Westpac KF Platinum cards no longer available !

[mandja]

Friend asked me to recommend "best" credit card to access flights. I suggested he look at the Westpac KF platinum - but......not available !

I called Westpac and they confirmed it is now "closed top new applicants"
I then asked, "what about existing cardholders?" - she replied that they will continue....for now.

 

[BillytheFIsh]

Thanks for the heads up mandja. I was contemplating getting one early next year for ATO spend if it was still paying by then, but it's another to scratch off the list.

 

[VAG newbie]

Of course, Westpac ain't stupid. They know they will be swarm with new applicant's now they chop the ATO earn rate on all other cards by 1/2. I think they can't do it with KF co-branded card as the earn rate is also controlled by SQ. Of course SQ wants the earn rate to stay the same so that Westpac has to "buy" more points from them.

There you go! Our last hope.....

How about St George Amplify card? Has anybody tried it?

 

[Danger UXB]

Friend asked me to recommend "best" credit card to access flights. I suggested he look at the Westpac KF platinum - but......not available !

I called Westpac and they confirmed it is now "closed top new applicants"
I then asked, "what about existing cardholders?" - she replied that they will continue....for now.

So existing Black holders can still swap? I must call tomorrow.

ok I think I get it they will continue to allow existing card holders to use card, but no new ones?

 

[VAG newbie]

So existing Black holders can still swap? I must call tomorrow.

ok I think I get it they will continue to allow existing card holders to use card, but no new ones?

You can always try, the worst that can happen is "no".

The problem is sometimes I don't want to be locked into KF. Several problems:

1. It's only worthwhile for redemption with SQ metal, *A redemption is expensive and silly no back track rule. This means limited destinations.
2. Limited availability especially on some popular routes.
3. Points expires in 3 years. So unless you have big trips planned every year or so, all the hundreds of thousands of points you earn from paying tax will just vaporize.
4. Points get credited monthly, unlike altitude it credit as soon as the transaction is through, so usually within 48hrs. This can be useful if you need points in a hurry.

I like altitude black because of the versatility of different FF programs. I actually used Asia Miles to redeem first class ticket to Tokyo on JAL for only 120k points rt. I also took the opportunity from the 15% bonus offer running currently to get me a flight from Brazil to BNE on Etihad, and MH will always be my back up in case I can't find anything else on the date I want.

 

[Duffa]

Hey Cove, bring me back some platinum scissors from LAX!

 

[cove]

Titanium 3M scissors are going to be in high demand Duffa. So far it is BioFreeze to fix aches and pains and these scissors plus I think I will get a US flu shot at the back of the Ralph's supermarket.

 

[UpInTheAir]

Hi VAG newbie,
I agree Asia Miles is a great program.
Which sector to Tokyo did you fly F? Do JAL have F SYD-NRT now?

 

[cove]

Looks like my son has missed the chance to move from Westpac Black Altitude across to Westpac Platinum Kris Flyer based on what happened yesterday. We each have one but neither of our sons has one. Ouch!

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Yes glad I re-applied as soon as we saw the Alt pts 'enhancement'!

 

[VAG newbie]

Hi VAG newbie,
I agree Asia Miles is a great program.
Which sector to Tokyo did you fly F? Do JAL have F SYD-NRT now?

You didn't know that? It was all over the blog!!! The points guy, One miles at a time, Travelsort, Point hacks, AUSBT....just to name a few! From Dec 2 - Mar 28, JAL will use their 777-300ER with F class servicing SYD - NRT. The best part is, F award seats were wide open with 4 seats per day everyday!!!

You might still have a chance if you are planning a ski trip to Japan this coming winter (Japan, that is), as I checked the other day, still plenty of F award seats. But it might've been snatched by all those Americans, because at the time this news was out, it was during the USDM 100% bonus promotion, and there is still a promotion of 60% bonus going on at the moment as we speak!

 

[albatross710]

This is annoying. I guess that SQ didn't want to negotiate on the rate so Westpac just decides to stop the flow of new clients.

Interesting I flew with Silkair on a redemption on the weekend. I will miss the miles if (when) the stoppage ever happens, everything has a sunset.