The American Express Airpoints Platinum Card

The American Express Airpoints Platinum Card
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Platinum Award

The American Express Airpoints Platinum credit card is the FASTEST Air New Zealand Airpoints Dollar earning Platinum credit card. Every $70 spend earns you 1 Airpoints Dollar. The Amex Airpoints Platinum Card also comes with a lot of perks including Complimentary Domestic and International Travel Insurance when you pay for eligible travel using your card and 2 Airport lounge passes each year with Priority Pass™ plus enjoy 2 complimentary entries per calendar year to the Centurion Lounge at Sydney or Melbourne International Airport.

CURRENT OFFER: Be rewarded with 400 bonus Airpoints Dollars™ when you apply, are approved and spend $1,500 on your new Card within the first 3 months. New Amex Card Members only. Offer ends 26th May 2025.

Other Benefits include:

  • Access to The American Express Lounges and VIP lounges
  • Protect your Smartphone Screen with Insurance
  • Complimentary domestic and international travel insurance
  • Koru joining fee waiver (save $255) and Koru annual fee discount (save $145 p.a.) for as long as you hold the Card
  • Earn 1 Status points for every $250 spend on your card to help to climb tiers and enjoy benefits such as priority service, lounge access, seat upgrades and extra baggage allowance.

Rewards Points Cash Equivalent

$100 spend earns you $1.42 cash equivalent^.

^ To help you compare reward points across different credit cards and rewards programs, we provide an estimate of the cash-equivalent of the reward points that you will get back for every $100 you spend on eligible purchases with your card. The cash equivalent value given is an estimate only based on a specific redemption example. In some cases reward points cannot be redeemed for cash directly. See below to find out how the estimate was calculated.

Points Cash Equivalence Calculation

If $70 spend earns you 1 Airpoints Dollar then $100 spend earns you (100/70) = 1.428 Airpoints or $1.42 cash-equivalent when redeemed with Air New Zealand or through the Airpoints store.

Key Features

  • Purchase Rate: 22.95% p.a.
  • Cash Advance Rate: 22.95% p.a.
  • Balance Transfer: Not offered
  • Annual Fee: $195.00
  • Interest Free Days: 55 days
  • Minimum Repayment: $10 or 3% whichever is greater of the closing balance, whichever is greater.
  • Card Reward Details: Every $70 you spend earns you 1 Airpoints Dollar.
  • Credit Limit: Available on application
  • Other Fees: Late payment fee: $25, Dishonour Fee: $25

IMPORTANT NOTE: please review the credit card details on the provider's website again before applying.

The American Express Airpoints Platinum Card Review

Pros and Cons

We've compiled below the pros and cons of the The American Express Airpoints Platinum Card to help you decide.

Pros

  • FASTEST Air New Zealand Airpoints Dollar earning credit card in New Zealand
  • Be rewarded with 400 bonus Airpoints Dollars™ when you apply, are approved and spend $1,500 on your new Card within the first 3 months. New Amex Card Members only. Offer ends 26th May 2025.
  • Complimentary Domestic and International travel insurance (great to see it cover domestic travel too)
  • Access to airport lounges including the Centurion lounges in Sydney and Melbourne and 2 complimentary passes per year into VIP lounges with Priority Pass™
  • Koru joining fee waiver (saves you $255) and Koru annual fee discount (saves you $145 p.a.) for as long as you hold the Card
  • Smart phone screen protection with insurance
  • Earn 1 Status points for every $250 spend on your card to help to climb tiers and enjoy benefits such as priority service, lounge access, seat upgrades and extra baggage allowance.
  • Additional card for your partner or family cost $0

Cons

  • Relatively high annual fee but this can be easily offset by the savings on your Koru membership or by the Airpoints Dollars earned as long as you spend $13,650 on your card each year, not to mention the bonus airpoints you get when you sign up and spend at least $1,500 in the first 3 months.

What we like about the Amex Airpoints Platinum Card

Highest Airpoints Dollar Earning Rate

The American Express Airpoints Platinum Credit Card is the FASTEST Air New Zealand Airpoints Dollar earning Platinum credit card. Every $70 spend earns you 1 Airpoints Dollar.

Complimentary Travel Insurance

One of the standout features of this card is the complimentary travel insurance that covers not just International travel but also Domestic travel within New Zealand. When you pay for your travel expenses using the card, you are automatically covered. This includes coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage, providing peace of mind during your travels.

Lounge Access and Other Perks

Cardholders also enjoy access to exclusive airport lounges, making your travel experience more comfortable. Additionally, the card offers various other perks such as purchase protection, extended warranty on purchases, and special offers from American Express partners. These benefits add significant value to the card, making it a great choice for frequent travelers.

Koru Membership Discount

This benefit might not apply to everyone but if you are interested in getting a Koru membership then it is a signifcant benefit indeed. Your Koru joining fee is waived (saving you $255) and you get a Koru annual fee discount (saving you $145 p.a.) for as long as you hold the Card

What is not so great about the Amex Airpoints Platinum Credit Card

The main drawback of the American Express Airpoints Platinum Credit Card is the annual fee but considering all the benefits that you get with the card you could more than offset the annual fee with the benefits. If you really don't want to pay an annual fee then you should consider the American Express Airpoints credit card which has no annual fees

Is the American Express Airpoints Platinum Card right for you?

Determining if the American Express Airpoints Platinum Credit Card is the right fit for you involves considering several factors. This card is designed for those who can take full advantage of its benefits, despite the annual fee and pay off their balance in full each month. Here are some key points to help you decide:

Ideal User Profile

If you frequently travel overseas and can make use of the travel insurance and lounge access perks, this card could be a valuable addition to your wallet.

Spending Habits to Maximise Benefits

To get the most out of this card, you should aim to spend at least $13,750 per year. This level of spending will help you earn enough Airpoints Dollars and Status Points to offset the annual fee and enjoy the exclusive benefits like smartphone screen insurance and lounge passes.

Alternative Options

If you are a small spender or an occasional flyer, the zero-fee American Express Airpoints Card might be a better fit. It offers Airpoints rewards without an annual fee, making it a more suitable long-term option for those who won't fully utilise the Platinum card's extra benefits. In general, we recommend comparing all credit cards on our website to help you make an informed decision.

Customer Service Experience with American Express

Direct Line Support

When you need help, American Express offers a direct line for support. This means you can talk to a real person quickly. Whether you have questions about your card or need help with a transaction, their team is ready to assist you.

Service Hours

American Express provides customer service around the clock. No matter the time of day or night, you can reach out for help. This 24/7 availability ensures that you are never left without support when you need it most.

User Testimonials

Many customers have shared positive experiences about American Express's customer service. They often mention the friendly and helpful staff. Here are some common praises:

  • Quick Response: Users appreciate the fast response times.
  • Knowledgeable Staff: Customers find the staff well-informed and capable of solving issues.
  • Polite Service: Many users highlight the courteous nature of the service representatives.

These testimonials show that American Express values its customers and strives to provide excellent service.

Eligibility Criteria:

Check the provider's website for Eligibility details but in general you need to be:
  • Be aged 18 or over
  • Have no history of bad debt or payment default
  • Have the right to work in New Zealand, and

Understanding Airpoints Dollars and Status Points

Airpoints Dollars are the currency of Air New Zealand's frequent flyer program. For every eligible purchase you make with your American Express Airpoints Platinum Credit Card, you earn Airpoints Dollars. One Airpoints Dollar is equal to one New Zealand Dollar when used with Air New Zealand. You can use these dollars to book flights with Air New Zealand, as well as with partner and Star Alliance airlines. Additionally, you can spend them on rental cars, holidays, or even Koru Membership.

Redeeming your Airpoints Dollars is straightforward. You can use them to pay for flights, upgrades, and other travel-related expenses. They can also be used at the Airpoints Store for a variety of products and services. The flexibility of Airpoints Dollars makes them a valuable asset for frequent travelers.

Status Points are another key feature of the Air New Zealand Airpoints Programme. These points help you climb membership tiers, unlocking benefits like priority service, lounge access, seat upgrades, and extra baggage allowance. You earn one Status Point for every $250 you spend on your American Express Airpoints Platinum Credit Card. The more Status Points you accumulate, the higher your membership tier and the more perks you enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Airpoints Dollar earning rate work?

With this card, you earn 1 Airpoints Dollar for every $70 you spend, which is the highest rate in New Zealand.

How much is a Airpoints Dollar worth?

1 Airpoints Dollar = $1 NZD when redeemed with Air New Zealand or at the Airpoints store.

How can I redeem my Airpoints?

You can redeem your Airpoints for flights, upgrades, gift cards and shopping with Air New Zealand partners using the Airpoints store.

Is there complimentary travel insurance with this card?

Yes, the American Express Airpoints Platinum Credit Card offers complimentary travel insurance when you use the card to book your travel.

What are the annual fees for this credit card?

The annual fee for the American Express Airpoints Platinum Credit Card is $195.

What is the customer service experience like with American Express?

American Express offers direct line support with customer service available 24/7, providing a more personalised experience compared to other banks.

Interest in an Amex Credit Card? We recommend comparing all Amex Credit Cards on our website to help you find the right Amex credit card.

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