AMEX Airpoints Card Comparison

Reviewed and Updated: August 29, 2023

Picture yourself jetting off to your dream destination or enjoying exclusive Lounge privileges to start your journey - all courtesy of the right Credit Card. American Express offers two alluring Airpoints Credit Cards: the Airpoints Card, with no annual fee, and the Airpoints Platinum Card, with an annual fee of NZ$195 that comes with extra benefits. Both cards offer air miles & bonus welcome rewards, 19.95% interest on late payments & additional travel insurances. You can further maximise points earned with special promotions & using the card for everyday expenses. However, compare these with competitors from ANZ, ASB, Westpac, Kiwibank, & BNZ to find the card that best suits your needs!

Are you ready to stand on the precipice that divides being a travel jailbird and a world explorer? With American Express you can now unlock the joys of flying with their two captivating Airpoints Credit Card options: The American Express Airpoints Platinum Card and the American Express Airpoints Card. Dive into this article to uncover the differences in fees, interest rates and minimum spend bonuses to discover which card matches your spending lifestyle. With the help of the hidden gems within each card and exclusive Airpoints collecting techniques, your next flight will feel more like a bird’s paradise!

  1. Two Alluring AMEX Airpoints Credit Card Options
  2. Breaking Down the Basics: Fees, Interest Rates, and Bonuses
  3. Evaluating the Airpoints Earning Potential
  4. Uncovering Hidden Gems: Card Benefits and Perks
  5. Which Card Suits Your Spending Lifestyle?
  6. The Pros and Cons: Weighing Your Options
  7. Navigating the World of AMEX Acceptance
  8. The Verdict: Choosing the Right American Express Airpoints Card
  9. Maximising Your Airpoints Dollars: Tips and Tricks
  10. Financially Savvy Alternatives: Comparing with Competitors

    1. Two Alluring AMEX Airpoints Credit Card Options

    Picture yourself jetting off to a dream destination or enjoying exclusive benefits at some luxurious lounge before your flight. Now imagine doing that just by using the right credit card. Intriguing, no? American Express offers not one, but two captivating Airpoints credit card options: The American Express Airpoints Platinum Card and the American Express Airpoints Card. This article lays out the nitty-gritty, dissecting the two cards, sizing up the benefits, and revealing the other contenders in the field. Grab your spyglass and let’s examine these two bewitching AMEX Airpoints credit card options!

2. Breaking Down the Basics: Fees, Interest Rates, and Bonuses

Let’s kick off with the bare essentials: fees, interest rates, and bonuses. The American Express Airpoints Card has an annual fee of NZ$0. Yes, you read that right. Zero! As for the American Express Airpoints Platinum Card, it has an annual fee of NZ$195. It’s pricier, sure, but don’t run off yet – there’s more to uncover.

Interest rates are barely an issue if you’re always prompt with monthly payments. But if you’re not, expect a 19.95% p.a. interest on both cards. And who can forget the enticing welcome bonuses? The Airpoints Card offers new members a tempting 50 bonus Airpoints Dollars™ when they spend NZ$750 within the first three months, while the Platinum Card takes it up a notch with a whopping 300 bonus Airpoints Dollars™ after spending NZ$1,500 in the first three months. The plot thickens…

3. Evaluating the Airpoints Earning Potential

Avid travellers are drooling over these Airpoints Dollars™, so let’s delve into the earning potential. For each NZ$1 spent using the American Express Airpoints Card, you’ll earn 1 Airpoints Dollar™ for every NZ$100 spent, while the Platinum Card offers a higher earning rate of 1 Airpoints Dollar™ per NZ$59 spent. The math favours the Platinum Card for those seeking to maximise earnings, but don’t be swayed yet – there’s more to excavate.

4. Uncovering Hidden Gems: Card Benefits and Perks

On the surface, both cards seem splendid, but let’s unveil those extra hidden benefits and perks. The Airpoints Card grants you access to exclusive member benefits and valuable Travel Accident Insurance. Not too shabby, right? But the Platinum Card brings out the heavy artillery, with up to 55 interest-free days, complimentary domestic and international travel insurance, access to the Platinum Concierge service, and even a free annual domestic return flight with Air New Zealand. Now that’s tantalising!

5. Which Card Suits Your Spending Lifestyle?

It’s tempting to choose a card solely based on the number of benefits, but consider this: Which card suits your spending lifestyle? If you’re an infrequent traveller or a prudent spender, the American Express Airpoints Card might be the perfect companion. But if you’re a globetrotter with an appetite for luxury, the Platinum Card might be your ideal match. Choose wisely, for your wallet and wanderlust depend on it!

6. The Pros and Cons: Weighing Your Options

Even the shiniest of trinkets have their flaws. The Airpoints Card has no annual fee and a decent welcome bonus, but the earning rate isn’t marvellous. On the other hand, the Platinum Card’s steep annual fee might make you wince, but the perks and earning potential are opulent. Ponder wisely, and let your personal circumstances guide your decision.

7. Navigating the World of AMEX Acceptance

The world of AMEX acceptance might be a mixed bag, as not all merchants in New Zealand accept American Express cards. But fear not, for AMEX is always expanding and improving its network. In the meantime, carry a backup card and revel in those unswerving Airpoints Dollars™.

8. The Verdict: Choosing the Right American Express Airpoints Card

The time has come to uncover the truth: which card will be your ally in the war for Airpoints Dollars™? Those with modest spending patterns and tight budgets might find the American Express Airpoints Card a reliable friend. But if you’re ready to go big and sacrifice that NZ$195, the American Express Airpoints Platinum Card will deliver more value and amplify your voyage.

9. Maximising Your Airpoints Dollars: Tips and Tricks

To become the ultimate Airpoints Dollar™ collector, wield your chosen card with prowess: use it to pay for everyday expenses, partner up with Airpoints™ partners, and leverage special offers. And don’t forget to keep an eye out for intriguing promotions that could make your card even more potent.

10. Financially Savvy Alternatives: Comparing with Competitors

In the game of air miles, there are many players to consider, and the AMEX Airpoints cards have some fierce competition: ANZ, ASB, Westpac, Kiwibank, and BNZ all offer tempting Airpoints credit cards. So, when the dust settles, choose the card that aligns best with your needs, your spending habits, and your travel aspirations. Good luck, and happy hunting!

11. Conclusion: Stepping Aboard Your Dream Adventure

Now that you’ve mapped out the terrain of the two enchanting AMEX Airpoints credit card options, it’s time to embark on your own thrilling quest. Will you choose the no-strings-attached American Express Airpoints Card and still earn yourself a decent treasure trove of Airpoints Dollars™? Or will you dare to embrace the luxury and amplified rewards of the American Express Airpoints Platinum Card, diverting a portion of your riches to that tantalising annual fee?

Remember, your financial landscape and travel yearnings are the compass guiding your decision. So plot your course with a discerning eye and let your wallet and wanderlust steer you towards the card that resonates with your true financial spirit.

12. Next Steps: Claiming Your Credit Card Throne

To ensure you make the most epic choice, revisit the card benefits and ponder the aspects most critical to your lifestyle. Consider the fees, earning rates, and perks, but also take into account the acceptance rate and always have a backup ready to safeguard your spending adventures.

Once your mind is set, it’s time to stake your claim. Apply for your chosen card, master the credit card game, and forge partnerships with Airpoints™ allies. Leverage promotions, and let the air miles work to your advantage.

Finally, savour the thrill of victory as you stand atop the mountain of Airpoints Dollars™, ready to conquer the world of travel one luxurious, rewarding journey at a time.

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