The BNZ Advantage Visa Platinum is BNZ’s flagship rewards credit card, earning BNZ Advantage points on spending. Here’s how it compares to Airpoints cards and what the $90/year fee buys.
The BNZ Advantage Visa Platinum ($90/year) earns BNZ Advantage points, which can be redeemed for flights, vouchers, and merchandise. Airpoints cards such as the ANZ Airpoints Visa ($65) work differently: Air NZ says each Airpoint is equivalent to NZ$1 when spending with Air NZ, while BNZ points are valued at roughly 0.5–1c each depending on redemption. Which earns more for you depends on how you redeem.
BNZ Advantage Visa Platinum — Key Facts
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Annual fee | $90 |
| Interest rate | 20.95% p.a. |
| Rewards programme | BNZ Advantage points |
| Interest-free period | Up to 55 days |
| Card network | Visa |
| Foreign transaction fee | ~2% |
| Contactless / Apple Pay | Yes |
Verify current earn rates and point values with BNZ directly.
How BNZ Advantage Points Work
BNZ Advantage points accumulate on card spending. Points can be redeemed for:
- Flights — Air NZ and other airlines via the BNZ rewards portal
- Accommodation — hotels via the rewards portal
- Gift cards — major NZ retailers
- Merchandise — from the rewards catalogue
- Statement credit — offset your card balance
Point Value Estimation
The value of Advantage points varies by redemption — flight redemptions tend to offer better value than merchandise or gift cards. As a rough guide, BNZ Advantage points are often valued at around 0.5–1c per point depending on redemption type, though this varies.
Compare to Airpoints: Air NZ says each Airpoint is equivalent to NZ$1 when spending with Air NZ. BNZ points need a calculation to work out their value.
Break-Even Analysis
To justify the $90 annual fee, you need to earn at least $90 in rewards value:
Assuming points worth approximately 0.7c each as a mid-range estimate:
- To earn $90 value: approximately 12,857 points needed
- At a typical earn rate: check BNZ’s current earn rate per dollar spent
For comparison with Airpoints:
- ANZ Airpoints Visa: $65 fee, 1 per $170 → break-even at $11,050 spend (at NZ$1 per Airpoint)
- ANZ Airpoints Platinum: $150 fee, 1 per $110 → break-even at $16,500 spend (at NZ$1 per Airpoint)
BNZ Advantage Platinum vs ANZ Airpoints Cards
| Feature | BNZ Advantage Visa Platinum | ANZ Airpoints Visa | ANZ Airpoints Visa Platinum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $90 | $65 | $150 |
| Rewards | BNZ Advantage points | Airpoints | Airpoints |
| Stated point value | Varies by redemption | NZ$1 per Airpoint with Air NZ | NZ$1 per Airpoint with Air NZ |
| Travel insurance | Check with BNZ | No | Yes (overseas, subject to eligibility) |
| Redemption flexibility | Flights, vouchers, merch | Air NZ focused | Air NZ focused |
How the values differ: Air NZ states that each Airpoint is equivalent to NZ$1 when spending with Air NZ, though it sets the flight redemption rate. BNZ Advantage point values vary by redemption, and BNZ points can be redeemed more widely.
Features and Limitations
Features:
- Earns BNZ points, not tied to Air NZ
- Redemption options: flights, accommodation, gift cards, merchandise, statement credit
- $90 annual fee
Limitations:
- Does not earn Airpoints
- Point values vary by redemption (roughly 0.5–1c per point)
- Travel insurance inclusion needs checking with BNZ
- 20.95% p.a. interest on a carried balance
BNZ Low Rate Mastercard
If you sometimes carry a balance, the rate matters more than rewards. BNZ’s Low Rate Mastercard has a $0 fee and charges 13.45% p.a., against 20.95% on the Advantage Platinum. On a $2,000 balance, that interest difference is larger than typical rewards earnings.
See low interest credit cards NZ.
Summary
The BNZ Advantage Visa Platinum costs $90 a year and earns BNZ points that can be redeemed for flights, accommodation, gift cards, merchandise or statement credit, at roughly 0.5–1c per point. ANZ’s Airpoints cards ($65 and $150) earn Airpoints, which Air NZ says are equivalent to NZ$1 when spending with Air NZ. The difference comes down to how you would redeem the rewards.
Where to check the latest data
Rates, fees and returns change often. Before deciding, check current figures yourself:
- interest.co.nz credit card rates: tables of current credit card interest rates and fees.
- The provider's own website: has its current rates, fees and full terms; these change more often than any comparison page.
- Financial Service Providers Register: shows whether a provider is registered to offer financial services in New Zealand.
Next Steps
- ANZ Airpoints Visa review — direct competitor
- ANZ Airpoints Visa Platinum review — with travel insurance
- Airpoints credit cards NZ: full Airpoints card comparison
- Credit cards NZ compared: full market overview