American Express Airpoints Credit Card

Our review of the American Express Airpoints Credit Card

When it comes to credit cards, if you want something extra, you generally have to pay for it. If you want platinum perks, you will usually pay for them with a higher annual fee. If you want a great rewards program, you will usually cover the cost with a higher rate of interest on purchases. That’s just the way it goes.

Or so we thought.

With the American Express Airpoints Credit Card, it turns out you can get something for nothing – as long as you play it smart with your card. Simply clear your balance month to month and avoid unnecessary fees, to enjoy all the benefits of a rewards card – with a few handy features and offers thrown in – for no annual fee. Ever.

What we love...

When comparing credit cards, many people check out the introductory offers first. Generally, more expensive credit cards have slightly more enticing offers. However, even with no annual fee, the American Express Airpoints Credit Card has got a pretty decent introductory offer on the table.

Giving you 0% p.a. on purchases for six months, this card has the potential to save you heaps in interest, especially if you have a large purchase planned. Any drawbacks on this offer? As long as you don’t spend more than you can afford to pay back within that initial six month period, this offer could very beneficial indeed.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that the American Express Airpoints Credit Card also provides interest free purchases for up to 55 days. That means, as long as you clear your balance at the end of each statement period, you could benefit from up to 55 days interest free on purchases made using your card. Be sure to read the terms and conditions to fully understand how this works!

As an additional introductory bonus, cardholders can also take home a nice little bundle of bonus rewards points. Simply spend $750 on your card within the first three months, and you can enjoy 50 bonus Airpoints Dollars to get you closer to your next big trip.

Anything else to love on the American Express Airpoints Credit Card? Did we mention it has no annual fee?

What’s not so great...

As far as we’re concerned, there’s not much not to love about this card. But, that doesn’t mean there aren’t factors you should be aware of. For example, the standard purchase rate. While the introductory 0% p.a. purchase rate offer is pretty awesome, you need bear in mind purchases made after that six month period will attract a much higher rate of interest, at 22.95% p.a.

In terms of points-earning potential, this rewards card simply can’t match up to the more costly rewards cards and platinum cards. However, after comparing the options, you may find that you get more out of the American Express Airpoints Credit Card when annual fees and other costs are taken into account.

Why should you choose this card?

When comparing credit cards, it pays to do your homework. So, let us help you out a little! Before applying for the American Express Airpoints Credit Card, here is some of the need-to-know info that will allow you to make the right decision.

Introductory Offer

It’s not always easy to find a card with no annual fee and a decent introductory offer. Why? Credit card providers generally want to make money on the cards they offer. With no annual fee cards, providers don’t have the opportunity to earn as much on each card, so it makes less sense for them to offer an incentive, such as an introductory offer.

Which is one reason why the American Express Airpoints Credit Card is such an incredible find. Providing you with 0% p.a. on purchases for six months, this card allows you access to interest-free credit for six months, while you pay out nothing in annual fees.

So, if you were to make a large purchase on your card – or lots of little purchases – you’d have six months to pay it all back without having to worry about interest. Just be sure to pay it all off before that introductory period ends to avoid unnecessary interest charges accruing later.

Rewards

We already know that the American Express Airpoints Credit Card doesn’t offer points-earning potential on par with more expensive rewards and platinum cards. However, it does happen to be the only no annual fee credit card in New Zealand that earns Airpoints. So, if you want to earn Airpoints but you don’t want to pay an annual fee, this card is your best – and only – option.

Earning points is easy. You’ll earn 1 Air New Zealand Airpoints Dollar for every $100 you spend, which you can then redeem for any number of rewards. Fancy a trip? Your Airpoints Dollars could be redeemed for flights to more than 1,300 Air New Zealand destinations in 190 countries.

Happily, there is no limit to how many Airpoints you can earn, as long as your account remains current and in good standing. And if you want to earn points faster, you can apply for a supplementary card for family members. That dream trip to Buenos Aires could be closer than you think!

Customer Support

American Express prides itself on its exceptional service and customer support. That means, as an American Express cardholder, you can use your card at tens of thousands of places, while accessing your account wherever you are in the world, using your smartphone, tablet or computer.

You can also stay organised online with helpful tools, while benefiting from Global Card support, and the American Express Online Fraud Protection Guarantee, which covers you against any fraudulent transactions made using your card.

Overall Rating

An outstanding rewards card, offering 0% p.a. on purchases for six months and 50 bonus Airpoints Dollars, with no annual fee ever.