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Credit Card Concierge Services: Are They Worth It?

In New Zealand, many premium credit cards come with a suite of benefits, one of which is the concierge service. These services promise to simplify your life by handling a range of tasks, from booking travel and dining reservations to securing tickets for events. But are these services truly worth the often high annual fees associated with premium cards? This article delves into the various aspects of credit card concierge services available in New Zealand to help you determine their value.

What is a Credit Card Concierge Service?

A credit card concierge service is a personalised assistance service offered to holders of premium and platinum credit cards. These services are designed to help cardholders manage their busy lives by taking care of various tasks and arrangements. The scope of services can be wide-ranging, including:

  • Travel Arrangements: Booking flights, hotels, and car rentals.
  • Event Tickets: Securing tickets for concerts, sports events, and theatre shows.
  • Dining Reservations: Recommending and booking restaurants.
  • Personal Shopping: Finding and purchasing hard-to-find items.
  • Emergency Assistance: Providing support in case of medical or travel emergencies.

Credit Cards Offering Concierge Services in New Zealand

Several credit cards in New Zealand offer concierge services as part of their premium benefits. According to Canstar, some of the top-rated cards include:

  • ANZ Airpoints Visa Platinum
  • ASB Visa Platinum
  • BNZ Advantage Visa Platinum Cash Rewards
  • Kiwibank Airpoints Platinum Mastercard
  • Westpac Airpoints Platinum Mastercard

These cards typically come with high annual fees, which can range from $80 to $390 per year.

Benefits of Credit Card Concierge Services

The primary advantage of a concierge service is convenience. For busy professionals or frequent travellers, having a dedicated assistant to handle various tasks can be invaluable. Here are some specific benefits:

1. Time-Saving Convenience

A concierge service can save you significant time by handling mundane tasks. Whether it’s booking a last-minute flight or finding a reputable mechanic, the concierge can take care of it, freeing you up to focus on more important matters.

2. Access to Exclusive Experiences

Many concierge services offer access to exclusive events and experiences that might not be available to the general public. This can include VIP tickets to concerts, reservations at fully booked restaurants, or special tours and activities.

3. Expert Recommendations

Concierges are often well-connected and knowledgeable about various services and destinations. They can provide expert recommendations tailored to your preferences, whether you’re looking for a hidden gem restaurant in Auckland or the best spa in Queenstown.

4. Emergency Assistance

In case of emergencies, such as medical issues while travelling, concierge services can provide crucial support. This can include arranging medical appointments, finding local healthcare providers, or even organising emergency travel arrangements.

Drawbacks to Consider

While concierge services offer numerous benefits, there are also some drawbacks to consider:

1. High Annual Fees

Premium credit cards that offer concierge services often come with high annual fees. For example, the Westpac Airpoints World Mastercard has an annual fee of $390. If you don’t frequently use the concierge service, the cost may outweigh the benefits.

2. Limited Usage

Some cardholders may find that they do not use the concierge service enough to justify the high annual fee. If you’re not a frequent traveller or don’t often require assistance with bookings and reservations, the service may not be worth the cost.

3. Potential Surcharges

Using credit cards can sometimes involve surcharges, especially when used for certain types of transactions. These additional costs can make using credit less appealing, even with the added benefits of a concierge service.

Is It Worth It?

Determining whether a credit card concierge service is worth it depends on your individual needs and lifestyle. Here are some questions to consider:

  • Do you frequently travel or attend events? If you often find yourself needing assistance with travel arrangements or securing tickets, a concierge service can be highly beneficial.
  • Do you value exclusive access and experiences? If having access to VIP events and hard-to-get reservations is important to you, the concierge service can add significant value.
  • Can you justify the annual fee? Consider how often you will use the service and whether the convenience and benefits outweigh the cost of the annual fee.

Credit card concierge services can offer significant value for those who frequently use the services provided. For busy professionals, frequent travellers, and those who enjoy exclusive experiences, the convenience and access provided by a concierge service can be well worth the high annual fees. However, for those who do not use these services regularly, the cost may not be justified. Ultimately, the decision will depend on your personal needs and how much you value the convenience and benefits offered by the concierge service.

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