Head-to-head
NAB Qantas Rewards Signature vs Westpac Altitude Qantas Black
Rates & conditions verified 1 September 2026
Rates can change without notice. Last verified: 1 September 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. NAB has also announced cuts from 1 October 2026 that change the answer.
NAB Qantas Rewards Signature
Best for everyday spenders who want a simple flat earn rate and free Qantas Frequent Flyer membership, at least until October
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
- Free Qantas Frequent Flyer membership
- Cashback included in the welcome offer
Westpac Altitude Qantas Black
Best for mid to high spenders holding the card long term, especially from October when NAB's cuts land
Condition: Bonus split across two years, each tranche after a spend target
- Bigger welcome bonus
- Earning continues to a higher monthly cap
- Lower combined annual cost
At a glance
| NAB Qantas Rewards Signature | Westpac Altitude Qantas Black | |
|---|---|---|
| Bonus points | 130,000 pts | 150,000 pts |
| Annual fee | $420 | $295 |
| 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 30 September 2026, NAB is the stronger ongoing earner: its flat rate on everyday spending beats Westpac's category based blend at every realistic spend level, and the free Qantas Frequent Flyer membership sweetens it. From 1 October, NAB's announced changes cut its earn sharply past a modest monthly threshold, while Westpac's structure is unchanged and keeps earning to a much higher cap. From that point Westpac earns more for anyone spending beyond a few thousand dollars a month, and it costs less each year once you add up card and program fees on both sides. Low spenders who value simplicity and the free membership are the only ongoing case left for NAB. Compare the bonuses and fees in the table, and check the earn tables on each review for the exact bands and caps.
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. From 1 October 2026 the answer flips for most people, because NAB has announced lower earn rates that apply past a small monthly threshold while Westpac's bands are unchanged. 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.
Which card is cheaper to keep?
Westpac, once you add its card fee and its separate Qantas program fee together and compare that with NAB's single annual fee. 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 September 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.