A complete guide to the Westpac Altitude Rewards credit card program and how you can earn points with your Westpac credit card.
Westpac Altitude Rewards is a frequent flyer credit card rewards program designed to offer both value and flexibility to cardholders. With membership to this program, you can earn Altitude points for everyday spending on your account, which can then be redeemed for travel, frequent flyer points, cash back, merchandise and a wide range of other rewards.
This guide outlines the key details of the Westpac Altitude Rewards program, including how it works, the credit cards linked to the program and how to make redemptions. We also outline key factors to consider before getting a Westpac Altitude Rewards credit card so that you can decide if one of these cards is right for you.
Westpac Altitude Platinum Card
Receive 60,000 bonus Altitude Points on eligible spend
Offer ends 26 October 2017
Eligibility criteria, terms and conditions, fees and charges apply
Westpac Credit Card Offer
The Westpac Altitude Platinum credit card comes with 60,000 bonus points on sign up. Plus, benefit from complimentary insurance covers and concierge services.
- $150 p.a. annual fee.
- 20.24% p.a. on purchases
- Cash advance rate of 20.74% p.a.
- Up to 45 days interest free
- Minimum income requirement of $30,000 p.a.
How does the Westpac Altitude Rewards program work?
The Altitude Rewards program allows you to earn points per $1 spent on an eligible Westpac credit card. These points can then be transferred to a selection of different frequent flyer programs, with partners including Qantas Frequent Flyer, Virgin Australia’s Velocity Frequent Flyer and Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer. You can also redeem your points directly for rewards including travel, cash back, gift cards and merchandise.
This structure gives you the flexibility to choose frequent flyer rewards or other benefits based on your individual preferences. Some of the other key details of the program include:
- Dual card accounts. Westpac Altitude credit cards come with both an American Express card and a Visa (or Mastercard). These two cards allow you to maximise your point earnings, with the Amex offering a greater amount of points per $1 spent and the Visa/Mastercard providing wider acceptance.
- Point expiry. Altitude Rewards points don’t expire while your account is active. If you cancel your credit card, you will have 90 days to use any remaining points.
- Points caps. There is no limit to the number of points you can earn with the super-premium Westpac Altitude Black credit card, but there are limits on the number of points you can earn each statement cycle with the following cards:
- The Westpac Altitude Classic credit card has a points cap of 5,000 for spending on the Visa card and 5,000 for spending on the American Express card linked to the account.
- The Westpac Altitude Platinum credit card caps points at 7,500 for the Visa card and 7,500 points for the Amex card.
- Ineligible purchases. Most everyday purchases will earn you Altitude Rewards points, but there are also a few transactions that do not earn rewards, including:
- Government charges (excluding GST for eligible purchases made with your card)
- Interest and other bank fees and charges (including any applicable GST)
- Cash advances
- BPAY payments
- ATO payments
You can check the Altitude Rewards terms and conditions booklet on the Westpac website for more details of exclusions and other terms and conditions.
What rewards can I get with a Westpac Altitude credit card?
The Westpac Altitude Rewards program offers a variety of redemption options. Some of the most popular reward categories include:
- Frequent flyer points. You can transfer your Altitude Rewards points to any of the following frequent flyer programs:
- Travel. The Altitude Rewards website allows you to book flights, hotel stays and holiday packages using your points, or a combination of points and cash. You can search for travel options and choose the times and prices that suit your needs, with partners including Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Australia, Emirates, Marriott Hotels and Hilton Hotels.
- Gift cards. Redeem your points for gift cards and vouchers you can use with a range of retailers and outlets including Myer, David Jones, Priceline, JB Hi-Fi and Westfield.
- Cash back. Use your points to get cash back for your credit card account. Redemptions can be made for $50, $100, $500 or $1,000, which is then credited to your account.
- Merchandise. The Altitude Rewards redemption catalogue has an extensive range of items you can choose from, including wine and gift hampers, homewares, coffee machines, and computers and tablets.
- Tickets and experiences. This category includes Gold Class cinema tickets, passes to Dreamworld, spa packages and Dinner & Movie gift packs.
How to redeem Westpac Altitude Rewards
Reward options start from as little as 3,000 points and can be redeemed using the following steps.
- 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.
Velocity frequent flyer auto-redemptions
If you want to redeem your Altitude points for Velocity Frequent Flyer points, you have the option of a one-off transfer (which you can do by following the steps above), or ongoing, automatic redemptions. If you choose the Auto-Redemption option, your Altitude points balance will be transferred across to your nominated Velocity Frequent Flyer Account on your credit card statement date each month.
You will receive 1 Velocity point for every 2 Altitude points, with a minimum balance of 2 Altitude Points required before a transfer is made to Velocity. This is in comparison to one-off redemptions, which require a minimum of 3,000 Altitude points for a transfer. You can set up Auto-Redemption using the following steps:
- Log in to your Altitude Rewards account.
- Go to “Redeem Points”, then “Frequent Flyer” and select “Velocity” from the options available.
- Click on “Set up Auto-Redemption”.
- Provide your Velocity Frequent Flyer membership details and follow the prompts to complete the process.
Note that your name, as it appears on your Velocity Account, must match the primary cardholder's name on your Altitude Rewards account. You can also opt-out of Velocity Auto-Redemption by calling the Altitude Rewards centre on 1300 887 820, 8am-8pm (AEST), Monday to Friday.
Qantas Altitude Rewards
Westpac Altitude credit cards allow you to earn Qantas Points if you opt-in to the Qantas Altitude program. This means you will earn Qantas Points instead of Altitude points for your card spending. Note that different earn rates and points caps apply for cards linked to Altitude Qantas. We’ve included current Qantas Altitude rates in the table below:
| Card | Visa/Mastercard Qantas Point rate | Amex Qantas Point rate | Points cap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Westpac Altitude | 0.5 points per $1 | 1 point per $1 ATO payments: 0.5 points per $1 | 2,500 Qantas Points per statement cycle |
| Westpac Altitude Platinum | 0.5 points per $1 | 1 point per $1 ATO payments: 0.5 points per $1 | 3,750 Qantas Points per statement cycle |
| Westpac Altitude Black | Eligible Australian purchases: 0.625 points per $1 Overseas: 0.625 points per $1 | 1.25 points per $1 spent ATO payments: 0.75 points per $1 spent | Uncapped |
| Westpac Altitude Business Gold | 1 point per $1 | 2 points per $1 | 20,000 Qantas Points per statement cycle |
Note that you will not have access to other Altitude Rewards features while you are enrolled in the Qantas Altitude program. At the moment, there is also no option to register for Altitude Qantas with the Westpac Altitude Business Platinum card.
To opt-in to Altitude Qantas, select this rewards program stream when you are applying for your credit card. You will need to provide your Qantas Frequent Flyer membership details in the application to start earning rewards. Alternatively, you can opt-in or out of Altitude Qantas at any time by contacting Westpac on 1300 130 961.
Other factors to consider before choosing a Westpac Altitude Rewards credit card
If you’re interested in getting a Westpac Altitude Rewards credit card, looking at the following details can help you choose an option that’s right for you.
- Annual fee. All Westpac Altitude Rewards credit cards have annual fees. Weigh this cost up against the potential value of the rewards you will earn to make sure it is worth it based on your current spending habits and financial circumstances.
- Additional cardholders. You can earn more points by adding a family member as a supplementary cardholder on your account at no extra charge. Just remember that you will still be responsible for the management of the account.
- Interest rates. As with most reward credit cards, the standard variable purchase rates on Westpac Altitude credit cards are high. If you carry a balance, make sure you factor in these charges to determine whether or not you’re getting a good value from the rewards program.
- Overlimit fee. While spending more money will give you more Altitude points, you will be charged a fee of $9 if you go over your limit on one of these cards.
- Cash advances. Cash advances don’t earn any points in the Altitude Rewards Program. They also attract high interest rates and other fees, so aim to avoid using your card for this type of transaction.
- Complimentary extras. Depending on the Westpac Altitude credit card that you choose, you could be able to take advantage of a range of other perks, such as complimentary travel insurance, extended warranty coverage and concierge services. These features can add value to your account and offset the cost of the annual fee if you use them regularly.
The Westpac Altitude Rewards Program offers both frequent flyer and everyday rewards so that you can redeem points based on your individual preferences and goals. This flexibility is particularly useful if you’re a member of several frequent flyer programs, or if you want to use points for a variety of rewards. But there is a wide range of other reward and frequent flyer credit cards out there, so make sure you compare your options to find one that suits your needs.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use my Westpac Altitude Rewards points to upgrade a flight?
You can’t directly use Altitude points for a flight upgrade. But you could transfer your points to one of the participating frequent flyer programs and then request the upgrade through that frequent flyer program.
Can I use Altitude points to book a flight for myself and my partner?
Yes. As long as you have enough Altitude points, or a combination of points and cash, you can select a number of passengers for your travel redemptions on the Altitude Rewards website.
No. Bonus points offered to new customers are excluded from the points cap. Note that you will have to meet the eligibility requirements for bonus points to be credited to your account (ie. spending a certain amount of points in the first few months you have the card). Check the offer terms and conditions for specific information.
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
How do I change visa platinum points to Thai airways points
Hi Alston,
Thanks for your comment.
To our knowledge, AMEX is the only credit card issuer that allows you to transfer points for Thai Airways. Please see this page for more information.
Hope this helps,
Shirley