Credit Cards that Earn Business Class Flights – The Definitive New Zealand Guide
Recent law changes have sunken many credit card reward rates; we look at the options, cards, points programs and strategies available to fly up front for free from everyday spending.
Updated 19 June 2025
Introduction
Why have we published this guide?
To help make sense of the options and ways to get free business class flights, our guide covers:
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- Credit cards earning business class flights are common overseas, but few New Zealanders are rewarded with such generosity from their card issuer compared to Australian, American, and British cardholders.
- NZ banks drastically reduced reward earning rates in 2022 due to a government law change to reduce interchange fees. However, many cardholders still face PayWave fees and 'credit card surcharges' applied by many retailers. As a result, those with bank-issued reward-earning credit cards need to spend more to receive the same rewards. And, unsurprisingly, we're not impressed with how the consumer has been left worse off.
- Earning business class flights from everyday credit card spend seems unobtainable when a $10,000 spend on a bank-issued platinum-grade Air New Zealand credit card earns around 87 Airpoints Dollars. Spend a whopping $500,000 on the same Airpoints-earning bank-issued platinum credit card and you'll probably get 80% of a one-way business class fare to Los Angeles. This situation disappoints anyone wanting travel rewards from their significant credit card spending.
- The exception is Air New Zealand Airpoints' partner award flight bookings, but the portal is routinely offline, unreliable to issue tickets and business class 'inventory' (e.g. tickets) are incredibly limited. Our research found that only EVA Air, Turkish Airlines and Asiana offered long-haul business class award flights. Given none of these airlines fly to New Zealand, redeeming an award has added complexity.
- The good news is that alternative credit cards to otherwise unrewarding bank-issued 'platinum' cards exist. American Express credit cards and their Membership Rewards Program are significantly more rewarding for anyone wanting free Business Class flights.
- The difference between what you'll earn and the availability of business class reward flights with AMEX is incomparable compared to Air New Zealand's offering, meaning the banks can't (and won't) offer any measurable value for regular credit card spenders.
- Our guide is published to explain what cards offer free business class flights and the fastest way to get them.
Why have we published this guide?
- Given most airlines serving Auckland charge over $10,000 return for a business flight return ticket to Europe, we want to make financially savvy New Zealanders aware of two important facts:
- Firstly, bank-issued airline credit cards offer poor flight rewards. This will not change and is frustrating given the high annual fees and lack of other card benefits.
- Secondly, AMEX cards earning AMEX points are designed to be rewarding and consistently give cardholders the ability to earn business class flights on top-rated airlines.
- However, not every airline is the same – some airlines have appallingly limited award flight availability (Qantas, Cathay Pacific are examples), while others are generous (Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines being examples). You won't usually be able to redeem for travel during peak periods, but if you are flexible, there's much to enjoy.
- Ultimately, this guide isn't for everyone, and while there is no 'entry' requirement for annual spending, these cards will benefit anyone routinely spending $5,000+ a month on their credit card. And, as always, it's essential to always pay off the balance every month – any interest charged reverses the gains from awards and is an expensive debt to carry. Do not go into unpaid credit card debt chasing awards - you cannot win; you can only lose.
To help make sense of the options and ways to get free business class flights, our guide covers:
- How Much Must I Spend to Earn a Business Class Flight From Auckland to London? Is It Realistic?
- Understanding American Express Membership Rewards Points' Conversion to Airline Programs
- What Airline is Best for Using AMEX Points for Business Class Flights?
- Maximising the Earning of AMEX Points for Business Class Award Flights
- Examples of New Zealanders Using AMEX Cards to Earn Business Class Flights
- Frequently Asked Questions
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MoneyHub Founder Christopher Walsh explains why it is so difficult, expensive and problematic to get a business class award flight with Air New Zealand:"Many issues make Air New Zealand troublesome for anyone wanting to exchange Airpoints Dollars for flatbed seats. Firstly, Air New Zealand doesn't have a 'points' system like other airlines; the cash cost of an airfare is the same should you use your Airpoints Dollars. This means that a return NZ-USA flight can cost over 10,000+ Airpoints Dollars unless you're an Air New Zealand Elite, Gold, Silver and Koru member making use of the (severely limited) discounted Business Class awards. However, even if you're eligible and there is an available seat, you'd need to have spent the equivalent of well over $1.25 million on a bank-issued platinum Airpoints card to earn enough for a pair of return business class tickets from NZ to the USA or Canada. For almost all New Zealanders, this is impossible.
This means the only way to get a business class 'award' is by booking economy or premium economy tickets and using recognition upgrade vouchers (if you're an Air New Zealand frequent flyer with vouchers to spare). However, the success of this is subject to availability, and many Silver and Gold-level Airpoints members continue to miss out and forfeit expired vouchers or get stalled halfway with an upgrade to Premium Economy only despite allocating two vouchers. OneUp (upgrade bids) may appear cheaper than paying the asking price for a premium economy or business class ticket, but there is a catch. They are approved after all recognition upgrades have cleared, and your bid is not guaranteed to be accepted. I believe the Air New Zealand Airpoints program is convenient for anyone wanting free Economy Class domestic, Australian or Pacific flights, but it offers very little to anyone expecting generous rewards in business class. Many New Zealanders have applied for a platinum-level American Express Airpoints-earning credit card and enjoyed earning around double the amount of Airpoints Dollars for the same spend on a bank-issued equivalent card. While this remains the most rewarding way to build your Airpoints Dollars balance outside of flying, you'll still struggle to enjoy business class flights given the design of the Airpoints program. Given that Air New Zealand isn't likely to change its program, most high-earning and spending New Zealanders won't be able to get long-haul business class flights from everyday credit card spending. We've published this guide to give the best options that avoid Air New Zealand's lack of business class reward options". |
Christopher Walsh
MoneyHub Founder |
How Much Must I Spend to Earn a Business Class Flight From Auckland to London? Is It Realistic?
- The cheapest (and arguably service-leading) option is converting American Express Membership Rewards Points into Qatar Airways Privilege Club' Avios' (points).
- You'll need 90,000 Avios for a one-way flight, plus around NZ$400 for taxes and fees. You'll earn 90,000 Avios from spending around $135,000 using the AMEX Gold Rewards Card, as the card earns 2 Rewards Points per NZ$1 spent, which in turn convert at 3:1 to Qatar Avios.
- It's a lot of money to spend on a card, but the same spend with a platinum Airpoints card from Kiwibank, ANZ or Westpac would earn you around 1,200 Airpoints Dollars, which, in comparison, is only likely to cover a one-way business class flight from Auckland to Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane.
- The difference in rewards for the same spend is remarkable, and we don't see the banks ever offering a credit card that comes close to what AMEX gives its cardholders.
What's the use of a one-way flight if I want to fly return? What are my options?
We believe the Rewards Points-earning AMEX cards offer tremendous power for getting free business class flights, unrivalled by none. However, we accept that many New Zealanders are unlikely to spend enough to earn return flights regularly. However, there are cost-effective ways to balance seamless travel, optional adventure and convenience. For example, anyone going to Europe can arrange a 'mixed class' holiday:
- This is a popular way of balancing good value tickets with free business class tickets, and involves paying cash outbound and redeeming points on the return.
- For example, Air New Zealand offers one-way economy class flights to London with an optional stopover in Singapore, Tokyo, Los Angeles, New York, Chicago or San Francisco for around $1,200 to $1,600 year-round.
- Subject to availability, you can then book a one-way business class reward from Europe and make the most of Qatar Airways' daily service to Auckland by departing from one of the 50+ European cities it serves.
- Qantas is also a strong-valued option, as our guide outlines the best ways to spend Membership Rewards Points. However, given the ongoing availability of Qatar Airways' business class award seats, we believe Qatar leads by providing a strong offering to New Zealanders looking for valuable credit card rewards.
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Our Favourite Rewards Credit Card - The American Express® Gold Rewards CardWith $200 annual dining credits, free domestic and international travel insurance (when you use your card to book the flights), a one-off $200 statement credit on signing up and AMEX's protection for chargebacks, it's a leading rewards card that banks cannot compete with.
MoneyHub's editor Christopher Walsh says: "We're big fans of The American Express® Gold Rewards Card for many reasons. No other credit card offers so much flexibility and generosity, and as more major retailers take American Express, cardholders will compound their rewards and cashback without friction. The free travel insurance and annual dining credit are added perks to make this the ultimate rewards credit card for anyone who likes to dine out and travel locally or overseas, and it earns points for business class flights - bank-issued credit cards won't get you there". Basics:
Read more: American Express Gold Rewards Card Review, learn more or apply |
Beyond Credit Cards - Our Top-Rated Debit Card for Travel and Non-NZD Payments - The Wise Debit Card
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Understanding American Express Membership Rewards Points' Conversion to Airline Programs
- The AMEX Gold Rewards Card offers an earning rate of 2 Rewards Points for every $1 spent. However, when converting these accumulated points into airline loyalty program currencies, the conversion rates vary depending on the airline.
- Each airline program has its specific rate at which Membership Rewards points are exchanged for airline points or miles. This means the number of airline points you receive from your AMEX points will differ based on the airline you choose for the conversion.
- For example, converting to Singapore Airlines' Krisflyer requires more Membership Rewards points per Krisflyer Mile (3:1) than converting to Qantas Frequent Flyer Points (2:1). However, a high conversion rate doesn't necessarily mean better value - Qantas typically doesn't offer as many business award seats as Singapore Airlines, and all flights from New Zealand (other than New York) require a stop in Australia.
- American Express outlines the transfer times, which can range from 1 to 10 business days, depending on the airline. However, to book business class flights, you'll usually need to look 8 to 11+ months in advance and be flexible with the days you can travel.
Understanding the Conversion Process – Using AMEX Points for Business Class Flights
Before you make any moves, you'll need to follow a suggested process that avoids the pitfalls that exist with any frequent flyer program:
Know This: The airline you book with issues the ticket, and you'll need to contact them for any questions or changes; AMEX does not have any relationship in issuing an award ticket. However, using an AMEX will activate Gold or Platinum card travel insurance (assuming you meet the requirements).
You will continue to earn AMEX points until you convert them again for another flight or redeem them directly with AMEX for another award.
- Sign up to a frequent flyer program that suits your travel needs – we suggest Qatar Airways or Singapore Airlines as good starting points if you're looking for Asia, Europe, Africa and/or the Middle East.
- Check the availability of award business class flights – you can do this by logging in and making a mock booking to see what's available.
- Once you're comfortable that there is sufficient availability, we suggest converting AMEX points to airline points. For most airlines, the balance will take one business day to convert and appear in your account. Malaysia Airlines and Air New Zealand take a little longer (10 and 2 days, respectively).
- Book the flights you want once the points appear in your frequent flyer program – you'll need to pay taxes and any surcharges with a debit or credit card.
Know This: The airline you book with issues the ticket, and you'll need to contact them for any questions or changes; AMEX does not have any relationship in issuing an award ticket. However, using an AMEX will activate Gold or Platinum card travel insurance (assuming you meet the requirements).
You will continue to earn AMEX points until you convert them again for another flight or redeem them directly with AMEX for another award.
What Airline is Best for Using AMEX Points for Business Class Flights?
American Express Membership Rewards Points convert to eight airline partners, yet only a few offer substantial value for business class award redemptions. We believe this is due to the respective airline's frequent flyer program, not any shortcoming on behalf of AMEX.
To assist in navigating these options effectively, we've carefully selected airlines that service destinations that are popular among New Zealanders. We list detailed information on the specific number of points or miles required to redeem for a business class flight with each airline and provide a clear breakdown of the total expenditure needed on an AMEX card to accrue the requisite points for these example business class award flights.
North America
Asia
Europe, Middle East, and Africa
To assist in navigating these options effectively, we've carefully selected airlines that service destinations that are popular among New Zealanders. We list detailed information on the specific number of points or miles required to redeem for a business class flight with each airline and provide a clear breakdown of the total expenditure needed on an AMEX card to accrue the requisite points for these example business class award flights.
North America
- None available.
Asia
- Airline Choice (South East Asia and India): Singapore Airlines
- Program Benefit: 3 Membership Rewards points = 1 KrisFlyer Mile.
- Business Class Award Cost: 68,500 KrisFlyer Miles for one-way business class to Singapore and other SE Asian destinations. Singapore Airlines Award Chart.
- Spending Requirement: $102,750 spent on an AMEX card (2 points/$1 spent) for 68,500 KrisFlyer Miles.
- Airline Choice (North Asia): Cathay Pacific
- Program Benefit: 2 Membership Rewards points = 1 Asia Mile.
- Business Class Award Cost: 84,000 Asia Miles for a one-way Auckland to Hong Kong business class ticket. Cathay Pacific Award Chart.
- Spending Requirement: $84,000 spent on an AMEX card (2 points/$1 spent) for 84,000 Asia Miles.
Europe, Middle East, and Africa
- Airline Choice: Qatar Airways.
- Program Benefit: 3 Membership Rewards points = 1 Avios in Qatar Airways Privilege Club.
- Business Class Award Cost: Approximately 90,000 Avios for Europe, 70,000-75,000 Avios for the Middle East.
- Spending Requirement: $135,000 spent on an AMEX card (2 points/$1 spent) for 90,000 Avios.
What about Australia and the Pacific?
We haven't focused our research on using points for business class flights for travel to Australia and the Pacific. This is because the distances are short and the options are limited, in most cases, to Air New Zealand. Instead, we suggest taking advantage of the frequent sale airfares Air New Zealand offers. In early 2024, promotional business class fares were available for around $600 to destinations like Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Apia, Rarotonga, and Fiji. The American Express Platinum Airpoints card is the only Airpoints credit card in its class for those who want to earn Airpoints Dollars through credit card spending. The card earns 1 Airpoints Dollar for every $70 spent, approximately double the rate of bank-issued platinum Airpoints cards.
Must-Know Considerations:
Must-Know Considerations:
- Availability varies: Business class redemption availability can vary greatly, so it's important to check this in advance, especially before converting AMEX points to your desired airline's program, as they can't be converted back if you change your mind.
- Advance Booking is essential: Booking as far in advance as possible is generally advisable for Business Class awards given their high value.
- Discounts and promotions: Some airlines offer award discounts and promotions that may offer better value or more options for your points. The best way to know this is to join your preferred frequent flyer program and receive their emails.
- Some airline awards offer value, but many don't: We suggest you align your point transfers with specific travel goals. For example, if you frequently fly to Asia, transferring points to an airline like Cathay Pacific or Singapore Airlines will usually be more convenient and cheaper than redeeming for business class flights with Qantas, Air New Zealand or Malaysia Airlines.
- Expiration Policies: While AMEX points won't expire, points in an airline program do - so when you transfer them, you'll want to use them as quickly as possible.
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Our Favourite Rewards Credit Card - The American Express® Gold Rewards CardWith $200 annual dining credits, free domestic and international travel insurance (when you use your card to book the flights), a one-off $200 statement credit on signing up and AMEX's protection for chargebacks, it's a leading rewards card that banks cannot compete with.
MoneyHub's editor Christopher Walsh says: "We're big fans of The American Express® Gold Rewards Card for many reasons. No other credit card offers so much flexibility and generosity, and as more major retailers take American Express, cardholders will compound their rewards and cashback without friction. The free travel insurance and annual dining credit are added perks to make this the ultimate rewards credit card for anyone who likes to dine out and travel locally or overseas, and it earns points for business class flights - bank-issued credit cards won't get you there". Basics:
Read more: American Express Gold Rewards Card Review, learn more or apply |
Maximising the Earning of AMEX Points for Business Class Award Flights
We list a few proven ways to maximise the amount of points you can earn and ensure Business Class award flights come faster:
1. Sign-up bonuses:
AMEX periodically offers a sign-up bonus of points or statement credit. Typically, the process is simple – you apply, are approved and spend $1,500 in the first three months, and are a new card member (e.g., you haven't previously had an AMEX). Currently, the only card offering a Membership Rewards points sign-up bonus is the American Express Platinum Card, with 100,000 points to those who meet the T&Cs. This converts to around 33,333 Qatar Avios, around 37% of the required Avios for a one-way Business Class flight from Auckland to Europe.
2. Spending strategically:
AMEX is increasingly accepted all over New Zealand, and every time you use it, your points balance will grow. This means supermarkets, petrol, dining, travel and online shopping, and larger purchases.
3. Avoid non-flight rewards:
AMEX points can be redeemed widely, from statement credit to gift vouchers, dining credit and hotel stays. Our dedicated guide evaluates the options. However, to ensure maximum focus on Business Class flights, we suggest avoiding all other redemptions and focus on building a balance.
4. Getting a partner card:
If you're in a position to take (or share) responsibility for another cardholder's spending, AMEX will issue a supplementary card free of charge. This means that all spending generates points on one account, powering up the points and avoiding two (or more) annual card fees.
1. Sign-up bonuses:
AMEX periodically offers a sign-up bonus of points or statement credit. Typically, the process is simple – you apply, are approved and spend $1,500 in the first three months, and are a new card member (e.g., you haven't previously had an AMEX). Currently, the only card offering a Membership Rewards points sign-up bonus is the American Express Platinum Card, with 100,000 points to those who meet the T&Cs. This converts to around 33,333 Qatar Avios, around 37% of the required Avios for a one-way Business Class flight from Auckland to Europe.
2. Spending strategically:
AMEX is increasingly accepted all over New Zealand, and every time you use it, your points balance will grow. This means supermarkets, petrol, dining, travel and online shopping, and larger purchases.
3. Avoid non-flight rewards:
AMEX points can be redeemed widely, from statement credit to gift vouchers, dining credit and hotel stays. Our dedicated guide evaluates the options. However, to ensure maximum focus on Business Class flights, we suggest avoiding all other redemptions and focus on building a balance.
4. Getting a partner card:
If you're in a position to take (or share) responsibility for another cardholder's spending, AMEX will issue a supplementary card free of charge. This means that all spending generates points on one account, powering up the points and avoiding two (or more) annual card fees.
Examples of New Zealanders Using AMEX Cards to Earn Business Class Flights
Our four scenarios outline the needs of different New Zealanders:
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​Scenario 1: The Morris Family - Frequent Flyers to AsiaProfile:
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Scenario 2: Phillip, a Businessman Traveling to EuropeProfile:
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Scenario 3: The Taylor Couple - Super Spenders and Luxury TravellersProfile:
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Scenario 4: The Li Couple - Aiming for a Qatar Airways Experience to EuropeProfile:
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Our Favourite Rewards Credit Card - The American Express® Gold Rewards CardWith $200 annual dining credits, free domestic and international travel insurance (when you use your card to book the flights), a one-off $200 statement credit on signing up and AMEX's protection for chargebacks, it's a leading rewards card that banks cannot compete with.
MoneyHub's editor Christopher Walsh says: "We're big fans of The American Express® Gold Rewards Card for many reasons. No other credit card offers so much flexibility and generosity, and as more major retailers take American Express, cardholders will compound their rewards and cashback without friction. The free travel insurance and annual dining credit are added perks to make this the ultimate rewards credit card for anyone who likes to dine out and travel locally or overseas, and it earns points for business class flights - bank-issued credit cards won't get you there". Basics:
Read more: American Express Gold Rewards Card Review, learn more or apply |
Beyond Credit Cards - Our Top-Rated Debit Card for Travel and Non-NZD Payments - The Wise Debit Card
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does spending on AMEX compare to other cards for earning business class flights?
AMEX cards offer superior earning rates compared to other cards, especially for travel, hotel and dining expenditures. Additionally, the flexibility in transferring points to various airline partners often makes AMEX more advantageous for earning business class flights. Given the banks focus on Air New Zealand which doesn't offer discounted business class awards to everyday Airpoints members, there's no opportunity to work towards premium cabin rewards without spending millions of dollars on a card.
What should I be careful of when collecting AMEX points?
The annual fee is $200 for the Gold Rewards card. While they both have significant benefits and sign-up bonuses, the annual fee must be justified. This means you'll need to spend comfortably while always ensuring you repay the balance every month.
If I have an existing frequent flyer membership with airlines such as Qantas, Qatar Airways or Singapore Airlines, can I convert AMEX points to that account?
Yes, and if you have an existing points balance, you'll get closer to redeeming an award flight.
Can I Increase My Frequent Flyer Points Without Using AMEX Point Conversions?
Yes, you can when you've bought tickets - here's how this works:
1) Flying on Cash Tickets:
Whenever you book a flight ticket with money (a 'cash ticket') on the airline for which you have a frequent flyer account with or with any of its partner airlines, you can earn points or miles. But remember, this only works if the ticket you buy is eligible to earn points.
2) Flying with Partner Airlines:
For example, if you're a member of Singapore Airlines' KrisFlyer program, you can earn KrisFlyer points even when you fly with Air New Zealand because they are partners.
Earning Points in Alliances:
Airlines like Qatar Airways, Qantas, Cathay Pacific, and Malaysia Airlines are part of an alliance called Oneworld. This means you can earn points on eligible flights with any of these airlines.
3) Earning Points with Non-Alliance Airlines:
Some airlines, like Emirates and Virgin Australia, are not in a major alliance. But you can still earn points on eligible flights with them. For instance, you can credit eligible Emirates flights to your Qantas frequent flyer account, and for Virgin Australia, you can credit to Qatar Airways' program.
1) Flying on Cash Tickets:
Whenever you book a flight ticket with money (a 'cash ticket') on the airline for which you have a frequent flyer account with or with any of its partner airlines, you can earn points or miles. But remember, this only works if the ticket you buy is eligible to earn points.
2) Flying with Partner Airlines:
For example, if you're a member of Singapore Airlines' KrisFlyer program, you can earn KrisFlyer points even when you fly with Air New Zealand because they are partners.
Earning Points in Alliances:
Airlines like Qatar Airways, Qantas, Cathay Pacific, and Malaysia Airlines are part of an alliance called Oneworld. This means you can earn points on eligible flights with any of these airlines.
3) Earning Points with Non-Alliance Airlines:
Some airlines, like Emirates and Virgin Australia, are not in a major alliance. But you can still earn points on eligible flights with them. For instance, you can credit eligible Emirates flights to your Qantas frequent flyer account, and for Virgin Australia, you can credit to Qatar Airways' program.
Can I use AMEX points for last-minute travel?
Yes, but availability for business class award flights will likely be limited or non-existent. For this reason, booking in advance is recommended.
How do I ensure I earn the most points possible?
Use your AMEX card for all eligible purchases, take advantage of bonus categories, and consider additional cards for family members to consolidate spending and points.
How does the American Express travel insurance work?
Comprehensive travel insurance is a benefit with certain AMEX cards, typically covering international and domestic travel. Policy coverage details and activation requirements are in each card's terms and conditions.
What should I consider before applying for a high-annual-fee American Express card?
Consider whether you'll use the card's benefits enough to justify the annual fee. High-annual-fee cards usually offer more rewards and benefits, which can be valuable to frequent travellers or those who spend heavily on their cards.
As a business owner etc, can I use my American Express card to pay government bills like IRD and ACC?
Yes, you can use your American Express card to pay IRD and ACC bills using services like RewardPay, although fees may apply. This allows you to earn points on these payments.
How does the interest-free period on American Express cards work?
The interest-free period is the time during which you can pay off your purchases without being charged interest, usually up to 55 days. To avoid interest, you must pay the full balance by the due date each month.
