Compare the Best Credit Cards (June 2025)
Looking for a new credit card? We outline and compare the best credit cards for Balance Transfer, Rewards, Cashback, Air New Zealand Airpoints Dollars, Low Interest and Students.
Updated 27 June 2025
From cards with the lowest interest rates to those that can give you free flights, our research team analysed the market and selected the best offerings, making it easy to find the best credit card for your needs. Our categories include:
Important: If you are in any doubt about your ability to repay the full balance of a credit card when it falls due, please consider avoiding credit cards altogether. The interest rates are too expensive and we want to avoid more people falling into the credit card interest debt trap, as outlined in this Stuff.co.nz column by MoneyHub's founder Christopher Walsh.
Advertising Disclaimer: MoneyHub may earn a referral bonus for anyone that’s approved through some of the links below. 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.
From cards with the lowest interest rates to those that can give you free flights, our research team analysed the market and selected the best offerings, making it easy to find the best credit card for your needs. Our categories include:
- Balance Transfer
- Travel, Airpoints and Rewards
- Rewards and Cashback
- Travel and FX Rate
- Low-Interest
- Student
- Free
Important: If you are in any doubt about your ability to repay the full balance of a credit card when it falls due, please consider avoiding credit cards altogether. The interest rates are too expensive and we want to avoid more people falling into the credit card interest debt trap, as outlined in this Stuff.co.nz column by MoneyHub's founder Christopher Walsh.
Advertising Disclaimer: MoneyHub may earn a referral bonus for anyone that’s approved through some of the links below. 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.
Important: The Airpoints credit card landscape has shifted dramatically. With Kiwibank discontinuing its Airpoints cards in 2025, bank-issued options are losing their edge. Here’s why American Express Airpoints Platinum stands out:
- Bank-issued Airpoints Credit Cards Are Fading: Kiwibank’s exit follows a trend of reduced rewards. Since 2022, banks like ANZ and Westpac have slashed earn rates (e.g., 1 Airpoints Dollar per $115–$120 spent), citing capped interchange fees (0.80% on Visa/Mastercard transactions, effective November 2022). These limits restrict banks’ ability to offer competitive rewards, cashback, or perks. We expect further changes from banks later in 2025 as interchange fees reduce, and the news will not be positive for cardholders of bank-issued Airpoints credit cards.
- AMEX Is Unaffected: American Express cards bypass these fee caps, delivering superior value. The AMEX Airpoints Platinum Card offers New Zealand’s best earn rate (1 Airpoints Dollar per $70 spent) and exclusive benefits like 300 bonus Airpoints Dollars for new members (spend $1,500 in 3 months).
- Why Switch Now?: With bank cards offering less, AMEX Airpoints Platinum is the go-to for Airpoints earners. Cardholders enjoy lounge access vouchers, travel insurance, and Status Points to boost their Air NZ Silver/Gold/Elite status. Apply Now to secure 300 bonus Airpoints.
- Alternatively, if you're looking to earn points for free business class flights with other airlines, 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.
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:
Note: For smaller, independent shops or cafes, carry a bank-issued Visa/Mastercard as a backup, as AMEX acceptance can vary.
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):
- Supermarkets: Countdown, New World, PAK’nSAVE, SuperValue, FreshChoice
- Fuel Stations: BP, Caltex, GAS, Gull, Mobil, Shell, Z Fuel
- Retail & Hardware: Mitre 10, Bunnings Warehouse, Harvey Norman, Kmart, Glassons, Hallensteins, Farmers, The Warehouse
- Dining: McDonald’s, Burger Burger, Coffee Club, Hell Pizza
- Utilities: Contact Energy, Genesis Energy, Powershop
- 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.
|
Why AMEX Outshines ANZ and Westpac:
Card |
Earn Rate |
Annual Fee |
Bonus Offer |
Lounge Access |
AMEX Airpoints Platinum |
1 Airpoints Dollar/$70 spend |
$195 |
300 Airpoints Dollars |
Yes (4 passes) |
Westpac Airpoints Platinum |
1 Airpoints Dollar/$110 spend (then $220 after $7,000 monthly spend) |
$125 |
None |
No |
Westpac Airpoints World |
1 Airpoints Dollar/$95 spend(then $190 after $15,000 monthly spend) |
$310 |
None |
Yes (Priority Pass) |
ANZ Airpoints Platinum |
1 Airpoints Dollar/$115 spend |
$150 |
200 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.
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.
Find a card based on what you spend each month:
Our shortlist has you covered for rewards, cashback and free flights. If you're spending at least $500 a month on credit card-friendly merchants (e.g. supermarkets, petrol stations and everyday expenses), we list the most rewarding cards:
- Firstly, do you struggle to pay off a credit card? If so, we suggest considering a balance transfer credit card such as the ASB Visa Light and then avoiding credit cards altogether until your finances improve. Credit cards interest is expensive, and debts can become impossible to clear. We're campaigning in the media to make people aware of the appalling costs - if you'd like to share your thoughts, please get in touch with our research team.
- Do you spend around $500 a month? We suggest considering The American Express Airpoints Card - it costs $0/year and gives you 1 Airpoints Dollar for every $100 you spend. There is currently a bonus offer available to new card members, you can receive 50 bonus Airpoints Dollars when you apply, are approved and spend $750 on your new Card within the first 3 months.
- Do you spend between $500 and $1,500 a month? We suggest considering The American Express Airpoints Platinum Card -there is a fee of $195/year but it gives you a wide range of benefits, including 1 Airpoints Dollar for every $70 you spend. There is a bonus offer for new card members of 300 bonus Airpoints Dollars when you apply, are approved and spend $1,500 on your new Card within the first 3 months.
- Do you spend $1,500+ a month? We suggest considering an Airpoints card (The American Express Airpoints Platinum Card leads by way of fees, rewards and benefits).
- Our guide to the Best American Express Credit Cards has more information about the cards available.
MoneyHub Founder Christopher Walsh shares his views on Credit Cards:Banks (arguably) offer credit cards aggressively to their customers, but my view is that these cards don't deliver the value they should in many situations. I frequently receive complaints about poor value bank "cashback" and "reward" cards, just as I do about bank savings account interest rates (as outlined in this Stuff.co.nz column).
What's worse - interest rates average around 18% p.a. according to data published by the Reserve Bank. With over $3 billion outstanding every month, New Zealanders spend approximately $500 million a year on just servicing the interest. That's close to $1.5m a day paid out to credit card companies. Repaying credit card balances can drag on for years and I receive emails every week from everyday New Zealanders who are in a credit card debt trap - please don't let this happen to you. My view is simple: No one should rush into a credit card application. For this reason, we've explained the cards below 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 for you is "no credit card". Our video below explains what you need to know when it comes to the best credit cards available right now: |
Christopher Walsh
MoneyHub Founder |
Our Favourite Credit Cards by Category (Airpoints, Rewards and Cashback)
We're frustrated with the low level of rewards and cashback offered by banks. We don't think being charged $40+ a year to have a rewards credit card that only gives you a $10 voucher for spending $1,500 to $2,000 is a good deal. But, sadly, it is the norm. What is somewhat helpful is the range of balance transfer offers and long-term low-interest rate cards
Everyone's credit card needs are different, so we've shortlisted five must-consider options to make life cheaper, easier and more rewarding. Our top credit cards are as follows:
1. Our pick for the best Balance Transfer credit card: The Co-operative Bank Fair Rate Credit Card - this card offers 0% interest for six months, $20 annual card fees and a low interest rate after that. If you're serious about paying off credit card debt in six months and getting 'debt free', this card is arguably the fastest way to do it.
2. Our pick for the best Airpoints credit card (most popular): The American Express Airpoints Platinum card - $195/year fee, earn 1 Airpoints Dollar for every $70 spent (the best rate in New Zealand), status points, lounge access and other travel and insurance perks. Bonus offer: You'll also get 300 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. Our comparison of this AMEX card with the ANZ Airpoints Platinum Visa shows the value it offers.
3. Our pick for the best free rewards and benefits credit card (no annual fee card): The American Express Airpoints Card - $0/year fee. Earn $1 of rewards (Airpoints Dollars) for every $100 spent, redeemable at the Airpoints Store (with 6,000+ reward options) or on flights. 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.
4. For general rewards and cashback we have shortlisted several cards:
5. Our pick for the lowest interest rate credit card: The Kiwibank Zero Visa - $0/year fee. This card offers a strong 12.90% p.a. interest rate, low card fees and a 1.99% p.a. balance transfer offer. If you don't always pay off your credit card, but have a regular income and don't drag balances, Kiwibank's offer is likely to be the most cost-effective.
Know This:
Everyone's credit card needs are different, so we've shortlisted five must-consider options to make life cheaper, easier and more rewarding. Our top credit cards are as follows:
1. Our pick for the best Balance Transfer credit card: The Co-operative Bank Fair Rate Credit Card - this card offers 0% interest for six months, $20 annual card fees and a low interest rate after that. If you're serious about paying off credit card debt in six months and getting 'debt free', this card is arguably the fastest way to do it.
2. Our pick for the best Airpoints credit card (most popular): The American Express Airpoints Platinum card - $195/year fee, earn 1 Airpoints Dollar for every $70 spent (the best rate in New Zealand), status points, lounge access and other travel and insurance perks. Bonus offer: You'll also get 300 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. Our comparison of this AMEX card with the ANZ Airpoints Platinum Visa shows the value it offers.
3. Our pick for the best free rewards and benefits credit card (no annual fee card): The American Express Airpoints Card - $0/year fee. Earn $1 of rewards (Airpoints Dollars) for every $100 spent, redeemable at the Airpoints Store (with 6,000+ reward options) or on flights. 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.
4. For general rewards and cashback we have shortlisted several cards:
- a) Our pick for rewards is the American Express Gold Rewards Card. It offers a generous AMEX point earning ($1 = 2 points, and these points can be redeemed for statement credit, flights and other rewards). It also offers two $100 dining credits every year. Our review explains the American Express Gold Rewards card further.
- b) For pure cashback, without anything complicated, we suggest considering the SBS Visa Credit Card, which gives you 67 cents for every $100 you spend on the card with no annual fee. You don't need to be a SBS Bank customer either.
- c) For a top-earning rewards card that has near-endless reward options, we suggest considering the American Express Airpoints Platinum card. The fee is $195/year, and it earns 1 Airpoints Dollar for every $70 spend (the best rate in New Zealand). It also offers status points, lounge access and other travel and insurance perks. You can spend Airpoints Dollars on gifts, food and beverage, Mitre 10 and other hardware shops, flights and thousands of other options. Bonus offer: You'll also get 300 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.
- d) Our pick for the best cashback and general rewards (high earner, business owner etc.): If you earn 'six figures' and have a high-end lifestyle and a work situation that lets you charge back expenses to your company or employer, the American Express Platinum Charge Card is unique and rewarding. However, the card fee is not cheap ($1,250/year fee) but cardholders enjoy extensive reward, travel, hotel, dining and insurance benefits. If you're a business owner, the annual fee is tax deductible while the benefits/rewards are not subject to fringe benefit tax. As a background, 200 points = $1 of statement credit (i.e. cashback on your spend), and cardholders earn 2 points per $1 spent. If you can charge back work expenses and tend to spend $3,000+ a month on your card and make use of the extensive benefits, this card will most likely deliver value.
5. Our pick for the lowest interest rate credit card: The Kiwibank Zero Visa - $0/year fee. This card offers a strong 12.90% p.a. interest rate, low card fees and a 1.99% p.a. balance transfer offer. If you don't always pay off your credit card, but have a regular income and don't drag balances, Kiwibank's offer is likely to be the most cost-effective.
Know This:
- You can apply in only a few minutes, and there is no obligation to have a credit card issued.
- 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 charge interest rates that can make repayments challenging to manage.
- Are you looking for something else? Take a look at our must-have Credit Cards list, which has a number of our favourite options that offer unbeatable value for money.
- We previously had several buttons featuring low-interest credit cards and balance transfer credit cards. However, we don't want to endorse credit card debt products or encourage debt creation, so we removed them. However, you can find the best offers in their relevant section on this page.
Top Performing Airpoints, Rewards and Cashback Cards:
1. Best Balance Transfer Credit Card
Our view: The Co-operative Bank's credit card charges an annual fee of $20 and offers an attractive long-term low interest rate.
The deal:
What you need to know:
Want more options? Read our Review of Balance Transfer Credit Cards for the best deals now available.
MoneyHub in the news: Read our Balance Transfer feature in Stuff.co.nz
The deal:
- Interest rate: 0% for 6 months, then 12.95% afterwards
- Annual fee: $20 ($10 every six months)
- Balance transfer fee: None
- Monthly payments: Must be above the monthly minimum (either 3% or $10 of the balance owing - whichever is greater)
What you need to know:
- You can't transfer a balance from another The Co-operative Bank card.
- The minimum credit limit is $1,000. The minimum balance transfer amount is $100, and the balance transfer amount can't be above 80% of your credit limit.
- After the 0% ends, it's 12.95% interest on any remaining transferred debt until it’s paid off.
- Don't spend/withdraw cash on this card, the interest rate for new purchases is 12.95%
- You can only transfer from another card once, but you can consolidate multiple cards in one balance transfer.
- For more details or to apply, visit the co-operative bank's website.
Want more options? Read our Review of Balance Transfer Credit Cards for the best deals now available.
MoneyHub in the news: Read our Balance Transfer feature in Stuff.co.nz
Worth Considering: Low Interest Rate, Balance Transfer Options and Zero Fees - Westpac Fee Free Mastercard
Our View: An excellent offering with zero annual fees, zero overseas FX fees and a low interest rate.
The deal:
Our View: An excellent offering with zero annual fees, zero overseas FX fees and a low interest rate.
The deal:
- Interest rate: 12.90% p.a.
- Annual fee: $0
- Balance transfer offer: 5.95% for the life of the balance
- Monthly payments: Must be above the monthly minimum (either 2% or $5 of the balance owing - whichever is greater)
- For more details or to apply, visit Westpac's website.
Another Option: ASB Visa Light
Our view: ASB offers a 0% balance transfer deal, with six months available to clear the balance and improve your financial habits. After six months, the annual interest charge increases to 13.50%. You must request a balance transfer in the first 30 days to get the 0% interest period, and you can't transfer a balance from another ASB card.
The deal:
Want to apply? Review the credit card in detail here (this link takes you to ASB's website)
Our view: ASB offers a 0% balance transfer deal, with six months available to clear the balance and improve your financial habits. After six months, the annual interest charge increases to 13.50%. You must request a balance transfer in the first 30 days to get the 0% interest period, and you can't transfer a balance from another ASB card.
The deal:
- Interest rate: 0% p.a. for six months, thereafter 13.50% p.a.
- Annual fee: $0
- Interest-Free Offers on Purchases: Yes, 6 months interest-free on purchases over $1,000
- Monthly payments: Must be above the monthly minimum (either 3% or $10 of the balance owing - whichever is greater)
Want to apply? Review the credit card in detail here (this link takes you to ASB's website)
Another Option: ANZ Low Rate Visa
Our view: The ANZ offers an attractive balance transfer for short-term debt with no annual fee in the first year. You'll need to pay the balance off within 24 months to avoid the 9.95%* interest rate being charged on the remaining balance.
The deal:
Want to apply? Review the credit card in detail here (this link takes you to ANZ's website)
Our view: The ANZ offers an attractive balance transfer for short-term debt with no annual fee in the first year. You'll need to pay the balance off within 24 months to avoid the 9.95%* interest rate being charged on the remaining balance.
The deal:
- Interest rate: 1.99% for 24 months, then 13.90% afterwards
- Annual fee: $0 for the first year, then $35 every year afterwards (charged at $17.50 every six months)
- Balance transfer fee: none
- Monthly payments: Must be above the monthly minimum (either 3% or $10 of the balance owing - whichever is greater)
- You need to transfer a balance in the first 30 days to get the 0% interest period.
- You can't transfer a balance from another ANZ card.
- After the 0% ends, it's 9.95% interest on any remaining transferred debt until it’s paid off.
- Don't spend/withdraw cash on this card, the interest rate for new purchases is 9.95%
Want to apply? Review the credit card in detail here (this link takes you to ANZ's website)
2. ​Best Travel, Airpoints and Rewards Card
American Express Airpoints Platinum
Our view:
The deal:
Want to apply? Review the credit card in detail here (this link takes you to the American Express website)
Our view:
- Despite an annual fee of $195, the card is packed with features. You can review the credit card in detail here.
- Rewards: You can spend Airpoints Dollars on gifts, food and beverage, Mitre 10 and other hardware shops, flights and thousands of other options. Our guide to redeeming Airpoints Dollars for maximum value has more details.
- Bonus: You'll also get 300 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. This sign-up bonus effectively pays for membership fee for at least the first year.
- With the highest earning rate of Airpoints Dollars (approx 1.70 per NZ$100 spent), and a range of useful insurance and lounge perks, which can save hundreds of dollars if you use rental cars, holiday overseas and/or want the benefit from growing your Airpoints balance each month.
- American Express is widely accepted around New Zealand with all supermarkets and major retailers covered.
- Additional benefits also include mobile phone screen insurance (if you paid for your phone with an American Express) and a significant discount on the Koru Club membership.
- In summary, we believe that the American Express Airpoints Platinum is one of the best credit cards on offer with wide appeal among many New Zealand households.
The deal:
- Annual Fee: $195
- Airpoints or Membership Rewards? Airpoints
- Annual percentage interest rate: 22.95% p.a.
- Interest Free Period: up to 55 days
- Be aware: To spend enough to cover the annual fee, you'll need to charge around $11.500 (to earn 195 Airpoints Dollars), or, on average, around $1,000 a month.
- Earning: Every $70 you spend = 1 Airpoints Dollar, and $250 spend = 1 Status Point
- Additional benefits: Complimentary Domestic and International Travel Insurance, four lounge passes per year (two in Auckland Airport, two for either Sydney or Melbourne) and complimentary Mobile phone screen insurance (if you used your AMEX to pay for the phone, up to repair costs of $500) and rental car excess insurance (up to $3,000)
- More details: American Express Airpoints Platinum Review and American Express Free Airpoints Card vs Airpoints Platinum
Want to apply? Review the credit card in detail here (this link takes you to the American Express website)
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:
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 |
Alternatives:
- We have summarised and compared all Airpoints Platinum cards here, which covers AMEX, ANZ and Westpac, alongside AMEX. We also have dedicated comparisons.
- 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.
3. Best Rewards and Cashback Credit Cards
For general rewards and cashback we have shortlisted three cards:
a) Our pick for the best rewards card (for average to high earners who pay their credit card in full every month):
For a top-earning rewards card that has near-endless reward options, we suggest considering the American Express Airpoints Platinum card. The fee is $195/year, and it earns 1 Airpoints Dollar for every $70 spend (the best rate in New Zealand). It also offers status points, lounge access and other travel and insurance perks. You can spend Airpoints Dollars on gifts, food and beverage, Mitre 10 and other hardware shops, flights and thousands of other options. 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 Card Members only.
b) Our pick for the best cashback (for average to high earners who pay their credit card in full every month): For pure cashback, we suggest considering the SBS Visa Credit Card, which gives you 67 cents for every $100 you spend on the card with no annual fee. You don't need to be a SBS Bank customer either. The TSB Platinum Mastercard offers 1 cent for every $1 spent but has a $90 annual fee, so you'll need to spend around $6,300 to earn enough cashback to offset the annual fee.
c) Our pick for the best cashback and general rewards (for high earners, business owner etc.): Do you spend $5,000+ a month, own a (profitable) business and/or charge back a lot of work-related expenses? If so, we suggest considering the top-tier American Express Platinum Charge Card, a unique and rewarding option. However, the card fee is not cheap ($1,250/year fee) but cardholders enjoy extensive reward, travel, hotel, dining and insurance benefits. If you're a business owner, the annual fee is tax deductible while the benefits/rewards are not subject to fringe benefit tax. As a background, 200 points = $1 of statement credit (i.e. cashback on your spend), and cardholders earn 2 points per $1 spent.
a) Our pick for the best rewards card (for average to high earners who pay their credit card in full every month):
For a top-earning rewards card that has near-endless reward options, we suggest considering the American Express Airpoints Platinum card. The fee is $195/year, and it earns 1 Airpoints Dollar for every $70 spend (the best rate in New Zealand). It also offers status points, lounge access and other travel and insurance perks. You can spend Airpoints Dollars on gifts, food and beverage, Mitre 10 and other hardware shops, flights and thousands of other options. 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 Card Members only.
b) Our pick for the best cashback (for average to high earners who pay their credit card in full every month): For pure cashback, we suggest considering the SBS Visa Credit Card, which gives you 67 cents for every $100 you spend on the card with no annual fee. You don't need to be a SBS Bank customer either. The TSB Platinum Mastercard offers 1 cent for every $1 spent but has a $90 annual fee, so you'll need to spend around $6,300 to earn enough cashback to offset the annual fee.
c) Our pick for the best cashback and general rewards (for high earners, business owner etc.): Do you spend $5,000+ a month, own a (profitable) business and/or charge back a lot of work-related expenses? If so, we suggest considering the top-tier American Express Platinum Charge Card, a unique and rewarding option. However, the card fee is not cheap ($1,250/year fee) but cardholders enjoy extensive reward, travel, hotel, dining and insurance benefits. If you're a business owner, the annual fee is tax deductible while the benefits/rewards are not subject to fringe benefit tax. As a background, 200 points = $1 of statement credit (i.e. cashback on your spend), and cardholders earn 2 points per $1 spent.
The American Express Gold Rewards Card
The Basics:
The Need-to-knows:
The Basics:
- This is a dining credit and rewards card combined - unique in New Zealand. Cardholders choose between a pink or gold metal card when applying.
- Dining credit: $200 free statement credit per year if you dine out at selected restaurants: American Express has a number of dining partners throughout New Zealand. If you visit them and spend over $100 on one bill, you’ll get $100 credited to your statement. The dining credit resets every six months.
- Rewards: Cardholders earn 2 Membership Reward Points per $1 spent. This means that an annual card spend of around $25,000 will earn 50,000 Membership Reward Points. This can be converted to 333 Airpoints Dollars, $375 of travel credit (bookable via American Express Travel) or around $250 credit on your card costs (52,000 Membership Rewards points).
The Need-to-knows:
- Interest rate: 22.95% p.a
- Interest-free days: 55
- Annual fee: $200, billed annually
- Bonus offer: $200 statement credit when you apply online, are approved and spend $1,500 on your new Card within the first 3 months. New Card Members only. This one-off bonus statement credit is in addition to the annual dining statement credit.
- Bonus/Rewards: The American Express Gold Rewards Card earns at a rate of 2 American Express Membership Reward points for every $1 spent. You can use Membership Reward points to pay for travel with American Express directly, or you can convert them to other airline and hotel programs. As a background, 150 Membership Rewards points = 1 Air New Zealand Airpoints Dollar while 2 Membership Rewards points = 1 Qantas Frequent Flyer Point.
- More details: American Express Gold Rewards Card
The SBS Visa
The Basics:
The Need-to-knows:
The Basics:
- The only free credit card offering cashback, you'll get back 67 cents for every $100 you spend on the card.
- The higher-than-average interest rate is best avoided by anyone who struggles to pay off their monthly balance.
The Need-to-knows:
- Interest rate: 19.65% p.a
- Interest-free days: 55
- Bonus/Rewards: $1 Cashback for every $150 spent on the card
- Monthly payments: Must be above the monthly minimum (either 5% or $10 of the closing balance owing - whichever is greater)
- More Details: SBS Visa
The TSB Platinum Mastercard
The Basics:
The Need-to-knows:
The Basics:
- A premium card that offers $1 cashback for every $70 spent (equating to 1.42 cents per $1 spent).
The Need-to-knows:
- Interest rate: 20.95% p.a
- Interest-free days: 55
- Bonus/Rewards: $1 Cashback for every $100 spent on the card. Alongside travel insurance and purchase protection, Mobile Phone Protection is also a benefit; when you pay your monthly mobile phone bill using your card, you may qualify for mobile phone insurance for accidental damage or theft.
- Monthly payments: Must be above the monthly minimum (either 5% or $10 of the closing balance owing - whichever is greater)
- More Details: TSB Platinum Mastercard
ASB VISA Rewards
Our View: Forget the high-end rewards such as Samsung phones - no one is going to spend $300,000 to earn one - and focus on the small rewards. Kiwis spending a standard amount on their credit card every month can redeem cashback earnings through a wide selection of "partner stores".
The Deal:
Want to apply? Review the credit card in detail here (this link takes you to ASB's website).
Want more options? Read our Review of Reward and Cashback Credit Cards for the best deals available now.
Our View: Forget the high-end rewards such as Samsung phones - no one is going to spend $300,000 to earn one - and focus on the small rewards. Kiwis spending a standard amount on their credit card every month can redeem cashback earnings through a wide selection of "partner stores".
The Deal:
- Earning rate: 1 "True Rewards Dollar" per $150 spent.
- Rewards: $1 of rewards value per $150 spent (calculated at 67 cents per $100 spent). Rewards can only be redeemed at partner stores and not taken off a credit card bill directly.
- Interest rate: 20.95% p.a.
- Annual fee: $40 ($20 charged every six months)
- Monthly payments: Must be above the monthly minimum (either 3% or $10 of the balance owing - whichever is greater)
- True Rewards dollars will expire once they reach the 5th year from when they were earned. As you redeem True Rewards dollars, the oldest ones will be used first.
- Redemptions: Merchandise and voucher rewards start from 20 True Reward Dollars, with retailer partners including Mobil, Farmers, House of Travel, Vodafone top-up - all options are found at the True Reward partner store.
- Important: ASB has launched Everyday Rewards, in addition to the existing True Rewards. Customers can choose to earn either True Rewards or Everyday Rewards with the ASB Visa Rewards or ASB Platinum Rewards cards. More information can be found on the ASB website.
Want to apply? Review the credit card in detail here (this link takes you to ASB's website).
Want more options? Read our Review of Reward and Cashback Credit Cards for the best deals available now.
Runner Up (Cashback): The BNZ Advantage Classic - Best Cashback for Annual Spend under $10,000
Our View: The BNZ Advantage Classic visa card offers a great cashback rate at 0.67% and a low card fee of $40 per year. You can put the cash you earn towards your credit card bill. You will have to spend $6,000 per year to earn back the card's annual fee.
The Deal:
Want to apply? Review the credit card in detail here (this link takes you to BNZ's website).
Want more options? Read our review of Reward and Cashback Credit Cards for the best deals now available.
Our View: The BNZ Advantage Classic visa card offers a great cashback rate at 0.67% and a low card fee of $40 per year. You can put the cash you earn towards your credit card bill. You will have to spend $6,000 per year to earn back the card's annual fee.
The Deal:
- Interest rate: 20.95%
- Annual fee: $40 ($20 charged every six months)
- Monthly payments: Must be above the monthly minimum (either 2% or $25 of the balance owing - whichever is greater)
- Earn: $1 Cash Reward from Every $150 spent
- Cashback: $1 spend = 1 BNZ Point
- Flybuys Conversion: BNZ $40 = 1 Flybuy (Flybuys will close 31 December 2024. You can redeem BNZ Points for Flybuys up until 31 October 2024.)
- Cash Reward dollars can be used on BNZ financial products, such as bank accounts, credit card bills and KiwiSaver funds. Non-cash rewards must be purchased via Flybuys
Want to apply? Review the credit card in detail here (this link takes you to BNZ's website).
Want more options? Read our review of Reward and Cashback Credit Cards for the best deals now available.
Our Favourite Credit Cards by Category (Airpoints, Rewards and Cashback)
We're frustrated with the low level of rewards and cashback offered by banks. We don't think being charged $40+ a year to have a rewards credit card that only gives you a $10 voucher for spending $1,500 to $2,000 is a good deal. Sadly, it is the norm. What is somewhat helpful is the range of balance transfer offers and long-term low-interest rate cards.
Everyone's credit card needs are different, so we've shortlisted five must-consider options to make life cheaper, easier and more rewarding. Our top credit cards are as follows:
1. Our pick for the best Balance Transfer credit card: The Co-operative Bank Fair Rate Credit Card - this card offers 0% interest for six months, $20 annual card fees and a low interest rate after that. If you're serious about paying off credit card debt in six months and getting 'debt free', this card is arguably the fastest way to do it.
2. Our pick for the best Airpoints credit card (most popular): The American Express Airpoints Platinum card - $195/year fee, earn 1 Airpoints Dollar for every $70 spent (the best rate in New Zealand), status points, lounge access and other travel and insurance perks. Bonus offer: You'll also get 300 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.
3. Our pick for the best free rewards and benefits credit card (no annual fee card): The American Express Airpoints Card - $0/year fee. Earn $1 of rewards (Airpoints Dollars) for every $100 spent, redeemable at the Airpoints Store (with 6,000+ reward options) or on flights. 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.
4. For general rewards and cashback we have shortlisted several cards:
5. Our pick for the lowest interest rate credit card: The Kiwibank Zero Visa - $0/year fee. This card offers a strong 12.90% p.a. interest rate, low card fees and a 1.99% p.a. balance transfer offer. If you don't always pay off your credit card, but have a regular income and don't drag balances, Kiwibank's offer is likely to be the most cost-effective.
Know This:
Everyone's credit card needs are different, so we've shortlisted five must-consider options to make life cheaper, easier and more rewarding. Our top credit cards are as follows:
1. Our pick for the best Balance Transfer credit card: The Co-operative Bank Fair Rate Credit Card - this card offers 0% interest for six months, $20 annual card fees and a low interest rate after that. If you're serious about paying off credit card debt in six months and getting 'debt free', this card is arguably the fastest way to do it.
2. Our pick for the best Airpoints credit card (most popular): The American Express Airpoints Platinum card - $195/year fee, earn 1 Airpoints Dollar for every $70 spent (the best rate in New Zealand), status points, lounge access and other travel and insurance perks. Bonus offer: You'll also get 300 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.
3. Our pick for the best free rewards and benefits credit card (no annual fee card): The American Express Airpoints Card - $0/year fee. Earn $1 of rewards (Airpoints Dollars) for every $100 spent, redeemable at the Airpoints Store (with 6,000+ reward options) or on flights. 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.
4. For general rewards and cashback we have shortlisted several cards:
- a) Our pick for the rewards is the American Express Gold Rewards Card. It offers a generous AMEX point earning ($1 = 2 points, and these points can be redeemed for statement credit, flights and other rewards). It also offers two $100 dining credit every year. Our review explains the American Express Gold Rewards card further.
- b) For pure cashback without anything complicated, the SBS Visa Credit Card gives you 67 cents for every $100 you spend on the card with no annual fee. You don't need to be a SBS Bank customer either.
- c) For a top-earning rewards card that has near-endless reward options, we suggest considering the American Express Airpoints Platinum card. The fee is $195/year fee, and it earns 1 Airpoints Dollar for every $70 spend (the best rate in New Zealand). It also offers status points, lounge access and other travel and insurance perks. You can spend Airpoints Dollars on gifts, food and beverage, Mitre 10 and other hardware shops, flights and thousands of other options. Bonus offer: You'll also get 300 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.
- d) Our pick for the best cashback and general rewards (high earner, business owner etc.): If you earn 'six figures' and have a high-end lifestyle and a work situation that lets you charge back expenses to your company or employer, the American Express Platinum Charge Card is unique and rewarding. However, the card fee is not cheap ($1,250/year fee) but cardholders enjoy extensive reward, travel, hotel, dining and insurance benefits. If you're a business owner, the annual fee is tax deductible while the benefits/rewards are not subject to fringe benefit tax. As a background, 200 points = $1 of statement credit (i.e. cashback on your spend), and cardholders earn 2 points per $1 spent. If you can chargeback work expenses and tend to spend $3,000+ a month on your card and use the extensive benefits, this card will most likely deliver value.
5. Our pick for the lowest interest rate credit card: The Kiwibank Zero Visa - $0/year fee. This card offers a strong 12.90% p.a. interest rate, low card fees and a 1.99% p.a. balance transfer offer. If you don't always pay off your credit card, but have a regular income and don't drag balances, Kiwibank's offer is likely to be the most cost-effective.
Know This:
- You can apply in only a few minutes, and there is no obligation to have a credit card issued.
- 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 charge interest rates that can make repayments challenging to manage.
- Are you looking for something else? Take a look at our must-have Credit Cards list which has a number of our favourite options that offer unbeatable value for money.
- We previously had several buttons featuring low-interest credit cards and balance transfer credit cards. However, we don't want to endorse credit card debt products or encourage debt creation, so we removed them. However, you can find the best offers in their relevant section on this page.
Top Performing Airpoints, Rewards and Cashback Cards:
4. Best Travel and FX Rate Credit Card
Flight Centre Mastercard
Our View: With no international transaction fees# and Flight Centre Rewards, the Flight Centre Mastercard is New Zealand's leader for overseas travel. Competing cards charge between 1.80% and 2.5% on top of the value of the purchase. The Flight Centre Mastercard charges 0% and benefits from outstanding Mastercard FX rates.
The Deal:
^Lending criteria, $50 annual Account Fee, fees, Ts&Cs apply. Minimum spends and exclusions may apply. Standard Interest Rate of 24.99% p.a. applies after any interest free period. $55 Establishment Fee applies to your first LTF transaction and $35 Advance Fee applies to subsequent LTF transactions. See Fees and charges - Flight Centre Mastercard for full details.
Want to apply? Read our Flight Centre Mastercard review
Our View: With no international transaction fees# and Flight Centre Rewards, the Flight Centre Mastercard is New Zealand's leader for overseas travel. Competing cards charge between 1.80% and 2.5% on top of the value of the purchase. The Flight Centre Mastercard charges 0% and benefits from outstanding Mastercard FX rates.
The Deal:
- Standard Interest rate: 24.99% p.a. Most other reward credit cards charge 20% to 25% p.a., so this is in the range.
- Annual Account Fee: $50 (charged as $25 every 6 months).
- No international transaction fees and currency conversion - you won't pay any FX fees (saving you around 2% to 2.5% compared to most other credit cards). #Excludes cash advances.
- Up to 44 days interest free terms by paying your closing balance in full by the due date. Standard Interest Rate of 24.99% p.a. will apply to any part of the closing balance on your statement that is not paid by the payment due date. This interest will be calculated from the date the relevant purchases were debited to your account.
- ^Long term finance deals, including interest-free terms and extended payment holidays for deals available with Flight Centre and many other retailers.
- Straightforward reward system for earning and redeeming - cardholders earn 1.00 Flight Centre Rewards for every NZ$150 spent at any retailer that accepts Mastercard in NZ, 1.00 Reward for every $100 spent internationally (where Mastercard designates the merchant to be in a country other than NZ ) and 2.00 Rewards for every NZ$150 spent at Flight Centre NZ. 1 Reward = NZ$1.00 credit to spend at Flight Centre. And, unlike Air New Zealand credit cards, you can spend rewards on ANY airline, hotel or travel package at Flight Centre NZ when you book using the Flight Centre Mastercard.
- Redeeming is easy - Flight Centre Reward credit is automatically deducted from any Flight Centre purchase made with the card. Flight Centre Reward credit is valid for three years.
- Cardholders can add additional card holders for no extra cost - this allows them to earn rewards on more than one person’s spend.
- Flight Centre Mastercard integrates with with Apple Pay™, Google Pay™ & Garmin Pay™.
^Lending criteria, $50 annual Account Fee, fees, Ts&Cs apply. Minimum spends and exclusions may apply. Standard Interest Rate of 24.99% p.a. applies after any interest free period. $55 Establishment Fee applies to your first LTF transaction and $35 Advance Fee applies to subsequent LTF transactions. See Fees and charges - Flight Centre Mastercard for full details.
Want to apply? Read our Flight Centre Mastercard review
Beyond Credit Cards - Our Top-Rated Debit Card for Travel and Non-NZD Payments - The Wise Debit Card
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5. Best Low-Interest Credit Card
"Low interest" isn't synonymous with a bargain deal – credit card interest rates remain above 9% p.a., making repayments challenging. To provide a comprehensive understanding, MoneyHub Founder Christopher Walsh delves into the intricacies of low-interest credit cards:
Best options available:
Lowest Interest Rate - ASB Visa Flex
Our View: An outstanding offering with zero annual fees, zero overseas FX fees and a low interest rate, and up to 55 days interest free.
The deal:
Our View: An outstanding offering with zero annual fees, zero overseas FX fees and a low interest rate, and up to 55 days interest free.
The deal:
- Interest rate: 9.95% p.a.
- Annual fee: $0
- Integration: Apple Pay, Google Pay, Fitbit Pay and Garmin Pay
- Monthly payments: Must be above the monthly minimum (either 3% or $10 of the balance owing - whichever is greater)
- For more details or to apply, visit ASB's website.
Low Interest Rate, Balance Transfer Options and Zero Fees - Westpac Fee Free Mastercard
Our View: A strong offering with zero annual fees, zero overseas FX fees and a low interest rate.
The deal:
Our View: A strong offering with zero annual fees, zero overseas FX fees and a low interest rate.
The deal:
- Interest rate: 12.90% p.a.
- Annual fee: $0
- Balance transfer offer: Up to 6 months at 0%, then 5.95% for the life of the balance
- Monthly payments: Must be above the monthly minimum (either 2% or $5 of the balance owing - whichever is greater)
- For more details or to apply, visit Westpac's website.
Another Option: Kiwibank Zero Visa
Our View: This is by far the best low interest credit card on offer - 12.90% is a low interest rate and the card has no annual fee, along with a helpful 1.99% p.a. interest rate for six month on balance transfers. There is up to 55 days of interest free on new purchases.
The deal:
Want to apply? Review the credit card in detail here (this link takes you to Kiwibank's website).
Want more options? Read our Review of Low-Interest Credit Cards for the best deals now available.
Our View: This is by far the best low interest credit card on offer - 12.90% is a low interest rate and the card has no annual fee, along with a helpful 1.99% p.a. interest rate for six month on balance transfers. There is up to 55 days of interest free on new purchases.
The deal:
- Interest rate: 12.90% p.a.
- Annual fee: $0
- Interest-Free Offers on Purchases: No
- Balance transfer: 1.99% p.a. for 6 months
- Monthly payments: Must be above the monthly minimum (either 5% or $20 of the balance owing - whichever is greater)
- Balance Transfers: You must request a balance transfer in the first 30 days to get the 0% interest period and you can't transfer a balance from another Kiwibank card.
Want to apply? Review the credit card in detail here (this link takes you to Kiwibank's website).
Want more options? Read our Review of Low-Interest Credit Cards for the best deals now available.
6. Best Student Credit Card
ASB Visa Light
Our View: The ASB offers fantastic benefits with its student account, which comes with a fee-free Visa Light credit card. With 6 months interest-free on individual purchases over $1,000 and a low-interest rate of 13.50%, the ASB delivers a package that powers student living.
The Deal:
Want to apply? Review the credit card in detail here (this link takes you to ASB's website)
Want more options? Read our Review of Student Bank Accounts and Credit Cards for the best deals available now.
MoneyHub in the news: Read our Student Bank Account feature in Stuff.co.nz
Our View: The ASB offers fantastic benefits with its student account, which comes with a fee-free Visa Light credit card. With 6 months interest-free on individual purchases over $1,000 and a low-interest rate of 13.50%, the ASB delivers a package that powers student living.
The Deal:
- Interest rate: 13.50% p.a
- Annual fee: $0
- Interest-free period: 6 months on individual purchases over $1,000
- Monthly payments: Must be above the monthly minimum (either 3% or $10 of the balance owing - whichever is greater)
- Requisites: You will need to be a student to qualify for the student bank account, but the ASB Visa Light is available for anyone to apply and is a fee-free card.
- Balance transfers are permitted
Want to apply? Review the credit card in detail here (this link takes you to ASB's website)
Want more options? Read our Review of Student Bank Accounts and Credit Cards for the best deals available now.
MoneyHub in the news: Read our Student Bank Account feature in Stuff.co.nz
7. Best Free Credit Card
American Express Airpoints Credit Card
The Basics
The Need-to-knows
Want to apply? Review the credit card in detail here (this link takes you to the American Express website)
The Basics
- Cashback/Rewards: 1 Airpoint Dollar for every $100 spent. Airpoints Dollars can be spent at the Airpoints Store (6,000+ options covering fashion, experiences, beauty, health, wine, food, home, tech, outdoors, vouchers and hampers, as well as flights).
- No annual spend needed to cover the annual card fee (because the card is free)
- 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.
- Our View: The best rewards card available, with no annual fee and a generous redemption rate.
- More Details: American Express Airpoints Credit Card
The Need-to-knows
- The interest rate is 22.95% p.a.
- $0 annual fee
- Pay the balance every month to maximise the reward benefits – any late payments and interest charges will destroy your gains.
- The card is an American Express which is widely accepted throughout New Zealand, although some smaller independent retailers may not accept it. Major retailers who accept it include Countdown, New World, PAK'nSAVE, SuperValue, BP, Caltex, GAS, Gull, Mobil, Shell and Z.
- More details: American Express Free Airpoints Card vs Airpoints Platinum
Want to apply? Review the credit card in detail here (this link takes you to the American Express website)
Runner Up: ANZ Low Rate Visa
Our View: With the lowest interest rate among all free credit cards, we rank this card very highly. You won't get any rewards or bonuses however, so for anyone planning to pay off a credit card every month in full, there are better options.
The deal:
Want to apply? Review the credit card in detail here (this link takes you to the ANZ's website)
Want more options? Read our Review of Free Credit Cards for the best deals available now.
Our View: With the lowest interest rate among all free credit cards, we rank this card very highly. You won't get any rewards or bonuses however, so for anyone planning to pay off a credit card every month in full, there are better options.
The deal:
- Interest rate: 13.90% p.a.
- Interest-free days: 55
- Bonus/Rewards: None
- Monthly payments: Must be above the monthly minimum (either 3% or $10 of the closing balance owing - whichever is greater)
Want to apply? Review the credit card in detail here (this link takes you to the ANZ's website)
Want more options? Read our Review of Free Credit Cards for the best deals available now.
Frequently Asked Questions (Specific to AMEX)
Is the $195 annual fee for the AMEX Airpoints Platinum Card worth it?
- The $195 annual fee for the AMEX Airpoints Platinum Card is well worth it for cardholders spending $1,000 or more per month, as the combination of rewards and benefits often exceeds the cost within the first year.
- For example, the welcome offer provides 300 bonus Airpoints Dollars when you spend $1,500 within 3 months, which can be redeemed for a return flight within New Zealand (if you book in advance)
- Additionally, the card earns 1 Airpoints Dollar per $70 spent, the highest rate in New Zealand, meaning a $1,000 monthly spend generates 171 Airpoints annually, worth around $171 for flights or Airpoints Store purchases.
- Beyond rewards, you get four lounge passes per year (valued at ~$200), comprehensive travel insurance (saving $100–$300 per trip), and mobile phone screen insurance (up to $500). For frequent travellers, Status Points (1 per $250 spent) help maintain or achieve Air NZ Gold/Elite status, unlocking further perks like priority boarding.
- Compared to bank-issued cards like ANZ Airpoints Platinum ($150 fee, 1 Airpoints/$115), AMEX offers superior value. To maximise benefits, pay your balance monthly to avoid a 22.95% p.a. interest rate.
What’s the 300 bonus Airpoints offer, and how do I qualify?
The AMEX Airpoints Platinum Card offers 300 bonus Airpoints Dollars as a welcome incentive for new card members. To qualify, you need to apply online, get approved, and spend $1,500 on eligible purchases (e.g., groceries, fuel, travel) within the first 3 months. This is easily achievable with $500 monthly spending, typical for households using the card for everyday expenses. The 300 Airpoints are credited to your Airpoints account after meeting the spend requirement and can be redeemed once you reach the $1,500 spend.
How do Status Points help with Air New Zealand Airpoints status?
- The AMEX Airpoints Platinum Card earns 1 Status Point per $250 spent, which accelerates your progress toward Air New Zealand’s Silver, Gold, or Elite status tiers, offering exclusive benefits for frequent travellers.
- For example, spending $45,000 annually earns 180 Status Points, contributing significantly to the 450 points needed for Silver or 900 for Gold (lounge access, priority boarding). Gold status, valued at ~$1,000 annually, is ideal for maintaining perks like complimentary Air New Zealand lounge access. Unlike Airpoints Dollars, Status Points don’t fund flights but enhance your travel experience. For instance, a $1,500 monthly spend generates 72 Status Points yearly, giving you a head start.
What travel insurance is included with AMEX Platinum?
- The AMEX Airpoints Platinum Card includes comprehensive travel insurance for domestic and international trips, activated when you pay for travel (e.g., flights, hotels) with the card.
- Coverage levels are outlined in our dedicated review.
Can I use AMEX for automatic payments, and how does it work?
- Yes, the AMEX Airpoints Platinum Card is ideal for automatic payments, allowing you to earn Airpoints on recurring expenses like utilities (e.g., Contact Energy, Powershop), subscriptions (e.g., Netflix, Spotify), or insurance premiums.
Is AMEX Platinum safe for online purchases?
- The AMEX Airpoints Platinum Card offers robust security for online purchases, backed by American Express’s advanced fraud protection. Features include real-time transaction monitoring, instant alerts for suspicious activity, and zero liability for unauthorised charges.
What happens if I don’t pay my balance monthly?
- To maximise the AMEX Airpoints Platinum Card’s rewards, pay your balance in full each month to avoid the interest rate, which can quickly erode Airpoints benefits.
- For example, a $1,000 unpaid balance incurs ~$19 monthly interest, negating the value of ~11 Airpoints earned on that spend. The AMEX app sends payment reminders and allows you to track spending, set budgets, and schedule payments to stay on top of your balance.
- If you can’t pay in full, we suggest reading our guide on how to repay a credit card bill on an average salary LINK.
Why choose AMEX Platinum over bank-issued Airpoints cards?
- The AMEX Airpoints Platinum Card outshines bank-issued Airpoints cards (e.g., ANZ, Westpac) due to its superior earn rate, perks, and exemption from Visa/Mastercard interchange fee caps (0.80% since 2022), which limit bank rewards. AMEX earns 1 Airpoints Dollar per $70 spent, compared to ANZ’s $115 or Westpac’s $110–$220. For a $1,000 monthly spend, AMEX yields 171 Airpoints annually vs 104 for ANZ, a ~$67 flight value difference.
- AMEX’s 300 bonus Airpoints offer beats all other options. Perks like four lounge passes, travel insurance, and Status Points are unmatched. Post-Kiwibank’s Airpoints exit in November 2025, we believe AMEX is the clear leader.
How does AMEX work in New Zealand? Can I use their cards 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:
Our guide to the Best American Express Credit Cards has more information about the cards available.
- "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.
Our Favourite Credit Cards by Category (Airpoints, Rewards and Cashback)
We're frustrated with the low level of rewards and cashback offered by banks. We don't think being charged $40+ a year to have a rewards credit card that only gives you a $10 voucher for spending $1,500 to $2,000 is a good deal. Sadly, it is the norm. What is somewhat helpful is the range of balance transfer offers and long-term low-interest rate cards.
Everyone's credit card needs are different, so we've shortlisted five must-consider options to make life cheaper, easier and more rewarding. Our top credit cards are as follows:
1. Our pick for the best Balance Transfer credit card: The Co-operative Bank Fair Rate Credit Card - this card offers 0% interest for six months, $20 annual card fees and a low interest rate after that. If you're serious about paying off credit card debt in six months and getting 'debt free', this card is arguably the fastest way to do it.
2. Our pick for the best Airpoints credit card (most popular): The American Express Airpoints Platinum card - $195/year fee, earn 1 Airpoints Dollar for every $70 spent (the best rate in New Zealand), status points, lounge access and other travel and insurance perks. Bonus offer: You'll also get 300 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.
3. Our pick for the best free rewards and benefits credit card (no annual fee card): The American Express Airpoints Card - $0/year fee. Earn $1 of rewards (Airpoints Dollars) for every $100 spent, redeemable at the Airpoints Store (with 6,000+ reward options) or on flights. 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.
4. For general rewards and cashback we have shortlisted several cards:
5. Our pick for the lowest interest rate credit card: The Kiwibank Zero Visa - $0/year fee. This card offers a strong 12.90% p.a. interest rate, low card fees and a 1.99% p.a. balance transfer offer. If you don't always pay off your credit card, but have a regular income and don't drag balances, Kiwibank's offer is likely to be the most cost-effective.
Know This:
Everyone's credit card needs are different, so we've shortlisted five must-consider options to make life cheaper, easier and more rewarding. Our top credit cards are as follows:
1. Our pick for the best Balance Transfer credit card: The Co-operative Bank Fair Rate Credit Card - this card offers 0% interest for six months, $20 annual card fees and a low interest rate after that. If you're serious about paying off credit card debt in six months and getting 'debt free', this card is arguably the fastest way to do it.
2. Our pick for the best Airpoints credit card (most popular): The American Express Airpoints Platinum card - $195/year fee, earn 1 Airpoints Dollar for every $70 spent (the best rate in New Zealand), status points, lounge access and other travel and insurance perks. Bonus offer: You'll also get 300 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.
3. Our pick for the best free rewards and benefits credit card (no annual fee card): The American Express Airpoints Card - $0/year fee. Earn $1 of rewards (Airpoints Dollars) for every $100 spent, redeemable at the Airpoints Store (with 6,000+ reward options) or on flights. 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.
4. For general rewards and cashback we have shortlisted several cards:
- a) Our pick for the rewards is the American Express Gold Rewards Card. It offers a generous AMEX point earning ($1 = 2 points, and these points can be redeemed for statement credit, flights and other rewards). It also offers two $100 dining credit every year. Our review explains the American Express Gold Rewards card further.
- b) For pure cashback without anything complicated, the SBS Visa Credit Card gives you 67 cents for every $100 you spend on the card with no annual fee. You don't need to be a SBS Bank customer either.
- c) For a top-earning rewards card that has near-endless reward options, we suggest considering the American Express Airpoints Platinum card. The fee is $195/year fee, and it earns 1 Airpoints Dollar for every $70 spend (the best rate in New Zealand). It also offers status points, lounge access and other travel and insurance perks. You can spend Airpoints Dollars on gifts, food and beverage, Mitre 10 and other hardware shops, flights and thousands of other options. Bonus offer: You'll also get 300 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.
- d) Our pick for the best cashback and general rewards (high earner, business owner etc.): If you earn 'six figures' and have a high-end lifestyle and a work situation that lets you charge back expenses to your company or employer, the American Express Platinum Charge Card is unique and rewarding. However, the card fee is not cheap ($1,250/year fee) but cardholders enjoy extensive reward, travel, hotel, dining and insurance benefits. If you're a business owner, the annual fee is tax deductible while the benefits/rewards are not subject to fringe benefit tax. As a background, 200 points = $1 of statement credit (i.e. cashback on your spend), and cardholders earn 2 points per $1 spent. If you can chargeback work expenses and tend to spend $3,000+ a month on your card and use the extensive benefits, this card will most likely deliver value.
5. Our pick for the lowest interest rate credit card: The Kiwibank Zero Visa - $0/year fee. This card offers a strong 12.90% p.a. interest rate, low card fees and a 1.99% p.a. balance transfer offer. If you don't always pay off your credit card, but have a regular income and don't drag balances, Kiwibank's offer is likely to be the most cost-effective.
Know This:
- You can apply in only a few minutes, and there is no obligation to have a credit card issued.
- 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 charge interest rates that can make repayments challenging to manage.
- Are you looking for something else? Take a look at our must-have Credit Cards list which has a number of our favourite options that offer unbeatable value for money.
- We previously had several buttons featuring low-interest credit cards and balance transfer credit cards. However, we don't want to endorse credit card debt products or encourage debt creation, so we removed them. However, you can find the best offers in their relevant section on this page.
Top Performing Airpoints, Rewards and Cashback Cards:
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