Airpoints credit cards let you earn Air New Zealand Airpoints Dollars on your everyday spending. They’re the most popular rewards currency in New Zealand — almost every bank offers at least one Airpoints-earning card.
1 Airpoints Dollar ≈ $1 NZ value for Air NZ flights, upgrades, and eligible products
Earn rate: typically $75–$100 spent per $1 Airpoints Dollar on standard cards; $67–$75 on premium cards
No expiry: Airpoints Dollars don't expire while you're an Airpoints member
Status tiers: Earning above certain thresholds unlocks Airpoints Gold, Elite status (lounge access, upgrades)
Best Airpoints Credit Cards NZ (2026)
1. Amex Airpoints Platinum — Highest Earn Rate
- Earn rate: ~$67 spend per $1 Airpoints Dollar (best available on a credit card)
- Annual fee: ~$195
- Sign-up bonus: Often 100+ Airpoints Dollars on sign-up (check current offer)
- Benefits: Travel insurance, lounge access credits, purchase protection
- Acceptance issue: Amex not accepted at all NZ merchants — carry a Visa/MC as backup
- Best for: High spenders ($20,000+/year) who shop where Amex is accepted
Annual value at $20,000 spend:
- Airpoints earned: $20,000 ÷ $67 = ~$299 Airpoints Dollars
- Annual fee: $195
- Net value: ~$104 (before sign-up bonus value)
2. ANZ Airpoints Visa Platinum — Best Visa Airpoints Card
- Earn rate: ~$75 spend per $1 Airpoints Dollar
- Annual fee: ~$150
- Benefits: Complimentary travel insurance, concierge service, visa acceptance everywhere
- Best for: Regular Air NZ flyers who prefer Visa acceptance over Amex earn rate
Annual value at $20,000 spend:
- Airpoints earned: $20,000 ÷ $75 = ~$267 Airpoints Dollars
- Annual fee: $150
- Net value: ~$117
3. ANZ Airpoints Visa — Standard Earn Rate
- Earn rate: ~$100 spend per $1 Airpoints Dollar
- Annual fee: ~$65
- Best for: Moderate spenders who want Airpoints earning at a lower fee
Annual value at $15,000 spend:
- Airpoints earned: $15,000 ÷ $100 = $150 Airpoints Dollars
- Annual fee: $65
- Net value: $85
4. ASB Visa Platinum — Best for ASB Customers
- Earn rate: ~$75 spend per $1 Airpoints Dollar
- Annual fee: ~$120
- Benefits: Travel insurance
- Best for: Existing ASB customers wanting full Airpoints earning
5. Kiwibank Platinum Visa — NZ-Owned Alternative
- Earn rate: Via Airpoints partnership
- Annual fee: ~$150
- Best for: Those committed to NZ-owned banking with rewards
Comparing Airpoints Earn Value
At $20,000 annual card spend:
| Card | Earn rate | Airpoints earned | Fee | Net value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amex Airpoints Platinum | $67/Airpoint | ~$299 | $195 | ~$104 |
| ANZ Airpoints Visa Platinum | $75/Airpoint | ~$267 | $150 | ~$117 |
| ANZ Airpoints Visa | $100/Airpoint | ~$200 | $65 | ~$135 |
| ASB Visa Platinum | $75/Airpoint | ~$267 | $120 | ~$147 |
At $20,000 spend, the ANZ standard Airpoints Visa actually delivers slightly better net value than the Platinum due to the lower annual fee — despite the lower earn rate. The premium earn rate on the Platinum only makes sense at higher spending levels.
Status Tiers and Airpoints Earning
Heavy card spenders can earn enough to qualify for Airpoints status tiers (Gold, Elite), which unlocks Air NZ lounge access and upgrade benefits. The threshold for Airpoints Gold is significant — most card-only earners don’t reach it without also flying frequently.