Compare: Best Air New Zealand Airpoints Credit Cards

Flying can be expensive, but using an Airpoints credit card can truly save you big bucks.

Airpoints is a loyalty programme of Air New Zealand, which aims to bring you a premium flying experience and big rewards. You can earn Airpoints Dollars on eligible Air New Zealand and partner airlines like Star Alliance. These can be spent on some flights and OneUp upgrades. Using Airpoints also comes with perks such as Koru Club vouchers and status points.

It’s an excellent card for a lot of Kiwis, but should you get an Airpoints credit card? Is it the right choice, considering your income and credit? Which banks offer the best Air New Zealand Airpoints credit cards? Here’s an overview.

Who should get an Airpoints credit card?

It’s recommended for high-income earners and frequent travellers. Airpoints credit cards have high fees and rates for as much as 20.95%. With these high rates, it’s suitable for responsible card owners, or those who never miss their monthly payments. If not managed, this credit card rate can easily put you in debt.

To get the most out of your Airpoints credit card, you have to travel more than twice a year. This way, you maximise these high fees and rates. If you fly less than twice a year, it’s better to have a cashback or rewards credit card instead.

What should you consider when getting an Airpoints credit card?

Before getting an Airpoints credit card, you may want to reconsider over and over again. It brings a lot of benefits, but this isn’t exactly for everyone. Although it can work even if you’re not a high-income earner or a frequent traveller, you may experience financial difficulties later in life if it doesn't match your budget.

Earn Rate

An Airpoints credit card is all about earning Airpoints Dollars. The lower the minimum spending requirement, the better. Most banks convert one Airpoints Dollar for every $60-100 spent on eligible purchases! Plus, some banks let you purchase extra points if you lack some points to avail of some perks.

Interest Rate

Compared to other credit cards, Airpoints credit cards have high interest rates, ranging from 16.95-22.95% p.a. This is higher than most credit cards, so it may be a bit more difficult to pay. However, most Airpoints credit cards also offer an interest-free period of up to 55 days. 

Annual Fee

The annual fees of Airpoints credit cards are also really high! Depending on your card, you can earn as much as $1,250! Fortunately, some banks can offer as little as $0 when you sign up during the promotional period. Make sure to watch out for these deals and sign up quickly!

Perks and benefits

Although rates and fees can be higher than normal cards, Airpoints credit cards have plenty of perks and benefits! Depending on your credit card provider, you can get Status Points, travel insurance, lounge and VIP passes, Koru club vouchers, and many more!

Sign up bonuses

As mentioned, some credit card companies offer an interest-free period upon sign up. This ranges between 44 and 55 days. Aside from Air New Zealand sign-up offers, you can get big savings and Airpoints from partner airlines like Star Alliance.

What are important things you need to know about Airpoints credit cards?

Airpoints credit cards can be very complicated, especially if you don't know the basics of credit. However, you simply have to know some important points to understand them better. Check out the answer to some frequently asked questions by New Zealanders.

Do you have to obtain a high credit score before getting Airpoints credit cards?

As it’s a high-interest rate credit card, you need to have a good credit history to get an Airpoints credit card. You also have to earn at least $30,000 with a good credit standing on at least one or two credit cards. If you don’t meet these requirements, don’t apply anymore. Instead of increasing your credit score, this can impact your rating negatively.

What are other credit card options if you don’t often fly within NZ?

If you don’t often fly within New Zealand, there are plenty of better options for you! Get an American Express card to earn Membership Rewards and points, convertible into points for Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Qantas, Virgin Australia, Malaysia Airlines, and more.

Generally, a credit card linked to Air New Zealand, such as Airpoints, is the best choice for most New Zealanders, as the carrier airline of the country.

Can I buy extra Airpoints if you lack points to redeem the perks?

Some credit card companies allow you to buy Airpoints Dollars depending on your circumstances. However, most credit card companies don’t allow this process. The closest alternative to this is an Airpoints Flexipay option. This allows you to mix Airpoints with cash.

Can I link an additional cardholder to earn more Airpoints?

Yes! Take note that you may have to pay an additional fee of up to $30 per year. Once finalised, all your expenditures go to the same bill that earns Airpoints.

What are the best Air New Zealand Airpoints credit cards?

Air New Zealand Airpoints credit cards are offered by different banks including Westpac, ANZ, American Express, and more. Each one has its function — be it for maximising your points, business use, family use, and low spenders. Take a look at the best Airpoints credit cards, currently available today.

• Some perks and rewards may not be in real-time.
• Fees, rates, and bonuses may change without notice.
• Inclusions may vary upon enquiry and application

Kiwibank Air New Zealand Airpoints Platinum Visa: Best card for frequent travellers 

If you travel at least ten times per year, Kiwibank Air New Zealand Airpoints Platinum Visa is your best bet. It lets you earn 1 Airpoints Dollar for every $75 spent. If you spend at least $30,000, you get 2 free Air New Zealand lounge access. Most of all, you can upgrade your tier status to Silver if you spend at least $90,000, earning you approximately 450 points.

It’s an excellent credit card, which comes with great perks such as complimentary overseas travel insurance, free sign up to Koru Membership, and a low annual fee of $150. As it’s a VISA, you can trust the card to get accepted almost anywhere around the world.

• Earn rate: 1 Airpoints Dollar for every $75 spent on eligible purchases or $65 on Air New Zealand products bought direct
• Interest rate: 20.95% p.a.
• Annual fee: $150
• Cash rate: 22.95% p.a.
• Interest-free days: 44 days

ANZ Visa Business Airpoints Credit Card: Best card for business travels 

For business trips to both local and international destinations, ANZ Visa Business Airpoints Credit Card lets you earn points easily. For every $75 spent on eligible purchases, you get 1 Airpoints Dollar. Plus, you can earn 1 status point for every $250 spent. This means the card can move you up to Elite Status very quickly. 

The great news is, your annual is waived for the first year when your business is less than two years old! If your business is older than two years old, you need to spend at least $10,875 to earn enough Airpoints to break even with your $145 annual fee.

• Earn rate: 1 Airpoints Dollars for every $75 spent on eligible purchases or $50 on direct purchases with Air New Zealand.
• Interest rate: 19.95% p.a.
• Annual fee: $145
• Cash rate: 19.95% p.a.
• Interest-free days: 44 days

American Express Airpoints Platinum Card: Best card to maximise Airpoints

To maximise your Airpoints Dollar, get an American Express Airpoints Platinum Card. It has one of the best earn rates among its competitors, with 1 Airpoints Dollar for every $59 spent. Most of all, you get complimentary smartphone screen insurance, domestic, and international travel insurance. It also includes four lounge passes per year — two in Auckland Airport and two for either Sydney or Melbourne Airports.

If you spend $1,500 within the first three months, you can even get extra 500 Airpoints! With this wide range of perks, you can use every point of your Airpoints credit card to good use. You can travel with peace of mind and luxury, thanks to these benefits.

• Earn rate: 1 Airpoints Dollars for every $59 spent on eligible purchases
• Interest rate: 19.95% p.a.
• Annual fee: $195
• Cash rate: 21.95% p.a.
• Interest-free days: 55 days

Kiwibank Air New Zealand Airpoints Low Fee Visa: Best card for budget travellers

Airpoints credit card isn’t only for luxury travellers; there’s also an option for budget travellers and backpackers! Kiwibank’s Air New Zealand Airpoints Low Fee Visa is an awesome choice, with its low-interest rate of 16.90% p.a. and annual fee of only $36! Its earn rate is 1 Airpoints Dollar for every $160 spent.

As a VISA card, you can use it almost anywhere, both domestically or internationally. While this is an appealing option, you would have to spend at least $4,000 to break even on the annual fee. Depending on your needs, a cashback card may be a better option. 

• Earn rate: 1 Airpoints Dollars for every $160 spent on eligible purchases
• Interest rate: 16.90% p.a.
• Annual fee: $25
• Cash rate: 22.95% p.a.
• Interest-free days: 44 days

Compare the best Air New Zealand Airpoints credit card 

Don’t know which one is the best Airpoints credit card for your needs? Compare them side by side to help you choose better.

	Kiwibank Air New Zealand Airpoints Platinum Visa	ANZ Visa Business Airpoints Credit Card	American Express Airpoints Platinum Card	Kiwibank Air New Zealand Airpoints Low Fee Visa
Best for	Frequent travellers	Business travellers	Maximise Airpoints	Budget travellers
Earn rate	1 Airpoints Dollars = $75 /$50	1 Airpoints Dollars = $75/ $50	1 Airpoints Dollars = $59	1 Airpoints Dollars = $160
Interest rate	20.95% p.a.	19.95% p.a.	19.95% p.a.	16.95% p.a.
Annual fee	$150	$145	$195	$25
Cash rate	22.95% p.a.	19.95% p.a.	21.95% p.a.	22.95% p.a.
Interest-free days	44 days	44 days	55 days	44 days

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