Comparing Airpoints Credit Cards in New Zealand
Air New Zealand’s Airpoints programme is one of the most popular loyalty schemes in New Zealand, offering Kiwis the opportunity to earn rewards on their everyday spending. Airpoints credit cards are a key way to accumulate Airpoints Dollars, which can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and a wide range of products from the Airpoints Store. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare the various Airpoints credit cards available in the New Zealand market to help you choose the best option for your needs.
Overview of Airpoints Credit Cards
Airpoints credit cards are offered by several major banks and financial institutions in New Zealand, including ANZ, Westpac, Kiwibank, and American Express. These cards allow you to earn Airpoints Dollars on your everyday purchases, with some cards offering additional perks such as Status Points, lounge passes, and travel insurance.
Key Factors to Consider
When comparing Airpoints credit cards, it’s important to consider the following factors:
- Earn rate
- Annual fee
- Sign-up bonus
- Additional benefits
- Minimum spend requirements
- Interest rates
Let’s examine some of the top Airpoints credit cards available in New Zealand based on these factors.
American Express Airpoints Platinum Card
The American Express Airpoints Platinum Card is widely regarded as one of the best Airpoints-earning credit cards in New Zealand.
Key features:
- Earn rate: 1 Airpoints Dollar for every $70 spent (from 3 October 2024)
- Annual fee: $195
- Sign-up bonus: 300 Airpoints Dollars (for new Card Members)
- Additional benefits: Two complimentary Air New Zealand Lounge passes annually, travel insurance, smartphone screen insurance
The American Express Airpoints Platinum Card offers the highest earn rate among Airpoints credit cards in New Zealand. While it does come with an annual fee, the generous sign-up bonus effectively covers the fee for the first two years.
ANZ Airpoints Visa Platinum
The ANZ Airpoints Visa Platinum is another popular choice for Kiwis looking to earn Airpoints.
Key features:
- Earn rate: 1 Airpoints Dollar for every $75 spent on eligible purchases
- Annual fee: $150
- Sign-up bonus: Varies (check current promotions)
- Additional benefits: Two Air New Zealand Lounge passes annually, travel insurance
While the earn rate is not as high as the American Express card, the ANZ Airpoints Visa Platinum offers a lower annual fee and may be more widely accepted at retailers across New Zealand.
Westpac Airpoints World Mastercard
The Westpac Airpoints World Mastercard is a premium option for high spenders.
Key features:
- Earn rate: 1 Airpoints Dollar for every $65 spent up to $15,000 per year, then 1 Airpoints Dollar for every $75 spent
- Annual fee: $390
- Sign-up bonus: Varies (check current promotions)
- Additional benefits: Four Air New Zealand Lounge passes annually, travel insurance, Priority Pass membership
This card offers a competitive earn rate for big spenders, but the high annual fee may not be justifiable for those who don’t utilise all the additional benefits.
Kiwibank Air New Zealand Airpoints Low Fee Visa
For those looking for a low-cost option, the Kiwibank Air New Zealand Airpoints Low Fee Visa is worth considering.
Key features:
- Earn rate: 1 Airpoints Dollar for every $160 spent
- Annual fee: $25
- Sign-up bonus: None
- Additional benefits: Limited
While the earn rate is lower than other cards, the minimal annual fee makes this a good option for light spenders or those new to credit cards.
American Express Airpoints Card
The American Express Airpoints Card is an excellent no-annual-fee option for earning Airpoints.
Key features:
- Earn rate: 1 Airpoints Dollar for every $100 spent
- Annual fee: $0
- Sign-up bonus: 50 Airpoints Dollars (for new Card Members)
- Additional benefits: Limited
This card offers a reasonable earn rate without any annual fee, making it an attractive option for those who want to earn Airpoints without committing to a high-fee card.
Comparing Earn Rates and Breakeven Points
To better understand the value proposition of these cards, let’s compare their earn rates and calculate the breakeven points (the amount you need to spend annually to offset the card’s fee):
| Card | Earn Rate | Annual Fee | Breakeven Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amex Airpoints Platinum | 1 AD per $70 | $195 | $13,650 |
| ANZ Airpoints Visa Platinum | 1 AD per $75 | $150 | $11,250 |
| Westpac Airpoints World | 1 AD per $65 (up to $15k) | $390 | $25,350 |
| Kiwibank Low Fee Visa | 1 AD per $160 | $25 | $4,000 |
| Amex Airpoints Card | 1 AD per $100 | $0 | N/A |
As we can see, the breakeven points vary significantly between cards. The Amex Airpoints Card, with no annual fee, starts earning from the first dollar spent. In contrast, the Westpac Airpoints World requires a substantial annual spend to justify its high fee.
Additional Considerations
When choosing an Airpoints credit card, consider these additional factors:
- Acceptance: American Express cards may not be as widely accepted as Visa or Mastercard in New Zealand.
- Status Points: Some cards offer Status Points, which can help you reach or maintain Air New Zealand Airpoints status tiers.
- Travel Insurance: If you travel frequently, cards with comprehensive travel insurance can provide significant value.
- Interest Rates: If you don’t always pay your balance in full, consider the purchase interest rate. The SBS Visa Credit Card, for example, offers a lower rate of 19.65%.
- Supplementary Cards: Some cards offer free or low-cost additional cards for family members, allowing you to earn Airpoints faster.
The best Airpoints credit card for you will depend on your spending habits, travel frequency, and how much you value additional perks. For high spenders who can maximise the benefits, the American Express Airpoints Platinum Card offers unparalleled value. For those seeking a no-fee option, the American Express Airpoints Card is an excellent choice.
Remember, the value of any rewards credit card is quickly negated if you carry a balance and incur interest charges. Always aim to pay your balance in full each month to maximise the benefits of your Airpoints credit card.
Before applying for any credit card, carefully review the terms and conditions, and consider your financial situation to ensure you choose the card that best suits your needs and spending habits.