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Compare Air New Zealand Airpoints Credit Cards (July 2025)

Earn Airpoints Dollars for free flights, Mitre 10 spend, Airpoints Store items and more.
Updated 5 July 2025
Air New Zealand Airpoints Credit Cards Summary
  • There are are limited selection of cards available; the best option for you will depend on how much you spend and how much you travel.
  • The highest earning card for earning Airpoints Dollars is The American Express Airpoints Platinum Card, which earns at a rate of 1 Airpoints Dollar for every $70 spent - no other card offers such an earning rate. It also offers a 300 Airpoints Dollar signup bonus. Bank-issued credit cards earn around half the number of Airpoints per $100 spent, making them poor value in comparison.
  • Our pick for light spenders is the American Express Airpoints Card, which has no annual fees and earns a reasonable 1 Airpoints Dollar for every $100 spent.
  • Please note that Kiwibank has announced that its Airpoints credit cards will be discontinued from 31 October 2025; the only banks currently offering Airpoints cards are ANZ and Westpac.
  • If you have a Kiwibank Airpoints credit card and are looking for alternatives, our Kiwibank Airpoints Cards Ending – Best Replacement Options guide has what you need.
  • If you're looking to earn points for business class flights, they are available, but you'll most likely need an AMEX - our dedicated Credit Cards That Earn Business Class Flights guide has more details and everything you need to know to make it possible.​
​
​Are you looking for an Airpoints credit card?
  • Banks have cut back to the point of offering poor value for money on their Airpoints cards. First it was Kiwibank in October 2022, then Westpac, and now the ANZ has cut the earning rate significantly, scrapping Koru vouchers and other benefits. We're not impressed given the annual fees have stayed the same. Westpac now penalises those who spend over a certain amount on their cards by halving their earning rates - it's all very disappointing.
  • It's not just Airpoints Dollars that banks are cutting back on. In September 2022, ASB announced a plunge in their credit card rewards and earn rates (which was reversed - for now - per this Stuff.co.nz column) while the BNZ is offering 'points' rather than cashback. We expect other banks to follow.
  • From November 2022, law changes capped interchange fees at 0.80% on Visa and Mastercard credit card transactions. This means that the banks can only charge merchants who accept credit cards 0.80% of the transaction value, which we argue limits the rewards, cashback and general perks they can offer to cardholders.
  • American Express cards are not affected as the law is designed to break up the Visa and Mastercard duopoly. As bank-issued credit cards have become less 'generous', we anticipate American Express cards will become more favourable for anyone looking for rewards, whether that be Airpoints Dollars, cashback, awards or statement credit. Our guide to the Best American Express Credit Cards has more information about the cards available.
We have reviewed the four Airpoints 'Platinum' cards in detail to show the differences, keeping in mind that the bank-issued cards (ANZ and Westpac) all offer about the same earning rate and benefits. We also provide video explainers to help explain the finer points to consider before making any decision:
ANZ Airpoints Visa Platinum vs American Express Airpoints Platinum
Westpac Airpoints Platinum Mastercard vs American Express Airpoints Platinum

Top Rated Air New Zealand Airpoints Credit Cards:

​We have reviewed the 7+ Air New Zealand Airpoints credit cards on offer, and shortlisted six cards that stand out. We outline the costs, benefits, pros and cons for the following categories: 
  1. Best Card for Maximising Airpoints Earning - The American Express Airpoints Platinum Card
  2. Best 'Pays for Itself' Card - The American Express Airpoints Platinum Card
  3. ​Best Card for Families - The American Express Airpoints Platinum Card
  4. Best No Fee Card for Low Spenders - American Express Airpoints Card​
  5. Best Card for Business - ANZ Visa Business Airpoints​

Know This First: What is the appeal of an Air New Zealand Airpoints credit card?
  • Airpoints-earning credit cards allow you to save big on flights around the country and even around the world just by using your credit card when you pay for stuff. There are a lot of decent credit cards earning Airpoints, and many have perks such as lounge vouchers, status points, Airpoints in advance allowances and partner cards.
  • It’s easy to earn – you will get Airpoints Dollars as soon as you spend, not when you fly, and if you catch a good signup offer you can save on fees and get more rewards.

MoneyHub Founder Christopher Walsh shares his views about Air New Zealand Airpoints Credit Cards:

Airpoints is arguably one of the best loyalty schemes in New Zealand, given the range of earning partners and redemption options. So even if you don't fly a lot, Air New Zealand Airpoints credit cards can generously reward you for everyday spend. We've written a guide on how to best spend Airpoints Dollars here.

Air New Zealand's network has never been smaller, but the choice of awards via the Airpoints Store has never been greater. If you consistently pay off a credit card every month, using an Airpoints-earning card can be very worthwhile. 

Banks have cut their Airpoints Dollars-per-dollar spent rates, leaving the American Express Airpoints Platinum Card, which earns at a rate of 1 Airpoints Dollar for every $70 spent, as the most generous card given no other card offers such an earning rate. It also offers a 300 Airpoints Dollar signup bonus.

You don't need to earn a lot to take advantage - American Express, for example, offers a free Airpoints-earning card which offers 1 Airpoints Dollar for every $100 spent. However, as with any credit card, any Airpoints benefits you earn will become incredibly expensive if you don't pay the balance in full every month - interest costs destroy any value.

Whatever card you decide on, make sure it's the best for your immediate needs. There's no point getting a card "for later," as you'll either overpay and/or get the wrong rewards. For this reason, we've explained the cards in detail to help your decision-making process. If you are in any doubt about what you can afford, the best Airpoints credit card is likely to be "no credit card".
Christopher Walsh
MoneyHub Founder
Who is this guide for?
  • Because flying is somewhat of a national pastime, Airpoints earning credit card have wide appeal. However, due to the annual fees on most cards, this guide is best for those who spend at least $10,000 on their credit cards every year.
  • If you're a lower spender or don’t fly at least once a year, Cashback and Rewards Credit Cards are far more suitable and offer better savings. ​
  • ​This is a complete guide to the best Air New Zealand Airpoints credit cards, how to use them, bolster up your Airpoints Dollars balances and enjoy the benefits safely by picking the best card for your needs.
  • If you have a Kiwibank Airpoints credit card and are looking for alternatives, our Kiwibank Airpoints Cards Ending – Best Replacement Options guide has what you need.
  • If you would like to share any tips or insights from your personal experience, please email our research team. 

​Advertising Disclaimer: MoneyHub may earn a referral bonus for anyone who's approved through some of the links published in this comparison. Our research and findings are independent of any bank, credit card issuer, or product manufacturer/service provider, and have not been endorsed by any of these entities. Please see our Advertising Policy for more details about how we make money.

In the video below, MoneyHub Founder Christopher Walsh explains what you need to know about Airpoints Dollars credit cards to pick the right credit card for your needs. We look at why the banks have dropped their awards earning rates, and what this means for anyone with an existing bank-issued Airpoints credit card looking for a better deal:

AMEX Airpoints Platinum: The Best Airpoints Card

Kiwibank’s discontinuation of Airpoints cards, effective November 1, 2025, and ANZ and Westpac’s underwhelming Airpoints offerings have shifted the spotlight to the American Express Airpoints Platinum Card. Unaffected by Visa/Mastercard interchange fee caps and regulations, AMEX delivers unmatched rewards, making it the top choice for Airpoints earners.

Here’s why switching makes sense:
  • Best Earn Rate: Earn 1 Airpoints Dollar per $70 spent – significantly better than Westpac’s $110–$150 or ANZ’s $115.
  • Exclusive Bonus: Get 300 bonus Airpoints Dollars when you apply, are approved, and spend $1,500 within 3 months.
  • Premium Perks:
    • 4 lounge passes/year (Auckland, Sydney, or Melbourne).
    • Comprehensive travel insurance (domestic/international) and rental car excess cover ($3,000).
    • Mobile phone screen insurance (up to $500 if paid with AMEX).
    • Status Points to maintain or achieve Air NZ Gold/Elite status.
  • Wide Acceptance: Accepted at major retailers (Countdown, BP, Mitre 10) and integrated with Apple Pay/Google Pay for seamless payments.
  • Kiwibank’s Exit: Kiwibank’s Airpoints cards are being replaced with a low-fee, low-interest option that offers no Airpoints rewards, leaving AMEX as the superior alternative.
  • Westpac’s Weak Offering: Westpac’s Airpoints cards, like the Platinum Mastercard ($125/year), offer a poor earn rate (1 Airpoints Dollar per $110 up to $7,000, then $220) and no lounge access. The World Mastercard ($310/year) is better (1 Airpoints Dollar per $95 up to $15,000) but still lags behind AMEX’s value.​
  • Where Can You Use AMEX? Options include (but are not limited to):
  1. Supermarkets: Countdown, New World, PAK’nSAVE, SuperValue, FreshChoice
  2. Fuel Stations: BP, Caltex, GAS, Gull, Mobil, Shell, Z Fuel
  3. Retail & Hardware: Mitre 10, Bunnings Warehouse, Harvey Norman, Kmart, Glassons, Hallensteins, Farmers, The Warehouse
  4. Dining: McDonald’s, Burger Burger, Coffee Club, Hell Pizza
  5. Utilities: Contact Energy, Genesis Energy, Powershop
  6. Travel: Air New Zealand, Qantas, Jetstar, Expedia, Airbnb and most international airlines, as well as Auckland Transport for buses and trains etc.

​Note: For smaller, independent shops or cafes, carry a bank-issued Visa/Mastercard as a backup, as AMEX acceptance can vary.
Christopher Walsh
MoneyHub Founder (and Frequent User of AMEX)
Christopher Walsh, MoneyHub Founder, shares his AMEX experience:
"In March 2025, a fraudulent transaction hit my Kiwibank Airpoints Platinum card, which meant my card was replaced. However, I had already applied for the AMEX Airpoints Platinum, drawn by its unmatched 1 Airpoints Dollar per $70 earn rate. Migrating from Kiwibank to AMEX was effortless, and acceptance of my new card has been smooth, thanks to Apple Pay and Google Pay integrating with AMEX.

The card's travel insurance, Status Points earning, and Airpoints Dollars earning rate make maintaining my Air NZ Gold status easy, especially since I book cheaper airfares well in advance, so I won't get there on flights alone. With Kiwibank now migrating my card to a low-reward option on November 1, 2025, I will likely cancel it – AMEX has been far more reliable and rewarding. I also like the AMEX app, which features live chat, a significant difference from Kiwibank's message service, which can sometimes have you waiting for a few days.

Compared to ANZ's and Westpac's Airpoints cards, AMEX's perks and earn rate are in a different league. Why settle for earning less every time you use your card? I am thrilled to have made the move".
Why AMEX Outshines ANZ and Westpac:
Card
Earn Rate
Annual Fee
Bonus Offer
Lounge Access
AMEX Airpoints Platinum
1 Airpoints Dollar/$70 spend
and
$250 = 1 Status Point
$195
300 Airpoints Dollars
​Yes (4 passes)
Westpac Airpoints Platinum Mastercard
1 Airpoints Dollar/$110 spend (then $220 after $7,000 monthly spend)
and
​$225 = 1 Status Point
$125
None
No
Westpac Airpoints World
1 Airpoints Dollar/$95 spend(then $190 after $15,000 monthly spend)
​and
​$225 = 1 Status Point
$310
​None
Yes (Priority Pass)
ANZ Airpoints Visa Platinum
1 Airpoints Dollar/$115 spend
and
Cardholders earn 50% bonus Status Points on top of the Status Points earned on qualifying flights with Air New Zealand. ​There is no Status Points per spend (unlike the other cards).
$150
200 Airpoints ​Dollars
No
AMEX Airpoints Card
1 Airpoints Dollar/$100 spend

​No Status Points
$0
50 Airpoints ​Dollars
No
Consider Switching Today
With Kiwibank’s Airpoints cards gone and ANZ's and Westpac’s cards falling short, AMEX Airpoints Platinum is the clear winner. Apply Now and receive 300 bonus Airpoints and read our review of the card.

Our Favourite Top Two Air New Zealand Airpoints Credit Cards

Christopher Walsh
MoneyHub Founder
Everyone's credit card needs are different, so we've shortlisted two must-consider options for anyone wanting to earn Airpoints Dollars. These include:
  1. ​Perks, Rewards and Benefits - American Express Platinum Airpoints Card: The card with a vast number of useful insurance perks, an unbeatable Airpoints earning:spend rate, status points and an attractive 300 bonus Airpoints Dollars when you apply, are approved and spend $1,500 on your new Card within the first 3 months. New Amex Card Members only.​
  2. ​Free Card - American Express Airpoints Card - The card pays a generous 1 Airpoint Dollar for every $100 spent and has 55 interest-free days. Best of all, there's no annual card fee. Bonus Offer: 50 bonus Airpoints Dollars when you apply, are approved and spend $750 on your new Card within the first 3 months. New Card Members only.

Are you looking for something else? Take a look at Our Favourite Credit Cards List which has a number of our favourite options that offer unbeatable value for money.

6 Must-Know Air New Zealand Airpoints Credit Card Facts

Airpoints credit cards are only suitable if you pay off the balance every month

If you struggle to pay off a credit card, look at a low-interest credit card or a balance transfer credit card (if you have credit card debt) as this is a far better option to crunch your debts. 

If this isn't an issue, you can maximize your earning potential by using your credit card for everything you can, replacing your use of debit cards, credit cards, cheques and cash where possible. Just be aware of your monthly budget, spend in line with your finances and set up a direct debit to take care of the bill. If you incur workplace expenses, ask if it’s possible to use your credit card.

Airpoints credit cards work with any other card and retailer

You can combine any Airpoints you earn from spending on a credit card with Airpoints accrued from flying or shopping with an Air New Zealand partner such as New World or Harvey Norman. Airpoints go into one account either during the transaction (retail partners) or at the end of the month (when your credit card billing cycle ends). Best of all, you can pay for retail partner purchases with a credit card, effectively earning the maximum Airpoints possible. ​

Rewards start from 30 Airpoints Dollars

When you've collected enough Airpoints, you can redeem awards on the Air New Zealand shop or book a flight. You can also use them for any grabaseat offer. However, international flights have a tax and security fee component which needs to be paid with cash. ​

Our guide to How to spend Airpoints Dollars has further information and tips.

Your credit score and income are important

As you’re applying for a credit card, your credit score and ability to make repayments is important. Generally, most cards will be easy to obtain to anyone earning above $30,000 with good finances and one or two other credit cards. If that's not you, then don't apply, as rejected applications can affect your credit score negatively. Our guide to credit score and credit checks explains everything in detail. ​

Every credit card favours high spenders

Higher spenders earn more points, but also reap more rewards such as lounge vouchers and status credits (as is the case with the AMEX Airpoints Platinum). As long as you spend enough to cover the annual fee (as we outline below in our "best cards" selections), those cards would be suitable. If not, look at cashback credit cards.

Cash withdrawals don’t earn Airpoints

Taking money out on your card charges you interest and it won't earn you Airpoints. 

Best Air New Zealand Airpoints Credit Cards

​We have reviewed 10+ Air New Zealand Airpoints credit cards and outline the costs, benefits, pros and cons for the following categories: 
  1. Best Card for Maximising Airpoints Earning - The American Express Airpoints Platinum Card
  2. Best 'Pays for Itself' Card - The American Express Airpoints Platinum Card
  3. ​Best Card for Families - The American Express Airpoints Platinum Card
  4. Best No Fee Card for Low Spenders - American Express Airpoints Card
  5. ​Best Card for Business - ANZ Visa Business Airpoints

Important:

1. Best Card for Maximising Airpoints Earning - The American Express Airpoints Platinum Card, and

2. Best 'Pays for Itself' Card - The American Express Airpoints Platinum Card, and

3. Best Card for Families and Best Card for Airpoints Frequent Flyers

​Benefits include:
  • Every $70 you spend = 1 Airpoints Dollar, and $250 spend = 1 Status Point
  • Complimentary Smartphone Screen Insurance, Domestic, Car Rental Excess and International Travel Insurance
  • Four lounge passes per year (two in Auckland Airport, two for either Sydney or Melbourne)

The Need to Knows:
  • ​Annual Fee: $195
  • Airpoints or Membership Rewards? Airpoints 
  • Annual percentage interest rate: 22.95% p.a.
  • Interest-Free Period: up to 55 days
  • Bonus Offer: 300 bonus Airpoints Dollars when you apply, are approved and spend $1,500 on your new Card within the first 3 months. New Amex Card Members only. New Amex Card Members only.
The American Express Airpoints Platinum is our Favourite Airline Credit Card in our 2025 Editor's Choice Awards. We base this on numbers, not opinion:
  • The numbers don't lie - $70 spent gives cardholders 1 Airpoints Dollar, whereas, with bank-issued platinum cards, you'll spend about double to get the same Airpoints Dollar.
  • The card also offers lounge passes (four per year), a treat that bank-issued cards discontinued in 2022 and early 2023 as part of their 'enhancements'.
  • The card is competitive for anyone needing to top up status points to renew Air NZ Gold or Gold Elite, providing a great tailwind to reach the 810/1350 point thresholds (assuming sufficient qualifying flights are taken).
  • Add in travel insurance benefits and a sign-up bonus, and it's easy to be convinced that the $195 annual fee offers a lot of value, given all the benefits and earning potential.

MoneyHub's editor Christopher Walsh says:
"Banks have scaled down what they offer regarding airline credit cards; we consider this the best Air New Zealand card, bar none, for any of the 500,000+ New Zealanders with a 'platinum' card".

More details: ​American Express Airpoints Platinum Review or Apply Here
Important: If you're looking for a Platinum-level card, our American Express vs ANZ vs Westpac Airpoints Platinum Credit Cards Comparison outlines what you need to know.

MoneyHub Founder Christopher Walsh sheds light on how "double dipping" allows you to earn 1 Airpoint Dollar for as little as $40 spent at select retailers:

Several retailers, including Mitre 10, New World, and Z, encourage customers to swipe their Airpoints card for rewards and use an AMEX card for payment to maximise their Airpoints earning, known as "double dipping". Examples include:

Mitre 10:
  • By default, Airpoints members earn 1 Airpoint Dollar for every $115 spent at key retailers who reward you however you choose to pay.
  • If you spend $140 at Mitre 10 and pay with the AMEX Airpoints Platinum Card, you'll earn over three Airpoints Dollars. This comprises 1 Airpoint Dollar from Mitre 10's offer and 2 Airpoint Dollars from AMEX (since a $70 spend on AMEX earns you 1 Airpoint Dollar).

New World:
  • Airpoints members earn 0.185 Airpoints Dollars for every $25 they spend.
  • For a $150 spend at New World and using the AMEX Airpoints Platinum Card for payment, you'd earn over three Airpoints Dollars. This includes 1.11 Airpoints Dollars from New World's offer and 2 Airpoint Dollars from AMEX.

Other options include Liquorland (0.185 Airpoints Dollars for every $25 spent), Smiths City (1 Airpoints Dollars for every $100 spent), Tower Insurance (1 Airpoints Dollar for every $100 spent), Calex and Z Service Stations (1 Airpoints Dollar per 100 litres (or part thereof) of eligible petrol or diesel)

Bonus: If you're smart about your finances, consider using an Online Call account to pay your credit card balance. With interest rates over 4% p.a., many savvy New Zealanders keep funds in a call account and transfer their AMEX balance on its due date to maximise interest, all while earning lots of Airpoints Dollars on every spend.
Christopher Walsh
MoneyHub Founder

Non-American Express Options:

We have reviewed the other two Airpoints Platinum cards in detail to show the differences, and video explainers help with the finer points to consider before making any decision:

4. Best No Fee Card - American Express Airpoints Card

Benefits include:

  • The only No Fee option to earn Airpoints Dollars.
  • Bonus Offer: 50 bonus Airpoints Dollars when you apply, are approved and spend $750 on your new Card within the first 3 months. New Card Members only.
  • A reasonable earning rate of 1 Airpoints Dollar per $100 spent, but you'll need to spend $2,000 to transfer them to Airpoints.
  • No supplementary card fee.
 BUT:
  • Airpoints are valid for four years from the date they appear in your account

The Need-to-knows

  • The interest rate is 22.95% p.a.
  • Each $100 you spend earns 1 Airpoints Dollar
  • There is NO annual fee.
  • The supplementary card annual fee is $0
  • Taxes and levies on flights are additional, and you’ll need to pay them separately when you book a reward flight.
  • The card is an AMEX, which has some limitations in where it is accepted (compared to Mastercard and VISA).
  • Pay the balance every month to maximise the reward benefits – any late payments and interest charges will reduce your gains.
  • The Airpoints earned expire after four years, but can be shared using Sharepoints with anyone living at the same address.

More details: ​American Express Free vs Platinum Airpoints Card or Apply Here
The American Express Airpoints Card is our Favourite No Annual Fee Credit Card in our 2025 Editor's Choice Awards. We base this on numbers, not opinion:

Our view:
  • Free credit cards usually don't offer much, but the American Express Airpoints Card is the exception. Cardholders earn A$1 for every $100 spent, which can be used on flights or at the Airpoints Store (which has thousands of reward options). 

MoneyHub's editor Christopher Walsh says:
"American Express' free credit card generously offers a 1% reward rate, unrivalled among other card issuers. While it is an Airpoints-earning card, the choice of awards offered is extended to cover thousands of options via the Airpoints online store. The card has a lot of power, no annual fee, and an interest rate in line with the market".

5. Best Card for Business - ANZ Visa Business Airpoints

Benefits include:

The Need-to-knows

  • The interest rate is 20.95% p.a.
  • Every $85 you spend earns 1 Airpoints Dollar (up to a $25,000 spend per year), and $50 spent on Air New Zealand travel earns 1 Airpoints Dollar.
  • There is an annual fee of $145; to cover the $145 fee with Airpoints, you’ll need to spend $10,875 per year to breakeven.
  • The supplementary card annual fee is $5
  • The cardholder will earn 50% bonus Status Points on top of Status Points earned on qualifying flights with Air New Zealand.
  • All Airpoints Dollars earned by your business will never expire while you have an ANZ Visa Business Airpoints card account.
  • Cardholders don't pay a Koru Club joining fee (valued at $255) and receive a discount of $145 off the standard 12-month individual Koru membership fee for all principals working at the business.
  • Taxes and levies on flights are additional, and you’ll need to pay them separately when you book a reward flight.
  • The card is a VISA, which like Mastercard is widely accepted in New Zealand and around the world.
  • Pay the balance every month to maximise the reward benefits – any late payments and interest charges will reduce your gains.
  • The Airpoints earned do not expire, and can be shared using Sharepoints with anyone living at the same address.
  • Half of the tier points required for Silver and Gold must be generated from flying on Air New Zealand or partner airlines.

Important: If you're looking for a Platinum-level card, our American Express vs ANZ vs Westpac Airpoints Platinum Credit Cards Comparison outlines what you need to know.

Our Favourite Top Two Air New Zealand Airpoints Credit Cards

Christopher Walsh
MoneyHub Founder
Everyone's credit card needs are different, so we've shortlisted two must-consider options for anyone wanting to earn Airpoints Dollars. These include:
  1. ​Perks, Rewards and Benefits - American Express Platinum Airpoints Card: The card with a vast number of useful insurance perks, an unbeatable Airpoints earning:spend rate, status points and an attractive 300 bonus Airpoints Dollars when you apply, are approved and spend $1,500 on your new Card within the first 3 months. New Amex Card Members only.
  2. ​Free Card - American Express Airpoints Card - The card pays a generous 1 Airpoint Dollar for every $100 spent and has 55 interest-free days. Best of all, there's no annual card fee. Bonus Offer: 50 bonus Airpoints Dollars when you apply, are approved and spend $750 on your new Card within the first 3 months. New Card Members only.

Are you looking for something else? Take a look at Our Favourite Credit Cards List which has a number of our favourite options that offer unbeatable value for money.

Air New Zealand Airpoints Credit Card Frequently Asked Questions

I fly more than just Air New Zealand. Are there credit cards for other airlines?

Yes. Any American Express card earns points in their own program, Membership Rewards®, whereby you can convert points into programs with Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas and Virgin Australia. For most Kiwis, an Air New Zealand affiliated credit card is the most suitable choice. 

Can I have an additional cardholder in my account to boost Airpoints?

Yes – all expenditure goes onto the same bill. Additional cards cost between $0 and $30 per year. See our best buys below for more details.

Can I buy extra Airpoints?

No - to redeem an award flight, you will need to have at least the required balance of Airpoints unless you use Air New Zealand's Flexipay option. 

Can I link my credit card to PayPal?

Yes. If you shop online, using PayPal is a popular method of payment. Read our PayPal fee page to minimize the fees you’ll pay while maximising your Airpoints.

Are Mastercard and VISA more accepted than AMEX in New Zealand?

Generally, the answer is yes. Many Kiwi retailers don’t accept AMEX due to the higher fees it charges them. The Airpoints earning rates may be higher, but that’s secondary if you can’t use the card at your local café etc. However, AMEX helpfully lists all the retailers accepting their card, and it covers major supermarkets, petrol stations and more. 

Do I need to fly Air New Zealand to use the Airpoints Dollars?

No. You can use them on partner airlines or a range of non-travel awards, such as wine and gifts. Visit the Airpoints store.

Do I need to bank with the issuer of the credit card?

No. You can apply for a credit card with any bank, and it doesn’t matter whether you are a customer or not. Be aware that American Express credit cards are provided directly by Amex, and not available through banks. Our guide to the Best American Express Credit Cards has more information about the cards available.

Important: If you're looking for a Platinum-level card, our American Express vs ANZ vs Westpac Airpoints Platinum Credit Cards Comparison outlines what you need to know.

How does American Express/AMEX work in New Zealand? Can I use it widely?

To help determine the acceptance of AMEX in New Zealand and highlight the general feeling from local cardholders, we've pasted a selection of reviews from Reddit members that appear on various PersonalFinanceNZ posts. We include these to help you decide if an American Express credit card is right for your needs:
  • "Definitely worth having in NZ; you can use it at most petrol stations/supermarkets/retailers. Have a backup (debit) card for everything else".
  • "I have had my AMEX for a few months now, and acceptance is not that bad. Almost all big chains accept it, higher-end restaurants, most online shopping (or you can funnel via PayPal), and I can even pay my phone, internet, and power bills with it. However, smaller shops/cafes are unlikely to take it, so I have to bust out my visa debit card occasionally".
  • "I haven't run into any Amex-specific surcharges. Instead, I found that either a business will have a blanket credit card surcharge or, in some cases, a paywave surcharge".
  • "I've had my Amex Airpoints Platinum for 3+ years, and I'm pretty happy with it. I use it for everything I possibly can to build up as many airports as possible. I use it as I would use my debit card and then pay my bill off every month on time. I've already got flights to Fiji out of my points and currently letting points build up for flights to Europe".
  • The $195 card fee is a lot, but if you use it enough and build up your Airpoints Dollars, it's well worth it".
  • "They have nice service. For example, I got double charged once in a store, reported it to AMEX, and got the refund immediately after the call".

​Our guide to the Best American Express Credit Cards has more information about the cards available.
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