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.