Head-to-head
NAB Qantas Rewards Signature vs Westpac Altitude Qantas Black
Rates & conditions verified 1 October 2026
Rates can change without notice. Last verified: 1 October 2026 (AEST). Please confirm details on the bank’s official page.
Two big bank cards that earn Qantas Points directly, compared as keeper cards once the welcome bonuses are done. The structures differ: NAB pays a flat rate on everything up to a cap, Westpac pays by spending category. Both banks have announced changes for the start of October 2026, and they pull in different directions.
NAB Qantas Rewards Signature
Best for lower spenders who want a simple flat earn rate and free Qantas Frequent Flyer membership
Condition: Bonus and cashback after a spend target in the first 90 days, plus a tranche for holding the card 12 months
- Flat everyday earn rate, no category rules
- Uncapped bonus on international spend
- Free Qantas Frequent Flyer membership
- Cashback included in the welcome offer
Westpac Altitude Qantas Black
Best for mid to high spenders, and anyone with regular international spend, holding the card long term
Condition: Bonus split across two years, each tranche after a spend target
- Bigger welcome bonus
- Earning continues to a higher monthly cap
- Higher international earn rate from October 2026
At a glance
| Feature | NAB Qantas Rewards Signature | Westpac Altitude Qantas Black |
|---|---|---|
| Bonus points | 60,000 pts | 150,000 pts |
| Everyday earn rate | 0.75 pts per $1 | 0.8 pts per $1 |
| Earn cap | $3,000 spend per statement period (no points above $15,000), then 0.25 pts per $1 | $10,000 spend per statement cycle, then 0.25 pts per $1 |
| Annual fee | $449 | $295 |
| Rewards program fee (on top) | — | $155 |
| Lounge access | None | 2 × Qantas Club a year |
| Foreign transaction fee | 3.5% | 3% |
| Condition to earn it | Bonus and cashback after a spend target in the first 90 days, plus a tranche for holding the card 12 months | Bonus split across two years, each tranche after a spend target |
The verdict
As keeper cards, the calendar decides this one. Until the end of September 2026, NAB is the stronger ongoing earner: its flat rate on everyday spending beats Westpac's category blend at every realistic spend level, and the free Qantas Frequent Flyer membership sweetens it. Both cards change at the start of October. NAB cuts its earn sharply past a modest monthly threshold and lifts its fee for new applicants. Westpac more than doubles its Qantas Rewards Program fee, trims the rate on dining and all other purchases, and lifts its international rate above NAB's, which NAB's uncapped overseas bonus narrowly beats today. Its much higher monthly cap stays. Put together, the yearly cost of the two ends up almost identical for a new applicant, so it comes down to earn. On the new structures Westpac pulls ahead at roughly four to five thousand dollars of monthly spend: sooner if your spending is mostly supermarkets, petrol, utilities or overseas, later if it is mostly dining and other purchases. Below that, NAB's flat rate still wins and the free membership is a bonus. Compare the bonuses and fees in the table, and check the earn tables and change notices on each review for the exact bands, caps and dates.
FAQs
Which card earns more Qantas Points on ongoing spending?
Right now, NAB: its flat everyday rate outpaces Westpac's category blend at typical spend levels, and its uncapped bonus on international spend keeps it narrowly ahead overseas too. From October 2026 both cards' earn rates change. NAB's drop past a small monthly threshold, while Westpac keeps its higher cap, lifts its international rate and trims its rate on dining and other purchases. On the new structures Westpac earns more for most people spending upward of four to five thousand dollars a month, and NAB for those below it. The current earn tables and caps are on each review page.
What is changing on the NAB card in October 2026?
NAB has announced lower ongoing earn rates, a higher annual fee for new applications and a higher purchase rate from 1 October 2026. The bonus offer and the current earn rates apply until 30 September. If you plan to hold the card for years, judge it on the October structure, not the current one.
What is changing on the Westpac card in October 2026?
From 30 September 2026 Westpac more than doubles the Qantas Rewards Program fee charged on top of the card fee, raises the purchase rate, moves dining out of the everyday spend category, and changes the earn rates: up on international spend, down on all other purchases, with everyday spend and the monthly cap unchanged. Existing cardholders pay the new program fee from their next card fee date.
Which card is cheaper to keep?
Today, Westpac, even after adding its separate Qantas Rewards Program fee to the card fee. From October 2026 the gap all but closes: Westpac's program fee rises and NAB's fee for new applicants rises, leaving the two at almost the same yearly cost for a new applicant. The current figures are in the table above. NAB answers with free Qantas Frequent Flyer membership, which only matters if you would otherwise pay the joining fee.
Related guides
Information verified 1 October 2026. Rates are variable and subject to change. Confirm current rates and conditions on each provider's website before applying. This is not financial advice.