Kiwibank Airpoints Cards Ending – Best Replacement Options

Replacing your Kiwibank Airpoints credit card with another Airpoints credit card allows you to continue earning Airpoints Dollars and Status Points while protecting your current Airpoints Dollars balance from expiration. Our guide outlines alternative Airpoints Dollars-earning credit cards (from American Express, Westpac, and ANZ), must-know tips to navigate the transition, and frequently asked questions.

How to Replace Your Kiwibank Airpoints Credit Card: Best Options

Updated 30 May 2025

Summary

In late May 2025, Kiwibank and Air New Zealand announced the end of their Airpoints credit card partnership, effective October 31, 2025. This decision impacts holders of the Kiwibank Airpoints Platinum Visa and Airpoints Low Fee Visa, marking the end of Airpoints Dollars and Status Points earning through these cards.
With Kiwibank no longer partnering with Air New Zealand, affected customers will automatically transition to Kiwibank's Platinum Visa or Zero Visa, which offer different benefits but no Airpoints rewards.
Whether you're a frequent flyer or an occasional traveller, our guide has been published to help you find the best way to keep earning Airpoints and maximise value to help turn everyday spending into valuable rewards.

Our guide explains what the changes mean and what existing Kiwibank Airpoints cardholders need to be aware of. We cover:

Know This: To maintain your Airpoints Dollars balance, a Platinum-level Airpoints credit card is essential, as without it, Airpoints Dollars older than four years will likely expire. We recommend reviewing your Air New Zealand Airpoints statements to check the age of your current balance. If any portion is approaching or exceeds 3.5 years, it could be at risk of expiring once your Kiwibank Airpoints Platinum card is no longer active after 31 October 2025.

Our Top 3 Picks

Best Overall: AMEX Airpoints Platinum - This card is unrivalled for Airpoints Dollars earning power and benefits - our review explains more.
Best No-Fee Option: AMEX Airpoints Card - no other card offers strong Airpoints Dollars earning power with no ongoing card fee.
Best Visa or Mastercard Option: ANZ Airpoints Visa Platinum - While AMEX has the best earn rate, it’s not accepted everywhere, so a Visa/Mastercard may still suit some users better if they purchase from smaller retailers on a frequent basis.

Know This First: Why Is the Partnership Ending?

Kiwibank cited rising costs and changes to interchange fee regulations as key factors undermining the viability of the Airpoints credit card program. In short, new regulations have reduced interchange fees—the small percentage Kiwibank earns from each transaction made on the card. With less revenue per purchase but unchanged costs for purchasing Airpoints Dollars from Air New Zealand, the program has become unprofitable at current reward rates.
Mark Stephen, Kiwibank's chief customer officer - retail, noted in a May 2025 media report that continuing the program would require reducing the Airpoints Dollars earning rates (further) or increasing interest rates, which would disproportionately impact customers who don't pay their balance in full.
Instead, Kiwibank is focusing on broader-value products, such as the Platinum Visa, which comes with enhanced travel insurance.
Air New Zealand, with 4.8 million Airpoints members, regularly reviews partnerships to ensure value. The airline continues to offer Airpoints-earning credit cards with American Express (AMEX), Westpac, and ANZ, providing alternatives for customers affected by the change.

What Happens to Your Kiwibank Airpoints Credit Card?

Until October 31, 2025: Your Kiwibank Airpoints Platinum Visa or Low Fee Visa remains active. You can continue earning Airpoints Dollars, Status Points, and accessing perks like Koru membership discounts, Koru joining fee waivers, and Airpoints Dollars Advance, as well as an Airpoints Dollars balance that won't expire.
Airpoints Balance: Previously earned Airpoints Dollars and Status Points remain in your Air New Zealand Airpoints account, visible via the Air NZ app or website. However, without a new Airpoints Dollars-earning card, Airpoints Dollars expire after four years.
From November 1, 2025: The Airpoints credit card program ends, and all associated benefits cease. Customers will automatically transition to:

Platinum Visa: Offers international and domestic travel insurance, a lower interest rate, and more interest-free days.
Zero Visa: Features no annual fee and a 12.90% p.a. interest rate, ideal for cost-conscious users.

Advertising Disclaimer: MoneyHub may earn a referral bonus for anyone who's approved through some of the links published in this comparison. 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.

Get 300 Bonus Airpoints Dollars – Apply Now

Alternative Airpoints-Earning Credit Cards

To continue earning Airpoints Dollars and Status Points, there are three options; switch to an Airpoints-earning credit card from AMEX, Westpac or ANZ, We compare the options below, and our Air New Zealand Airpoints credit cards guide covers these cards and other options (such as the zero-fee AMEX Airpoints Card).

Card	Earn Rate	Annual Fee	Bonus Offer	Lounge Access
AMEX Airpoints Platinum	1 Airpoints Dollar/$70 spend and $250 = 1 Status Point	$195	300 Airpoints Dollars	Yes (4 passes)
Westpac Airpoints Platinum Mastercard	1 Airpoints Dollar/$110 spend (then $220 after $7,000 monthly spend) and $225 = 1 Status Point	$125	None	No
Westpac Airpoints World	1 Airpoints Dollar/$95 spend(then $190 after $15,000 monthly spend) and $225 = 1 Status Point	$310	None	Yes (Priority Pass)
ANZ Airpoints Visa Platinum	1 Airpoints Dollar/$110 spend and Cardholders earn 50% bonus Status Points on top of the Status Points earned on qualifying flights with Air New Zealand. There is no Status Points per spend (unlike the other cards).	$150	200 Airpoints Dollars	No
AMEX Airpoints Card	1 Airpoints Dollar/$100 spend No Status Points	$0	50 Airpoints Dollars	No

Notes:

Earn rates and bonuses are based on information from bank websites and recent reviews.
Interest rates apply to unpaid balances; paying your balance in full monthly avoids interest costs.

Which Card Is Right for You?

Frequent Flyers and High Spenders: The AMEX Airpoints Platinum Card offers the fastest earning rate (1 Airpoints Dollar per $70) and premium perks, such as lounge access and comprehensive travel insurance, making it ideal for those who spend heavily and travel frequently. The $195 annual fee is offset by the 300 bonus Airpoints Dollars welcome offer.
Balanced Value: The AMEX Airpoints Platinum Card offers an impressive earning rate of 1 Airpoints Dollar per $70 spent, the fastest among Airpoints-earning cards in New Zealand, paired with a reasonable annual fee of $195. It includes complimentary domestic and international travel insurance, two Priority Pass lounge passes annually, and a $400 Koru membership discount ($255 joining fee waiver plus $145 annual fee reduction), making it ideal for moderate spenders who want premium Airpoints rewards and travel perks without excessive costs. The 300 bonus Airpoints Dollars welcome offer (spend $1,500 in the first 3 months) further sweetens the deal, offsetting the annual fee for new cardholders.
Budget-Conscious Travellers: The AMEX Airpoints Card has no annual fee and a decent earn rate (1 Airpoints Dollar per $100), perfect for those who want Airpoints without upfront costs.
Best Visa or Mastercard Option: ANZ Airpoints Visa Platinum - While AMEX has the best earn rate, it’s not accepted everywhere, so a Visa/Mastercard may still suit some users better if they purchase from smaller retailers on a frequent basis.

Get 300 Bonus Airpoints Dollars – Apply Now

Our View: AMEX Airpoints Platinum - The Best Airpoints Dollars Credit Card Available

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.

If you're an existing Kiwibank Airpoints Platinum cardholder, here’s why switching to AMEX's Airpoints Platinum makes sense:

Best Earn Rate: Earn 1 Airpoints Dollar per $70 spent – significantly better than Westpac’s $110–$150 or ANZ’s $110.
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.

Christopher Walsh
MoneyHub Founder (and Frequent User of AMEX)

Christopher Walsh, MoneyHub Founder, shares his AMEX experience:
"In March 2025, a fraudulent transaction hit my Kiwibank Airpoints Platinum card, which meant my card was replaced. However, I had already applied for the AMEX Airpoints Platinum, drawn by its unmatched 1 Airpoints Dollar per $70 earn rate. Migrating from Kiwibank to AMEX was effortless, and acceptance of my new card has been smooth, thanks to Apple Pay and Google Pay integrating with AMEX.

The card's travel insurance, Status Points earning, and Airpoints Dollars earning rate make maintaining my Air NZ Gold status easy, especially since I book cheaper airfares well in advance, so I won't get there on flights alone. With Kiwibank now migrating my card to a low-reward option on November 1, 2025, I will likely cancel it – AMEX has been far more reliable and rewarding. I also like the AMEX app, which features live chat, a significant difference from Kiwibank's message service, which can sometimes have you waiting for a few days.

Compared to ANZ's and Westpac's Airpoints cards, AMEX's perks and earn rate are in a different league. Why settle for earning less every time you use your card? I am thrilled to have made the move".

Apply with AMEX

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.

Key Considerations When Choosing a New Airpoints Dollars Credit Card

Before you make a decision, we suggest considering the following:

Earn Rate vs Fees: Higher earn rates (e.g., AMEX Airpoints Platinum) come with slightly higher annual fees ($195 vs Kiwibank's $180) but offer 70% more Airpoints Dollars per dollar spent on the card, as well as many other benefits.
Airpoints Expiry: All listed Airpoints credit cards (other than the free AMEX card) offer non-expiring Airpoints Dollars, a crucial perk that prevents Airpoints Dollars from expiring (standard Airpoints expire after four years without an eligible card in use).
Additional Perks: Look for travel insurance, Koru membership benefits, or lounge access if you travel frequently. AMEX cards stand out for travel insurance, and our dedicated guide to the policy explains what you get and why many cardholders rely on the cover and avoid the cost of taking out standalone cover.

Acceptance: Visa and Mastercard are more widely accepted than American Express, but our research into AMEX acceptance and the list of everyday retailers that accept it make AMEX a reliable option for significant amounts of everyday spending.

Foreign Transaction Fees: Kiwibank's Platinum Airpoints credit card charges 1.85% on international purchases, while AMEX charges 2.49%. For overseas spending, you can consider a travel money card like Wise with lower fees for better value.

What to Do Before October 31, 2025
To make the most of your Kiwibank Airpoints credit card and prepare for the transition, follow these steps:

Consider Applying for a New Card Early: Apply for an alternative Airpoints card (e.g., AMEX, Westpac or ANZ) before October to take advantage of welcome bonuses and ensure continuity of non-expiring Airpoints. Allow 2–4 weeks for processing your application.
Maximise Your Current Card: Until a new card comes, you can use your Kiwibank Airpoints card for eligible purchases to earn Airpoints Dollars and Status Points until October 31, 2025. Kiwibank's $180 annual fee for its Airpoints Platinum credit card is invoiced as $90 every six months. You may want to consider cancelling the card once your new Airpoints credit card is active and you're familiar with it.

If you don't plan to replace your Kiwibank Airpoints credit card:

Check Your Airpoints Balance: Log into your Air New Zealand Airpoints account via the Air NZ app or website to review your Airpoints Dollars and Status Points. Redeem Airpoints Dollars for flights, One-up bids, or Airpoints Store purchases if you're close to expiry or prefer not to switch cards.
Use Koru Benefits: If you have a Koru membership discount or a joining fee waiver, activate or renew your membership before October 31, as these benefits will expire.
Review Kiwibank's Platinum Visa: Review the enhanced Platinum Visa's benefits (e.g., domestic travel insurance) to decide if it suits your needs post-transition. If not, consider the Zero Visa, which has no annual fee.

Get 300 Bonus Airpoints Dollars – Apply Now

Tips to Maximise Airpoints Dollars Without a Credit Card

If you prefer not to switch to another Airpoints credit card, you can still earn Airpoints Dollars through other methods:

Fly with Air New Zealand or Partners: Earn Airpoints on eligible Air New Zealand flights, Star Alliance partners, or other airline partners (e.g., Singapore Airlines, United Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, etc).
Shop at Airpoints Partners: Earn Airpoints at retailers like New World supermarkets, Z Energy, or the Airpoints Online Store for online purchases, where you'll earn based on how much you spend.
Book Travel Services: Use Air New Zealand's booking engine for hotels or rent cars via Air New Zealand, but check with websites such as Booking.com and Kayak.com to ensure the pricing is competitive.
Sharepoints: You can sign up for Sharepoints and encourage family members to use your Airpoints Dollars for bookings, maximising value before expiry.

Recent posts on Reddit and other social media websites reflect frustration among Kiwibank customers with this sudden announcement, with some calling the decision "the stupidest move" and planning to switch to other banks, AMEX or Qantas' loyalty program. Others speculate that regulatory pressures, such as the Commerce Commission's recommendations, contributed to the decision and may impact other banks' earnings rates. We believe that ANZ and Westpac may soon announce changes too, but we are confident that AMEX, which operates outside the interchange fee environment, will continue to offer the most attractive option.

Get 300 Bonus Airpoints Dollars – Apply Now

Replacing Your Kiwibank Airpoints Credit Card: Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for a new Airpoints credit card?

Visit the websites of AMEX, Westpac or ANZ to apply online. The process typically takes 2–3 weeks; however, with Kiwibank’s exit from the Airpoints program on October 31, 2025, high demand may result in longer processing times. To ensure a smooth transition, apply early—ideally by early October—to secure welcome bonuses and maintain non-expiring Airpoints. You’ll need to be a New Zealand resident, provide proof of income, and meet credit eligibility criteria.

Will my Airpoints Dollars expire after the program ends?

If you don’t switch to another Airpoints-earning card, Airpoints Dollars expire four years from the date earned. Check your balance and redeem Airpoints Dollars if needed.

Can I still use my Kiwibank card after October 31, 2025?

Yes, your Kiwibank Airpoints Platinum Visa or Low Fee Visa will remain usable, but it will automatically convert to a Platinum Visa or Zero Visa starting November 1, 2025. Neither of these cards earns Airpoints Dollars or Status Points, nor do they offer Airpoints-specific perks, such as Koru membership discounts or non-expiring points.

The Platinum Visa includes international and domestic travel insurance, as well as a lower interest rate of 12.90%. In contrast, the Zero Visa has no annual fee but a 12.90% p.a. interest rate. If Airpoints rewards are your priority, consider switching to an Airpoints-earning card from AMEX, Westpac or ANZ before the deadline.

Is the Kiwibank Platinum Visa worth keeping?

Whether Kiwibank's Platinum Visa is worth keeping after November 1, 2025, depends on your financial and travel needs. It offers international and domestic travel insurance, which is valuable for frequent travellers, plus a lower interest rate and more interest-free days compared to the Airpoints Platinum Visa.

However, it lacks Airpoints Dollars earning, Status Points, and perks like Koru membership discounts, which may be a dealbreaker if you value Air New Zealand rewards. The American Express Airpoints Platinum, which offers superior rewards and travel perks for a $195 annual fee, may be more suitable if you routinely use your Kiwibank Airpoints Platinum card.

Do I need an Airpoints Dollars Credit Card?

An Airpoints Dollars credit card isn't essential. Still, it's highly beneficial if you want to earn Airpoints Dollars and Status Points on everyday spending or maintain an Air New Zealand Airpoints account with non-expiring points.

Without an Airpoints-earning card, your Airpoints Dollars expire four years from the date earned, and you'll rely on other methods (e.g., flying with Air New Zealand, shopping at partners like New World or Z Energy) to earn points, which may be slower and less consistent.

Cards like the American Express Airpoints Platinum (1 Airpoints Dollar per $70 spent, $195 annual fee) or the no-fee Amex Airpoints Card (1 Airpoints Dollar per $100) make earning rewards faster, especially for frequent spenders or travellers.

If you rarely fly or prefer low-cost banking, Kiwibank's Zero Visa or non-rewards cards may suffice, but you'll miss out on Airpoints benefits.

Is it worth the annual fee if I don't fly much?

The value of an Airpoints card's annual fee for infrequent flyers depends on your spending habits, redemption goals, and desired perks. For example, the American Express Airpoints Platinum ($195 annual fee) offers 1 Airpoints Dollar per $70 spent, a 300 Airpoints Dollars welcome bonus (spend $1,500 in 3 months), travel insurance, and four lounge passes annually.

If you spend $14,000 annually (roughly $1,200 monthly), you'd earn 200 Airpoints Dollars, plus the bonus, potentially covering a domestic flight (e.g., Auckland to Wellington, ~100 Airpoints Dollars return). The insurance and lounge access add value even for occasional trips.

For minimal travel, the no-fee Amex Airpoints Card (1 Airpoints Dollar per $100) is a better fit, earning 140 Airpoints Dollars on $14,000 spend without upfront costs. If Airpoints aren't a priority, Kiwibank's Zero Visa (no fee, no rewards) may be a more cost-effective option. Use the Air New Zealand Airpoints calculator to estimate earnings based on your budget.

Can I keep earning Status Points without a credit card?

Yes, but it’s slower. Status Points are earned primarily through Air New Zealand or Star Alliance flights (based on fare class and distance) - Air New Zealand's dedicated tool outlines what you'll earn. Non-flight options, like Airpoints partner spending, don’t accrue Status Points. An Airpoints-earning card like the American Express Airpoints Platinum (15 Status Points per $2,500 spent) is one of the fastest way to maintain or achieve Air NZ Gold/Elite status.

Get 300 Bonus Airpoints Dollars – Apply Now

Our Conclusion

The end of the Kiwibank and Air New Zealand Airpoints credit card partnership is a significant change for loyal customers, but it's not the end of your Airpoints journey, and arguably, you'll be better off should you migrate to an AMEX card given the boost in earning rates and benefits.
By switching to an alternative card from American Express, Westpac, or ANZ, you can continue earning Airpoints Dollars and Status Points with perks like non-expiring Airpoints Dollars and travel insurance.
We suggest taking action well before October 31, 2025, to maximise your current card's benefits and secure a new card that aligns with your spending and travel habits.

Reminder - Kiwibank Airpoints Card Transition dates:

May 27, 2025: Partnership end announced.
July–September 2025: We anticipate many Kiwibank customers applying for a new Airpoints card.
October 31, 2025: Last day to earn Airpoints with Kiwibank cards.
November 1, 2025: Kiwibank credit cards convert to Platinum/Zero Visa.

Get 300 Bonus Airpoints Dollars – Apply Now

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