Air New Zealand Credit Cards NZ 2025
Complete guide to Air New Zealand Airpoints credit cards available in New Zealand. Compare earning rates, benefits, and find the best Air NZ card for your travel goals.
Key Takeaways
- Best Overall: ANZ Air New Zealand Visa - Higher earning rate and status benefits
- Best Value: Westpac Airpoints Mastercard - Lowest annual fee at $40
- Best for Status: ANZ Air New Zealand Visa - Only card offering status pathway
- Earning Rates: Range from 1 Airpoint per $50-$100 spent
Air New Zealand Airpoints credit cards are the primary way for New Zealanders to earn rewards with their national carrier. Unlike many international programs, Air NZ has partnered with select New Zealand banks to offer co-branded credit cards that earn Airpoints directly on everyday purchases.
This comprehensive guide covers all Air New Zealand credit cards available in New Zealand in 2025, including detailed comparisons of earning rates, benefits, fees, and strategies to maximize your Airpoints earning potential.
Air New Zealand Credit Cards Comparison 2025
BNZ Air New Zealand Visa
- No foreign exchange fees
- Travel insurance
- Purchase protection
ANZ Air New Zealand Visa
- No foreign exchange fees
- Comprehensive travel insurance
- Status Credits earning
- Lounge passes
Westpac Airpoints Mastercard
- Low annual fee
- Travel insurance
- Zero liability
Detailed Air New Zealand Credit Card Reviews
BNZ Air New Zealand Visa
Pros
- Low annual fee
- No FX fees
- Good insurance
Cons
- Lower earning rate
- No status benefits
ANZ Air New Zealand Visa
Pros
- Better earning rate
- Status benefits
- Premium insurance
Cons
- Higher annual fee
- Complex earning structure
Westpac Airpoints Mastercard
Pros
- Lowest annual fee
- Simple earning structure
Cons
- Lowest earning rate
- Basic benefits
Understanding Air New Zealand Airpoints
Earning Airpoints
- Credit Card Spending: 1 Airpoint per $50-$100 depending on card
- Flying Air NZ: 1 Airpoint per $1 spent on airfares
- Partner Purchases: Earn with hotels, car rentals, and retail partners
- Status Credits: Premium cards can help achieve status faster
Redeeming Airpoints
- Domestic Flights: From 8,200 Airpoints one-way
- International Flights: From 26,000 Airpoints to Australia
- Upgrades: Enhance your travel experience
- Seat Selection: Use points for premium seats
- OneSky Partners: Redeem on Star Alliance airlines
Air New Zealand vs Qantas Credit Cards
| Feature | Air New Zealand | Qantas |
|---|---|---|
| Available Cards | 3 cards (BNZ, ANZ, Westpac) | 5 cards (ANZ, BNZ, Westpac) |
| Best Earning Rate | 1 Airpoint per $50 (ANZ) | 1 Qantas Point per $50 (ANZ Premium) |
| Lowest Annual Fee | $40 (Westpac) | $75 (BNZ) |
| Status Benefits | Limited (ANZ only) | More extensive status pathways |
| Home Network | Strong NZ domestic, limited international | Extensive international network |
| Redemption Value | Good for domestic NZ flights | Better for international travel |
How to Maximize Your Airpoints Earning
Credit Card Strategy
- 1 Choose the ANZ Air NZ Visa for best earning rate and status benefits
- 2 Use for all everyday spending to maximize point accumulation
- 3 Pay off balance in full to avoid interest charges
- 4 Take advantage of bonus point promotions
Additional Earning
- 1 Book flights directly with Air New Zealand
- 2 Use Airpoints partners for hotels and car rentals
- 3 Shop through Airpoints Store for bonus points
- 4 Transfer points from family members
How to Apply for an Air New Zealand Credit Card
Choose Your Card
Compare features and select the Air NZ card that best fits your spending and travel patterns.
Gather Documents
Prepare ID, income proof, and bank statements. Most applications can be completed online.
Apply & Activate
Submit application, await approval, then activate your card and link your Airpoints account.
Eligibility Requirements
Ensure you meet minimum income requirements (typically $25,000+), have good credit history, and are a New Zealand resident over 18 years old.
Air New Zealand Credit Cards FAQ
Common questions about Air NZ Airpoints credit cards answered.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ANZ Air New Zealand Visa offers the best earning rate at 1 Airpoint per $50 spent, compared to 1 per $75 (BNZ) and 1 per $100 (Westpac). It also offers the largest welcome bonus and status pathway benefits.
Yes, you can transfer Airpoints to immediate family members (spouse, children, parents) living at the same address for free. Transfers to other family members or friends incur fees starting from $30.
The BNZ and ANZ Air New Zealand cards have no foreign exchange fees, making them excellent for international spending. The Westpac card may charge foreign transaction fees - check current terms.
Only the ANZ Air New Zealand Visa offers a pathway to Silver status through spending thresholds and bonus Status Credits. Other cards don't provide direct status benefits.
Yes, Air New Zealand is part of the Star Alliance network. You can redeem Airpoints on airlines like Singapore Airlines, United, and Lufthansa, though redemption rates may vary.
Welcome bonus requirements vary by card. Typically, you need to spend $1,000-$3,000 within the first 3 months. Check specific terms with your chosen bank.
Airpoints expire 4 years from the date earned if there's no account activity. Any earning or redemption activity extends the expiry date for all points in your account.
Choose Air NZ cards if you primarily fly domestically within New Zealand or to Australia/Pacific. Choose Qantas if you frequently travel internationally, especially to Asia, Europe, or the Americas where Qantas has stronger partner coverage.
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