Airpoints Cards to Keep Tabs On

Co-author: James Slack

The main flight rewards program in New Zealand is Air New Zealand’s Airpoints program, and there are plenty of ways to spend your Airpoints Dollars. For example, rather than redeeming Airpoints Dollars for economy flights, some travellers prefer to squeeze extra value out of their points by using them for more luxurious experiences.

Depending on their membership status, Airpoints members can use their points to move up a cabin class (for example, upgrade from economy to premium economy). Elite Airpoints members can upgrade from economy to premium economy for as little as 150 Airpoints Dollars, and from Premium Economy fo Business Premier for upwards of 330 Airpoints Dollars, depending on the destination.

Airpoints members can also pay for flights using their Airpoints Dollars. Members can spend their Airpoints Dollars on any available seat on an Air New Zealand flight or seats some of their partner airlines’ flights.

Airpoints Credit Cards by Earn Rate

If you’re trying to accrue as many Airpoints Dollars as you possibly can, take a look at the credit cards on Canstar’s database that are part of the Airpoints program.

Keep in mind that not all flight rewards credit cards are created equally. Choose a card that suits your spending habits, rather than a card with an attractive points earn rate.

For example, the American Express Airpoints Card has no annual fee, and a 19.95% interest rate. You have to spend $100 to earn one Airpoint Dollar with this card. On the other hand, Kiwibank’s Airpoints Low Fee MasterCard has a $25 annual fee and a lower purchase interest rate of 16.90%. But you have to spend $160 in order to earn one Airpoint Dollar. Make sure you weigh up whether your current spending will really earn you enough in flight rewards to offset any possible fees.

Rates and fees as at 8 November 2018. Source: Canstar Research.

Compare Credit Cards

Keep in mind that not all flight rewards credit cards are created equally. Choose a card that suits your spending habits, rather than a card with an attractive points earn rate.

For example, the American Express Airpoints Card has no annual fee, and a 19.95% interest rate. You have to spend $100 to earn one Airpoint Dollar with this card. On the other hand, Kiwibank’s Airpoints Low Fee MasterCard has a $25 annual fee and a lower purchase interest rate of 16.90%. But you have to spend $160 in order to earn one Airpoint Dollar. Make sure you weigh up whether your current spending will really earn you enough in flight rewards to offset any possible fees.

Should I get an Airpoints Credit Card?

For keen travellers, earning free flights just for spending your own money is a great incentive to sign up for a flight rewards credit card.

Remember that rewards cards don’t suit everyone. Make sure you do your research and review all rates and product information before you take flight and choose a card. You can compare credit cards on the Canstar website:

Compare Credit Cards