Qantas/Amex Changes [consolidated threads]

[simongr]

Not sure if this is an Amex thread or QF thread.

As we all know, QF are moving towards direct sweep from CC's - i.e. you will have to move all your CC points QF rather than decide for yourselves what to do with the points. Obviously you can still use points for other purposes but unless you direct sweep you wont be able to get points to QF.

We knew that was coming but did not know when.

I just received a letter from Amex advising that QF are ceasing their relationship in that way - however as an Amex Platinum member I will still be able to choose when/if to move points to QF as they are moving me to Ascent Premium.

Not a bad benefit of Amex Platinum.

 

[Mal]

It was reported here that from the 1st of August, new Ascent members were not allowed to transfer to Qantas, but existing members could still keep transferring.

So, I'm wondering - is what you have been told based on that, or are things being tightened up even more?

 

[simongr]

From a letter I received yesterday:

We would like to advise you that Qantas has decided not to renew its participation as an airline awards partner in the Membership rewards ascent program. The good news ....

 

[Mal]

ok, sounds like it's being dropped for certain cards.

From the T&Cs:

"10.11 We reserve the right in our sole discretion to change, suspend or
substitute Frequent Traveller Rewards or their conditions at any time with
or without notice."

So, all permissible in the scheme of things.

From other bits and pieces I can see - The Plat Charge Cards have belonged to "Ascent Premium" for a while, and I assume other certain high end cards also belong.

The Plat Credit Card has previously belonged to "Ascent" only.

 

[nlagalle]

I've not seen anything like that.. but then I am an Acsent member, and they still list Qantas as a partner.. Have you got a copy of the email?

 

[simongr]

Attached letter here.
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Let me know if that is too small to read.

S

 

[albatross710]

So this is a game of bluff between Qantas & Amex.

Qantas believe that they have the power. People will choose the Qantas Amex card (with auto-sweep) in order to get the points. Presumably Qantas gets a better cut of the transaction/merchant fees on the co-branded product.

Amex believe they have the power. Premium members prefer the choice and being in control of when and where their points are transferred.

I'm wondering if we'll see this change over on Westpac Altitude program.

 

[simongr]

What is interesting is that this letter is tailored to my buying habits - Tiffany, David Jones and Aria...

 

[oz_mark]

So this is a game of bluff between Qantas & Amex.

Qantas believe that they have the power. People will choose the Qantas Amex card (with auto-sweep) in order to get the points. Presumably Qantas gets a better cut of the transaction/merchant fees on the co-branded product.

Amex believe they have the power. Premium members prefer the choice and being in control of when and where their points are transferred.

I'm wondering if we'll see this change over on Westpac Altitude program.

I would imagine that there will be some change at Altitude. ANZ have just dropped QFF as an option (but added Velocity). Citibank halved the rate on silver cards.

 

[nlagalle]

Attached letter here.
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Let me know if that is too small to read.

S

Yeah a tad hard to read! I tried zooming in but was pixelated.

 

[simongr]

Updated attached
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[poppet]

I'm confused! I have stacks of points on my Corporate Amex - the old style green & white one and even more points on my Platinum Amex. Am I right in assuming that the Platinum points are safe, but should take the opportunity to transfer the Green & White points to Qantas points now?

 

[moa999]

I can only imagine the revolt from holders of the Corporate card,

unless Ascent Premium is going to be available for all (albeit at an increased fee :evil: )

 

[JohnK]

Not the end of the world. I am not rushing to transfer all my Amex MR points to Qantas and I will continue using the Amex Gold Card which is fee free for life. There are other airlines apart from Qantas.

The Amex Qantas Premium Card will only be used for Qantas domestic flights, to earn 2.25 QFF points per $, but this card is under review due to the increase in annual fee to $249.

 

[oz_mark]

As we all know, QF are moving towards direct sweep from CC's - i.e. you will have to move all your CC points QF rather than decide for yourselves what to do with the points. Obviously you can still use points for other purposes but unless you direct sweep you wont be able to get points to QF.

I am in two minds about why Qantas have done this. It is either

1) A stroke of genius to take control of the loyalty playing field in Australia this way or
2) It is an exceptional display of arrogance by QF

Just can't convince myself which one it is!

 

[medhead]

What is interesting is that this letter is tailored to my buying habits - Tiffany, David Jones and Aria...

That's pretty standard these days. They know all our spending habits and they target us accordingly. It's the information super highway, such a benefit for us.

The Amex Qantas Premium Card will only be used for Qantas domestic flights, to earn 2.25 QFF points per $, but this card is under review due to the increase in annual fee to $249.

I jumped to the base QF AMEX when they had it fee free. This earns 2 points per dollar for qantas spend. However, I see that they now have a fee. the no annual fee didn't last long :shock:

 

[JohnK]

1) A stroke of genius to take control of the loyalty playing field in Australia this way or
2) It is an exceptional display of arrogance by QF

Just can't convince myself which one it is!

I think it is mainly option 2. Some of QFs decisions lately do not make any sense....

 

[straitman]

After the recent dinner in Melbourne and listening to the presentations from Virgin & AMEX I also believe that #2 is the most logical answer.

 

[auriga]

And why 1 April 2009?

 

[JohnK]

Not sure why they picked that particular date but with a change this big and the potential backlash Amex faces from their credit card holders Amex had to give plenty of notice for them to decide what to do with their MR points.