Three main credit cards earn Airpoints in New Zealand — the Amex Airpoints Platinum, ANZ Airpoints Visa Platinum, and ANZ Airpoints Visa. Here’s which earns fastest and which suits your situation.
Amex Airpoints Platinum earns fastest (1 per $59) with lounge access — but Amex has limited acceptance in NZ. ANZ Airpoints Visa Platinum (1 per $75, travel insurance) is the best all-round option for most NZers. ANZ Airpoints Visa (1 per $100) is the entry-level Airpoints card — worth it if you spend $6,500+/year.
Airpoints Credit Card Comparison
| Card | Annual fee | Earn rate | Travel insurance | Lounge | Acceptance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amex Airpoints Platinum | $200 | 1 per $59 | Yes | Yes | Limited NZ |
| ANZ Airpoints Visa Platinum | $150 | 1 per $75 | Yes | No | Excellent |
| ANZ Airpoints Visa | $65 | 1 per $100 | No | No | Excellent |
| Amex Airpoints Card | Low/$0 | Lower | No | No | Limited NZ |
Annual Airpoints Earned by Spend Level
| Annual card spend | Amex Platinum | ANZ Visa Platinum | ANZ Visa |
|---|---|---|---|
| $10,000 | $169 | $133 | $100 |
| $15,000 | $254 | $200 | $150 |
| $20,000 | $339 | $267 | $200 |
| $30,000 | $508 | $400 | $300 |
Which Card for Which Spender?
High Spender + Lounge Value → Amex Airpoints Platinum
Best for: $20,000+/year in card spending, regular Air NZ flyer, values lounge access, happy to carry backup Visa.
The Amex Airpoints Platinum earns ~27% more Airpoints than the ANZ Airpoints Platinum on equivalent spending. At $20,000/year: $339 vs $267 = $72 more Airpoints annually. Add lounge access value ($200–$400+/year) and the $200 fee is very competitive.
Practical requirement: Must carry a backup Visa (Kiwibank Zero Visa is ideal — $0 fee, no foreign fee) for merchants who don’t accept Amex.
Full review: Amex Airpoints Platinum review
Reliable Single Card + Travel Insurance → ANZ Airpoints Visa Platinum
Best for: $11,250+/year in spending, annual international travel, wants one card that works everywhere.
The ANZ Airpoints Visa Platinum is the most practical premium Airpoints card for most NZers — Visa acceptance everywhere, comprehensive travel insurance included, strong earn rate. The $150 annual fee is well justified for regular travellers.
Full review: ANZ Airpoints Visa Platinum review
Entry-Level Airpoints → ANZ Airpoints Visa
Best for: $6,500–$11,250/year in spending, wants to earn Airpoints, doesn’t need travel insurance, occasional Air NZ flyer.
At $65/year and 1 per $100 spend, this is the starter Airpoints card. Break-even at $6,500/year spend. Above $11,250/year, upgrade to the Platinum.
Full review: ANZ Airpoints Visa review
Casual Airpoints Earner → Amex Airpoints Card
Best for: Existing Amex users who want to earn some Airpoints at low or no cost, or as a supplementary card alongside a backup Visa.
Not recommended as your only card due to Amex acceptance limitations.
Full review: Amex Airpoints Card review
Decision Framework
Do you spend $20,000+/year on your card?
Yes → Do you want lounge access?
Yes → Amex Airpoints Platinum (carry backup Zero Visa)
No → ANZ Airpoints Visa Platinum
No → Do you spend $11,250+/year?
Yes → ANZ Airpoints Visa Platinum (travel insurance worth it)
No → Do you spend $6,500+/year?
Yes → ANZ Airpoints Visa ($65 fee justified)
No → No-fee card (e.g., Kiwibank Zero Visa)
The Amex Acceptance Problem in NZ
Amex is not accepted at all NZ merchants:
- Most supermarkets (OK at Countdown/New World; patchy at Pak’nSave)
- Major retailers: generally fine
- Small businesses, markets, some cafés: often rejected
Solution: Carry the Kiwibank Zero Visa ($0 fee, no foreign fees) alongside the Amex. Use Amex where accepted (earns Airpoints at best rate), switch to Zero Visa where Amex isn’t (earns no Airpoints but costs nothing extra).
Earning Beyond Credit Cards
Supplement credit card earning with:
- Z Energy — link your Airpoints card at Z Energy for earning on petrol
- Airpoints partners — Avis/Budget car hire, Accor hotels, Spark
- Flying Air NZ — earn Airpoints Dollars on ticket price (economy rate applies)
See Air NZ Airpoints complete guide for the full partner list.
Next Steps
- Air NZ Airpoints complete guide — how the programme works
- How much is an Airpoints Dollar worth? — value analysis
- ANZ Airpoints Visa review — entry level card
- ANZ Airpoints Visa Platinum review — premium card with travel insurance