The Best Frequent Flyer Credit Cards - 2025 Edition
Whatever your travel needs, a credit card can offer a strong tailwind when it comes to earning points or miles to make a redemption. Our guide explains the best credit cards for anyone loyal to Air New Zealand, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines and five other airlines.
Updated 19 June 2025
Summary:
Know This First: Don't 'chase' frequent flyer rewards and spend when you don't need or want to. Too many New Zealanders have overbearing credit card debt - this is a huge problem that isn't being solved, and we don't want to see more debt created. Frequent flyer credit cards align best with those who always repay their credit card balance the following month and have flexibility with their travel needs. Our analysis also confirms the best value generated from frequent flyer credit cards is used for business class flights and luxury hotels. If such rewards hold little interest or don't suit your plans, an Air New Zealand Airpoints credit card is arguably a more suitable option to consider.
What are the options for someone looking to earn frequent flyer perks but not overpay for the annual card fee?
We argue that American Express is the only credit card issuer interested in providing value for money when it comes to frequent flyer credit cards. Specifically:
To help you decide what frequent flyer credit card is right for you, our guide covers:
Important: If you're looking for a credit card that will earn points or miles with a specific airline, our dedicated guides have you covered:
Why have we published this guide? We want to make financially savvy New Zealanders aware of several important facts:
Summary:
- New Zealanders typically signing up for a frequent flyer program will choose Air New Zealand's Airpoints program. This is because it's easy to earn points (known as Airpoints Dollars), given Air New Zealand has a huge domestic flight network. The program also has many partners - supermarkets, petrol stations, insurers and other retailers where you can earn Airpoints Dollars by spending money.
- While Airpoints is very convenient to earn and redeem rewards, it's not always the most rewarding - Air New Zealand is often criticised for being expensive, and you can't book business class award flights at any discount unless you're a Silver-level frequent flyer (or higher).
- New Zealand has a simple landscape for frequent flyer credit cards. There are credit cards which earn Airpoints and credit cards which offer points transfers to a range of airlines and their respective frequent flyer program. In almost all cases, the most rewarding credit cards are issued by American Express, given their focus on rewards and benefits for cardholders.
- To help explain what you need to know to make an informed choice, this guide looks at frequent flyer credit cards available and shortlists the best options available and explains why they deliver value above the alternatives.
Know This First: Don't 'chase' frequent flyer rewards and spend when you don't need or want to. Too many New Zealanders have overbearing credit card debt - this is a huge problem that isn't being solved, and we don't want to see more debt created. Frequent flyer credit cards align best with those who always repay their credit card balance the following month and have flexibility with their travel needs. Our analysis also confirms the best value generated from frequent flyer credit cards is used for business class flights and luxury hotels. If such rewards hold little interest or don't suit your plans, an Air New Zealand Airpoints credit card is arguably a more suitable option to consider.
What are the options for someone looking to earn frequent flyer perks but not overpay for the annual card fee?
We argue that American Express is the only credit card issuer interested in providing value for money when it comes to frequent flyer credit cards. Specifically:
- For Air New Zealand, AMEX's popular Airpoints Platinum card earns 40% more Airpoints Dollars for every $100 spent compared to any bank card. This makes it an unrivalled card, and even more so when you factor in all the travel benefits it offers.
- When it comes to other airlines, again, only AMEX offers a frequent flyer credit card that syncs with the programs of Qantas, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Malaysian Airlines, among others. The Gold Rewards Card, which we have extensively reviewed, integrates with these programs.
- If you want to earn points for business class flights, our dedicated guide has you covered. Again, the options skew in favour of American Express given the extensive airline partners they work with.
To help you decide what frequent flyer credit card is right for you, our guide covers:
- The Best Air New Zealand Airpoints Program Credit Cards
- The Best Qantas Frequent Flyer Credit Cards
- The Best Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific (and Other Airlines) Frequent Flyer Credit Cards
- Frequently Asked Questions
Important: If you're looking for a credit card that will earn points or miles with a specific airline, our dedicated guides have you covered:
- Air New Zealand Credit Cards
- Qatar Airways Credit Cards
- Emirates Credit Cards
- Cathay Pacific Credit Cards
- Qantas Credit Cards
- Singapore Airlines Credit Cards
Why have we published this guide? We want to make financially savvy New Zealanders aware of several important facts:
- Firstly, bank-issued airline credit cards are limited to Air New Zealand and 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 points for upgrades and business class flights (as well as economy flights) on top-rated airlines. The flexibility is unrivalled.
- Thirdly, not every airline's frequent flyer program is the same – some airlines have appallingly limited award flight availability (Qantas and 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 a lot of value to take advantage of.
- Before signing up to any frequently flyer program, you'll need to have low expectations and be flexible around your travel dates. As such, this guide isn't for everyone, given many New Zealanders' travel needs are best met with cash bookings.
- While there is no 'entry' requirement for annual spending, these cards will benefit any household 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.
MoneyHub Founder, and Head of Research, Christopher Walsh shares his views about frequent flyer credit cards:
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"Frequent flyer credit cards are, at worst, expensive to hold and, at best, wonderfully lucrative. The trouble is that most people have a sub-standard card that rewards the issuer more than the cardholders.
It's frustrating to see some banks charge a hefty annual fee (e.g. $100+), 2%+ as an FX fee (for doing nothing other than charging you that fee, given Visa or Mastercard processes the transaction on the banks' behalf) while giving you less than 1% back in rewards. The devaluation of the banks' Airpoints-earning Platinum cards in late 2022 doesn't give me confidence that benefits will be restored. Also, I'm not impressed that the annual fees have stayed high despite the rewards earning rate being cut by at least 40%. The reality is frequent flyer credit cards will reward those who spend more than average given all the bills convert into points, miles or Airpoints Dollars at the end of each month at a fixed rate. If you spend $2,000+ on a credit card every month, then frequent flyer cards have benefits, but there are still some poor-value options pretending to be convenient options. We've published this guide to challenge the status quo and bring transparency to everyday New Zealanders looking for a better deal for themselves at the end of every credit card billing cycle. However, they're not for everyone - if you risk being unable to make repayments in full every month, the interest you'll be charged (over 20% p.a.) will wash away any reward values. If this could be you, I suggest avoid applying for a credit card altogether". |
Christopher Walsh
MoneyHub Founder and Head of Research |
The Best Air New Zealand Airpoints Program Credit Cards
Given the banks have significantly scaled back how many Airpoints Dollars they give cardholders for every $100 spent, everything other than the American Express Airpoints Platinum Card is arguably poor value. Banks are offering much less despite keeping (or increasing) their annual fees.
Our comparison of Air New Zealand Airpoints Credit Cards outlines everything you need to know and is linked to provide greater insights for anyone considering an AIrpoints-earning credit card.
Our comparison of Air New Zealand Airpoints Credit Cards outlines everything you need to know and is linked to provide greater insights for anyone considering an AIrpoints-earning credit card.
Christopher Walsh MoneyHub Founder and Head of Research outlines this 'class of its own' credit card for anyone looking for an Air New Zealand frequent flyer credit card:
Christopher Walsh
MoneyHub Founder and Head of Research |
"This award-winning AMEX card earns around 40% more the number of Airpoints Dollars per dollar spent compared to Platinum cards from ANZ and Westpac. For this reason, it's our 2025 Editor's Choice Favourite Airline Credit Card.
You'll need to spend around $13,650 to offset its $195 annual fee, but with a 300 Airpoints Dollars signup offer, lounge vouchers, and so much more, the value offered is second to none. And, if you're Air NZ Silver, Gold or Gold Elite (or want to achieve it), AMEX's generous Status Point earning opportunities also increase your balance helping you reach the thresholds with less flying. For those spending over $1,000 a month on a credit card and always repay the balance, the AMEX card offers unmatched benefits, such as lounge access, travel insurance, a signup bonus, and the highest Airpoints Dollars earning rate." |
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The Best Qantas Frequent Flyer Credit Cards
- The only credit cards currently available that earn Qantas Frequent Flyer points in New Zealand are American Express cards. These are the American Express Gold Rewards Card ($200/year fee) and the high-end and arguably exclusive American Express Platinum Card ($1,250/year fee).
- These American Express cards earn Membership Rewards Points; both cards earn 2 Membership Rewards Points per NZ$1 spent. You can then convert Membership Rewards Points into Qantas Frequent Flyer Points at a rate of 2:1 (2 Membership Rewards points = 1 Qantas Point). The estimated transfer time is up to one business day, and the minimum transfer amount is 500 Membership Rewards Points.
- We calculate that both American Express cards effectively earn Qantas Points at a rate of $1 spent = 1 point, given the American Express earning rate ($1 = 2 Amex points) and the conversion rate (2 Amex points = 1 Qantas point).
- However, you won't earn Status Credits on any AMEX card, so if you want to retain (or progress to) silver, gold or platinum, you'll need to fly Qantas. This is the case with Qantas credit cards globally - none offer the ability to earn Status Credits.
- The alternative to AMEX for earning Qantas points is the BNZ. The BNZ also offers a transfer of points deal, where 4 BNZ points = 1 Qantas Point. As a background, $1 spent = 1 or 1.67 BNZ points, depending on the card. This means you'll earn 0.25 or 0.42 Qantas points per $1 spent. This is around a 58% to 75% lower earning rate than the AMEX cards and shows the BNZ to be poor value.
What can I earn with a Qantas Frequent Flyer Credit Card?
Per our guide covering the best ways to spend AMEX points:
More details: AMEX Gold Rewards Card Review
- Luxury flights offer the best rewards, given the high cost of paying cash for any airfare, which can be avoided if you have enough points.
- Auckland to New York (one way), Qantas Business Class (126,500 Qantas points) is a leading flight reward for anyone earning Qantas Frequent Flyer points from a credit card. Using an AMEX card earning Membership Reward Points, you'd need to spend $126,500 on your card (given the earning rate of 2 per $1 spent and the transfer rate to Qantas of 2:1); there's no required timeframe to do this in as AMEX points don't expire unless you cancel your credit card.
- Given the estimated $5,000 value of the flight, every $1 spent on your AMEX Card would give you a return of approximately 3.95 cents (or 3.95%) in the form of this specific Qantas flight.
More details: AMEX Gold Rewards Card Review
MoneyHub's Qantas Frequent Flyer Points-Earning American Express Cards - apply in minutes for a credit card that delivers the best value for money based on your needs.
- Our research highlighted two leading AMEX cards that reliably and consistently reward New Zealanders with Qantas points and offer many benefits, perks and award-earning opportunities.
- Please note both cards earn at a rate of 2 Membership Rewards points for every $1 spent. You can convert your balance to Qantas; 2 Membership Rewards points = 1 Qantas Frequent Flyer Point.
- For example, if you spend around $4,000 a month on your credit card, you'll earn around 48,000 Qantas Frequent Flyer points per year.
- Our pick for earning Qantas Frequent Flyer Points (most popular): The American Express Gold Rewards Card - $200/year fee. You'll also get a $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.
- Our pick for a premium and travel card: The American Express Platinum Card - $1,250/year annual fee. Please note, the card is a charge card; if you don't pay the balance due, you'll be liable for a $20.00 fee or 3.25% of the closing balance, whichever is greater, of the overdue amount. For example, if you have a $10,000 balance due and don't make the repayment, you'll be charged $325. You'll also get 100,000 Membership Reward points (the equivalent of 50,000 Qantas points) when you apply online, are approved and spend $1,500 on your new Card within the first 3 months. New Card Members only.
- Important: MoneyHub suggests that anyone unable to pay off a monthly credit card balance should look for an alternative source of credit. Most credit cards, with AMEX being no exception, charge interest rates that can make repayments challenging to manage.
The Best Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific (and Other Airlines) Frequent Flyer Credit Cards
Only American Express credit cards earning Membership Reward Points integrate with the frequent flyer programs of airlines such as Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines and Virgin Australia, among others.
It's a simple process to earn points in each airline's respective frequent flyer program, outlined in these three steps:
1. You'll need the right card: Cards like the American Express Gold Rewards Card and the American Express Platinum Card earn Membership Rewards Points at the rate of $1 spent = 2 Membership Rewards Points. These can then be transferred once a minimum threshold is met.
2. Understand the conversion rates: The rate at which Membership Rewards Points can be converted into airline points varies. For example:
2 Membership Rewards Points = 1 Airline Point/Mile:
3 Membership Rewards Points = 1 Airline Point/Mile:
3. Know your earning potential: The rate of earning Membership Rewards Points is consistent across the board, offering 2 points per NZ$1 spent, which are then converted into airline points or miles when you're ready to make an award booking or upgrade.
It's a simple process to earn points in each airline's respective frequent flyer program, outlined in these three steps:
1. You'll need the right card: Cards like the American Express Gold Rewards Card and the American Express Platinum Card earn Membership Rewards Points at the rate of $1 spent = 2 Membership Rewards Points. These can then be transferred once a minimum threshold is met.
2. Understand the conversion rates: The rate at which Membership Rewards Points can be converted into airline points varies. For example:
2 Membership Rewards Points = 1 Airline Point/Mile:
- Cathay Pacific (Asia Miles)
- Malaysia Airlines (Enrich Miles)
- Qantas Airways (Qantas Points)
- Virgin Australia (Velocity Points)
3 Membership Rewards Points = 1 Airline Point/Mile:
- Emirates (Skywards Miles)
- Qatar Airways (Privilege Club Avios)
- Singapore Airlines (KrisFlyer Miles)
3. Know your earning potential: The rate of earning Membership Rewards Points is consistent across the board, offering 2 points per NZ$1 spent, which are then converted into airline points or miles when you're ready to make an award booking or upgrade.
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.
- As outlined above, 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.
Before you make any moves, you'll need to follow a suggested process that avoids the pitfalls that exist with any frequent flyer program:
- Sign up for 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.
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 the value compare between airline partners with different point transfer ratios?
The transfer ratio doesn't solely determine the value of airline rewards points. A 3:1 transfer ratio doesn't automatically mean poorer value compared to a 2:1 ratio. It is essential to consider factors like the cost of award flights, seat availability, and additional perks. Some programs with a 3:1 ratio may offer better reward flight availability or more lucrative redemption options, for example, Qatar Airways.
What are the most flexible frequent flyer credit cards available in New Zealand?
The Gold Rewards Card offers flexibility in earning and transferring points to airline frequent flyer programs, including Qantas, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and Air New Zealand.
Are high annual fee credit cards worth it for frequent flyers?
High annual fee credit cards can be worthwhile for frequent flyers if the benefits outweigh the costs. These cards often come with additional travel perks, higher point earning rates, and greater reward options, especially for business class travel. However, there's nothing worse than paying credit card fees on a card you don't use. For this reason alone, it's critical to challenge whether or not any credit card will provide you value to compensate for the annual fee.
How do I choose the best frequent flyer program for my travel habits?
The right decision will be the airline you fly the most and are most loyal to. For most New Zealanders, that will be Air New Zealand. However, other popular airlines include Qantas, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines, among others. To have the best chance of success, you must evaluate which rewards are most suitable and commit to one airline's program.
Are there any hidden costs with frequent flyer credit cards?
Our guide outlines common hidden costs, such as annual fees, interest rates, and transaction fees, to help you decide which credit card to choose.
Related Guides:
- Compare Air New Zealand Airpoints Credit Cards: This guide extensively compares credit cards that earn Airpoints Dollars, highlighting the best cards for maximising your earnings for every dollar spent.
- AMEX Gold Rewards Card Review: We assess the features, benefits, and earning potential of the American Express Gold Rewards Card, making it an essential read for those considering this card for its frequent flyer perks.
- Credit Cards for Business Class Flights: This guide offers insights into how to best use credit card points to secure business class flights, comparing various credit cards and their partnerships with airline frequent flyer programs and what they offer.
- Analysis of Credit Card Foreign Transaction Fees: We explore the impact of foreign transaction fees on overseas purchases and provide strategies to minimise these costs, a crucial guide for frequent international travellers.
