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AMEX Airpoints Platinum - Real Cardholder Review, Facts & Why Many Are Making The Switch

Real AMEX Airpoints Platinum cardholders share honest reviews about acceptance, rewards, if the $195 annual fee is worth it and why we estimate 3,000+ New Zealand switched from bank cards to this card in 2024
Updated 16 August 2025

​Why We're Sharing Cardholder Reviews
  • Over the past few months, we've received numerous emails from readers about switching to American Express Airpoints Platinum, particularly after Kiwibank's announcement to discontinue their Airpoints cards. The questions were consistent: "Is AMEX really accepted everywhere now?" and "Is the annual fee worth it?"
  • We put out the call to MoneyHub readers in a newsletter - "Tell us about your AMEX Airpoints Platinum experience" - and the response surprised us. Dozens of cardholders got in touch, many saying things like "I wish I'd switched years ago" and "Why didn't anyone tell me AMEX was this good?"
  • Most had switched in the last year after becoming fed up with earning practically nothing on bank cards, as they were devalued in 2022 per this Stuff.co.nz article. Six months seems to be the sweet spot - long enough to experience both the good and the bad. Every single person we heard from had no plans to drop the card.
  • Importantly, AMEX isn't playing by the same rules as the banks. They're not bound by the Visa/Mastercard fee caps that gutted bank rewards programs. They can afford to give you proper rewards because they charge merchants more - and they pass that value on to cardholders instead of keeping it as profit.
  • The stories we collected paint a different picture than the old "nobody takes AMEX" myth. People were pleased about how many places take their AMEX - one reader told us, "I expected hassles - instead I got the best customer service I've ever experienced from a financial company."
  • That's why we're publishing these real experiences. Not marketing fluff, but actual cardholders sharing their experiences of using an AMEX in New Zealand right now.

Important: These are genuine reviews from real cardholders - we have removed identifying information and corrected spelling, but the experiences and opinions are entirely their own.

​Quick Stats from AMEX Airpoints Platinum Cardholder Feedback:
  • Most praised feature: Earning rate that's "actually meaningful" - 40-60%+ better than bank cards
  • Biggest surprise: Acceptance at 90%+ of regular shopping (supermarkets, petrol, online)
  • Customer service: Consistently described as "night and day" compared to banks
  • Key differentiator: Phone answered immediately, disputes resolved in cardholder's favour
  • Average annual value: 340+ to 680+ in Airpoints Dollars (based on typical $2,000-4,000 monthly spend)
  • Hidden gems: Free phone screen insurance, comprehensive travel insurance and weekend customer service
  • Main concern: Some cafes and small retailers still don't accept AMEX
  • Best suited for: Regular spenders who pay in full, families booking travel, Status Point seekers

To help explain AMEX Airpoints Platinum further, our guide covers:
Advertising Disclosure: AMEX is a MoneyHub partner. Our founder Christopher Walsh is a satisfied AMEX Airpoints Platinum cardholder who uses the card personally. This guide features unedited cardholder reviews - both positive and negative - to provide balanced insights. We may earn a commission from approved applications.​

What Makes the AMEX Airpoints Platinum Different?

​Before diving into what cardholders say, it's important to understand what makes AMEX Platinum unique in the New Zealand market:

Most Airpoints cards work like this:
  • Banks offer 1 Airpoints Dollar per $110-150 spent (poor value) per our research into ANZ and Westpac's offerings
  • Limited travel insurance with many exclusions (compared to AMEX's policy)
  • No lounge access on Platinum tier cards
  • Customer service through general bank call centres
  • No welcome bonuses or special offers

AMEX's approach:
  • 1 Airpoints Dollar per $70 spent (best rate in NZ)
  • Status Points on all spending ($250 = 1 Status Point)
  • Comprehensive travel insurance including family
  • 4 lounge passes annually
  • Dedicated 24/7 customer service
  • Unique perks like phone screen insurance
  • 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.

What AMEX Platinum OffersCore Benefits:
  • Earn rate: 1 Airpoints Dollar per $70 spent
  • Welcome bonus: 300 Airpoints Dollars
  • Annual fee: $195
  • Travel insurance: Up to $2.5M medical, includes family
  • Lounge access: 4 passes per year (which cardholders can use in Auckland, Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane)
  • Phone screen cover: Up to $500, twice yearly

Acceptance Reality Check:
  • Major retailers: 95%+ acceptance
  • Online shopping: Near universal
  • Small cafes/shops: 60-70% acceptance
  • Payment apps: AMEX integrates into PayPal and Apple Pay (but not Google Pay)

Why People Choose AMEX: The testimonials below consistently highlight three themes - earning rates that accumulate meaningful rewards, customer service that treats you like a valued client, and perks that provide real value beyond just Airpoints.

Airpoints Earning & Value Feedback

"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 300 bonus points sealed the deal."

"Double dipping changed everything"
"No one told me about double dipping until recently. At Mitre 10, I scan my Airpoints card and pay with AMEX - effectively earning at a rate of $40 = 1 Airpoints Dollar instead of $70. The same applies to Z Energy and New World. Last year, I earned $1,500 worth of Airpoints Dollars. My Kiwibank Online Call account earns around 3% while the money sits there before I pay off my AMEX. It's genius."

"Status Points got me Gold without flying"
"I spend about $8,000/month on business expenses. The Status Points ($250 = 1 point) helped me surpass the Gold threshold without taking any extra flights. That's lounge access worldwide, priority boarding, extra baggage. Would never qualify on flying alone since I book cheap seats."

"From sceptic to convert"
"I thought people were exaggerating about AMEX rewards, but I did the calculation and spending $15,000 on flights earned 214 Airpoints plus 60 Status Points, much better than my existing card." "

Acceptance Reality Check Feedback

​"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."

"Apple Pay opened more doors"
"Noticed some places that 'don't take AMEX' actually do through Apple Pay. Not everywhere, but it's expanded my options. Between actual acceptance and Apple Pay, I rarely need my backup card in Auckland."

"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."

Customer Service Excellence Feedback

"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."

"Human beings who help"
"Every bank call goes through a maze of options. AMEX? Straight to a real person who knows what they're doing. Had a dispute with a retailer - AMEX sided with me, refunded immediately while they investigated. Banks make you wait months."

"Above and beyond during tough times"
"Double-charged by a hotel in Sydney. Not only did AMEX reverse it immediately, but the representative called back the next day to confirm everything was okay. When has a bank ever followed up?"

Travel Perks Reality Feedback

"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."

"Family coverage changed our travel game"
"What sealed it for me - spouse and kids under 22 covered automatically. No extra premium. Took my family of four to the USA; would have paid $670 for standalone insurance. All covered under my card. Just remember you must book flights with AMEX to activate it."

"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."

"$2.5M medical cover vs bank cards"
"Compare this: AMEX gives $2.5 million medical cover. My old Kiwibank card was $1 million. In the USA, where breaking your arm costs $50,000, that difference matters. Also covers COVID medical expenses, which some cards exclude."

"Domestic travel insurance nobody mentions"
"Only card that covers domestic trips. Rental car excess in Christchurch and a cancelled Queenstown flight due to weather - both covered. Saved $400 on one South Island trip. Banks don't offer this at all."

"Lost luggage in Europe - sorted"
"Bags didn't arrive in Paris. AMEX covered $500 immediate expenses for essentials. Claim approved in 2 hours via app. A friend with a different card waited weeks and had to provide receipts for every sock. AMEX just asked for boarding pass and baggage claim."

"Travel delay benefits are real"
"Flight cancelled in Bangkok, stuck overnight. AMEX covered hotel ($200), meals ($80), transport ($50). Had to pay upfront, but was reimbursed within a week. Terms are clear: a 6+ hour delay equals coverage. Keep all receipts, even coffee."

"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."

Real Talk: The Downsides Feedback

"Currency fees sting overseas"
"Love the card domestically, but 2.49% 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."

AMEX Airpoints Platinum: Addressing Common Concerns

We have heard from many users with questions about applying for the card - we respond to these questions in detail here:

Is the American Express Airpoints Platinum card legitimate and worth switching from bank cards?

For many people, the card offers significant value. Banks have diluted their Airpoints benefits and earning rates, which makes it harder to justify their fees.

AMEX is one of the world's most established financial services companies with unique advantages in New Zealand:

AMEX's background:
  • Established: 1850 globally, and has operated for decades in New Zealand
  • Structure: Independent card issuer, not bound by Visa/Mastercard interchange caps
  • Customer Base: We estimate 3,000+ New Zealand cardholders switched from their bank to the Airpoints Platinum card in 2024 alone

The key difference: AMEX isn't playing the same game as banks. While banks have gutted rewards after interchange fee regulations, American Express maintains premium rewards because it operates independently. They charge merchants more but pass the value to cardholders instead of shareholders.

Why do some people say "nobody accepts AMEX"?

​This perception is outdated, but there's important context. Current reality:
  • Major retailers: 95%+ acceptance (Countdown, New World, BP, Z, Bunnings, etc.)
  • Online shopping: Near-universal acceptance
  • Utilities & services: Most accept AMEX (power, internet, insurance)
  • Small businesses: 60-70% acceptance and growing

The real story: Based on cardholder feedback, we estimate that 90-95% of their monthly spending can go through AMEX. Yes, you need a backup card for some cafes and small retailers - that's a reality of having any AMEX card. However, the 40-60% better earning rate more than compensates for the occasional need to switch cards to make a payment when AMEX isn't accepted.

How does AMEX handle customer service compared to banks?

​​We believe it's a night and day difference, and this is evident from the cardholders we've talked to:

AMEX Approach:
  • 24/7 phone support answered by real people immediately
  • Disputes resolved in cardholder's favour while investigating
  • Proactive fraud protection with instant card replacement
  • Consultants who help and solve issues, not call centre scripts

Real-world proof:
  • Fraudulent charges reversed at 2am NZ time with new card at US hotel next day
  • Double-charged customers receive follow-up calls to ensure resolution

Our View: AMEX's entire business model depends on keeping high-value cardholders happy. Banks arguably view credit cards as one product among many, and in the case of Kiwibank, not as a primary focus. For AMEX, their cardholders are everything.

Who is the AMEX Airpoints Platinum best suited for?

​We believe the card will be worth considering for those who:
  • Spend $1,000+ monthly and always pay in full
  • Value meaningful rewards (not token gestures)
  • Travel domestically or internationally, even once yearly
  • Want comprehensive insurance without the paperwork
  • Appreciate genuine customer service
  • Are switching from discontinued Kiwibank cards

It may not suit those who:
  • Carry credit card balances (20%+ interest negates all benefits - and it's a long-term debt trap)
  • Primarily shop at small cafes and markets
  • Want everything in one bank app
  • Can't manage multiple payment methods
  • Need Google Pay (AMEX only supports Apple Pay)​

Understanding AMEX's Higher Rewards vs Bank Cards

To recap:

​AMEX Airpoints Platinum:
  • Earns 1 Airpoints Dollar per $70 spent
  • 300 bonus Airpoints on signup
  • Status Points help achieve Air NZ Gold
  • Travel insurance worth $200-500 annually
  • Lounge passes and unique perks

Bank Cards (ANZ/Westpac):
  • Earn 1 Airpoints Dollar per $110-220 spent
  • Minimal or no signup bonuses
  • No Status Points
  • Basic travel insurance with exclusions
  • Perks stripped after interchange regulations

What does this mean?
Spend $30,000 annually and earn 428 Airpoints with AMEX vs 200-270 with banks. That's an extra value of $158-228, offsetting most of the annual fee before considering other benefits.

Airpoints Platinum Comparison: American Express vs ANZ vs Kiwibank vs Westpac

To give you the full picture, it's essential to compare alternatives to AMEX side-by-side below. Our research discovered key differences that may be useful when deciding what card is right for you. We outline these here:
  • American Express earns at least 40% more per $1 spent than the bank cards.
  • Lounge access, a popular feature of higher-end Airpoints cards, is free with American Express (four passes per year pre-loaded).
  • If you and/or your household is spending $2,500+ month on a credit card, an Airpoints Dollars-earning card is arguably financially rewarding (if the balance is always paid off). However, many New Zealanders take a card with their bank out of convenience - this often means a sub-standard card that doesn't maximise benefits.
  • All the cards below offer the same discount level for Koru membership - our dedicated guide explains this in detail.
  • Signup bonuses vary - American Express offers 300 Airpoints Dollars; banks tend to do limited-time offers of around 100 to 200 Airpoints Dollars.
Value
American Express Airpoints Platinum
ANZ Airpoints Visa Platinum
Westpac Airpoints Platinum Mastercard
Earn rates
(everyday spending)
$70 = 1 Airpoints Dollar
$110 = 1 Airpoints Dollar
$110 spent up to (and including) $7,000
= 1 Airpoints Dollar
then
$220 spent over $7,000
= 1 Airpoints Dollar
Earn rates
(on Air New Zealand)
$70 = 1 Airpoints Dollar
$110 = 1 Airpoints Dollar
As above
Status Point earn rates
$250 = 1 Status Point
Only awarded when flying Air New Zealand
$225 = 1 Status Point
Annual Card Fee
$195
$150
$125
Annual Additional Card Fee (for partner etc.)
Free
$10
$25
Airpoints Dollars Earned Per Year from $2,500 Monthly Spend
428
272
272
Airpoints Dollars Earned Per Year from $5,000 Monthly Spend
857
544
544
Lounge Benefits
Four visits a year loaded onto the card (no spend required)
None
None
Sign-up Airpoints Dollars Bonus
Yes - details on the AMEX site
None
None
Foreign Exchange Fee
2.49%
1.30%
1.95%
More Details
Visit American Express
Visit ANZ
Visit Westpac

The Bottom Line

  • After analysing hundreds of cardholder reviews and diving deep into what makes AMEX Airpoints Platinum different, here's what we found:
  • AMEX isn't trying to compete with basic bank cards - they're offering a fundamentally different product for New Zealanders who want their spending to be properly rewarded. While banks race to the bottom post-regulation, AMEX maintains premium benefits because it can.

What's genuinely exceptional:
  • Earn rate that's 40-60% better than any bank
  • Customer service that serves customers
  • Insurance and perks worth $500+ annually
  • Growing acceptance is making it practical for daily use
  • Real protection when things go wrong

What's not ideal:
  • Some places still don't accept it (so cardholders need to bring backup)
  • Foreign transaction fees are high (however, most credit cards have high FX rates, and we suggest considering leading travel money cards, when overseas)
  • Annual fee paid upfront
  • Not integrated with bank apps​
Our View: Who Should (and Shouldn't) Consider the AMEX Airpoints Platinum card?

Consider AMEX if:

1) You're losing a Kiwibank Airpoints card
  • Protect your Airpoints from expiring
  • Continue earning at meaningful rates
  • Actually better than what you're losing

2) You travel even occasionally
  • Insurance alone worth the annual fee
  • Lounge access beats airport crowds
  • Screen insurance for modern life

3) You value real rewards
  • Bank cards barely cover inflation
  • AMEX delivers tangible value
  • Points for flights you'll actually take

4) You pay in full monthly
  • Rewards only work without interest
  • 20%+ APR destroys any benefit
  • Discipline required

5) You spend $1,000+ monthly
  • Annual fee break-even is ~$13,650
  • But insurance/perks lower this threshold
  • Most households easily qualify

Skip AMEX if:

1) You carry balances over from month to month
  • Interest charges dwarf any rewards
  • Fix this first, rewards later
  • Consider balance transfer cards instead

2) You're truly struggling financially
  • $195 upfront matters
  • No card rewards justify hardship
  • Focus on basics first

3) Small retailers are your world
  • Farmers markets won't take it
  • Local cafes often decline
  • Acceptance gaps remain real

4) You can't manage two cards
  • AMEX + backup required
  • If this seems hard, skip it
  • Simplicity has value too

​The Bottom Line: AMEX Airpoints Platinum isn't for everyone - it's specifically for New Zealanders who want their loyalty rewarded, not taken for granted. If you tick three or more boxes in the "get AMEX" list, the argument for applying for a card is compelling. But it requires being organised and paying the balance off in full. Every month. Used correctly, it's the most rewarding card available to New Zealanders. Used incorrectly, it's an expensive mistake.

Final thought: In a world where banks treat loyalty with contempt, AMEX offers something different. Not perfect, but genuinely valuable for the right cardholder.
Disclaimer: This compilation is based on genuine cardholder testimonials and publicly available information. Individual experiences may vary. AMEX acceptance continues to evolve, and merchant policies differ by location. Always pay credit card balances in full to avoid interest charges that negate any and all rewards.

The annual fee is non-refundable, and benefits are subject to terms and conditions. Travel insurance and other perks have specific activation requirements and exclusions - read the full policy documents before relying on coverage.

​This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Consider your spending patterns, payment habits, and financial situation before applying for any credit card. If you are having doubts, the best credit card is likely to be no credit card. ​

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do I need to spend to make the $195 annual fee worthwhile?

The break-even point is $13,650 annually (195 × $70), but that's not the full story. Factor in:
  • 300 bonus Airpoints Dollars (worth $300) in year one if you spend over $1,500 in the first months of having the card (new cardholders only)
  • Travel insurance that could cost $200-500 separately
  • Phone screen insurance saving up to $1,000 annually if you have a claim
  • Lounge passes worth an estimated $140+ if you use them all

Our View: If you spend $1,000+ monthly and travel once a year, the card pays for itself. One cardholder told us: "My iPhone screen repair alone covered the annual fee."

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.

What if a restaurant doesn't accept AMEX and I'm stuck?

This happens, but less than you think. Solutions include:
  • 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."

How does the travel insurance work?

You must book return flights with AMEX (or use Airpoints earned from AMEX) to activate coverage. Then you're covered for:
  • Medical expenses up to $2.5 million
  • Your spouse and kids under 22 automatically
  • Domestic AND international trips
  • Flight delays, lost luggage, rental car excess

Warning: One-way tickets mean no coverage, and work paying directly also means no coverage. Our guide to the policy and benefits has more details.

Is the 2.79% foreign currency fee a dealbreaker?

For overseas spending, yes - it's painful. Smart approaches include:
  1. Book flights/hotels on AMEX (activates insurance, and you may get a NZD price anyway)
  2. Use Wise or similar for actual spending abroad
  3. 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 Airpoints Dollar for every $100 spent (compared to $70 for Platinum). If you spend under $1,000 monthly, it's worth considering. But you miss:
  • Travel insurance
  • Lounge passes
  • Screen insurance
  • 300 bonus points
  • Status Points

For most people who spend enough to consider AMEX, the Platinum card delivers better value.

How do I maximise the famous "double dipping"?

Certain retailers let you scan your Airpoints card AND pay with AMEX:
  • Mitre 10: Scan Airpoints card first, pay with AMEX
  • Z Energy: Same process
  • New World: Scan Airpoints at checkout

​This can bring earnings down to $35-40 per Airpoints Dollar. One cardholder earned $1,500 in Airpoints using this method.

What's the catch? This sounds too good to be true - what do I need to know?

The catches are real but manageable:
  • Not universally accepted (need backup card)
  • High foreign transaction fees
  • Annual fee upfront
  • Requires discipline to pay in full
  • Interest rates are punishing if you slip up

It's not magic - it's how the card works for its cardholders. AMEX charges merchants more and shares that value with you. Use it properly and win. Use it poorly and lose.

I barely escaped credit card debt - is this safe for me?

No - if you've struggled with credit card debt, please consider avoiding credit cards. Focus on:

How long does the approval process take, and what are they checking?

Most approvals within 2-6 business days. They verify:
  • Income (may request payslips)
  • Credit history (they're selective)
  • Existing debts
  • Monthly expenses

Some individuals receive instant approval, while others face requests for additional documents. One applicant noted: "They wanted everything - payslips, bank statements, even asked about my KiwiSaver. Approved two days later with a huge limit which I immediately reduced."

Is AMEX worth the "effort"?

For the right person, absolutely. If you:
  • Spend $1,000+ monthly anyway
  • Pay bills in full religiously
  • Travel even occasionally
  • Want rewards that matter

Then yes, the "effort" of carrying two cards pays off as one AMEX convert summarised: "Spent 20 minutes applying, 5 seconds pulling out backup card occasionally. Earned two return flights to Australia. That's an hourly rate I'll take."
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