Frequent Flyer Credit Cards in NZ – Find the Best Frequent Flyer Credit Card in New Zealand

We’ve compiled a list of all Frequent Flyer Credit Cards in NZ to help you choose the best Frequent Flyer Credit Card to suit your needs. Frequent Flyer credit cards are credits cards with benefits tailored to frequent flyers such as complimentary travel insurance, free airport lounge access, Airpoints etc. Compare Frequent Flyer Credit Cards in NZ below.

Note: For Credit Cards that earn Qantas Frequent Flyer Points visit our Qantas credit cards page.

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Updated: 25 Dec, 2024

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Card	Description	Purchase Rate (p.a.)	Balance Transfer	Cash Rate (p.a.)	Annual Fee	Interest Free Days
The American Express Airpoints Credit Card Platinum Award	Interest Free (0% P.A.) on purchases for the first 6 months, plus NO ANNUAL FEE and earn 1 Air New Zealand Airpoints Dollar for every $100 you spend. CURRENT OFFER: 50 bonus Airpoints Dollars™ when you apply, are approved and spend $750 on your new Card within the first 3 months. New Card Members only. Reward Points Cash Equivalent: $100 spend earns $1.00 cash equivalent^.	0% p.a. for 6 months then 22.95% p.a.	N/A	22.95% p.a.	$0.00	55 days More Info » Apply Now » No documents required to apply¹
The American Express Airpoints Platinum Card Platinum Award	The FASTEST Airpoints Dollar^TM earning Platinum Credit Card in NZ. Every $70 you spend earns you 1 Airpoints Dollar. This cards also comes with: Complimentary Travel Insurance for domestic and international travel Koru joining fee waived Koru annual fee discount of $145 Two VIP Lounges access with Priority Pass per year. Two entries per year to the Centurion lounge at Sydney or Melbourne International Airport CURRENT OFFER: Receive 300 bonus Airpoints Dollars™ when you apply online, are approved and spend $1,500 on your new Card within the first 3 months. New Card Members only. Reward Points Cash Equivalent: $100 spend earns $1.42 cash equivalent^.	22.95% p.a.	N/A	22.95% p.a.	$195.00	55 days More Info » Apply Now » No documents required to apply¹
Kiwibank Air New Zealand Airpoints Low Fee Visa Credit Card Gold Award	Earn 1 Airpoints Dollar™ for every $200 spent on eligible purchases. Reward Points Cash Equivalent: $100 spend earns $0.50 cash equivalent^.	16.90% p.a.	1.99% p.a. for 6 months	16.90% p.a.	$50.00	44 days More Info » Apply Now »
Westpac Hotpoints World MasterCard Credit Card Gold Award	Earn 2 hotpoints for every $1 spent on your card up to (and including) $15,000 then 1 hotpoint for every $1 spent on your card each month. Plus Priority Pass lounge access to over 1,500 airport lounges around the world and overseas travel insurance for up to 120 days per round trip. Reward Points Cash Equivalent: $100 spend earns $1.11 cash equivalent (for up to $15,000 spend)^. $100 spend earns $0.55 cash equivalent (for over $15,000 spend)^.	16.95% p.a.	5.95% for life of balance transferred	22.95% p.a.	$285.00	44 days More Info » Apply Now »
Westpac Airpoints World MasterCard Credit Card Gold Award	This card is a touch of everything including Airpoints, a relatively low interest rate of 16.95% and a balance transfer offer of 5.95% for life of balance transferred. It also comes with Priority Pass lounge access to over 1,500 airport lounges around the world. Reward Points Cash Equivalent: $100 spend earns $1.05 cash equivalent (for up to $15,000 spend)^. $100 spend earns $0.52 cash equivalent (for over $15,000 spend)^.	16.95%	5.95% for life of balance transferred	22.95%	$310.00	44 days More Info » Apply Now »
BNZ Advantage Visa Platinum Credit Card Gold Award	Spend $1 and get 1.67 BNZ Points. The BNZ Advantage Platinum Visa Card also comes with a 90 days platinum International Leisure Travel Insurance and Domestic rental and vehicle excess insurance. Reward Points Cash Equivalent: $100 spend earns $1.11 cash equivalent^.	18.95%	N/A	18.95%	$90.00	55 days More Info » Apply Now »
Westpac Airpoints MasterCard Credit Card 3.5/5 Stars	Earn 1 Airpoints Dollar for every $150 spent on eligible purchases on your card up to (and including) $3,500 then 1 Airpoints Dollar for every $300 spent on your card each month. plus 5.95% p.a. for the life of the balance transferred to this card. Reward Points Cash Equivalent: $100 spend earns $0.66 cash equivalent (for up to $3,500 spend)^. $100 spend earns $0.33 cash equivalent (for over $3,500 spend)^.	20.95% p.a.	5.95% for life of balance transferred	22.95% p.a.	$70.00	55 days More Info » Apply Now »
Westpac Airpoints Platinum MasterCard Credit Card Gold Award	Earn 1 Airpoints Dollar for every $110 spent on your card up to (and including) $7,000 then 1 Airpoints Dollar for every $220 spent on your card each month plus get 5.95% for the life of the balance transferred. Reward Points Cash Equivalent: $100 spend earns $0.90 cash equivalent (for up to $7,000 spend)^. $100 spend earns $0.45 cash equivalent (for over $7,000 spend)^.	20.95% p.a.	5.95% for life of balance transferred	22.95% p.a.	$125.00	44 days More Info » Apply Now »
ANZ Airpoints Visa Credit Card Gold Award	Earn 1 Airpoints Dollar^TM for every $170 dollars you spend on eligible purchase with the ANZ Airpoint Visa Card. Reward Points Cash Equivalent: $100 spend earns $0.58 cash equivalent^.	20.95%	N/A	20.95%	$65.00	44 days More Info » Apply Now »
ANZ Airpoints Visa Platinum Credit Card Gold Award	Earn 1 Airpoints Dollar for every $110 you spend on eligible purchases. Reward Points Cash Equivalent: $100 spend earns $0.90 cash equivalent^.	20.95%	N/A	20.95%	$150.00	44 days More Info » Apply Now »
Kiwibank Air New Zealand Airpoints Platinum Visa Credit Card Gold Award	Earn 1 Airpoints Dollar™ for every $115 spent on eligible purchases. This card also comes with complimentary overseas travel insurance for you and your immediate family travelling with you for up to 40 days. Reward Points Cash Equivalent: $100 spend earns $0.64 cash equivalent^.	20.95%	1.99% p.a. for 6 months	20.95%	$180.00	44 days More Info » Apply Now »
Flight Centre Mastercard Credit Card Gold Award	Earn 1.5 Flight Centre Reward for every NZ$100 you spend on a Purchase and 3 Flight Centre Reward points if purchased from Flight Centre. Flight Centre Mastercards has a $50 annual fee and a $55 establishment fee on your first purchase using Long Term Finance. This card charge no foreign transaction fees. The establishment fee reduces to $35 for subsequent Long Term Finance Purchases. Reward Points Cash Equivalent: $100 spend earns $0.66 cash equivalent^.	24.99%	N/A	26.99%	$50.00	Up to 44 days More Info » Apply Now »

^ To help you compare reward points across different credit cards and rewards programs, we provide an estimate of the cash-equivalent of the reward points that you will get back for every $100 you spend on eligible purchases with your card. The cash equivalent value given is an estimate only based on a specific redemption example. In some cases you might earn less or more depending on how you redeem your ponts and some reward points cannot be redeemed for cash directly. Click on the card to find out how the estimate was calculated.

How Frequent Flyer Credit Cards Work

Frequent Flyer Credit Cards are credit cards linked to frequent flyer programs offered by airlines and allow you to earn reward points which can be redeemed for airline flights, updgrades, purchases at participating stores and more. In New Zealand, most Frequent Flyer credit cards are linked directly to Air New Zealand’s Airpoints^TM frequently flyer programs while other credit cards allow you to convert their Membership reward points into Qantas points.

Note: There are other credit cards suitable for frequent flyers and are not linked to any airline’s frequent flyer program but offer benefits that are suitable for frequent flyers such as complimentary travel insurance, free airport lounge access, no foreign transaction and concierge service – for a list of all credit cards tailored to travellers referred our travel credit cards page.

How to Redeem Frequent Flyer Points

With a frequent flyer credit card, you earn point for every spend on your credit card. These points can be redeemed for a variety of rewards such as:

Free flights
Flight upgrades
Hotel stays
Car rentals
Merchandise from frequent flyer reward stores

Benefits of Frequent Flyer Credit Cards

Free Flights and Upgrades

With a frequent flyer credit card, you earn points for purchases you make on your credit card, allowing you to to use the rewards points to pay for flights, upgrade your flights, and make other purchases through the frequent flyer program’s stores.

Access to Exclusive Offers

Frequent flyer programs often provide exclusive offers to their members such as annual flight or travel credits, complimentary flights and more. The offers available will depend entirely on the card and the relatiionship with the frequent flyer program it is associated with, but generally speaking the higher the fee, the better the benefits.

Travel Insurance

Most frequent flyer credit cards offer complimentary travel insurance. This can include coverage for trip cancellations, lost luggage, and medical emergencies while travelling. Having travel insurance can provide peace of mind and save you money on purchasing separate travel insurance policies but be warned in most cases you have to use your credit card to book your travel to activate the travel insurance.

Access to Other Travel Benefits

Frequent flyer credit cards usually come with other travel benefits, such as access to business lounges, concierge travel and no foreign transaction fees.

Comparing Frequent Flyer Credit Cards

When comparing frequent flyer credit cards, there are several key factors you need to consider to ensure you get the best frequent flyer credit card for you. Each Frequent Flyer credit card comes with its own set of features, fees, and benefits, so it’s important to weigh these carefully against your personal needs and spending habits.

Annual Fees

One important thing to consider is the annual fee associated with the card. Some cards may offer attractive rewards but come with a high annual fee that could offset the benefits. Make sure the rewards you earn will outweigh the annual fee.

Interest Rates

Frequent Flyer credit cards come with a range of interest rates which need to be taken into consideration when comparing frequent flyer credit cards especailly if you plan to carry a balance on your credit card.

Minimum Income Requirements

Many frequent flyer credit cards have minimum income requirements. This is an important factor to consider, as it will determine whether you are eligible for the card. Be sure to check this requirement before applying to avoid any disappointments and an unnecessary check of your credit score.

Reward points Return Ratio

How much points you earn per dollar spent is another important things to consider. Cards with higher points-per-spend ratios will allow you to accumulate points faster, leading to quicker rewards. It also helps to also take into account how much each point is worth.

How to Best Manage Your Frequent Flyer Credit Card

Paying Off Balances

The most important thing to remember when taking out any sort of credit card, including a frequent flyer credit card, is that you will need to manage it responsibly to avoid incurring significant interest and fees. When you spend on a credit card, you will need to pay it back each statement period, or you will be charged interest, and for rewards credit cards the interest can be significant.

Maximise Points Earned

To get the most out of your frequent flyer credit card, try to maximise the points you earn by using your card for everyday purchases like groceries and fuel. You should also take advantage of bonus point offers and promotions. Remember, the goal is to earn points without overspending or incurring unnecessary fees.

How to choose the Best Frequent Flyer Credit Card for You

Assess Your Travel Needs

Before selecting a frequent flyer credit card, it’s important to assess your travel needs. Consider how often you travel, your preferred airlines, and the types of rewards you value most. Are you looking for free flights, upgrades, or access to exclusive airport lounges? Your travel habits will significantly influence which card is best for you.

Evaluating Card Features

When evaluating card features, pay attention to the following:

Annual Fees: Some cards come with high annual fees but offer substantial rewards. Make sure the benefits outweigh the costs.
Interest Rates: Look for cards with competitive interest rates, especially if you plan to carry a balance on your credit card.
Sign-Up Bonuses: Many cards offer attractive sign-up bonuses that can give you a head start on earning points.

Read User Reviews

User reviews can provide valuable insights into the real-world performance of a credit card. Look for reviews that discuss customer service, ease of redeeming points, and any hidden fees or charges. Reading user reviews can help you avoid potential pitfalls and choose a card that aligns with your expectations.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Overspending for Points

One of the most common pitfalls is overspending just to earn points. It’s easy to get carried away with the idea of earning more points and end up spending more than you can afford. Always remember that the primary purpose of a credit card is to manage your finances, not to accumulate points at the expense of your financial health.

Ignoring Fees and Charges

Frequent flyer credit cards often come with various fees and charges, such as annual fees, foreign transaction fees, and late payment fees. Make sure to read the fine print and understand all the costs associated with your card. Ignoring these fees can quickly negate the benefits you gain from earning points.

Not Understanding Terms and Conditions

Each frequent flyer credit card has its own set of terms and conditions, which can be complex and filled with jargon. Take the time to read and understand these terms to avoid any unpleasant surprises. This includes knowing the expiration dates of your points, blackout dates for redeeming rewards, and any restrictions on how you can use your points.

Keep it simple: Use the 80/20 rule to avoid perfectionism. Look for easy redemptions that check most of your boxes. Don’t labor for hours looking for the perfect redemption — it likely doesn’t exist.

Alternatives to Frequent Flyer Credit Cards

Although Frequent Flyer credit cards are great rewards credit cards for frequet travellers, there are some other alternatives you could consider as detailed below.

Rewards Credit Cards

Frequent flyer credit cards are essentially a type of rewards credit card. Other common types of rewards credit cards include:

Credit cards with cash back
Every Rewards credit cards
Hotpoints credit cards
True Rewards credit cards
Membership rewards credit cards

Airpoints Credit Cards

Airpoints credit cards are credit cards that allow you to earn Air New Zealand Airpoints Dollars™ by using your credit card for purchases. Airponts earned can be redeemed for with Air New Zealand for flights, upgrades, travel related expenses or at the Airpoints store which allows you to redeem your points with many New Zealand retailers.

Low Interest Rate Credit Cards

If you are planning to carry a balance on your credit card then a low interest credit card might be a better option than a frequent flyer credit as it will help you save on the interest charge on your credit card balance.

Travel Credit Cards

Both domestic and international regular travelers could benefit from Travel credit cards. Travel credit cards usually allow you to earn points on your spending that can be redeemed for flights, accommodation, and other travel-related expenses. NZ Travel credit card also often include benefits such as free travel insurance and concierge service.

Interest Free Credit Cards

An Interest Free Credit Card is a credit card that charges 0% interest for the first few months or more. Interest free credit cards allow you to make a purchase and pay no interest for a fixed period.

We’ve also put together a list of some of the best credit cards in NZ to help you find the right card, alternatively you can browse through all NZ Credit Cards from our home page using the filters provided to find a suitable card.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a frequent flyer credit card?

A frequent flyer credit card is a credit card that you can use to accumulate frequent flyer points and redeem them for flights, upgrades, and gift cards through a frequent flyer reward program such as Air New Zealand’s Airpoints or Qantas Frequent Flyer reward points.

Are there any frequent flyer credit cards with no annual fee?

Yes, some frequent flyer credit cards come with no annual fee, but they may offer fewer benefits compared to cards with higher fees. It’s important to compare the features and benefits before choosing one.

How can I earn frequent flyer points with a credit card?

You can earn frequent flyer points by using your frequent flyer credit card for everyday purchases. Some cards also offer bonus points for spending in specific categories or through promotional offers.

Can I transfer points from my frequent flyer credit card to different airline programs?

Yes, some frequent flyer credit cards offer ‘flexible points’ that can be transferred to various airline programs at a later date. Check the card’s terms and conditions to see if this feature is available.

What should I consider when comparing frequent flyer credit cards?

When comparing frequent flyer credit cards, consider factors such as annual fees, interest rates, minimum income requirements, and points-per-spend ratios. Assess whether the rewards and benefits outweigh the costs.

How can I maximise the points earned with my frequent flyer credit card?

To maximise points, use your frequent flyer credit card for all eligible purchases, take advantage of bonus point offers, and pay off your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.

What is the best frequent flyer credit card in NZ?

The best frequent flyer card based on the earn rate of the credit card is the American Express Airpoints Platinum credit card but there are a lot of things to take into account when choosing an frequent flyer credit card such as the other benefits offered. The best credit card for frequent flyer points depends on your needs and personal circumstance but the American Express Airpoints Platinum credit card is one of our favourites. Airpoints credit cards are also a popular with frequent flyers in New Zealand because they are easy to understand and Airpoints can be redeemed with Air New Zealand or for products from the Airpoints store.

We have put together a list of some of the best NZ credit cards to help you find the best credit card in NZ to suit your needs. Other popular credit card types include: interest free credit card, low rate credit card, balance transfer, credit card reward and air nz credit card