American Express Credit Cards Review

We explain the fees, interest rates, membership rewards points, perks, benefits, pros and cons

Updated 10 May 2022
American Express offers a number of Airpoints and travel-related rewards credit cards. Unlike VISA and Mastercard, which are offered through banks and finance companies like GEM and FlexiGroup, American Express provides cards directly. This means your customer service, billing and disputes will be direct with American Express and not a bank or third party. 

In this guide, we look at pros and cons of having an American Express credit card, as well as outline what we consider to be the best options offered. Our guide covers:
Read this First
  1. Our guide has been written to appeal to appeal to anyone looking for a good value credit card that offers rewards.
  2. Rewards will either be in Airpoints Dollars, or Membership Rewards points. What you earn depends on the card you choose and how much you spend.
  3. If you are looking for a charge card, a 'no limit' credit card, and/or something that offers a travel desk and concierge service, American Express offers a Platinum card with a $1,250+ annual fee. A review of this card is forthcoming.
  4. Our guide is informational only, and does not constitute financial advice. 
  5. As stated above, American Express credit cards are provided directly by American Express. This means cards are not available through banks or other finance companies.

Advertising Disclaimer: We may receive payment if you sign up for a credit card via MoneyHub - please read our advertising policy for more details. 

MoneyHub Founder Christopher Walsh shares his views about American Express Credit Cards:

Banks (arguably) offer credit cards aggressively to their customers, but my view is that these cards don't deliver the value offered by American Express. American Express cards stand out by way of their Airpoints, rewards and cashback-earning, exceeding any other bank-issued card. However, as with any credit card, all the benefits are lost if you don't pay the balance in full every month.

Whatever you decide, 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, it's likely that the best credit card is "no credit card".
Christopher Walsh
MoneyHub Founder
MoneyHub's Top Two Reliable AMEX cards - apply in minutes for a credit card that delivers the best value for money based on your needs
  • Our research highlighted two leading AMEX cards that reliably and consistently reward New Zealanders, with a number of benefits, perks and award earning opportunities.
  1. Our pick for earning Airpoints (most popular): The American Express Airpoints Platinum Card - $195/year fee. You'll also get 500 bonus Airpoints Dollars when you apply, are approved and spend $1,500 on your new Card within the first 3 months. New Card Members only and you'll need to apply before 8 August 2022.
  2. Our pick for a free card (no annual fee): The American Express Airpoints Card - $0/year (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).
  • Important: MoneyHub suggests that anyone unable to pay off a monthly credit card balance should look for an alternative source of credit. The majority of credit cards, with AMEX being no exception, charge interest rates that can make repayments challenging to manage.

American Express Credit Cards - Pros and Cons

Pros
  1. New Zealand's Highest Airpoints Dollar earning rate - $59 for 1 Airpoints Dollar, earned on the Airpoints Platinum Card, outperforms all other Air New Zealand credit cards
  2. Travel perks – some cards offer free travel, travel insurance and sign-up bonuses
  3. Favourable Customer Dispute Terms – if you experience fraud or wish to question a transaction, American Express will actively fight in your corner.
  4. Customer Service – With American Express you have a direct line, but if you use Visa and Mastercard you’ll have to deal with your bank. Most New Zealand banks use a multi-option call centre for credit card help with standard office hours. Any troublesome issues may be ‘referred’ to Visa or Mastercard for ‘review’ and 'decision'. American Express operates specific 0800 hotlines which are open 24/7 and makes decisions directly.
  5. Cards are increasingly accepted at major New Zealand retailers – You can use your card at Countdown, New World, PAK'nSAVE and other supermarkets. Other retailers include most petrol stations and airline websites. 
  6. American Express Membership Points - if your card earns points, there are dozens of partners and reward options
  7. Excellent benefits for the American Express Airpoints Platinum card – The $195 annual card fee comes with four lounge passes (two in Auckland International Airport, two for either Sydney International Airport or Melbourne International Airport). It also offers the highest Airpoints earning ratio; 1 Status Point per $250 spent. Add on free travel insurance, and it’s arguably a useful card to have.
  8. A No-Fee Option with Travel Benefits – The American Express Airpoints Card offers 1 Airpoints Dollar for every $100 spent and a signup bonus and doesn't charge an annual fee.

Cons
  1. Many non-chain retailers don’t accept it – unlike Mastercard and Visa, which is primarily due to the high merchant fee Amex charges and favourable cardmember terms when disputes are raised.
  2. Membership fees for the Charge Card can be high (unless you’re a big spender) – most cards are competitively priced with their Mastercard and VISA counterparts. However, the American Express Platinum (Charge Card) has high $1,250 annual fee.
  3. Membership points partnerships – if you don’t spend at least $20,000 a year, a points-earning card would struggle to offer value.
MoneyHub's Top Two Reliable AMEX cards - apply in minutes for a credit card that delivers the best value for money based on your needs
  • Our research highlighted two leading AMEX cards that reliably and consistently reward New Zealanders, with a number of benefits, perks and award earning opportunities.
  1. Our pick for earning Airpoints (most popular): The American Express Airpoints Platinum Card - $195/year fee. You'll also get 500 bonus Airpoints Dollars when you apply, are approved and spend $1,500 on your new Card within the first 3 months. New Card Members only and you'll need to apply before 8 August 2022.
  2. Our pick for a free card (no annual fee): The American Express Airpoints Card - $0/year (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).
  3. Apply in only a few minutes, and there is no obligation to have a credit card issued. 
  • Important: MoneyHub suggests that anyone unable to pay off a monthly credit card balance should look for an alternative source of credit. The majority of credit cards, with AMEX being no exception, charge interest rates that can make repayments challenging to manage.

American Express Membership Rewards Points Review

Membership Rewards is American Express' awards program. You earn different numbers of points depending on where you spend. These points can be redeemed for vouchers from supermarkets, travel agents and online. You can also transfer the points to a number of frequent flyer programs.

For example, if a card earns 2 points for every $1 spent, $8,000 spent at Petrol Station Partners = 16,000 Membership Reward Points. This converts to:
  • $100 Bunnings Gift Card (1.26% reward value)
  • $100 New World Voucher (1.26% reward value)
  • 107 Air New Zealand Airpoints Dollars (1.34% reward value)

Membership Rewards - Our Thoughts:
  • If you spend $200 to $300 a week on groceries and petrol, the rewards are significant, and the flexibility of reward options makes the points useful.
  • Our view is that it's one of the best reward schemes available, when compared to the reward schemes offered by a number of New Zealand banks.
  • However, if you are looking for an Airpoints earning card, the American Express Airpoints Platinum Card ($59 spend = 1 Airpoints Dollar - 1.70% reward rate) offers better earning than Membership Rewards. This is because only partner supermarkets offer generous Membership Reward points, unlike an Airpoints credit card which doesn't discriminate.
  • Any American Express Airpoints-branded credit card will not earn Membership Rewards Points - instead, you'll earn Airpoints directly.
  • You can read more about Membership Rewards Points here.
MoneyHub's Top Two Reliable AMEX cards - apply in minutes for a credit card that delivers the best value for money based on your needs
  • Our research highlighted two leading AMEX cards that reliably and consistently reward New Zealanders, with a number of benefits, perks and award earning opportunities.
  1. Our pick for earning Airpoints (most popular): The American Express Airpoints Platinum Card - $195/year fee. You'll also get 500 bonus Airpoints Dollars when you apply, are approved and spend $1,500 on your new Card within the first 3 months. New Card Members only and you'll need to apply before 8 August 2022.
  2. Our pick for a free card (no annual fee): The American Express Airpoints Card - $0/year (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).
  3. Apply in only a few minutes, and there is no obligation to have a credit card issued. 
  • Important: MoneyHub suggests that anyone unable to pay off a monthly credit card balance should look for an alternative source of credit. The majority of credit cards, with AMEX being no exception, charge interest rates that can make repayments challenging to manage.

Best American Express Credit Cards

From the five American Express credit cards offered, we've shortlisted those that stand out:

Best Card for Airpoints: The American Express Airpoints Platinum Card

Basics:
​Annual Fee: $195
Airpoints or Membership Rewards? Airpoints
Annual percentage interest rate: 19.95% p.a.
Interest Free Period: up to 55 days
Bonus Offer: 500 bonus Airpoints Dollars when you apply, are approved and spend $1,500 on your new Card within the first 3 months. New Card Members only and you'll need to apply before 8 August 2022.​
Read more: Airpoints Platinum Review

​Benefits:
  • Every $59 you spend = 1 Airpoints Dollar, and $250 spend = 1 Status Point
  • Complimentary Domestic and International Travel Insurance
  • Four lounge passes per year (two in Auckland Airport, two for either Sydney or Melbourne)
  • ​Complimentary Mobile phone screen insurance (if you used your AMEX to pay for the phone, up to repair costs of $500)

Learn more or apply

Best Free Card for Airpoints: The American Express Airpoints Card

Basics:
​Annual Fee: $0
Airpoints or Membership Rewards? Airpoints 
Annual percentage interest rate: 0% p.a. for the first 6 months then 19.95% p.a.
Interest Free Period: up to 55 days
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.

​Benefits include:
  • The only No Fee option to earn Airpoints Dollars offered in New Zealand
  • A reasonable earning rate of 1 Airpoint per $100 spent
  • No supplementary card fee

Learn more or apply

Best Card for High Earning Travellers: The American Express Platinum Card

Basics:
​Annual Fee: $1,250
Airpoints or Membership Rewards? Membership Rewards
Annual percentage interest rate: The card is a charge card; if you don't pay the balance due, you'll be liable for a $20.00 fee or 3.25% of the closing balance, whichever is greater, of the overdue amount. For example, if you have a $10,000 balance due and don't make the repayment, you'll be charged $325.
Bonus Offer: 200,000 Memership Reward points when you apply online for the Platinum Card by 30 May 2022, are approved and spend $2,000 on your new Card within the first 3 months. New Card Members only. 
Read more: AMEX Platinum Card Review

​Benefits include:
  • The extensive range of benefits are explained here.
  • There is no supplementary card fee

Learn more or apply
MoneyHub's Top Two Reliable AMEX cards - apply in minutes for a credit card that delivers the best value for money based on your needs
  • Our research highlighted two leading AMEX cards that reliably and consistently reward New Zealanders, with a number of benefits, perks and award earning opportunities.
  1. Our pick for earning Airpoints (most popular): The American Express Airpoints Platinum Card - $195/year fee. You'll also get 500 bonus Airpoints Dollars when you apply, are approved and spend $1,500 on your new Card within the first 3 months. New Card Members only and you'll need to apply before 8 August 2022.
  2. Our pick for a free card (no annual fee): The American Express Airpoints Card - $0/year (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).
  3. Apply in only a few minutes, and there is no obligation to have a credit card issued. 
  • Important: MoneyHub suggests that anyone unable to pay off a monthly credit card balance should look for an alternative source of credit. The majority of credit cards, with AMEX being no exception, charge interest rates that can make repayments challenging to manage.

Applying for an American Express Credit Card

To apply for any American Express credit card, you will need to:
  1. Be over 18 years of age.
  2. Have a good credit history.
  3. Be a permanent resident or citizen of New Zealand.
  4. Meet the minimum income criteria for your chosen Card.
  5. If you are self-employed, you will need to have been trading for at least 18 months, or 12 months if you have an existing American Express issued Card.

You will need to provide:
  1. A copy of your New Zealand driver’s licence (if you hold one)
  2. Personal information, including your current address details.
  3. A current email address and a mobile or landline number.
  4. Financial Information including your annual income, household income (if married/de facto), monthly living expenses, employment details, superannuation (if retired), or other sources of income.
  5. Details about any other credit cards and loans you have and their balances.

Final steps:
  1. American Express will perform a credit check to assess your financial history
  2. After that, American Express will assess your credit card application and provide a response in between 5 and 10 working days from when you submit your application.

Credit Cards vs Charge Cards - What's the Difference?

  • Our review of American Express credit cards only looks at credit cards - the charge card offered by American Express has an annual fee > $1,000 which we believe makes it an unrealistic option for most New Zealanders.
  • Charge cards look and behave like a credit card, but it doesn’t charge interest if you pay the balance late. Instead, a late fee is charged, which for the American Express Charge Card is currently $20 or 3.25% of the balance, whichever is the greater.
  • This means if you spend $5,000 and don’t make the repayment by the due date, you’ll be charged a whopping $162.50, which will be added to the balance. You’ll continue to pay the late fee every month until the balance is cleared.
  • Charge cards are designed to be paid off immediately, much like store cards from Farmers, and the Q Card are. Charge cards don’t offer 0% interest balance transfers or other low-rate promotions. In New Zealand, the only option is the American Express Platinum Card, which has a $1,250 annual fee.

Five Must-Know American Express Credit Card Facts

​Selecting a Membership Rewards Points or Airpoints American Express needs consideration

  • If you fly Air New Zealand at least once a year and will spend at least $1,000 a month on the card, the American Express Airpoints Platinum Card pays for itself. You’ll get benefits like free travel insurance and lounge passes thrown in too.
  • If you don’t fly that often and don’t spend a regular amount on a credit card, the American Express Airpoints Card still rewards you. Best of all, it doesn’t charge an annual fee.

Our view:
  1. For anyone looking for an awards credit card, American Express Airpoints Platinum Card is a strong offering.
  2. As an example, spending an average of $2,500 per month will earn you over 500 Airpoints dollars per year with the American Express Airpoints Platinum Card.

Where you spend makes a big difference to reward earning for Membership Rewards Points cards

Important: Your ability to earn rewards will also depend on where you spend. For example, supermarket spending earns 300% more points than other retailers with a Membership Rewards card. In contrast, there is no discrimination with an Airpoints card as $59 = 1 Airpoints dollar regardless of where you make the purchase.​

The 'Low Rate' credit card option won't earn any points or rewards

Low-interest rate credit cards are designed to appeal to those who may not be able to pay the balances regularly. If you are confident in paying off credit card bills every month, low rate cards may not be for you.

American Express cardholders are offered curated tickets via ‘American Express Experiences’

Generally, American Express states that for certain concerts and events, cardholders have access to ‘the best-reserved tickets’.

To earn Airpoints, you’ll need to be a member of the Air New Zealand program

It’s free to join, and there is no annual fee. If you book domestic flights, there are no additional taxes or fees to pay either. If you book an international flight, you will have to pay these additional fees in cash (i.e. card or bank payment).
MoneyHub's Top Two Reliable AMEX cards - apply in minutes for a credit card that delivers the best value for money based on your needs
  • Our research highlighted two leading AMEX cards that reliably and consistently reward New Zealanders, with a number of benefits, perks and award earning opportunities.
  1. Our pick for earning Airpoints (most popular): The American Express Airpoints Platinum Card - $195/year fee. You'll also get 500 bonus Airpoints Dollars when you apply, are approved and spend $1,500 on your new Card within the first 3 months. New Card Members only and you'll need to apply before 8 August 2022.
  2. Our pick for a free card (no annual fee): The American Express Airpoints Card - $0/year (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).
  3. Apply in only a few minutes, and there is no obligation to have a credit card issued. 
  • Important: MoneyHub suggests that anyone unable to pay off a monthly credit card balance should look for an alternative source of credit. The majority of credit cards, with AMEX being no exception, charge interest rates that can make repayments challenging to manage.
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