Airpoints, the frequent flyer loyalty program of Air New Zealand, offers a world of travel opportunities to its members. From flights and upgrades to Koru membership and retail purchases, the possibilities for redeeming Airpoints Dollars are vast. This comprehensive guide delves into the best credit cards available in New Zealand for maximizing Airpoints accumulation. We'll explore the fees, earning rates, and a range of benefits, including travel insurance and airport lounge access, to help you make an informed decision.
And for your travel abroad, we'll also introduce you to Wise travel card — which is not an Airpoint Credit Card, but can help you save on international transactions with its low transparent fees and mid-market exchange rates.
With a variety of Airpoints credit cards available, it's essential to compare them based on your individual needs and spending habits. Here's a table summarizing the key features:
| Credit Card | Annual Fee | Earn Rate (Airpoints Dollars) |
|---|---|---|
| American Express Airpoints Platinum | NZD 195 | 1 Airpoints Dollar per NZD 70 spent |
| American Express Airpoints | NZD 0 | 1 Airpoints Dollar per NZD 100 spent |
| ANZ Airpoints Visa | NZD 65 | 1 Airpoints Dollar per NZD 170 spent |
| ANZ Airpoints Visa Platinum | NZD 150 | 1 Airpoints Dollar per NZD 110 spent |
| Westpac Airpoints Mastercard | NZD 70 | 1 Airpoints Dollar per NZD 150 spent (up to NZD 3,500), then 1 Airpoints Dollar for every NZD 300 spent each month |
| Westpac Airpoints Platinum Mastercard | NZD 125 | 1 Airpoints Dollar per NZD 110 spent (up to NZD 7,000), then 1 Airpoints Dollar per NZD 220 spent each month |
| Westpac Airpoints World Mastercard | NZD 310 | 1 Airpoints Dollar per NZD 95 spent (up to NZD 15,000), then 1 Airpoints Dollar for every NZD 190 spent each month |
| Kiwibank Air New Zealand Airpoints Low Fee Visa | NZD 50 | 1 Airpoints Dollar per NZD 200 spent |
| Kiwibank Air New Zealand Airpoints Platinum Visa | NZD 180 | 1 Airpoints Dollar per NZD 115 spent |
Status Points:
Selected Airpoints credit cards offer Status Points earning, helping you achieve Silver, Gold, or Elite tier status with associated benefits like lounge access and increased baggage allowance.
Koru Membership Benefits:
Some cards offer Koru membership joining fee waivers and annual membership discounts.
Remember, maximizing Airpoints requires strategic use of your credit cards and careful consideration of international transaction costs. The ideal approach we recommend is a combination of an Airpoints credit card for domestic spending and a low-fee international payment solution like Wise for overseas transactions.
While Airpoints cards are excellent for domestic spending, they may not always be the most cost-effective option for international transactions because of their high foreign transaction fees and markups on mid-market exchange rates.
To save on your international transactions, we invite you to check out Wise. Wise is not a credit card and does not help you earn Airpoints. However, it can be a cost-effective solution for managing your money abroad and minimizing foreign transaction fees.
With its transparent pricing and user-friendly interface, the Wise travel card available for a one-time of NZD 14 can help you make the most of your international travel budget.
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
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