[Joel]

westpac sent me a letter advising the points I would earn per $ would drop, WTF, then advised they'd contact me for a black card. That was a month ago, still waiting.

I assume the fee for the black card will be more.

I got the letter from
Amex about points reduction.  I know a black Amex is around the $4k annual fee mark.

[mhh]

mate, I've got the whole shooting match with them!!

Wouldn't go anywhere else.

[robertb]

mate, I've got the whole shooting match with them!!

is that where they secure and lock up the kids and wife at night?
or where they take security over your house hold goods?

[deangpsx8]

westpac sent me a letter advising the points I would earn per $ would drop, WTF, then advised they'd contact me for a black card. That was a month ago, still waiting.

I assume the fee for the black card will be more.

It's all a scam..don't you love it how they change the rules you signed up for just to suit themselves.

Then using your points for travel is a joke. Normally I get stuff from their store. BBQ for work, coffee machine etc.

[robertb]

Do any of these cards provide 'Dingo insurance"??

[TEZZA]

I have found some places don't accept them because they don't have any imprint on them.

Next time I might try www.cashpassport.com

Cashpassport....ummmmm
Don't go there unless they have done a radical makeover.
I used them several years ago and they were master gourgers.
Clipped the rate in every direction....but we don't charge you any fees!!!!
Yeah sure you don't - but you gave me US dollars at 97 cents.
So you put Aussie in (it works in US$) and get 97 when the rate was 1.03.
Then you go to Singapore and draw out some Singapore Dollars and they clip you 5-6% on the rate.
You go to Dubai and they clip you 5-6% on the rate.

I now use my CBA debit card/credit card.
Debit card for cash.
Credit card for hotels and stores.
Find out the affiliated banks where you are going and you will pay less ATM fees.
You get clipped about 3% on the exchange rate when you draw out cash and I often don't pay any machine fees unless I use some random ATM which I don't often do.
But I also carry local currency in a "in the pants" money belt that I get before I go. Clips over your belt and hangs down in-side your duds. Is silk so is very lightweight and not at all noticable. I also take $500 in US dollars almost anywhere I go. The greenback talks all languages.

 

[deangpsx8]

I always carry a wallet with $50 and some expired credit cards...just in case you happen to walk down the wrong street.

When traveling with my wife we split the credit cards. So if a wallet is lost stolen, we only need to cancel one set of cards.

[RMV]

Just up your elitist alley RB.. I have a black card with them. They are handing them out again, because platinum has become so common.

Does wonders when you pull out a black one.

My missus was shopping in Rome recently.. typical Aussie layback attitude and fashion.
All shop assistants thought she was casing the joint.

She bought a top, pulled out the black  and had an entourage at her beck and call following her around the store recommending products.

When you pay for a meal at the restaurant, the owner normally comes out and has a complimentary drink with you.

Quite funny. 

Feel like a rock star!

Really?  All that for a credit card that requires you to earn $75k p.a. and has an $18k minimum????

[mondi]

I use the old fake wallet trick when I visit the US.....

......and FarQ!

[RMV]

I use the old fake wallet trick when I visit the US.....

......and FarQ!

The fake wallet thing is a good idea!