The American Express Air New Zealand Airpoints Platinum Card is a premium credit card that rewards frequent travellers with Airpoints Dollars and other exclusive perks.

I’d go so far as to say it is the best travel credit card currently available in New Zealand due to the highest Airpoints earning rate of 1 Airpoints dollar per $70 spent, extensive travel insurance benefits (both international and domestic) and lounge access benefits.

You can sign up for an American Express Airpoints Platinum Card here

Is the American Express Airpoints Platinum Card Worth It?

I’ve been an American Express user for over a decade, and as soon as I could, I signed up for the Air New Zealand Airpoints Platinum Card.

For frequent travellers, it’s packed with valuable perks—but it’s not for everyone.

Here’s what you really need to know.

Key Benefits (And Why I Chose It)

Top earning rate: You’ll earn 1 Airpoints Dollar for every $70 spent, the best earn rate on the market for Airpoints.
Welcome bonus: Spend $1,500 in the first 3 months and you’ll score 300 bonus Airpoints Dollars—worth $300 in travel. (This varies, it can go as high as $400 during special offer periods).
Free travel insurance: Covers both domestic and international travel (details below).
Lounge access: Includes Priority Pass membership and access to Amex Centurion Lounges in Sydney and Melbourne.
Airpoints Status Points: Earn enough from spending to cover up to 50% of your annual tier renewal with Air NZ.
Smartphone screen cover: Handy for families—repairs up to $500 per claim included, up to two times a year.

Why It’s a No-Brainer (For My Family)

The annual fee is $195, which sounds steep—until you compare it to what we’d pay for standalone travel insurance on a longer trip.

For us, it pays for itself before we even set foot on a plane.

But let’s be honest—if you don’t travel much, this card probably isn’t for you.

What You’re Covered For: Travel Insurance Benefits

One of the standout features of this card is the complimentary travel insurance—but it’s important to understand how it works and what you need to do to activate it.

What’s Included

Domestic & international travel insurance when you use the card to pay for your return travel
Smartphone screen insurance – up to $500 per claim, with 2 claims allowed per year
Protection for:
- Overseas medical emergencies
- Travel delays and cancellations
- Lost, stolen or damaged luggage
- Rental vehicle excess

✅ Just make sure you use your Amex card to pay for your travel (or phone bill) to be covered.

What to Watch Out For

Excess applies: 10% of the claim amount
Limits and waiting periods may apply
The policy is held by Amex with Chubb Insurance NZ, and you’re covered as a third-party beneficiary

Need to Make a Claim?

Visit americanexpress.com/newzealand/claims for step-by-step help.

💡 Always keep receipts and booking confirmations to make claiming easier.

Other Things to Know

Cash advances cost extra: Avoid using your card at ATMs—fees and high interest apply.
Pay your balance in full: Interest rates are high if you carry debt, which cancels out any benefit from rewards.
Airpoints Dollars expire: Set a reminder to use them before they disappear.

Eligibility Checklist

You’ll need to:

Be 18 or older
Have a good credit history
Be eligible to work in New Zealand
If self-employed: be trading for 18+ months (or 12+ if you already hold an Amex card)

You’ll need to show:

ID (driver’s licence or passport)
Proof of income (payslips or bank statements)
Proof of address (utility bill or rental agreement)

Pros and Cons at a Glance

✔ Pros:

Best earn rate for Airpoints
300 bonus Airpoints with qualifying spend
Free travel insurance and smartphone screen cover
Lounge access and tier status points
Great customer service and Amex perks

✘ Cons:

$195 annual fee
Airpoints Dollars expire
Lounge access may vary depending on location

Final Verdict

If you travel regularly—especially with Air New Zealand—this card is hard to beat.

The bonus points, travel insurance, and lounge perks alone make it worthwhile.

But if you don’t travel much or won’t use the extras, you might be better off with a lower-fee card.

Pro Tip:

I also carry a Wise debit card for travel to avoid foreign exchange fees—great combo with this Amex card for overseas trips.

FAQs

Is lounge access included?
Yes! You get access to Amex Centurion Lounges and a discounted Koru membership—saving $255 off the joining fee and $145 annually.

Are Airpoints Dollars valuable?
Yes. They’re worth $1NZD each when redeemed through Air New Zealand for flights, upgrades, rental cars, and more.

Pro tip: I also carry a Wise debit card whenever I travel to cut down on currency exchange fees.