Westpac is claiming an Australian first with a new feature that allows its loyalty rewards customers to use their Altitude Points for any credit card purchase, at any time.

The 'Pay With Points' feature enables Westpac Altitude Credit Card Rewards participants to utilise their points wherever Mastercard is accepted, without the need for the traditional redemption process. The feature provides instant access to points for purchases and cashback within moments. Customers can activate 'Pay with Points' through the Westpac app, which was voted Australia's #1 banking app by Forrester in November 2023.

Managing Director, Consumer Finance & Chief Digital Officer at Westpac, Jason Hair, stated 'Pay With Points' is all about putting power back in customers' hands.

"It's about giving customers more convenience and choice and allowing them to use their points in ways that suit their lifestyle and preferences. Our customers have been asking for this and I'm delighted we've now delivered it," he said. "We know Aussies are tightening their belts at the moment, but opening up the ability to use points towards everyday purchases gives a little bit of flexibility that we know will be appreciated by our customers.

Westpac customers can also continue to redeem available points through the Altitude Rewards Centre for gift cards, travel, and cashback.

Customers of Westpac, St. George, Bank SA and Bank of Melbourne have access to an exclusive partnership with ShopBack. In the past 12 months, Westpac customers have received more than $19 million in ShopBack Cashbacks.