Balance Transfer Offers
What is it? A balance transfer offer provides a lower rate on balances transferred over an introductory period.
What does it do? A balance transfer offer can help you save on interest, allowing you to pay off your balance faster, while potentially consolidating your credit card debt.
When would it be best for you? If you want to save on interest, if you want to pay off your credit card debt, if you want to consolidate a number of card debts, or if you want to switch to a more suitable card, a balance transfer offer could help.
0% Purchase Offers
What is it? A 0% purchase offer charges 0% p.a. on purchases over an introductory period.
What does it do? A 0% purchase offer allows you to pay no interest on all new purchases made during the intro period, allowing you to pay for items now and pay them off over time.
When would it be best for you? If you are planning a large purchase, such as a holiday, home renovations, or a television, or if you simply want to save on day-to-day spending, a 0% purchase offer could let you buy what you want, paying no interest as you pay it all back within the intro period.
Bonus Points Offers
What is it? A bonus points offer provides a chunk of bonus points, which can be saved up or spent within the card’s rewards programme.
What does it do? A bonus points offer gives you bonus points to redeem as you like, and are typically offered after meeting a minimum spend. Bonus points will usually increase depending on the class of the card, for example, a platinum card will typically offer more bonus points than a classic card.
When would it be best for you? If you have your eye on a particular reward, or if you simply want to boost your points total, a bonus points offer could help, while providing additional value to you as a cardholder.
No Annual Fee Offers
What is it? A no annual fee offer waives the card’s standard annual fee for the life of the card, for an introductory period, or after meeting a minimum spend.
What does it do? A no annual fee offer allows you to enjoy the various benefits the card has to offer, making rewards points in particular even more valuable.
When would it be best for you? If you want to try a card on for size to test out its suitability, if you want to take advantage of features or the opportunity to earn rewards for free, or you want to pay nothing in annual fees to enjoy access to credit, a no annual fee offer could work for you.
Best Credit Card Features
The best credit cards typically offer the features you need most. Here are some of the features you could find on your next credit card.
Rewards
One of the most popular features on credit cards today are rewards programmes. Allowing you to earn rewards on your card spending, the points you earn could let you travel to far-flung destinations, to indulge in some retail therapy, or save on everyday spending.
Airport Lounge Passes
Whether you travel frequently or you simply like to travel in style, having access to the airport lounge can provide a wonderful way to get away from the hustle and bustle of the airport. Take advantage of complimentary snacks and drinks, relax in comfort, and truly enjoy every minute of travel.
Complimentary Insurance
Credit card insurance can offer a wide range of cover on both travel and retail purchases. As long as you read the terms and conditions, it could help you save money on standalone insurance, while saving you the hassle of finding and comparing options.
Travel Extras
You will tend to find travel extras on higher end frequent flyer cards. These may include access to a personal concierge service, complimentary hotel stays, access to upgrades at partner hotels and much more.
Tips For Finding The Best Credit Card For You
Think About What You Need
Finding the best credit card for you means thinking about what you need from your card. That may involve saving money, or it may mean having access to handy travel features. Think about what you need – rather than what you want – and compare the options to find the best match.
Consider The Long Term
It’s easy to get swayed by enticing features and attractive offers, but unless you only want the card for a short time (for example, if you only want to use the card for its offer and then close the account) it’s best to think of its suitability in the long term.
Consider The Costs
The best credit card for you is the one that offers the most value, while remaining affordable. If you get good use out of your card’s features, if you make more back in rewards than you pay out in annual fees, that card offers good value. Pay attention to how much you will pay to keep the card and consider whether it’s worth it.
Ready to find the best credit card for you? Check out our selection of the best credit cards in New Zealand, to find the very best credit card for you.