If you are a New Zealander who loves to travel, earning Airpoints Dollars is likely a top priority. With the right credit card, you can turn your everyday spending into free flights, upgrades, and rewards from the Airpoints Store. However, the landscape of Airpoints credit cards has changed significantly in recent times, making it more important than ever to choose wisely.
This comprehensive guide explores the best Airpoints and Air New Zealand credit cards available in 2026. We have analysed the market to bring you the top 10 options, comparing their earning rates, fees, and benefits to help you find the perfect match for your lifestyle and spending habits.
The Changing Landscape of Airpoints Cards
The New Zealand credit card market has seen major shifts recently. Kiwibank discontinued its Airpoints cards, and several major banks have reduced their earning rates due to interchange fee caps. This has left many consumers searching for better value.
Currently, American Express (AMEX) stands out as the dominant player in the Airpoints space. Because AMEX is not subject to the same interchange fee regulations as Visa and Mastercard, they can offer significantly higher earning rates. In fact, the top AMEX card earns up to 57% more Airpoints than the best bank-branded alternatives.
Top 10 Airpoints Credit Cards in New Zealand
Here is our curated list of the top 10 Airpoints credit cards for 2026, categorised to help you find the best fit for your needs.
Premium Airpoints Cards for Frequent Travellers
For those who spend heavily and travel often, premium cards offer the best earning rates and the most valuable perks, such as lounge access and travel insurance.
1. American Express Airpoints Platinum Card
The American Express Airpoints Platinum Card is widely considered the best overall Airpoints card in New Zealand. It boasts the highest earning rate in the market, giving you 1 Airpoints Dollar for every $70 spent.
While it comes with a $195 annual fee, the benefits are substantial. Cardholders receive four complimentary lounge passes each year, comprehensive travel insurance, and mobile screen insurance. Additionally, it offers a generous sign-up bonus of 300 Airpoints Dollars when you spend $1,500 in the first three months. You also earn 1 Status Point for every $250 spent.
2. Westpac Airpoints World Mastercard
The Westpac Airpoints World Mastercard is designed for high spenders who prefer the widespread acceptance of Mastercard. It offers an excellent earning rate of 1 Airpoints Dollar for every $95 spent, though this rate halves to $190 after you spend $15,000 in a month.
This card carries a premium annual fee of $310. However, it includes Priority Pass lounge access, comprehensive travel insurance, and earns 1 Status Point for every $225 spent.
3. ANZ Airpoints Visa Platinum
The ANZ Airpoints Visa Platinum is a solid option for loyal Air New Zealand flyers. It earns 1 Airpoints Dollar for every $110 spent and has an annual fee of $150.
What sets this card apart is its unique approach to Status Points. Instead of earning Status Points on everyday spend, cardholders receive a 50% bonus on Status Points earned from qualifying Air New Zealand flights.
4. Westpac Airpoints Platinum Mastercard
The Westpac Airpoints Platinum Mastercard offers a balanced mix of rewards and benefits. It earns 1 Airpoints Dollar for every $110 spent, with the rate dropping to $220 after a $7,000 monthly spend.
With an annual fee of $125, it provides travel insurance and earns 1 Status Point for every $225 spent.
Best Everyday Airpoints Cards
If you want to earn Airpoints without paying high annual fees, these everyday cards offer great value for light to moderate spenders.
5. American Express Airpoints Card
The American Express Airpoints Card is the undisputed champion of free Airpoints cards. It is the only card on the market that charges absolutely no annual fee while still allowing you to earn Airpoints.
You earn 1 Airpoints Dollar for every $100 spent, which is highly competitive even against cards that charge fees. New cardholders can also earn a bonus of 50 Airpoints Dollars after spending $750 in the first three months.
6. Westpac Airpoints Mastercard
The Westpac Airpoints Mastercard is a straightforward, low-fee option for everyday spending. It earns 1 Airpoints Dollar for every $150 spent and carries a modest annual fee of $70.
7. ANZ Airpoints Visa
The ANZ Airpoints Visa is another reliable entry-level card. It offers an earning rate of 1 Airpoints Dollar for every $170 spent, with an annual fee of $65.
A key benefit of this card is that your Airpoints Dollars will not expire as long as you hold the card.
Best Airpoints Cards for Business Owners
Business owners can leverage their company expenses to earn significant Airpoints, improving cash flow while funding their next holiday.
8. American Express Gold Business Card
While not strictly an Airpoints card, the American Express Gold Business Card is a powerhouse for earning travel rewards. It earns 2 Membership Rewards points for every $1 spent, which can be converted to Airpoints (150 points = 1 Airpoints Dollar).
With a low annual fee of $95, it offers up to 50 days of interest-free payment terms. A massive sign-up bonus of 50,000 points (worth 333 Airpoints Dollars) makes this an unbeatable business tool.
9. ANZ Visa Business Airpoints Card
The ANZ Visa Business Airpoints Card is tailored specifically for SMEs. It earns 1 Airpoints Dollar for every $85 spent and has an annual fee of $145.
10. Westpac Airpoints Business Mastercard
The Westpac Airpoints Business Mastercard is another strong business option, earning 1 Airpoints Dollar for every $85 spent. It carries an annual fee of $145.
How to Choose the Right Airpoints Card
Selecting the best card depends entirely on your spending habits and travel goals. If you spend over $1,000 a month, the premium cards, particularly the AMEX Airpoints Platinum, offer the best return on investment.
Key Takeaway
Always remember that Airpoints credit cards are only beneficial if you pay off your balance in full every month. The interest rates on these cards are typically high, and carrying a balance will quickly wipe out the value of any Airpoints you earn. Choose wisely, spend responsibly, and enjoy your free flights!
