Earning & Redeeming Airpoints
Now we know more about the types of Air New Zealand credit cards available, let’s take a closer look at the Airpoints programme to see what an Air New Zealand credit card could offer you.
Joining the Airpoints loyalty programme is free, and is open to anyone. While you can earn Airpoints Dollars simply as a member – purchasing flights and travel with Air New Zealand and its partners, shopping at partner retailers, and picking up goodies from the Airpoints Store – the fastest way to build your Airpoints Dollar balance is with an Airpoints earning credit card.
Earn with Airpoints credit cards: Use your card to earn Airpoints Dollars on your card spending. Using your card at partners and on exclusive deals can allow you to earn twice.
Earn when you fly: You can earn Airpoints Dollars and Status Points on almost every Air New Zealand flight, and on many Star Alliance and partner flights around the world.
Earn when you travel: Covering travel costs can earn Airpoints Dollars when you choose Air New Zealand travel partners, on anything from hotels and rental cars, to taxis, parking, duty free and insurance.
Earn when you shop: Shop at more than 60 Airpoints partners including Z, Mitre 10, New World, Mercury and Harvey Norman to earn Airpoints Dollars on your spending. You can pick up bonus points when you take advantage of exclusive member specials.
Earn online at the Airpoints Mall: The Airpoints Mall is filled with enticing options from retailers such as The Iconic, ASOS and Ezibuy. Shopping here offers an easy way to boost that balance.
When it comes to redeeming Airpoints Dollars, every Airpoints Dollar you earn as a reward is worth NZD $1. Your Airpoints Dollars can be redeemed for travel, on flights and upgrades with Air New Zealand, flights with partner airlines, and on rental cars and insurance. Retail options include shopping at the Airpoints Store, at Mitre 10 instore and online, and at the Air New Zealand merchandise store.
Why Choose An Air New Zealand Credit Card
Wondering if an Air New Zealand credit card would suit you? Choosing an Air New Zealand credit card could provide a range of benefits, one of the most important of which would be the opportunity to earn Airpoints Dollars. If you want to earn Airpoints Dollars faster, stacking them up as you shop day-to-day, these cards could be a great choice.
Aside from offering you an easy way to earn Airpoints Dollars, an Air New Zealand credit card could also give you access to the following features:
Airpoints Dollars Advance: Offered on certain Air New Zealand Credit Cards, the Airpoints Dollars Advance is like an overdraft. If you have your eye on a reward but don’t have enough Airpoints Dollars to cover it, your Airpoints Dollars Advance can make up the difference. As you continue to earn Airpoints Dollars on your card, these will go towards repaying the Advance.
Airpoints Flexipay: If you don’t have access to an Airpoints Dollars Advance, or the Advance isn’t sufficient to get the reward you want, you can make up the difference with Airpoints Flexipay, paying the remaining balance on your card.
Travel Insurance: Some Air New Zealand credit cards offer complimentary travel insurance to cardholders, providing cover on the essentials as they travel overseas. This can cover medical expenses, lost luggage, car rental excess and more, removing the hassle of having to search for standalone cover, and saving money purchasing it. Conditions apply.
Air New Zealand Lounge Passes: Offering access to Air New Zealand airport lounges, some Air New Zealand credit cards allow cardholders to earn lounge passes on their card spending, or provide passes as standard.
Koru Membership Discounts: As an Air New Zealand cardholder, you could benefit from discounts on the Koru programme, waiving the joining fee and reducing the annual fee.
How To Compare Air New Zealand Credit Cards
Check the earn rate on the card to find out how many Airpoints Dollars you will earn on your spending. Earn rates are usually tiered, increasing over low fee, standard and platinum options.
Find out if there is a points cap on the card, as this will limit the number of points you can earn.
Check whether the card earns Status Points, as this will let you accumulate Status Points faster to earn and retain tier membership status.
Consider the annual fee or account fee, and weigh that against the value of the Airpoints Dollars you expect to earn.
Take a look at the selection of Air New Zealand credit cards available here on CreditCard.co.nz. If you find the card that works for you, apply today to start your Airpoints earning journey.