p.a.
$300
Up to 120,000 bonus Qantas Points (90,000 points when you spend $4,000 in the first 90 days & 30,000 points after the first spend in year 2).
More Info
Westpac Altitude Black - Velocity
Westpac Altitude Black - Velocity
120,000
Velocity Frequent Flyer
0.75
20.49% p.a.
$300
Up to 120,000 bonus Velocity Points (90,000 points when you spend $4,000 in the first 90 days & 30,000 points after the first spend in year 2).
More Info
Westpac Altitude Platinum Velocity
Westpac Altitude Platinum Velocity
60,000
Velocity Frequent Flyer
0.5
20.49% p.a.
$149 annual fee for the first year ($200 p.a. thereafter)
Get 60,000 bonus Velocity Points when you spend $3,000 within 90 days. Plus, a discounted $149 first-year annual fee.
More Info
Westpac Altitude Business Gold Mastercard
Westpac Altitude Business Gold Mastercard
80,000
Westpac Altitude Rewards
1
20.24% p.a.
$0 annual fee for the first year ($150 p.a. thereafter)
Enjoy 80,000 bonus Altitude Points when you spend $3,000 within the first 90 days. Plus, a $0 first-year annual fee.
More Info
Westpac Altitude Business Platinum Credit Card
Westpac Altitude Business Platinum Credit Card
100,000
Westpac Altitude Rewards
1
20.24% p.a.
$0 annual fee for the first year ($200 p.a. thereafter)
Enjoy 100,000 bonus Altitude Points when you spend $3,000 on eligible purchases within 90 days of approval. Plus, a $0 first-year annual fee.
More Info
Westpac BusinessChoice Rewards Platinum Mastercard
Westpac BusinessChoice Rewards Platinum Mastercard
120,000
Qantas Business Rewards
0.5
20.24% p.a.
$150
Earn 120,000 bonus Qantas points when you spend $3,000 within the first 90 days of card approval. Plus, enjoy complimentary insurances and uncapped points.

More Info
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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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30 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    ElaineJune 15, 2018

    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.

    Reply
      Default Gravatar
      ArnoldJune 16, 2018

      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

      Reply
    Default Gravatar
    SkyeAugust 1, 2016

    Hi, is there any way I can use my Westpac Altitude Reward points to book flights on Air Asia and Jetstar? Thank you!

    Reply
      Default Gravatar
      ChesterAugust 1, 2016

      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

      Reply
    Default Gravatar
    DeniseJune 3, 2016

    Can I use my Westpac Altitude points to upgrade to business class on a Qantas flight from Perth to Melbourne.

    Reply
      Avatarfinder Customer Care
      MayJune 9, 2016Staff

      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

      Reply
    Default Gravatar
    MargFebruary 4, 2016

    Can my husband book flights for me with his Altitude points?

    Reply
      Avatarfinder Customer Care
      JonathanFebruary 5, 2016Staff

      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

      Reply
    Default Gravatar
    KerryJanuary 24, 2016

    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

    Reply
      Avatarfinder Customer Care
      AllyJanuary 25, 2016Staff

      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

      Reply
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