In today’s digital age, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has made it easier than ever to get answers fast. Whether it’s planning a trip, writing a cover letter, or finding dinner recipes, AI tools can help you cut through the noise. But when it comes to financial decisions—like choosing a credit card—can AI really tell you which one is best for you?
Let’s break it down.
The Promise (and Limitations) of AI in Credit Card Recommendations
AI can be a powerful starting point. Ask a tool like ChatGPT, and it might list out the best credit cards for travel, low-interest credit cards, or cards with rewards based on what’s generally available in the market.
But here’s the catch: AI doesn’t truly know you.
Unless you provide it with detailed information about your income, spending habits, financial goals, credit score, and existing debt, it can’t give a truly personalised recommendation.
What’s more, some AI tools are trained on old data which might be out of date, and their are a few cases where AI is know to make up things that aren’t true (hallucinate).
For example:
- Do you pay your balance in full every month? Then interest rates probably don’t matter much to you.
- Do you spend a lot on groceries or petrol? Then rewards categories will be key.
- Are you planning a big purchase and want to pay it off over time? Then a low or 0% introductory interest rate could be a priority.
These are details only you can supply—and only you can weigh up based on your circumstances.
Agent Mode and AI Assistants: Helpful, But Not Human
Newer AI tools, like “agent mode” in ChatGPT and other platforms, promise a more interactive experience. These AI agents can ask follow-up questions, remember previous details, and even guide you through decision trees.
That’s a step forward—but it’s still limited.
Agent mode can help you clarify your preferences and narrow down your goals, but it still won’t:
- Check your credit score
- Know the exact eligibility criteria for every New Zealand credit card
- Access up-to-date application offers or promo codes
- Compare nuanced differences like balance transfer fees or international transaction fees across all providers in real-time
So, while AI can act as a smart research assistant, it shouldn’t be the final decision-maker.
Use a Credit Card Comparison Site Instead
If you’re in New Zealand and wondering which credit card to apply for, one of the best tools you can use is a credit card comparison site like CreditCardsCompare.co.nz.
These platforms are designed to:
- Give you a side-by-side overview of interest rates, fees, rewards, and perks
- Highlight special offers and introductory deals
- Let you filter by your priorities (e.g. travel rewards, balance transfers, low fees)
- Save you hours of manual research
You can think of AI as the helpful assistant that says, “You might want a card with rewards for dining and no annual fee.” But the comparison site is what actually shows you those cards, with real numbers, updated promotions, and application links.
And since most comparison sites let you adjust filters on the fly, you can quickly experiment with different scenarios—like “what if I care more about travel insurance than Airpoints?”—and see how your options change.
So, Should You Use AI to Choose a Credit Card?
Use it to start. Not to decide.
AI can help you:
- Understand the types of credit cards out there
- Clarify what features matter most to you
- Learn basic terms (e.g. what’s a balance transfer or cashback rewards)
But when it comes to making a smart, informed choice tailored to your personal situation, nothing beats a local credit card comparison site.
In fact, you can even combine the two:
- Ask an AI tool for a breakdown of credit card types and what features to consider
- Then visit a comparison site to browse real products available in New Zealand
- Review the results and make a choice based on what fits your lifestyle, not just a generic list
Final Thought: Personal Finance is Personal
AI is great—but it’s not psychic.
Unless it has full access to your income, debt levels, spending patterns, and long-term financial goals, it can’t make the final call. And remember, AI can, in a very few cases, provide you with inaccurated or outdated information which is worth considering.
So next time you’re wondering “what’s the best credit card for me?”—go ahead and ask an AI. But then take that insight, head over to a NZ-based comparison site, and find the card that actually fits you.
For more information and tips to help you choose the best credit card in NZ, visit our website Credit Cards Compare.
