The best credit card in New Zealand depends entirely on how you use it. A rewards card is fantastic if you pay in full each month — but if you carry a balance, a low-interest card will save you far more than any rewards programme.
Best overall rewards: ASB Visa Platinum / ANZ Airpoints Visa Platinum
Best Airpoints card: ANZ Airpoints Visa Platinum or ASB Airpoints Visa
Best low-rate card: Kiwibank Zero Visa / BNZ Low Rate Mastercard
Best no-fee card: Kiwibank Low Fee Visa or ASB Visa Lite
Best balance transfer: Check current promotional offers — changes frequently
Best Rewards Credit Cards NZ
ANZ Airpoints Visa Platinum
One of New Zealand’s most popular premium rewards cards. Earns Airpoints Dollars (Air NZ loyalty currency) on every purchase.
- Airpoints earn rate: ~$75 spend per $1 Airpoints Dollar
- Annual fee: ~$150
- Interest rate: ~20.95% p.a.
- Perks: Complimentary travel insurance, concierge service, higher Airpoints earn on Air NZ flights
- Best for: Frequent Air NZ flyers and high spenders who pay in full monthly
ASB Visa Platinum
ASB’s premium rewards card with Airpoints earning and travel benefits.
- Airpoints earn rate: ~$75 spend per $1 Airpoints Dollar
- Annual fee: ~$120–$150
- Interest rate: ~20.95% p.a.
- Best for: Existing ASB customers wanting premium rewards
Best Low Interest Credit Cards NZ
Kiwibank Zero Visa
Kiwibank’s entry-level low-rate card with one of the lowest standard rates available from a NZ bank.
- Interest rate: ~12.95% p.a.
- Annual fee: ~$50–$60
- No rewards — straightforward low-cost card
- Best for: Anyone who sometimes carries a balance
BNZ Low Rate Mastercard
- Interest rate: ~12.95% p.a.
- Annual fee: ~$45–$55
- Best for: Low-cost option from an existing BNZ customer
Best No-Fee Credit Cards NZ
Kiwibank Zero Visa (no-fee tier)
Some Kiwibank accounts include a free credit card — check your Kiwibank account terms.
ASB Visa Lite
ASB’s no-fee card option. Simpler features, no rewards, but no annual cost.
- Annual fee: $0
- Interest rate: ~20.95% p.a.
- Best for: Occasional use, online shopping, people who pay in full every month
Best Balance Transfer Deals
Balance transfer deals change frequently — always check with individual banks. Typical offers:
- 0–2.99% for 6–12 months on transferred balances from other banks
- Revert rate after the promotional period is typically 19.95–21.95% p.a.
- Transfer fee may apply (usually 1–2% of transferred amount)
Check current balance transfer offers at ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Westpac, and Kiwibank. The best deals appear in Q1 and Q3 each year.
American Express NZ
American Express operates directly in New Zealand and offers card products with strong rewards earning, particularly for travel:
- Amex Airpoints Platinum: One of the highest Airpoints earn rates available
- Annual fee: ~$195
- Acceptance: Amex acceptance has improved significantly in NZ but some smaller merchants still don’t accept it — check before relying on it as your only card
Comparison Summary
| Card | Rate | Annual fee | Rewards | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ANZ Airpoints Visa Platinum | ~20.95% | ~$150 | Airpoints | Premium rewards |
| BNZ Low Rate MC | ~12.95% | ~$50 | None | Low rate |
| Kiwibank Zero Visa | ~12.95% | ~$50 | None | Low rate |
| ASB Visa Lite | ~20.95% | $0 | None | No fee |
| Amex Airpoints Platinum | ~20.95% | ~$195 | High Airpoints | Heavy spenders |