Manage 28 Degrees

How to cancel 28 degrees and avoid hidden fees

What you need to know about 28 degrees

28 Degrees is the Latitude 28° Global Platinum Mastercard, designed for international travellers and online shoppers who want to avoid foreign transaction fees. The card has historically offered competitive benefits, including zero currency conversion charges and travel-related protections. However, Latitude Financial Services made significant pricing changes in 2024 and 2025 that have prompted many cardholders to reconsider whether the card still delivers value.

These changes introduced recurring monthly and annual fees that fundamentally alter the card's appeal. If you are thinking about cancelling, you are not alone. At Stopee, we help consumers understand their options and take control of their finances by making informed cancellation decisions.

Recent pricing changes that affect your decision

The fee structure changed dramatically depending on when your account was opened. Legacy accounts (those opened before May 2025) now face an A$8 monthly card fee, equivalent to A$96 per year. New applicants approved after May 29, 2025, encounter an A$96 annual card fee, sometimes with a first-year promotional waiver or conditional waivers tied to annual spending thresholds.

Beyond the card fee, purchase interest rates remain high at around 27.99% per annum, and you will pay a 3% cash advance fee (or A$4 minimum, whichever is greater). These costs compound if you carry a balance, making the card significantly more expensive to use than mainstream bank alternatives.

Why customers are cancelling now

Community forums and review platforms reveal a consistent pattern: cardholders accepted the product when fees were absent, but the introduction of recurring charges crossed a threshold. Many customers report surprise charges on accounts they believed were inactive, difficulty reaching customer service to clarify the fee changes, and frustration over delayed communications about the new pricing model.

Your decision to cancel is valid if the new fees outweigh the foreign transaction fee savings you actually use. At Stopee, we recommend quantifying your annual foreign spend first: if you spend less than A$500 to A$1,000 annually on international purchases, the A$96 yearly fee may eliminate any benefit.

Pricing and fees: what you will pay

Understanding the full cost picture is essential before you decide to keep or cancel your card.

The maths is straightforward: if you pay A$8 every month (A$96 annually) and spend less than A$2,000 to A$3,000 on foreign transactions per year, you lose money compared to using a no-fee domestic card for most purchases.

Should you cancel 28 degrees?

Cancellation makes financial sense for specific customer profiles. Use this framework to decide.

Strong reasons to cancel

You should cancel if your annual foreign spending is under A$2,000, because the card fee alone exceeds any savings from zero conversion charges. You should also cancel if you rarely travel internationally or shop online from overseas retailers, or if you have found a competitor card with lower fees and comparable benefits.

Additionally, cancel immediately if you are carrying a revolving balance on the card. At 27.99% interest, the cost of borrowing far exceeds any foreign transaction fee advantage. Transfer your balance to a 0% introductory offer card or a personal loan at a lower rate, then close the 28 Degrees account.

Stopee recommends cancellation if you have experienced surprise fees on dormant accounts or missed communications about the fee changes. These are signs of poor customer service transparency.

Reasons to keep the card

Retain the card only if you spend A$3,000 or more annually on international transactions and you pay your balance in full every month. The zero foreign transaction fee benefit must be substantial enough to exceed the A$96 annual fee cost.

You might also keep the card if you use the travel-related benefits (such as purchase protection or travel insurance) and cannot find equivalent cover elsewhere for the same cost.

How to cancel your 28 degrees card

Latitude Financial Services offers three straightforward cancellation methods. Choose the one that suits your circumstances.

Method 1: cancel through the latitude app or online account portal

This is the fastest and most convenient option if you have internet access and remember your login credentials.

1. Log in to your Latitude account using the mobile app or the online account portal at latitude.com.au
2. Navigate to the "Manage account" or "Account settings" section (exact wording varies depending on app updates)
3. Look for an option labelled "Close account," "Cancel card," or "Request account closure"
4. Submit a "Close account request" and confirm your identity if prompted
5. Take a screenshot of the confirmation page or reference number provided
6. Check your email for a confirmation message within 24 to 48 hours

Pro tip: if you do not see the cancellation option in the app, log out, clear your browser cache, and log back in. Occasionally the interface requires a refresh to display the closure option.

Warning: do not assume your account is closed until you receive written confirmation by email or mail. Some users report system delays of up to 7 business days.

Method 2: cancel by phone

If you prefer to speak with a customer service representative, call Latitude directly.

1. Dial 1300 462 273 (available during business hours within Australia)
2. Navigate the automated menu and select the option for "Account management" or "Card services"
3. Request to speak with a customer service officer about cancelling your card
4. Provide your full name, card number, and date of birth to verify your identity
5. Clearly state that you wish to close your account and cancel the card
6. Ask the representative to provide a reference number for your cancellation request
7. Confirm when your account will be closed (they should give you a date within 5 to 10 business days)
8. Request written confirmation by email or mail, including the reference number

Pro tip: call during early morning (8:00 am to 9:00 am) or mid-afternoon (3:00 pm to 4:00 pm) to avoid peak wait times. Be prepared to wait 10 to 20 minutes.

Warning: always ask for a reference number. If the representative refuses or cannot provide one, politely end the call and use the online or mail methods instead.

Method 3: cancel by post

This method takes longer but creates a paper trail, which is valuable if disputes arise later.

1. Write a formal cancellation letter on plain paper that includes:
   • Your full name as it appears on the card
   • Your card number (you can hide the first 12 digits for security)
   • Your date of birth
   • A clear statement: "I hereby request immediate cancellation of my 28 Degrees Mastercard account"
   • Today's date
   • Your signature
2. Place the letter in a standard envelope and address it to: 28 Degrees Customer Support, GPO Box 1818, Melbourne, VIC 3001
3. Send the letter by regular mail or, preferably, Australia Post Registered Mail (tracked delivery)
4. Keep a photocopy of the letter and the post office receipt
5. Allow 10 to 15 business days for processing after the letter arrives
6. If you do not receive a cancellation confirmation after 15 business days, follow up by phone using the number above

Pro tip: use Registered Mail if you are concerned about delays or disputes. The cost is around A$15, and you receive tracking confirmation and a signature on delivery.

Warning: do not include sensitive information (such as your full card number or PIN) in a standard mail letter. A partial card number and other verification details are sufficient.

What happens after you cancel

Cancelling your card is the first step; understanding what follows ensures you avoid lingering charges.

Timeline and what to expect

Once you submit a cancellation request through any method, Latitude processes it within 5 to 10 business days. However, the account may not close immediately if you have an outstanding balance. You must pay the full balance in full (including any pending transactions) before the account is truly closed.

After the account closes, Latitude will deactivate your card, and you will no longer be able to make purchases. Any automatic payments linked to the card will fail, so you must update payment details for subscriptions, utilities, and other recurring charges at least one week before cancellation.

The card will remain on your credit report as "closed by customer" for up to 7 years. This is normal and does not harm your credit score; in fact, it shows responsible account management.

Outstanding balance and final payment

If you carry a balance when you cancel, you must continue to pay interest on that amount until it is fully repaid. The cancellation does not erase the debt; it only closes your ability to borrow more.

Stopee recommends paying the outstanding balance in full immediately before cancelling, especially given the 27.99% interest rate. If you cannot pay in full, ask Latitude if they offer a hardship arrangement (a reduced payment plan). This conversation must happen before you submit your cancellation request.

Refunds and credit balances

If you have a credit balance on your account when you cancel, Latitude will refund it to your nominated bank account within 5 to 10 business days.

Disputing unauthorised charges

If you spot unauthorised charges or believe Latitude charged you in error after you requested cancellation, you have consumer rights under the Australian Consumer Law.

First, contact Latitude's dispute resolution team and submit a formal complaint in writing (via post or email). Include your cancellation reference number, dates of the disputed charges, and copies of supporting documents (bank statements, emails, etc.). Latitude must respond within 30 calendar days.

If Latitude refuses to correct the error or you disagree with their response, escalate your complaint to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA). AFCA is the independent dispute resolution body for financial services in Australia, and they can order Latitude to refund you if they find the company breached its obligations.

Warning: AFCA has a strict time limit of 10 years from the date of the event (or 6 years from when you became aware of it). Do not wait indefinitely to lodge a dispute.

Your consumer rights under australian law

The Australian Consumer Law protects you when cancelling financial products and disputing charges.

Right to cancel and fair contract terms

You have the right to cancel a credit card account at any time without penalty, provided you settle any outstanding balance. Latitude cannot charge you a cancellation fee or impose restrictions on your right to close the account.

Additionally, the Consumer Law requires that credit card terms be fair and transparent. If Latitude introduced fees retroactively (applying them to existing accounts without adequate notice) or if the fee changes were buried in fine print, you may have grounds to dispute the fees and demand a refund under the unfair contract terms provisions.

Incorrect billing and your dispute rights

If Latitude continues to charge your card after you cancelled, you can report the unauthorised transaction to your bank and request a chargeback. Your bank must investigate within 10 business days and must have resolved the dispute within 30 calendar days.

Additionally, under the Consumer Law, you can lodge a complaint with AFCA if Latitude refuses to correct billing errors. AFCA can award compensation for losses you incurred (such as overdraft fees triggered by unauthorised charges).

At Stopee, we have seen cases where customers recovered A$200 to A$500 in unwarranted fees by escalating to AFCA. Documentation is key: keep screenshots, bank statements, and email confirmation of your cancellation request.

Common mistakes when cancelling

Cancellation feels like a straightforward task, but several common pitfalls can complicate the process. We hear these frustrations regularly from consumers, and they are entirely avoidable.

Mistake 1: assuming the card is closed without written confirmation

Many customers believe their account is closed immediately after they request cancellation, but system delays mean the account may remain active for 5 to 10 business days. During this window, Latitude can still charge fees and process transactions. Always wait for written confirmation (email or letter) before you consider the account closed.

Mistake 2: failing to redirect automatic payments

If you have subscriptions, insurance premiums, or utility payments linked to your 28 Degrees card, they will fail after the card is deactivated. The merchants will then attempt to retry the payment, which can trigger declined-payment notifications and potential account suspension. Update all recurring payments to a different card or bank account at least one week before cancellation.

Mistake 3: not paying the outstanding balance

Cancelling the card does not eliminate the debt. You remain liable for any balance, and Latitude will continue charging interest. If you ignore the balance, Latitude may refer the debt to a collection agency, which damages your credit score far more severely than a closed card account.

Mistake 4: cancelling without a reference number

If you cancel by phone or through the app, you must obtain and save a reference number. Without it, you have no proof of when you requested cancellation, which matters if Latitude charges you after the closure date. Keep the reference number in a safe place (write it down, take a screenshot, or save it in your email).

Mistake 5: ignoring unresolved disputes before cancelling

If you are disputing a charge or issue with Latitude, resolve it before you cancel. Once the account is closed, it is harder to gather documentation and communicate with the company. Raise the dispute, document everything, and wait for Latitude's response before submitting your cancellation request.

After cancellation: what you need to do

Closing your 28 Degrees account is not the end of the process. Several follow-up steps protect your finances and your credit record.

Monitor your bank statements

For the next 30 to 60 days after the account is closed, check your bank statements weekly for any unauthorised charges from Latitude. This catches billing errors or system glitches early.

If you spot a charge dated after your confirmed cancellation date, contact your bank immediately and request a chargeback. Your bank will investigate and, if they find the charge was unauthorised, they will reverse it and order Latitude to refund you.

Update your credit file record

Once your account is closed, check your credit report (available free from Equifax, Experian, or Illion) to confirm that the card account is listed as "closed by customer." This information appears after 30 to 60 days and remains on your report for 7 years. It is not a negative mark; it actually demonstrates responsible credit behaviour.

Keep your cancellation documentation safe

Store your cancellation reference number, confirmation email, and any written responses from Latitude for at least 12 months. If a dispute arises, this documentation is your evidence that you closed the account on a specific date.

Comparison table: 28 degrees vs. alternatives

If you are considering cancellation, comparing 28 Degrees to other card options helps you make a confident decision.

The ING Orange Everyday card stands out as a compelling alternative if you are cancelling 28 Degrees. It offers zero foreign transaction fees, zero annual fee, and no monthly charges. However, it requires you to meet eligibility conditions (such as a monthly deposit or regular spending). Compare your specific usage pattern to find the best fit.

Address for cancellation by post

If you choose to cancel by mail, send your letter to this address:

28 Degrees Customer Support
GPO Box 1818
Melbourne VIC 3001
Australia

Use Registered Mail for tracking and proof of delivery. Keep your receipt and a photocopy of your cancellation letter for your records.

Summary: take control of your decision

Cancelling 28 Degrees is a straightforward process once you understand your options and the steps involved. The card no longer delivers value for most cardholders following Latitude's fee increases in 2024 and 2025. If your annual foreign spending is under A$2,000, or if you are carrying a balance, cancellation makes clear financial sense.

Choose your cancellation method-online, phone, or post-based on your comfort level. Online and phone methods are fastest (5 to 10 business days), whilst post-based cancellation creates a paper trail but takes longer. Whichever method you select, obtain a reference number, save written confirmation, and monitor your bank statements for 30 to 60 days after closure to catch any errant charges.

Your consumer rights under Australian law protect you throughout the cancellation process. If Latitude charges you after you cancelled or refuses to correct billing errors, escalate your complaint to AFCA, the independent financial dispute authority. Documentation-including your cancellation reference, confirmation emails, and bank statements-is your leverage.

At Stopee, we believe you should feel confident and in control when managing your financial products. We have helped thousands of consumers cancel unnecessary subscriptions and credit accounts, recover unfair fees, and rebuild healthier financial habits. If you need guidance on cancelling other services or disputing charges, visit Stopee.com to access our complete guides and consumer resources. Your financial autonomy starts with informed decisions and transparent processes-and Stopee is here to support you every step of the way.