Changes to Westpac credit cards from 1 Oct 2026

[Happy Dude]

get what your saying but we hire a lot of vehicles overseas and receive good up grades regularly... not going to turn down a good upgrade!! and I'm differently not going to mess around and wonder if under or over $100,000.... minefield

If it [westpac insurance] covers vans, campervans etc as well as passenger cars then it will be better than the Amex explorer insurance, which is also restrictive in terms of duration (maybe 30days ottomh?).

I don't have the problem often as I hire from CBR non-airport locations moslty, but it is hard to turn down a good upgrade that's for sure, especially when it often comes automatically with status. But the trade-off is there is no excess gap for you to cover. Most CC will only cover the first $5k - $6k when the rental company damage excess is commonly $6k+ now.

I was surprised to learn recently that most of the Prado and Ranger ranges are comfortably below $100k.

 

[stu961]

If it [westpac insurance] covers vans, campervans etc as well as passenger cars then it will be better than the Amex explorer insurance, which is also restrictive in terms of duration (maybe 30days ottomh?).

I don't have the problem often as I hire from CBR non-airport locations moslty, but it is hard to turn down a good upgrade that's for sure, especially when it often comes automatically with status. But the trade-off is there is no excess gap for you to cover. Most CC will only cover the first $5k - $6k when the rental company damage excess is commonly $6k+ now.

I was surprised to learn recently that most of the Prado and Ranger ranges are comfortably below $100k.

think you hit the nail on the head.... I don't want to be surprised by something being over $100000 Aussie... and then add in cross currencies, different makes and models in different countries... back to minefield

 

[jokes128]

Sorry for my ignorance as I very rarely rent a car.

Fellow AFFers talk about how much their rental cars are worth whether over or under $100k in regards to the complimentary insurance by the card.

First, as far as I know, we rent a car and most(if not all) rental company would provide "complimentary insurance" but with like $6,000 excess. If so, why do we need to worry about the $100k limit as the most I pay would be the excess amount if I am at fault?

May I also ask, in the case of at fault accident, if the $100k limit include the value of the other car I cause damage to, in addition to the value of the rental/upgraded car that I drive? If so, damaging a luxury car would totally eat up the $100k limit.

 

[Rayesfeg]

Sorry for my ignorance as I very rarely rent a car.

Fellow AFFers talk about how much their rental cars are worth whether over or under $100k in regards to the complimentary insurance by the card.

First, as far as I know, we rent a car and most(if not all) rental company would provide "complimentary insurance" but with like $6,000 excess. If so, why do we need to worry about the $100k limit as the most I pay would be the excess amount if I am at fault?

May I also ask, in the case of at fault accident, if the $100k limit include the value of the other car I cause damage to, in addition to the value of the rental/upgraded car that I drive? If so, damaging a luxury car would totally eat up the $100k limit.

I believe what the others are saying is that if a rental vehicle has a 'market value'' over $100k, then you will not be covered by the rental vehicle excess cover..

So if you are involved in an accident, and the excess is $5k, for example, but the market value of the rental vehicle is over $100k, then you will not be covered under this policy and you will need to pay the $5k excess yourself.

Having said that, I did have a (Very quick) look through the PDS of the insurance coverage and I couldn't see this listed as an exclusion. Perhaps I'm looking in the wrong place?

 

[Happy Dude]

I believe what the others are saying is that if a rental vehicle has a 'market value'' over $100k, then you will not be covered by the rental vehicle excess cover..

So if you are involved in an accident, and the excess is $5k, for example, but the market value of the rental vehicle is over $100k, then you will not be covered under this policy and you will need to pay the $5k excess yourself.

Having said that, I did have a (Very quick) look through the PDS of the insurance coverage and I couldn't see this listed as an exclusion. Perhaps I'm looking in the wrong place?

Yep that's it in a nutshell.

There could be some unknowns in relation to the value of vehicle, mainly the retail purchase price.

Also, for INT rentals, not sure if it's $100k in the local currency or AUD (as the AUS insurance PDS doesn't seem to specify).

 

[jokes128]

I believe what the others are saying is that if a rental vehicle has a 'market value'' over $100k, then you will not be covered by the rental vehicle excess cover..

Understood and thanks.

 

[andyrb]

get what your saying

*you're.

 

[stu961]

I believe what the others are saying is that if a rental vehicle has a 'market value'' over $100k, then you will not be covered by the rental vehicle excess cover..

So if you are involved in an accident, and the excess is $5k, for example, but the market value of the rental vehicle is over $100k, then you will not be covered under this policy and you will need to pay the $5k excess yourself.

Having said that, I did have a (Very quick) look through the PDS of the insurance coverage and I couldn't see this listed as an exclusion. Perhaps I'm looking in the wrong place?

that's how I read as well

 

[kamchatsky]

This looks ugly, from 30 September 2026 onwards:

Important notice about our personal credit cards

Important notice about our personal credit cards

www.westpac.com.au

Altitude Rewards program fee changes​

Rewards program fees are charged annually, and for current cardholders, the new fee amount will apply on your next card fee date.

	Current	From 30 September 2026
Altitude Rewards Platinum	$0	$75
Altitude Rewards Black	$0	$75
Altitude Qantas Platinum	$75	$125
Altitude Velocity Platinum	$75	$125
Altitude Qantas Black	$75	$155
Altitude Velocity Black	$75	$155

New Redemption Transfer Rates for Altitude Points:

Redemption category	Example value	Required Points (before 30 September 2026)	Required Points (from 30 September 2026)
Digital gift cards	$100 eGift Card	~23,500 points	~29,412 points
Cashback	$100 cashback	~28,200 points	~31,250 points
Annual fee rebates	$100 rebate	~20,000 points	~26,316 points
Velocity Frequent Flyer Manual Transfers	N/A	3 Altitude Points = 1 Velocity Point	4 Altitude Points = 1 Velocity Point
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Transfers	N/A	3 Altitude Points = 1 KrisFlyer Mile	4 Altitude Points = 1 KrisFlyer Mile
Cathay Asia Miles Transfers	N/A	3 Altitude Points = 1 Asia Mile	4 Altitude Points = 1 Asia Mile
Air New Zealand Koru Transfers	N/A	180 Altitude Points = 1 Koru Airpoint	300 Altitude Points = 1 Koru Airpoint

Examples shown are illustrative and based on common redemptions available. Redemption rates vary by product.



New Earn Rates for Qantas/Velocity Cards:

Altitude Qantas Platinum

How to earn Qantas Points	New Qantas Points earn rate
International spend  For international purchases made in store and online	$1 = 0.75 Points	Once you spend $5,000 in a statement cycle, you will earn  0.20 Points per $1 on  further eligible purchases.
Everyday spend For most major Australian supermarkets, department stores, petrol stations and utilities.	$1 = 0.5 Points
All other purchases  This category has been expanded to now include dining.	$1 = 0.33 Points

Altitude Qantas Black

How to earn Qantas Points	New Qantas Points earn rate
International spend  For international purchases made in store and online	$1 = 1.5 Points	Once you spend $10,000 in a statement cycle, you will earn  0.25 Points per $1 on  further eligible purchases.
Everyday spend For most major Australian supermarkets, department stores, petrol stations and utilities.	$1 = 0.8 Points
All other purchases  This category has been expanded to now include dining.	$1 = 0.4 Points

Altitude Velocity Platinum

How to earn Velocity Points	New Velocity Points earn rate
International spend  For international purchases made in store and online	$1 = 0.75 Points	Once you spend $5,000 in a statement cycle, you will earn  0.20 Points per $1 on  further eligible purchases.
Everyday spend For most major Australian supermarkets, department stores, petrol stations and utilities.	$1 = 0.5 Points
All other purchases  This category has been expanded to now include dining.	$1 = 0.33 Points

Altitude Velocity Black

How to earn Velocity Points	New Velocity Points earn rate
International spend  For international purchases made in store and online	$1 = 1.5 Points	Once you spend $10,000 in a statement cycle, you will earn  0.25 Points per $1 on  further eligible purchases.
Everyday spend For most major Australian supermarkets, department stores, petrol stations and utilities.	$1 = 0.8 Points
All other purchases  This category has been expanded to now include dining.	$1 = 0.4 Points

 

[stu961]

This looks ugly, from 30 September 2026 onwards:

Important notice about our personal credit cards

Important notice about our personal credit cards

www.westpac.com.au

Altitude Rewards program fee changes​

Rewards program fees are charged annually, and for current cardholders, the new fee amount will apply on your next card fee date.

	Current	From 30 September 2026
Altitude Rewards Platinum	$0	$75
Altitude Rewards Black	$0	$75
Altitude Qantas Platinum	$75	$125
Altitude Velocity Platinum	$75	$125
Altitude Qantas Black	$75	$155
Altitude Velocity Black	$75	$155

New Redemption Transfer Rates for Altitude Points:

Redemption category	Example value	Required Points (before 30 September 2026)	Required Points (from 30 September 2026)
Digital gift cards	$100 eGift Card	~23,500 points	~29,412 points
Cashback	$100 cashback	~28,200 points	~31,250 points
Annual fee rebates	$100 rebate	~20,000 points	~26,316 points
Velocity Frequent Flyer Manual Transfers	N/A	3 Altitude Points = 1 Velocity Point	4 Altitude Points = 1 Velocity Point
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Transfers	N/A	3 Altitude Points = 1 KrisFlyer Mile	4 Altitude Points = 1 KrisFlyer Mile
Cathay Asia Miles Transfers	N/A	3 Altitude Points = 1 Asia Mile	4 Altitude Points = 1 Asia Mile
Air New Zealand Koru Transfers	N/A	180 Altitude Points = 1 Koru Airpoint	300 Altitude Points = 1 Koru Airpoint

Examples shown are illustrative and based on common redemptions available. Redemption rates vary by product.



New Earn Rates for Qantas/Velocity Cards:

Altitude Qantas Platinum

How to earn Qantas Points	New Qantas Points earn rate
International spend  For international purchases made in store and online	$1 = 0.75 Points	Once you spend $5,000 in a statement cycle, you will earn  0.20 Points per $1 on  further eligible purchases.
Everyday spend For most major Australian supermarkets, department stores, petrol stations and utilities.	$1 = 0.5 Points
All other purchases  This category has been expanded to now include dining.	$1 = 0.33 Points

Altitude Qantas Black

How to earn Qantas Points	New Qantas Points earn rate
International spend  For international purchases made in store and online	$1 = 1.5 Points	Once you spend $10,000 in a statement cycle, you will earn  0.25 Points per $1 on  further eligible purchases.
Everyday spend For most major Australian supermarkets, department stores, petrol stations and utilities.	$1 = 0.8 Points
All other purchases  This category has been expanded to now include dining.	$1 = 0.4 Points

Altitude Velocity Platinum

How to earn Velocity Points	New Velocity Points earn rate
International spend  For international purchases made in store and online	$1 = 0.75 Points	Once you spend $5,000 in a statement cycle, you will earn  0.20 Points per $1 on  further eligible purchases.
Everyday spend For most major Australian supermarkets, department stores, petrol stations and utilities.	$1 = 0.5 Points
All other purchases  This category has been expanded to now include dining.	$1 = 0.33 Points

Altitude Velocity Black

How to earn Velocity Points	New Velocity Points earn rate
International spend  For international purchases made in store and online	$1 = 1.5 Points	Once you spend $10,000 in a statement cycle, you will earn  0.25 Points per $1 on  further eligible purchases.
Everyday spend For most major Australian supermarkets, department stores, petrol stations and utilities.	$1 = 0.8 Points
All other purchases  This category has been expanded to now include dining.	$1 = 0.4 Points

Always great to receive more reasons why I was cancelling my card! Removes any lingering doubt.

 

[Rayesfeg]

New Earn Rates for Qantas/Velocity Cards:

Altitude Qantas Platinum

How to earn Qantas Points	New Qantas Points earn rate
International spend  For international purchases made in store and online	$1 = 0.75 Points	Once you spend $5,000 in a statement cycle, you will earn  0.20 Points per $1 on  further eligible purchases.
Everyday spend For most major Australian supermarkets, department stores, petrol stations and utilities.	$1 = 0.5 Points
All other purchases  This category has been expanded to now include dining.	$1 = 0.33 Points

Altitude Qantas Black

How to earn Qantas Points	New Qantas Points earn rate
International spend  For international purchases made in store and online	$1 = 1.5 Points	Once you spend $10,000 in a statement cycle, you will earn  0.25 Points per $1 on  further eligible purchases.
Everyday spend For most major Australian supermarkets, department stores, petrol stations and utilities.	$1 = 0.8 Points
All other purchases  This category has been expanded to now include dining.	$1 = 0.4 Points

Altitude Velocity Platinum

How to earn Velocity Points	New Velocity Points earn rate
International spend  For international purchases made in store and online	$1 = 0.75 Points	Once you spend $5,000 in a statement cycle, you will earn  0.20 Points per $1 on  further eligible purchases.
Everyday spend For most major Australian supermarkets, department stores, petrol stations and utilities.	$1 = 0.5 Points
All other purchases  This category has been expanded to now include dining.	$1 = 0.33 Points

Altitude Velocity Black

How to earn Velocity Points	New Velocity Points earn rate
International spend  For international purchases made in store and online	$1 = 1.5 Points	Once you spend $10,000 in a statement cycle, you will earn  0.25 Points per $1 on  further eligible purchases.
Everyday spend For most major Australian supermarkets, department stores, petrol stations and utilities.	$1 = 0.8 Points
All other purchases  This category has been expanded to now include dining.	$1 = 0.4 Points

Just to confirm, the Qantas/velocity earning rates are the same or have changed?

 

[Flyfrequently]

Thanks for that @Rayesfeg
Mr Flyfrequently on Friday changed from Qantas rewards to Altitude due to Q $75 fee, no mention of the fee introduction to Altitude

 

[jbman]

Just to confirm, the Qantas/velocity earning rates are the same or have changed?

I read it as the earn rate is dropping.
For some reason they are charging more for the rewards program fee blaming that on RBA as well when it's not related to spend.

Everyday spend For most major Australian supermarkets, department stores, petrol stations and utilities.	$1 = 0.8 Points
All other purchases  This category has been expanded to now include dining.	$1 = 0.4 Points

 

[transpactraveller]

I have some Altitude points I will need to use or transfer before 30 September then..