Air New Zealand Credit Cards

Updated March 2018

Earn Airpoints Dollars for flights and upgrades

TLDR Air New Zealand Credit Cards Summary

There are many available; the best option for your will depend on how much you spend and how much you travel.
The American Express Airpoints Card is zero fee and earns a reasonable A$1 for every $100 spent. AMEX is increasingly accepted throughout New Zealand but you won't be able to use it everywhere.
Many cards offer perks such as Koru club vouchers, status points and free travel insurance - the best card for higher spenders is Kiwibank Air New Zealand Airpoints Platinum Mastercard

Our Recommendations:
Best Card for Families + Best Card for Airpoints Frequent Flyers - Kiwibank Air New Zealand Airpoints Platinum Mastercard
Best Card for Business - ANZ Visa Business Airpoints
Best "Pays for Itself" Card - AMEX Platinum Edge Credit Card
Best No Fee Card - American Express Airpoints Card
Best Card for Low Spenders - Kiwibank Air New Zealand Airpoints Low Fee Mastercard and American Express Airpoints Card

Air New Zealand credit cards

Air New Zealand 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 Koru Club 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.

This is a complete guide to the best Air New Zealand credit cards and how to use them, bolster up your balances and enjoy the benefits safely by picking the best card for your needs.

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.

6 Things You Need to Know about Air New Zealand Airpoints Credit Cards….

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 b alance transfer credit card (if you have credit card debt) as this is a far better option to crunch your debts.

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 Harvery 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.

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 1 or 2 other credit cards. If that's not you then don't apply, as rejected applications can affect your credit score negatively.

Every credit card favours high spenders

Higher spenders earn more points, but also reap more rewards such as Koru vouchers and status credits. 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.

The 12 Rules of a Credit Card

Credit Cards are Very Expensive if Not Paid Off

Making the minimum payment will mean the remainder of the balance will be charged a huge amount of interest. For example, taking 12 months to pay off a $4,000 balance will cost around $800 if the interest rate is 20%. That’s HUGE.

If you don’t pay a minimum payment, there are more fees coming

This question is asked a lot, but there is no possibility of paying off one credit card with another. Your balance must be paid off with money in your bank account.

Credit cards cannot be paid off with other credit cards

This question is asked a lot, but there is no possibility of paying off one credit card with another. Your balance must be paid off with money in your bank account.

Charge only what you can afford to pay off

Be happy and live within your means. If you can’t afford it in 4 weeks, don’t buy it.

You can move your credit card debt if you need to

There is no obligation to stay with a credit card if you are being charged more than you need to be. Look for a balance transfer deal which will at least reduce the interest costs.

Don't get too excited by balance transfers

The debt you incurred and transferred still needs to be paid. Low or zero interest doesn’t last forever, so paying off a card is a big priority.

Choose credit cards wisely

Low interest rates are perfect if you sometimes can’t pay them off, or look for generous rewards and flight benefits if you always pay your credit card on time.

Avoid being a slave to rewards

Don’t spend more thinking it will make you better off – the benefits from a credit card are rarely ever above 2% of what you spend, so don’t get caught out overspending.

Don't get too many credit cards

The more cards you have the more temptation you might have to use them. Also, having several cards is harder to manage and budget for. So keep it light and simple with one or two cards max.

Audit your statement every month

A credit card often has things in it you don’t need to pay for, like automatic renewals you don’t want or memberships you don’t need. Don’t be afraid to relive the past: go line by line through your bill and highlight anything that’s wrong or you can live without.

Don’t withdraw cash on your credit card

The interest is high and you are charged for it the minute you make the withdrawal. Also, you don’t earn any rewards or cashback on it.

Don't use credit cards if you will abuse them

If you don’t have self control, stick with cash. Buying stuff may seem like a good idea, but debt can spiral and cause misery. Be smart, be safe.

Airpoints Credit Card FAQs

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.

Use your credit card for ALL spending to maximize your Airpoints balance.

Use 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.

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?

Yes, but only with a Kiwibank-issued Airpoints credit card. Otherwise the answer is no - to redeem an award flight, you will need to have at least the required balance of Airpoints.

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.

Best Card for Families + Best Card for Airpoints Frequent Flyers - Kiwibank Air New Zealand Airpoints Platinum Mastercard

Benefits include:

Two Koru Club vouchers for every $20,000 spent (valid for 1 year for the cardholder and a guest)
Ability to make an Airpoints Dollars™ top up if you’re short for a free flight
Complimentary overseas travel insurance (as long as you use the credit card when paying for one item of travel).
Every $200 spent earns 1 status point, which assists reaching Silver, Gold and Gold Elite tier levels. If you spend $45,000 in one year, you’ll earn 225 Status points which is half the points you’ll need to reach Silver.

Our Thoughts

We consider this the best card for a number of purposes. Being a Mastercard, it’s widely accepted and even though it earns less Airpoints than the AMEX Platinum ($1 per $75 spend vs $1 per $59 spend), the difference in Airpoints Dollars earned is less than $200 on annual spend up to $50,000. Packed with the highest status credit earn rate, Koru voucher earning and a reasonable annual fee, we have not identified a more suitable card for multiple purposes.

The Need-to-knows

The interest rate is 20.90% p.a.
Each $75 you spend earns A$1
There is an annual fee of $150, but promotions throughout the year have it waived for the first year.
To earn the equivalent of $150 in Airpoints, you’ll need to spend $11,250 per year.
The supplementary card annual fee is $30
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 Mastercard, which like VISA is widely accepted in New Zealand and around the world.
Pay the balance every month to maximize the reward benefits – any late payments and interest charges will diminish 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

Best card for Business - ANZ Visa Business Airpoints

Benefits include:

Airpoints don't expire
Earn A$1 for every $50 spent flying Air New Zealand
Koru Club joining fee waiver and annual discounted membership

Watch out:

You'll need to spend $10,875 to earn enough Airpoints to break even on the $145 annual fee.

The Need-to-knows

The interest rate is 20.95% p.a.
Every $75 you spend earns $A1, and $50 spent on Air New Zealand travel earns $A1.
There is an annual fee of $145, but promotions throughout the year have waived it for the first year.
To cover the $145 fee with Airpoints, you’ll need to spend $10,875 per year to breakeven.
The supplementary card annual fee is $20
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 maximize 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

Best Pays for Itself Card - AMEX Platinum Edge Credit Card

Benefits include:

One return, direct flight every year within New Zealand (for example, Auckland to Queenstown, Wellington to Dunedin etc)
Complimentary New Zealand overseas travel insurance (as long as you use the credit card when paying for one item of travel).
Earn Membership reward points, which convert to Airpoints Dollars:
Earn A$1 for every $58 spent at supermarkets (including Countdown, New World, PAK'nSAVE, SuperValue).
Earn A$1 for every $117 spent at petrol stations (including BP, Caltex, GAS, Gull, Mobil, Shell and Z) and A$1 for every $175 spent on everything else.

The Need-to-knows

The interest rate is 20.90% p.a.
There is an annual fee of $149
Every new customer receives 20,000 Membership Points, which equates to A$114
To cover the $149 with Airpoints, you’ll need to utilize the complentary flight or spend at least $25,000 on non-supermarket and petrol purchases. Including the retail partners listed above, the spend comes down considerably.
There is no supplementary card annual fee.
Taxes and levies on flights are additional, and you’ll need to pay them separately when you book a reward flight (excluding the annual direct return flight).
Pay the balance every month to maximize the reward benefits – any late payments and interest charges will destroy your gains.
The card is a AMEX which has some limitations in where it is accepted (compared to Mastercard and VISA).
Airpoints do not appear monthly; manual transfers are required via the American Express website .
The Membership Rewards Points Airpoints earned do not expire, but converting them to Airpoints gives them a life of 4 years from when their appear on your Airpoints account. The balance once converted can be shared using Sharepoints with anyone living at the same address.
No Status points for Silver, Gold and Gold Elite are earned on this card.
A minimum income of $50,000 is required to apply for the card.

Best No Fee Card - American Express Airpoints Card

Benefits include:

The only No Fee option to earn Airpoints Dollars.
50 Airpoints if you spend $750 within the first 3 months
Reasonable earning rate of 1 Airpoint per $100 spent.
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 19.95% p.a.
Each $100 you spend earns $A1
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 a AMEX which has some limitations in where it is accepted (compared to Mastercard and VISA).
Pay the balance every month to maximize 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.

Top Card for Low Spenders - Kiwibank Air New Zealand Airpoints Low Fee Mastercard

Benefits include:

The ability to make an Airpoints Dollars™ top up if you’re short for a free flight
Low annual fee ($25) and a low interest rate

Watch out:

Requires a hefty $4,000 spend to break even on the annual fee, meaning a Cashbank credit card may be more suitable.

The Need-to-knows

The interest rate is 16.90% p.a.
Each $160 you spend earns $A1
There is an annual fee of $25, but promotions throughout the year have waived it in year 1.
To cover the $25 with Airpoints, you’ll need to spend $4,000 per year to breakeven.
The supplementary card annual fee is $10
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 Mastercard, which like VISA is widely accepted in New Zealand and around the world.
Pay the balance every month to maximize the reward benefits – any late payments and interest charges will destroy 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