Best Credit Cards NZ 2025: Independent Expert Rankings

Discover the best credit cards in New Zealand for 2025 through our independent expert analysis. We've reviewed 30+ cards across all major banks to bring you comprehensive rankings based on cashback rates, rewards programs, interest rates, fees, and real-world value.

Last Updated: October 9, 2025
Cards Reviewed: 30+
Independent Analysis: ✓

🔍 What Makes Our Rankings Different

Real-World Testing
We actually use these cards and test their features
Updated Monthly
Rankings reflect latest rates and promotional offers
No Bank Partnerships
100% independent analysis with no affiliate bias

What Makes the Best Credit Card in New Zealand?

The best credit card in New Zealand depends on your spending habits, financial goals, and lifestyle. However, the top cards share certain characteristics that make them stand out in 2025's competitive market.

Key Factors for Best Credit Cards 2025

  • 1
    Value Proposition:

    Benefits must outweigh costs, with clear breakeven points for annual fees

  • 2
    Earning Potential:

    Competitive cashback rates (0.5%+) or valuable rewards programs

  • 3
    Fee Structure:

    Transparent, reasonable fees with no hidden charges

  • 4
    Digital Experience:

    Modern app features, contactless payments, spending insights

2025 Credit Card Trends

Rising Cashback Rates

Competition has pushed cashback rates higher, with some cards now offering 1%+ on all purchases

Enhanced Digital Features

Banks are investing heavily in mobile apps, with real-time notifications and spending categorization

Simplified Reward Programs

Complex point systems are being replaced with straightforward cashback and statement credits

1%
Highest cashback rate available in NZ (ANZ CashBack)
12.95%
Lowest purchase rate in NZ (Kiwibank Low Rate)
$0
Several excellent no annual fee options available
30+
Cards reviewed for our comprehensive rankings

Quick Navigation

🏆 Top 8 Rankings 📊 By Category 🎯 Selection Guide 🔍 Compare All

Top 8 Credit Cards New Zealand 2025

1

ANZ CashBack Visa

ANZ

4.8/5
Best Overall Cashback
$50
Annual Fee

Key Feature

LIMITED OFFER

1% cashback on all purchases with no caps

Purchase Rate: 20.95%
Credit Limit: $1,000 - $25,000
Sign-up Bonus: $50 cashback after first purchase

Pros

  • Highest flat cashback rate in NZ
  • No spending caps or categories
  • Easy monthly cashback credit
  • No foreign transaction fees

Cons

  • Annual fee required
  • No bonus earning categories
  • High interest rate if carrying balance

Best For: High spenders ($5,000+ annually) who want simple cashback

Read Review Apply Now → Check Eligibility
2

Kiwibank Low Rate Visa

Kiwibank

4.6/5
Best Low Interest Rate
$0
Annual Fee

Key Feature

Lowest purchase rate at 12.95% with no annual fee

Purchase Rate: 12.95%
Credit Limit: $500 - $15,000
Sign-up Bonus: No sign-up bonus

Pros

  • Lowest interest rate in NZ
  • No annual fee ever
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Kiwibank customer benefits

Cons

  • Must be Kiwibank customer
  • No rewards program
  • Limited credit limits

Best For: Customers who occasionally carry balances or want emergency credit

Read Review Apply Now → Check Eligibility
3

ANZ Airpoints Visa Platinum

ANZ

4.7/5
Best Travel Rewards
$150
Annual Fee

Key Feature

LIMITED OFFER

1 Airpoints Dollar per $75 spent + premium travel benefits

Purchase Rate: 20.95%
Credit Limit: $2,000 - $50,000
Sign-up Bonus: 20,000 Airpoints Dollars (worth $200)

Pros

  • Best Airpoints earning rate
  • Koru lounge access
  • Comprehensive travel insurance
  • No foreign transaction fees

Cons

  • High annual fee
  • Airpoints redemption complexity
  • ANZ customer preference

Best For: Frequent Air NZ travelers spending $15,000+ annually

Read Review Apply Now → Check Eligibility
4

ASB True Rewards Visa

ASB

4.5/5
Best Flexible Rewards
$55
Annual Fee

Key Feature

LIMITED OFFER

0.75% equivalent rewards

Purchase Rate:
Credit Limit:
Sign-up Bonus:

Pros

  • Flexible redemption options
  • Decent earning rate
  • Good digital features

Cons

  • Lower than ANZ cashback
  • ASB customers only

Best For: ASB customers wanting flexible rewards

Read Review Apply Now → Check Eligibility
5

Kiwibank Zero Classic Visa

Kiwibank

4.3/5
Best No Annual Fee
$0
Annual Fee

Key Feature

LIMITED OFFER

No annual fee, no FX fees

Purchase Rate:
Credit Limit:
Sign-up Bonus:

Pros

  • Permanently free
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Low credit limits available

Cons

  • No rewards program
  • Kiwibank customers only

Best For: Students and light spenders

Read Review Apply Now → Check Eligibility
6

Westpac Airpoints Platinum

Westpac

4.4/5
Best Premium Travel
$150
Annual Fee

Key Feature

LIMITED OFFER

1 Airpoints Dollar per $100 spent

Purchase Rate:
Credit Limit:
Sign-up Bonus:

Pros

  • Priority Pass lounge access
  • Comprehensive travel insurance
  • Concierge service

Cons

  • Lower earning rate than ANZ
  • High annual fee

Best For: Premium travelers seeking luxury benefits

Read Review Apply Now → Check Eligibility
7

TSB Platinum Mastercard

TSB

4.2/5
Best Regional Bank Option
$50
Annual Fee

Key Feature

LIMITED OFFER

Comprehensive insurance coverage

Purchase Rate:
Credit Limit:
Sign-up Bonus:

Pros

  • Strong insurance benefits
  • Reasonable annual fee
  • Personal service

Cons

  • TSB customers only
  • Limited branch network

Best For: TSB customers seeking comprehensive protection

Read Review Apply Now → Check Eligibility
8

BNZ Advantage Platinum

BNZ

4.1/5
Best for BNZ Customers
$120
Annual Fee

Key Feature

LIMITED OFFER

1 Airpoints Dollar per $100 spent

Purchase Rate:
Credit Limit:
Sign-up Bonus:

Pros

  • Airpoints earning
  • Travel insurance
  • BNZ banking integration

Cons

  • Higher annual fee
  • Lower earning rate

Best For: BNZ customers who want Airpoints

Read Review Apply Now → Check Eligibility

Best Credit Cards by Category

Best Cashback Cards

Cards that give you cash back on every purchase

  • 1 ANZ CashBack Visa
  • 2 ASB True Rewards
  • 3 Kiwibank True Rewards

Best Travel Rewards

Earn points for flights and travel benefits

  • 1 ANZ Airpoints Visa Platinum
  • 2 Westpac Airpoints Platinum
  • 3 BNZ Advantage Platinum

Best No Annual Fee

Quality cards with no ongoing costs

  • 1 Kiwibank Zero Classic
  • 2 BNZ Advantage Classic
  • 3 ASB Visa Classic

Best Low Interest

Cards with the lowest purchase rates

  • 1 Kiwibank Low Rate Visa
  • 2 TSB Low Rate Mastercard
  • 3 BNZ Lite Visa

How We Rank Credit Cards

Our rankings are based on comprehensive analysis of each card's features, benefits, costs, and value proposition. We consider the following factors:

Evaluation Criteria (40%)

  • Earning Potential: Cashback rates, rewards earning, sign-up bonuses
  • Fees & Rates: Annual fees, interest rates, foreign transaction fees
  • Benefits & Perks: Insurance, travel benefits, purchase protection

Additional Factors (60%)

  • Value for Money: Benefits vs costs analysis
  • Accessibility: Eligibility requirements, application process
  • Customer Experience: Digital features, customer service quality
  • Market Position: Competitiveness within card category

How to Choose the Right Credit Card

Consider Your Spending Habits

  • HIGH $2,000+ monthly: Consider cashback or premium rewards cards
  • MED $500-$2,000 monthly: Look for no-fee cards with basic rewards
  • LOW Under $500 monthly: Choose no annual fee cards

Match Your Goals

  • CASH Want cash back: ANZ CashBack or ASB True Rewards
  • TRAVEL Love to travel: Airpoints cards for flights
  • DEBT Carry balances: Low rate cards like Kiwibank

Before You Apply

  • • Check your credit score
  • • Calculate annual fee breakeven
  • • Review eligibility requirements
  • • Compare multiple options
  • • Read terms and conditions
  • • Consider your current bank
  • • Plan responsible usage
  • • Set up automatic payments
  • • Monitor your spending

Compare All Credit Cards

Use our comprehensive comparison tool to filter and compare all available credit cards:

Step 1: Your Details
1/2

50,000+

Cards Compared

4.9/5

User Rating

95%

Success Rate

New Zealand Credit Card Market Trends 2025

Increased Competition

Banks are offering more competitive cashback rates and sign-up bonuses to attract customers in the increasingly competitive credit card market.

Digital Features

Enhanced mobile apps, contactless payments, and digital wallet integration are becoming standard features across all card tiers.

Sustainability Focus

More banks are introducing eco-friendly card materials and sustainability-focused rewards programs to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.

Frequently Asked Questions: Best Credit Cards NZ

What is the best credit card in New Zealand for 2025?

The ANZ CashBack Visa is our #1 pick for 2025, offering 1% cashback on all purchases with no spending caps. For travelers, the ANZ Airpoints Visa Platinum provides excellent value with premium benefits and the best Airpoints earning rate (1 Airpoints Dollar per $75 spent).

For those who carry balances, the Kiwibank Low Rate Visa offers the lowest interest rate at 12.95% with no annual fee.

Which credit card has the highest cashback rate in NZ?

The ANZ CashBack Visa offers the highest flat cashback rate in New Zealand at 1% on all purchases with no caps or categories. This means you earn $10 for every $1,000 spent, making it ideal for high spenders who want simplicity.

What credit card should I get as a first-time applicant?

For first-time applicants, we recommend the Kiwibank Zero Classic Visa (no annual fee, lower credit limits available) or the ASB True Rewards if you're an ASB customer. These cards have more accessible approval requirements and help you build credit history without high fees.

Are credit card annual fees worth paying in New Zealand?

Annual fees are worth paying if the benefits exceed the cost. For the ANZ CashBack Visa ($50 annual fee), you need to spend $5,000+ annually to break even. Premium cards like the ANZ Airpoints Visa Platinum ($150 fee) are worthwhile for frequent travelers who use the lounge access and travel benefits.

Which bank offers the best credit cards in NZ?

ANZ currently leads with the best cashback and travel rewards cards. Kiwibank offers the best low-rate and no-fee options. ASB has competitive rewards for their customers.

ANZ: Best for cashback and travel rewards
Kiwibank: Best for low rates and no fees
ASB: Best for existing customers seeking flexibility

How do I choose between cashback and rewards points?

Choose cashback if you want simplicity and guaranteed value (like ANZ CashBack's 1%). Choose rewards points if you travel frequently and can maximize redemptions (like Airpoints for Air New Zealand flights). Cashback is generally better for most New Zealanders due to its simplicity and immediate value.

What credit score do I need for the best credit cards in NZ?

For premium cards (ANZ CashBack, Airpoints Platinum), you typically need an "excellent" credit score (720+) and steady income. For basic cards, a "good" credit score (650+) is usually sufficient. Always check with your existing bank first, as customer relationships can help with approval.

Current Offers - Updated October 9, 2025

Ready to Apply for Your Perfect Credit Card?

Compare features, rates, and benefits. Get approved in minutes with instant online applications.

Compare All Cards Check Eligibility

⚡ Instant online approval • 🔒 Secure application • ✓ No impact on credit score to check eligibility