AMEX Airpoints Platinum - What Cardholders Told Us (The Good and the Bad)
After Kiwibank ended its Airpoints cards in October 2025, dozens of readers wrote to us about switching to the AMEX Airpoints Platinum. Most of what we received was positive; the complaints we received are published in full in the last section, and they're worth reading first.
Updated 31 August 2026
Why is there so much Amex on this page?
Why is there so much Amex on this page?
- Because it's a page about one Amex card, built from cardholders' emails. American Express pays MoneyHub a referral fee when a reader applies through the links on this page. The fee doesn't change which emails we published - the complaints are here too - and it doesn't change who we say shouldn't get the card.
- For reference, our founder holds this card himself.
- Quotes are published as received, apart from removing names and details that could identify the writer.
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Airpoints earning and acceptance"Best decision after Kiwibank ditched us"
"When Kiwibank announced they were ending Airpoints cards, I panicked. Had been earning for years. Switched to AMEX Platinum and wish I'd done it sooner. Earning Airpoints 40% faster than my old card - spent $3,000 last month and earned 42 Airpoints vs the 26 I would've got with Kiwibank. The bonus Airpoints sealed the deal." "95% of my spending goes through AMEX" "The 'nobody takes AMEX' thing is so outdated. Last month, I used my card to pay for Countdown, BP, power bills, internet, Netflix, Uber, Air NZ, Bunnings, and even my local bakery. Only places that don't? Some small cafes and the dairy. I just tap my debit card for those. Non-issue." "Yes, you need a backup card" "Let's be real - some restaurants and small cafes don't take AMEX, but that's not a big part of my spending. I keep an ASB debit for those times. The extra Airpoints more than make up for occasionally switching cards." |
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Customer service, travel perks and insurance"They saved my US trip"
"A fraudulent charge appeared while I was in California - I called AMEX at 2am NZ time - they answered immediately and sorted it out, and a new card was waiting at my hotel the next day. Try getting that service from a bank." "Screen insurance nobody talks about" "Cracked my iPhone 14 screen. AMEX covered $450 of the $500 repair. That's two claims allowed per year. This one benefit covers the annual fee, yet nobody mentions it." "Pre-existing conditions gotcha" "Only downside - they won't cover my diabetes-related issues even for extra premium. My Mastercard did. If you have health conditions, check this carefully. Everything else about the insurance is superior, though." "Melbourne lounge reality check" "AMEX lounge at Melbourne - it's basic. Think Air NZ regional lounge, not Singapore Airlines level. But free food, drinks, showers, and quiet space. Beats paying $30 for airport sandwich. Sydney one is underground, a bit depressing, but still useful." "The insurance activation trap" "Warning: must pay for return flights with AMEX or use Airpoints earned from AMEX. Friend with an AMEX booked one-way tickets thinking he was clever - no coverage. Also, if work pays for flights directly, you're not covered. Read the fine print." "Status Points pushed me to Gold" "Not exactly a 'perk', but spending for Status Points got me Air NZ Gold. That's free lounge access worldwide with Star Alliance, not just four passes. Extra baggage, priority check-in. Way more valuable than the 4 AMEX lounge passes honestly." |
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The downsides"Currency fees sting overseas"
"Love the card domestically, but 2.50% foreign currency fee is brutal. Spent $5,000 in Japan, paid $140 in fees. Now I book flights/hotels on AMEX for insurance, then use Wise card for actual spending overseas." "Small business owner reality" "My cafe doesn't accept AMEX - their merchant fees would kill our margins. As a customer, I get it's annoying. As a business owner, I can't afford 3% vs Visa's 1.5%. This tension isn't going away." "Annual fee hits different" "$195 upfront stings more than ANZ's $75 twice yearly. Same money, different psychology. Additionally, it can't be waived in the first year. Budget for this if you're switching." "You'll get declined sometimes (because they don't take AMEX)" "Embarrassing when your card gets declined at a nice restaurant. Happened twice last month. Now I always ask 'do you take AMEX?' before ordering. It's not everywhere yet, despite what enthusiasts claim." |
Our View: Who this card is for, and who it isn't
- It's for people who put $1,000 or more a month through a card, pay it in full every month without fail, and spend mostly where AMEX is accepted - the big supermarkets, fuel, hardware chains and online. If that's you, it out-earns every bank Airpoints card, and the insurance and screen cover are real benefits rather than fine print.
- It isn't for anyone who carries a balance (22.95% p.a. wipes out the rewards many times over), anyone who spends heavily overseas (ANZ's 0% foreign currency fee wins there), anyone whose regular spending is at cafes, markets and independents, anyone who won't carry a backup card, or anyone for whom $195 up front is a stretch.
- If you've struggled with credit card debt, the right card is no card. Travel insurance and other perks have activation requirements and exclusions - read the policy before relying on cover.
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm scared of the 20%+ interest rate - should I avoid this card?
Rewards cards only work if you pay in full every month. No exceptions.
If you're worried about interest, that's a good sign - it means you're thinking clearly. Too many New Zealanders don't, and they're trapped in long-term credit card debt.
You can set up automatic payment for the full balance. If you can't commit to this, please consider skipping rewards cards (and all credit cards) entirely. As one cardholder said: "The interest on one missed payment would wipe out a year of rewards." Please be very careful.
If you're worried about interest, that's a good sign - it means you're thinking clearly. Too many New Zealanders don't, and they're trapped in long-term credit card debt.
You can set up automatic payment for the full balance. If you can't commit to this, please consider skipping rewards cards (and all credit cards) entirely. As one cardholder said: "The interest on one missed payment would wipe out a year of rewards." Please be very careful.
What if a restaurant doesn't accept AMEX and I'm stuck?
This happens, but less than you think. Solutions include:
Reality check from a cardholder: "I've been declined maybe three times in two year - it's mildly embarrassing, but saved thousands in rewards in this time. I'll take that trade."
- Always carry a backup card (debit or basic credit)
- Ask before ordering at new places
- Pay cash
Reality check from a cardholder: "I've been declined maybe three times in two year - it's mildly embarrassing, but saved thousands in rewards in this time. I'll take that trade."
Is the 2.50% foreign currency fee a dealbreaker?
For overseas spending, yes - it's painful. Smart approaches include:
One traveller's method: "AMEX for big pre-trip bookings, Wise card for overseas expenses. Best of both worlds."
- Book flights/hotels on AMEX (activates insurance, and you may get a NZD price anyway)
- Use Wise (or similar) or a zero-FX fee bank-issued card for actual spending abroad
- Keep AMEX for NZ purchases only
One traveller's method: "AMEX for big pre-trip bookings, Wise card for overseas expenses. Best of both worlds."
Should I get the free AMEX Airpoints card instead?
The free card earns 1 Airpoint for every $100 spent (compared to $70 for Platinum). If you spend under $1,000 monthly, it's worth considering. But you miss:
For most people who spend enough to consider AMEX, the Airpoints Platinum card delivers better value.
- Travel insurance
- Lounge passes
- Screen insurance
- Status Points
For most people who spend enough to consider AMEX, the Airpoints Platinum card delivers better value.
