Air New Zealand Airpoints

What is it? Airpoints is Air New Zealand’s frequent flyer program. Members can earn Airpoints Dollars on their card spending to redeem on travel, and merchandise from the Airpoints Store.

How do you earn points? You can apply for an Airpoints Dollars earning credit card, such as Air New Zealand branded cards, issued by Kiwibank, as well as American Express cards, and bank-branded cards offered by the likes of Westpac and ANZ. Depending on the card, you will earn a certain number of Airpoints Dollars on your card spending, with the opportunity to earn a higher rate when purchasing Air New Zealand products directly from Air New Zealand.

What can you redeem points for? You can use your Airpoints Dollars to pay for Air New Zealand flights, car hire, hotels and stuff from the Airpoints Store.

Who would this rewards program suit? If you fly regularly with Air New Zealand, this could allow you to earn more points as you travel. Alternatively, it could be a great option for those who simply want to stack up Airpoints Dollars on their everyday spending to put towards their next adventure.

Is anything else on offer? With Airpoints Dollars Advance, you can access an advance on your Airpoints Dollars to get the reward you want, or alternatively, opt for an Airpoints Dollars top up, which allows you to buy additional Airpoints Dollars online for a fee.

American Express Membership Rewards

What is it? Membership Rewards is American Express’s rewards program, which allows cardholders to earn points on American Express branded cards, to then redeem them within the flexible Membership Rewards program.

How do you earn points? You can earn points on your everyday spending at a rate determined by your card. For example, with the American Express Platinum Edge Credit Card, you can benefit from a tiered earn rate, earning more points for supermarket and petrol spending.

What can you redeem points for? You can Shop with Points at retailers such as Harvey Norman, you can opt for gift cards, or you can simply use points to pay for your purchases. In terms of travel options, you can redeem points at helloworld Travel, webjet.co.nz or American Express Travel Online, or transfer points to Amex partner programs, which include Air New Zealand Airpoints, Asia Miles, Emirates Skywards, Malaysia Airlines’ Enrich, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Velocity, Hilton Honors and Starwood.

Who would this rewards program suit? If you want an American Express card in your wallet, this program could offer great earning power with flexible rewards on offer.

Fly Buys

What is it? Fly Buys is a loyalty program that rewards members when they shop at partner retailers.

How do you earn points? You can earn Fly Buys points as a member simply by shopping at partner retailers. However, you can increase your points earn with a Fly Buys earning credit card, earning once as a Fly Buys member and once with your credit card every time you shop.

What can you redeem points for? You can redeem points in the Fly Buys Store, with more than 3,000 rewards to choose from. You can choose from a huge range of merchandise, including gadgets and jewellery, as well as travel options such as car hire and hotels. You can also use your points to book directly with helloworld Travel for flights, car hire, accommodation and experiences.

Who would this rewards program suit? If you shop frequently at Fly Buys partner retailers, a Fly Buys earning card could really boost your points earn.

True Rewards

What is it? True Rewards is ASB’s own rewards program, offering a nice variety of redemption options that include saving via the ASB KiwiSaver Scheme and donating to charity.

How do you earn points? With an ASB branded True Rewards card, you will earn a certain amount of True Rewards dollars on your card spending. Keeping it nice and simple, every True Rewards dollar equals one New Zealand dollar.

What can you redeem points for? You can use your True Rewards dollars at House of Travel to book flights, accommodation and car hire. Alternatively, you could use your True Rewards dollars like real dollars at partner stores, or opt for any of the rewards and gift vouchers on the True Rewards online store. Other redemption options include transferring your True Rewards dollars into any ASB KiwiSaver Scheme, or to one of the bank’s partner charities. You may also choose to switch from earning True Rewards dollars to earning cents off per litre using your ASB rewards credit card with AA Smartfuel.

Who would this rewards program suit? If you like the look of ASB’s range of credit cards and want to earn rewards on a straightforward, flexible program, this could be worth looking into.

hotpoints

What is it? hotpoints is Westpac’s rewards program offering, allowing cardholders to earn points on their day-to-day spending, to then redeem them for anything from merchandise to travel.

How do you earn points? With a hotpoints card from Westpac, you will earn a certain number of points per dollar on your everyday card spending. If you don’t have enough points to get the reward you want, you can use the program’s Points + Pay option.

What can you redeem points for? From homeware and home appliances, to health and beauty and the latest high-tech gadgets, you can redeem points for a huge range of merchandise. You could also redeem your points for gift cards, or for travel at Flight Centre. Like ASB’s program, hotpoints also lets you transfer points to your KiwiSaver Scheme account, or donate them to charity.

Who would this rewards program suit? If Westpac’s range of cards seems like it might suit your needs – and you want to earn hotpoints to enjoy a wide range of rewards options – this might just be the option for you.

The Warehouse

What is it? The Warehouse offers branded cards that offer discounts and rewards that can be used within The Warehouse Group.

How do you earn points? With the Warehouse Money Visa Credit Card, you can get a 5% discount when you use your card at The Warehouse. With the Warehouse Money Purple Visa Credit Card, you can earn Purple Dollars on your card spending at a rate set by the card.

What can you redeem points for? Every Purple Dollar you earn will give you $1 NZ Dollar to redeem in-store at participating retailers.

Who would this rewards program suit? If you regularly shop at The Warehouse, these options could provide an easy way to get discounts and money off your shop.

Like the look of any of these rewards programs? Time to compare your options using CreditCard.co.nz. Find the card that suits your needs and start earning points to get something back on your card spending!