Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or someone who takes one overseas trip a year, having the right credit card can dramatically enhance your travel experience. In New Zealand, many credit cards come equipped with valuable travel perks — from earning Airpoints to enjoying airport lounge access and travel insurance.
But not all travel credit cards are created equal.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about maximising Airpoints and travel perks with NZ credit cards in 2025 — so you can earn more, travel better, and enjoy every step of your journey.
Why Choose a Travel Credit Card?
Travel credit cards are designed for people who want to earn rewards, save on travel costs, and enjoy premium perks while flying. In the New Zealand market, the most popular travel-focused credit cards tend to be those that:
- Earn Airpoints Dollars™ or frequent flyer points
- Include complimentary travel insurance
- Offer airport lounge access or fast-track check-in
- May waive foreign transaction fees
- Provide access to concierge or luxury perks
1. Understanding How Airpoints Work
Airpoints is the frequent flyer programme from Air New Zealand. Many NZ credit cards let you earn Airpoints Dollars™ as you spend – these are often refered to as Airpoints credit cards.
- Earn a set amount of Airpoints per NZ$1 spent
- Bonus earn rates may apply to Air New Zealand purchases
- Redeem points on flights, upgrades, rental cars, and retail
Tips to maximise Airpoints:
- Use your card for regular bills and expenses
- Add an extra cardholder to earn more on combined spending
- Watch for bonus offers or double-points events
- Pay your balance in full to avoid interest
2. Travel Insurance Benefits
Many travel credit cards offer complimentary international travel insurance, which activates when you use the card to book flights.
- Medical cover, cancellations, delays, lost baggage
- Check if activation requires a minimum spend
- Coverage often extends to partners or family
Always read the full policy document to understand the coverage, limits, and exclusions before you travel.
3. Airport Lounge Access
Some premium NZ credit cards include free access to airport lounges — a major perk for frequent travellers.
- Access may be through Air New Zealand lounges or Priority Pass™
- Often includes free Wi-Fi, food, drinks, and relaxation areas
- Cards may offer a fixed number of visits or unlimited access
Look into guest allowances and where lounges are located to get the most out of this feature.
4. Use Your Card for All Travel Spend
Maximise Airpoints by using your travel card for:
- Flights and hotels
- Rental cars and airport parking
- Travel agency bookings
- Online travel platforms
Some cards offer extra Airpoints on travel-related purchases, so consolidating spend here makes sense.
5. Watch for Bonus Offers
Sign-up bonuses and promotional offers can give your Airpoints balance a serious boost.
- Meet minimum spend in the first 90 days to unlock bonus points
- Add cardholders or use your card with partner merchants
- Track email offers and promotions for limited-time bonuses
6. Redeem Your Points Strategically
To get the most value from your Airpoints:
- Redeem for long-haul flights or upgrades
- Book early to secure Airpoints seats
- Use for travel experiences or high-value partner rewards
Flights and upgrades generally offer more value per point than retail redemptions.
7. Combine with Air New Zealand Status
If you hold Air New Zealand Silver, Gold or Elite status, your credit card can help you achieve higher tier faster with additional rewards:
- Faster points accumulation
- More perks like extra baggage, priority boarding, and upgrades
- Enhanced lounge access and flexibility
8. Save with No Foreign Transaction Fees
Some NZ travel cards waive the foreign currency conversion fee, which can save you up to 2.5% on each overseas or online transaction.
- Ideal for frequent travellers or online shoppers
- Can offer substantial savings on long trips
9. Add Additional Cardholders
Most travel cards allow you to add supplementary cardholders:
- Boosts Airpoints earnings on shared spending
- May extend perks like travel insurance or lounge access
- Usually low or no fee to add
Perfect for couples or families who travel together and want to maximise rewards.
10. Reassess Your Card Each Year
Travel needs evolve. If your travel habits change, your credit card should too.
- Travelling more? Upgrade to a card with unlimited perks
- Flying less? Downgrade to a lower-fee card with core rewards
Review the benefits you actually use and weigh them against the annual fee.
Final Thoughts
Maximising Airpoints and travel perks with your credit card is all about strategy. From smart spending and rewards redemption to enjoying travel benefits like lounge access and insurance, the right travel credit card can elevate your journeys and save you money along the way.
Focus on cards that match your lifestyle, travel frequency, and financial habits—and always take full advantage of bonus offers and perks to extract maximum value.
Ready to explore your options? Use our credit card comparison tool to find the best Airpoints and travel credit cards in NZ based on your needs.
