Australians lose appetite for Diners Club, all accounts closing soon
Now’s the time to spend or transfer Diners Club Reward points in your wallet.
By Staff Writers, March 12 2024
Diners Club is officially calling time on the Australian market after almost 70 years, with Business and Companion Mastercard cards no longer available from April.
A statement on the brand’s website confirms the imminent departure, noting “As of 15 April 2024, Diners Club will no longer offer Diners Club Business Cards issued in Australia.”
Of course, the revelation doesn’t come as a complete surprise. The closure of Diners Club’s business membership arm closely follows the end of personal accounts, which ceased in Australia on January 31 of this year.
This latest development is the final nail in the coffin for the long-running charge card, which, though launched locally in 1956 and purchased by NAB in 2022, has struggled to maintain a foothold in recent years due to high fees and limited acceptance compared to Visa and Mastercard.
Despite its issues and detractors, the card has still developed a loyal following (at least overseas) on the back of member perks such as access to over 1,300 airport lounges globally, and will continue business as usual beyond Australian soil.
Existing non-points earning business accounts will automatically close on April 15, while points earning cards will finish on July 30.
Members with a stash of Diners Club Rewards will have until July 30 to redeem or transfer their rewards balance, after which any unclaimed points will be forfeited.
Retail reward options are limited, though Diners Club does have six eligible airline partners that points can be transferred to: Cathay, Etihad Guest, KrisFlyer and Velocity Frequent Flyer, in addition to flybuys and Qatar Airways Privilege Club.
16 Oct 2012
Total posts 53
Can’t say I’m surprised. I tried them some years ago: Appalling customer service, average rewards program, confusing statements, and in light of all that somewhat overpriced.
09 Oct 2017
Total posts 6
I remember the Ansett Golden Wing Club Diners Club Card. it had no pre set limit and I used to give it a fair workout. All the points that were automatically transferred into Ansett FF, disappeared when Ansett went belly up. Wasn't happy Jan !!
07 Mar 2017
Total posts 63
It was a good one. It was like American Express that it had limited acceptance due to higher fees, and a business focus.
However, AmerEx decided to broaden its base and spent a lot expanding to the mass market, with a lot more retail outlets, and cardholders. Diners Club had no such investment mandate so just stayed as it was - until this point where the new owners decided to end it.
18 Mar 2015
Total posts 4
I’m sad and I’ll miss it. . Paying $155 a year for lounge access around the world and picking up points I doubt I’d ever get better value.
Cathay Pacific - The Marco Polo Club
20 Jun 2013
Total posts 63
Was once quite an institution among the high earning set, indeed in particular it's Oz "home town of Melbourne". Some great perks connected with Ansett, my personal experience with Diners Australia most positive it terms of support when needed, replacement cards etc. On one occasion they simply phoned thru temporary card details to a hotel so I can carry on my stay charged to Diners. But yes, they failed to keep up with the times so time for them to go from Oz then.
25 May 2016
Total posts 1
You can also transfer points to Qantas. It's my company credit card, and has been for 20 years and that's where my points go. And TBH the card is useless hardly anyone accepts it. Looking forward to moving over to AMEX.
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