Westpac Altitude Velocity Platinum: The Ultimate 2025 Review & Guide

So, you’ve seen the highlights and the promise of a massive 75,000 bonus Velocity Points has caught your eye. It’s easy to get drawn in by big numbers, but as any savvy Aussie knows, the devil is in the detail. Is the Westpac Altitude Velocity Platinum card the real deal, or just another pretty piece of plastic with hidden traps?

Welcome to the ultimate deep-dive.

This is where we go beyond the flashy marketing to give you a complete, no-nonsense look at what this card is all about. We’ll break down every fee, uncover the true value of the benefits, walk you through the application process, and even see how it stacks up against its main rivals.

By the end of this guide, you’ll have a crystal-clear answer to the most important question: Is this the right credit card for your wallet? Let’s get into it.

The Benefits & Perks: What You Really Get

Beyond the initial bonus, a good card needs to deliver consistent value. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key benefits that make this card a contender.

That 75,000 Velocity Points Welcome Bonus

This is the headline act, and for good reason. To get it, you need to apply and be approved for a new card, then spend $4,000 on eligible purchases within the first 90 days of card approval. It sounds like a lot, but broken down over three months, it’s achievable for many households’ regular spending.

What does 75,000 points actually get you? Think a return Economy flight from Sydney to Fiji, or multiple domestic return flights to hotspots like the Gold Coast or Melbourne. It’s a genuinely valuable offer that can single-handedly cover your next holiday’s flights.

Earning Points on Your Everyday Spend

The card’s ongoing value comes from earning 0.5 Velocity Points for every $1 spent on eligible purchases. While not the highest earn rate on the market, the key advantage here is that there’s no cap on the points you can earn.

Whether you’re spending $1,000 or $10,000 a month, every dollar counts towards your next trip. Your weekly shop at Woolies, filling up the car, or paying your bills – it all adds up.

VIP Treatment on Virgin Australia

This is where the card’s direct partnership with Virgin Australia really shines. Each year, you receive two complimentary Economy X Seat Upgrade Vouchers. This means more legroom and priority boarding on eligible domestic flights. It’s a fantastic perk that adds a touch of comfort to your journey, making those long flights to Perth from the east coast a whole lot more bearable.

A Serious Safety Net: Comprehensive Insurance

This is one of the most underrated but valuable features. The complimentary insurance package is robust and can save you heaps. It includes:

• International Travel Insurance: Covers medical emergencies, lost luggage, and cancellations for trips up to 3 months.
• Interstate Flight Inconvenience Insurance: Protection for flight delays and cancellations within Australia.
• Rental Vehicle Excess in Australia: Covers the expensive insurance excess if your rental car is damaged or stolen.
• Purchase Protection & Extended Warranty: Covers new items against loss, theft, or damage for 4 months and extends the manufacturer’s warranty.

The Fine Print: What to Know Before You Apply

A fair dinkum review means looking at the whole picture. Here’s what you need to consider before you hit ‘Apply’.

Eligibility Checklist: Who Can Apply?

• You must be at least 18 years old.
• You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
• You need to have a minimum pre-tax income of $30,000 per year.
• You must have a good credit history. A check will be performed, so it’s wise to know your credit score beforehand.

The Other Side of the Coin: Potential Downsides

• The Annual Fee: The card has a $175 annual card fee plus a $75 annual Velocity Rewards Program fee, making the total cost $250 per year. While often reduced in the first year for new customers, this is an ongoing cost you need to justify.
• High Interest Rates: Like most rewards cards, the purchase rate is high (around 20.99% p.a.). This card is not designed for people who carry a balance month-to-month. The interest charges will quickly wipe out any rewards you earn.
• The Points Earn Rate: At 0.5 points per dollar, the base earn rate is lower than some other premium cards on the market. Its value is heavily boosted by the big welcome bonus.
• Foreign Transaction Fee: A 3% fee applies to all transactions made in a foreign currency, which can add up on overseas trips.

Fees & Charges: A Transparent Breakdown

No one likes fee surprises. Here is a clear summary of the costs involved.

Fee / Rate Type	Amount / Percentage
Annual Card Fee	$175
Annual Velocity Rewards Fee	$75
Total Annual Fee	$250
Variable Purchase Rate	20.99% p.a.
Cash Advance Rate	21.99% p.a.
Foreign Transaction Fee	3% of the transaction value
Missed Payment Fee	$15.00

The Comparison: How It Stacks Up Against Rivals

How does this card compare to other popular Platinum-tier cards for Aussie flyers?

Feature	Westpac Altitude Velocity Platinum	Amex Platinum	NAB Rewards Platinum
Annual Fee	$250 ($175 + $75)	$375	$195
Welcome Bonus	75,000 Points	Often 100,000+ Points	Varies
Points Earn Rate	0.5 Velocity Points	1.25 Velocity Points	Up to 2 NAB Rewards Points
Key Perk	Economy X Vouchers	Domestic & Int’l Lounge Passes	Flexible Rewards Program
Best For…	Virgin flyers wanting solid bank perks & insurance.	Maximising Velocity Points on every dollar spent.	Bank-agnostic rewards seekers.

In short, the Westpac card offers a great balance of bank features and travel perks. The Amex is for the serious points hacker, while the NAB card offers more flexibility outside the Velocity ecosystem.

How to Apply: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Applying for the card is a straightforward online process. Here’s how it works.

Step 1: Visit the Official Westpac Page

Navigate to the Altitude Velocity Platinum credit card page on the Westpac website.

Look for the prominent “Apply now” button. Click this to begin the process.

Step 2: Choose Your Path: Existing or New Customer?

After clicking “Apply now”, you will be presented with two distinct options. This is the most important step in the process.

• Option 1: Already with Westpac
• Option 2: Not yet with us

Choose the path that applies to you.

Path A: For Existing Westpac Customers (Already with Westpac)

If you already have an account with Westpac, this is the fast lane.

1. Select Already with Westpac. You will be redirected to the familiar Westpac Live Online Banking sign-in page.
2. Sign In: Enter your Customer ID and Password to log in.
3. Faster Application: Once logged in, Westpac will pre-fill much of the application form with the details they already have on file for you. This makes the process much quicker. You’ll simply need to verify your information, confirm your income and expenses, and submit the application.

Path B: For New Westpac Customers (Not yet with us)

If you’re new to Westpac, the process is still simple, but requires a few more details.

1. Select “Not yet with us”. You will be taken to a new page that recaps the card’s features and clearly outlines what you’ll need to proceed.
2. Gather Your Documents: Before you go further, make sure you have the following handy, as listed on their site:
   • Proof of Income: Such as recent payslips or bank statements.
   • Details of Debts and Expenses: A clear picture of your current financial situation.
   • Two forms of ID: This can be your Passport, Australian Driver’s Licence, Medicare card, or Australian Birth Certificate.
3. Proceed to the Full Application: Once you’ve confirmed you have everything, you’ll move to the full application form where you’ll enter your personal, contact, and financial details from scratch.

Final Step (For Both Paths): Verification and Approval

Regardless of which path you take, the final steps are the same:

• Identity Verification: You may need to verify your identity digitally, which can involve taking a photo of your ID and a selfie with your mobile phone.
• Approval: After submitting, Westpac will review your application and credit history. You’ll typically receive a decision within a few business days.
• Get Your Card: Once approved, your physical card is mailed out. Don’t forget, you can use the Instant Digital Card in the Westpac App straight away.

Path C: Applying Directly Through the Westpac App (For Existing Customers)

If you already bank with Westpac, this is often the quickest and most convenient way to apply. The app uses your existing information to streamline the process significantly.

Here’s a typical step-by-step guide to applying in-app:

1. Log in to the Westpac App: Open the app on your smartphone and sign in securely using your PIN, password, or biometric ID (Face ID/fingerprint).
2. Navigate to the Application Area: Look for a menu option labelled something like “Apply”, “Products”, or “For You”. This is usually found in the main navigation menu or on the bottom tab bar.
3. Select “Credit Cards”: Within the products section, tap on the option for “Credit Cards” to see the range of cards available.
4. Find and Choose the Card: Scroll through the list and locate the Altitude Velocity Platinum card. Tap on it to see the details and find the application button.
5. Start Your Application: Click the in-app “Apply now” button. Because the app already knows who you are, much of your personal information will be pre-filled.
6. Confirm Details & Submit: Carefully review the pre-filled information, update your income and expense details if necessary, agree to the terms and conditions, and submit your application. The decision can often be much faster through this channel, sometimes even instantaneous.

Need a Hand? Contact & Support

For any questions about your application or your account, your point of contact is Westpac. You can reach them via:

• Phone: Check the Westpac website for the current contact number for credit cards.
• In-App Messaging: The Westpac app provides a secure way to get support.
• Branch: Visit any Westpac branch in Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How long do the 75,000 bonus points take to show up?

They will be credited to your Velocity Frequent Flyer account within 12 weeks of you meeting the $4,000 spend requirement.

2. Do I have to use the card to book my flight to be covered by the travel insurance?

Yes, this is critical. For the complimentary international travel insurance to be activated, you must pay for a portion of your overseas travel costs (like your return flight) with your Westpac card before you depart.

3. Is the $250 total annual fee really worth it?

It can be. If you use the two Economy X vouchers (valued at ~$70-$100+), and you save on just one international travel insurance policy (~$150+), you’ve already covered the fee before even earning a single point. It’s all about using the benefits.

4. What’s the difference between this card and the Westpac Altitude Qantas Platinum?

They are sister cards. The main difference is the frequent flyer program partnership. This card earns Velocity Points (for Virgin Australia and partners), while the other earns Qantas Points. Choose the one that matches the airline you fly with most.

5. Can I use the Economy X vouchers for a friend if I’m not travelling?

No, the primary cardholder must be travelling on the same itinerary for the vouchers to be used.

The Final Verdict: Is This Your Next Card?

After a thorough review, the Westpac Altitude Velocity Platinum carves out a very specific, and very valuable, niche in the market.

This card is an excellent choice for:

The regular Virgin Australia domestic flyer. If you take even just a couple of domestic trips a year and one international holiday, the value proposition is fantastic. The combination of the welcome bonus, ongoing points