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Earth American Express Card and Earth MasterCard

All the Answers. On Earth

How is this credit card different to other cards in the market?
Earth is a credit card that provides you with the lowest rates on purchases and lowest annual fees on any card directly earning Qantas Frequent Flyer points.

Why is the card called Earth?
Because it's all about travelling and discovering there's more to life on earth. Using your card for everyday purchases helps you get to your next travel destination sooner.

Who is Earth connected to?
Earth is powered by Westpac. Westpac is the credit provider and legal issuer of the Earth cards. They provide the cards, issue your statements and do the credit management side of things, so you can rest easy knowing that a reputable company is connected to Earth.

Can I see my Earth account details online?
You can see your Earth account details online through Westpac internet banking.

Do I receive an Earth American Express Card or an Earth MasterCard Card?
Earth gives you two cards:

An Earth (or Earth+) American Express Card to maximize your points earning potential and
An Earth (or Earth+) MasterCard Card for the convenience of global acceptance at over 26 million locations.

And because they're combined into one account, you only have one credit limit and one monthly statement.

What are the insurance benefits available through Earth+?
Earth+ offers a wide range of insurances including:

Complimentary Overseas Travel Insurance
When you purchase all flights on your Earth+ card prior to departing Australia, complimentary overseas travel insurance cover is available for trips of up to three months for you, your spouse and certain dependent children travelling with you. That's a potential saving of hundreds of dollars. You’ll automatically receive:

Unlimited medical expenses cover
Up to $15,000 cover for lost luggage, personal effects or travel documents
Up to $2.5million of personal liability
Rental vehicle excess cover of up to $5,000

Please note the insurance covers the primary cardholder and any secondary cardholder. Cover is provided for the spouse of either cardholder and dependent children when travelling with either cardholder, providing the return air ticket has been paid for using the Earth+ card prior to departing Australia.

Plus, Transport Accident Insurance - in the event of your death or defined injury while travelling on public transport (including aeroplanes) anywhere in the world, you are covered by Transport Accident Insurance for up to $250,000.

Extended Warranty
Manufacturers warranty extended by one year for most items purchased on your Earth+ card in Australia.

Purchase Security Insurance
Provides 90 day cover for loss, theft and accidental damage on most goods purchased on your Earth+ card, any where in the world.

For more details, download the Earth+ Insurance Conditions of Use (PDF 179KB) .

Complimentary overseas travel insurance cover is only available for trips of up to 3 months. The benefit of cover only extends to the primary and secondary card holder, and their spouse and certain dependent children travelling with either the primary or secondary cardholder. The return overseas travel ticket must have been purchased using your Earth+ card prior to leaving Australia. Westpac is not the product issuer of this cover. Westpac does not guarantee, nor is it liable to pay any of the benefits under this cover. This insurance cover is issued by Zurich Australian Insurance Limited ABN 13 000 296 640 to Westpac Banking Corporation under a Master Agreement. Zurich is liable for the risks incurred under the terms of the policy. The benefits of the insurance from Zurich are extended to Westpac's cardholders (as third party beneficiaries) as complimentary benefits. The cardholder is under no obligation to accept the benefits of the cover and cover is subject to the terms and conditions of the policy.

How do I earn Qantas Frequent Flyer points?
To earn Qantas Frequent Flyer points, you need to be a member of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program and provide us with your valid Qantas Frequent Flyer membership number. You earn Qantas Frequent Flyer points whenever you make eligible purchases on your card.

How many Qantas Frequent Flyer points do I get?
You'll earn:
1 Qantas Frequent Flyer point per $1 spent on your Earth (or Earth+) American Express Card; 1 Qantas Frequent Flyer point per $2 spent on your Earth (or Earth+) MasterCard Card.

What happens if I'm not a Qantas Frequent Flyer member?
You can become a member by visiting qantas.com/frequentflyer or contacting the Qantas Frequent Flyer Service Centre on 13 11 31. A joining fee applies.

What if I'm a Qantas Frequent Flyer member but don't know my number?
You can call the Qantas Frequent Flyer Service Centre on 13 11 31 and they'll be happy to assist you.

Are my points capped or do they expire?
No, unlike some other cards, there is no points capping or tiering, and your Qantas Frequent Flyer points won't expire while you remain an active member in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program.

How do I keep track of my Qantas Frequent Flyer points?
We don't issue separate statements to you in connection with the use of your card to earn Qantas Frequent Flyer points. For more information on how to keep track of your Qantas Frequent Flyer points visit qantas.com/frequentflyer .

How do I redeem my Qantas Frequent Flyer points?
You can redeem your Qantas Frequent Flyer points by visiting qantas.com/frequentflyer or contacting the Qantas Frequent Flyer Service Centre on 13 11 31.

How do I dispute my Qantas Frequent Flyer points?
If you have any questions in relation to Qantas Frequent Flyer statements or Qantas Frequent Flyer points, you can call the Qantas Frequent Flyer Service Centre on 13 11 31.

When don't I earn Qantas Frequent Flyer points?
Qantas Frequent Flyer points aren't earned on government charges (other than GST), interest and other fees and charges, cash advances, any spend deemed to be for business purposes, balance transfers and BPay payments. Your points will also be deducted if you return a purchased item. When you receive your cards, the terms and conditions booklet will provide you with more detail.

Can I transfer a balance from another credit card to my new Earth or Earth+ card?
Yes, you can even do it at the same time as you apply. You will be asked at the time of application if you want Earth to transfer an existing balance from another credit card to your new Earth account. The balance transfer will generally take place once you've received your new card and made your first purchase.

How can I upgrade or change to a different Earth card?
You can move from Earth to Earth+, or vice versa simply by filling in a fresh application and choosing to consolidate your existing balance with your new card.

Can I get an Earth card for my business?
Sorry, but you can't. Earth is a consumer only credit card.

What if I already have a Westpac card?
If you already have a Westpac credit card, but you would like to change to Earth or Earth+, complete the credit card switch application form (PDF 78KB) . The same credit limit applies when transferring the balance of any existing Westpac credit card.

How do I change my direct debits on my old card?
If you have recurring direct debits being charged to your old credit card account for services such as phone, gas and electricity, internet and pay TV access or health club memberships, you will need to advise these companies of your new card details. For most companies a phone call will be sufficient to change your credit card details. You may also be able to update your details online.

If you need to provide your new account details in writing, our online form can help you generate the letters required. Then you can print and send the letters to your service providers.

What is my minimum payment and when is it due?
The minimum payment that we require from you each month will be shown on your monthly card statement. Until 30 Sep 08 the payment due date is 25 days from that of your statement date. Effective 1 Oct 08 the payment due date will be 15 days from that of your statement date.

How and where can I make a payment?
You'll need to make payments to your card account with Australian currency in Australia. You can make payments on your card by:

Using our card autopay facility
Making a payment using BPay
Paying at a Westpac branch
Mailing your cheque payment to us at the address shown on your statement. Please don't send us cash through the mail.
Transferring funds from a nominated account at any Westpac ATM
Transferring funds through Westpac's telephone banking or internet banking services

How do I set up autopay?
If you find yourself struggling to remember to pay your credit card on time or are too busy to organise payments, you can have peace of mind with Card Autopay. It's a free service that automatically pays a nominated amount to your card monthly. You can choose to pay the full balance, a percentage of the balance, or a set amount.

To apply for Card Autopay call Earth Card Services on 1300 762 284 or complete the card autopay form (PDF 63KB) and send it to:

Card Autopay
IBN 46 CW
GPO BOX 3433
Sydney NSW 2001
Australia
or fax it to (02) 9767 0769.

Can I choose to no longer receive a paper statement?
If you are a Westpac customer and you are registered for Westpac Internet Banking you can opt out of receiving paper statements for your Earth or Earth+ card.

How can I minimise the fees I pay on my card?
Below are some useful tips on how to avoid paying certain fees on your credit card.

Ensure you make your payment by the due date on your statement to avoid being charged a late payment fee.
Ensure you keep your account balance within your current credit limit to avoid being charged an over-limit fee. You can check your current balance by phone banking by calling 1300 762 284, or Westpac Internet Banking (you'll need to be registered for both of these first though).

What do I do if my card is lost or stolen?
To report a lost or stolen card please notify us immediately so that we can stop all transactions on your account. Contact our Cards Customer Service Call Centre:

Australia - 1300 762 284
Overseas - +61 2 9374 7082. This is a reverse charge call and we'll arrange for a card to be couriered directly to you, so it doesn't spoil your trip.

If you report a lost or stolen card by phone or at a Westpac branch, the credit card can be stopped immediately. If you're in Australia, a replacement card will be mailed to you or sent to a branch for your collection. This will take four working days in metro areas and six working days in regional areas.

What is Chip technology?
Chip technology uses a security microchip embedded in your credit card to securely store your personal data, rather than storing it on the magnetic stripe on the back of the card.

What personal information will the Chip store about me?
The Chip stores the same personal data as the magnetic stripe (e.g. cardholder name, card number and expiry date). This data is stored in a secure format within the Chip.

Why do CHIP cards still retain the magnetic stripe?
As the Australian and global market is currently in the process of moving to Chip payment terminals, you will still need your magnetic stripe to support terminals that haven't yet been upgraded to Chip technology.

What are the benefits of Chip technology?
Chip is a more effective counter-measure against counterfeit and skimming fraud. The microchip stores information more securely than the magnetic stripe, which makes it far harder to fraudulently copy your credit card details.
What do I do when I get my new CHIP card?
1. Sign your new CHIP card immediately
2. Start using it straight away for all new purchases
3. Please ensure your old card is disposed
of securely. We recommend that you cut it up into small pieces before disposing of it.

Please note that if you want to use your new CHIP card to withdraw cash from ATMs, you will need a new PIN. If you currently use a PIN, we will automatically reissue you with a new one. This will be sent to you within 10 days of receiving your new CHIP card. You can continue to use your existing credit card and current PIN until this new PIN is issued.

What information should I treat as confidential?
Anyone who has access to your personal information - your PIN, Internet Banking password or Telephone Banking access code - can transact on your accounts. This is why we encourage you to treat this information as confidential. Our Security Guidelines outline what you need to do to protect your card against a breach of security. It also explains what to do if your card is lost or stolen, and how to keep your card safe when travelling.

Who is liable for losses on my card?
If an unauthorised transaction occurs on your account, you won't be held liable if it is clear that you (or anyone authorised to use your account) did not contribute to the loss.

How can I protect myself against credit card fraud?
We've put in place a number of processes and best practice solutions to help protect our customers and reduce incidents of fraud. For example, we employ a world-class fraud detection system which highlights unusual activity on credit cards. If alerted by the system, we will contact you immediately to verify the information. We also have staff working around the clock monitoring cards. If they suspect fraud, we could block your credit card temporarily while we contact you to confirm your card activity.

These measures are in place to detect fraud at the earliest convenience, but there are a number of things you can do to help us.

Call Earth to update your contact details (including home, work and mobile phone numbers and email address)
Advise us of your travel plans, and also provide a general travel itinerary if possible
Ensure that you can be contacted by us at all times, in all global locations. Establish an email account, or ensure that your mobile telephone has "global roaming" activated if you are travelling
When you travel ensure that you have a range of payment methods such as cash, traveller's cheques as well as a credit card in case of emergency
Know where your cards are at all times. If possible, walk to the counter to pay your bills, instead of giving your card to the waiter; and never leave your card behind a bar
When paying for goods and services, monitor staff for any suspicious behaviour or irregularities
Always report strange behaviour to us
Don't use any suspicious looking terminals
Ensure you keep all receipts until you have reconciled your statement. Check amounts and dates thoroughly as some merchants may have a different business name to what may appear on your statement
Once you have reconciled your statements either store your receipts securely or destroy them
Destroy any carbon imprints of your card from a manual credit card machine
Ensure your mail is delivered to a secure location and lock your letterbox so that your mail cannot be accessed
Only shop online at secure websites
Sign your new cards as soon as you receive them
Destroy expired or unwanted cards by cutting through the signature panel and magnetic strip
Report lost or stolen cards immediately on 1300 762 284 (fraudulent use of cards generally takes place soon after they are lost or stolen)
Keep a list of your credit card numbers in a secure location; this information is helpful when reporting lost or stolen cards
Do not give your card to anyone
Treat your card as if it were cash; do not leave it unattended, such as in a car or workplace
Be suspicious of any person who phones and seeks personal information or bank details without properly identifying themselves
Never write your PIN down; make sure it is a number that can not be found in your wallet, eg date of birth or last four digits of your phone

For more information, download our Safeguard your valuables (PDF 135KB) brochure

How can I increase the limit on my card?
You can apply for a credit limit increase online. This should take no more than 5-10 minutes to complete, and Westpac's normal lending criteria apply. You can also apply for a credit limit increase by calling 1300 762 284. Of course, you should ensure you can afford to meet the increased monthly payments based on your new limit. We can help you assess your financial situation if you like by calling us on the number above.

In most cases a decision can be made within 15 minutes and a confirmation letter will then be sent.

What is the maximum credit limit I can have on my card?
The maximum credit limit for Earth is $30,000
The maximum credit limit for Earth+ is $50,000

What is the minimum credit limit I can have on my card?
The minimum credit limit for Earth is $1,000
The minimum credit limit for Earth+ is $5,000

How do I apply for an additional card for a family member?
You can apply for an additional card free of charge, and share the same line of credit with a family member, as long as they are over 16 years. You can do this at the same time as you apply, or you can complete the following additional card request form (PDF 60KB) and send it to:

Earth Card Services
Reply Paid 79735
Parramatta NSW 2124
For approved applications, a letter advising how to collect your additional credit card will be provided within seven working days in metro areas and nine working days in regional areas.

How can I transfer balances from other cards?
Consolidating your finances on the one card could save you the cost (and trouble) of maintaining several accounts. Simply transfer the balances of any credit, charge, or store card to your Earth credit card. Lower balance transfer interest rates do not apply to balance transfers from existing Westpac or Virgin cards. If you like, we can contact the other financial institutions or stores for you. All you have to do is complete our balance transfer form (PDF 56KB) and send it in.

How can I stay on top of my credit card repayments?
Following the simple rules below will help you manage your credit card responsibly.

Always aim to pay off more than the monthly minimum credit card payment
Ensure your credit card limit is realistic, taking into account your ability to repay your credit card debt.

Of course, you can have your credit limit decreased at any time if you feel you don't need or can't manage your current limit. There may however be a minimum level to which the limit can be decreased.

What do I do if I'm finding it difficult to meet my repayments?
Even the most responsible cardholder might get into financial difficulty at times. If you ever experience difficulty in paying off your credit card or other bills, the sooner you take action, the easier it is to find a solution.
Letting credit card debts mount up, or juggling cards to make minimum payments will only make the situation worse in the future. Here are some steps you can take if you're feeling out of control of your finances.

You should get in touch with us straight away so we can outline options to help you pay off your debt.
Call us on 1300 762 284 for assistance.
See a financial counsellor. You could benefit by contacting a non-profit independent financial counselling service. These counsellors don't charge a fee and will carry out a private interview to assist you. They may also negotiate on your behalf and provide information and support on a variety of issues from budgeting to debt recovery.

How can I make a BPay payment?
Learn how to pay your bills online using the step-by-step demonstration in our Users Guide . A daily limit of $10,000 applies to certain billers to increase the security of the BPay service in Internet Banking.

Why can I not make a payment using my Earth or Earth+ card?
With your Earth (or Earth+) MasterCard Card and Earth (or Earth+) American Express Card, you will be able to use your credit cards worldwide, however some billers don't accept credit card payments.

To earn Qantas Frequent Flyer points on Earth, you must be a member of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program.

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American Express^® is a Registered Trademark of American Express Company. MasterCard and the MasterCard Brand Mark are registered trademarks of MasterCard International Incorporated.
© 2008 Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141

Issued by Westpac Banking Corporation

Earth Home

All the Answers. On Earth

About Earth

Your points

Switching Cards

Making payments on your card

Avoiding fees

Lost or stolen card?

Keeping your card secure

Credit limit increases

Additional cardholders

Balance transfers

Using your card responsibly

BPay payments

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