NZ Credit Cards Compared 2026
Credit cards in NZ range from no-fee basics to premium travel cards. The right card depends on how you spend, whether you carry a balance, and how often you travel. Below is how the main cards compare across six categories, based on published rates and fees as at February 2026.
Forge Money's comparisons are based on fees, features, and suitability — not commercial relationships. See our editorial methodology for how we evaluate products.
Best credit cards by category
No-fee cards
These cards charge no annual fee. They're for people who want a credit card for convenience and purchase protection without paying for rewards they won't use.
| Card | Provider | Annual fee | Purchase rate | Interest-free days | Key benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa Light | ASB | $0 | 13.90% p.a. | Up to 55 days | Low rate, no fee, contactless |
| Low Fee Visa | Kiwibank | $0 | 13.90% p.a. | Up to 44 days | No fee, NZ-owned bank |
| Flexi Debit Visa | BNZ | $0 | N/A (debit) | N/A | Visa debit with credit card protections |
The ASB Visa Light has one of the lowest purchase rates of any no-fee card in NZ at 13.90% p.a. (ASB). If you don't carry a balance, the rate doesn't matter, but it provides a safety net if you do. Kiwibank's Low Fee Visa offers the same rate (Kiwibank).
Cashback cards
Cashback cards return a percentage of your spending as a cash credit on your statement. Simple. No points to track, no programmes to understand.
| Card | Provider | Annual fee | Purchase rate | Cashback rate | Key benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Platinum Cashback | ANZ | $80 | 20.95% p.a. | 1% on all purchases | Uncapped cashback, no minimum spend |
| True Rewards Visa | ASB | $40 | 20.95% p.a. | Up to $1 per $100 spent (True Rewards points convertible to cash) | Flexible points or cashback |
The ANZ Platinum Cashback gives you a straight 1% back on everything with no cap (ANZ). On $3,000/month in spending, that's $360 per year, well above the $80 annual fee. The ASB True Rewards Visa offers a flexible points system where you can convert to statement credits, gift cards, or partner rewards (ASB).
Airpoints cards
Airpoints Dollars are earned on eligible purchases and can be spent with Air New Zealand on flights, upgrades, and the Airpoints Store. $1 Airpoints Dollar = $1 of value with Air NZ.
| Card | Provider | Annual fee | Purchase rate | Earn rate | Key benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airpoints Platinum | Amex | $195 | 21.95% p.a. | 1 Airpoints Dollar per $100 spent | Highest earn rate on Amex network |
| Airpoints Visa Platinum | ANZ | $150 | 20.95% p.a. | 1 Airpoints Dollar per $75 spent at NZ merchants | Good earn rate on Visa network |
| Airpoints Mastercard | Westpac | $65 | 20.95% p.a. | 1 Airpoints Dollar per $75 spent | Lower fee entry to Airpoints |
The ANZ Airpoints Visa Platinum earns 1 Airpoints Dollar per $75 spent at NZ merchants, making it one of the strongest Airpoints earn rates available on a widely accepted card network (ANZ). The Amex Airpoints Platinum earns at 1 per $100 but works best as a companion to a Visa/Mastercard since Amex acceptance is more limited in NZ (Amex NZ). The Westpac Airpoints Mastercard is a solid mid-range option at a lower annual fee (Westpac).
Premium and travel cards
Premium cards come with higher annual fees but include travel insurance, lounge access, and elevated rewards. They're designed for people who spend $50,000+ per year on the card and travel frequently.
| Card | Provider | Annual fee | Purchase rate | Rewards | Key benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Platinum Card | Amex | $1,250 | 22.74% p.a. | Membership Rewards points | Full travel insurance, lounge access (Priority Pass), concierge service, bonus points on travel |
| Platinum Edge | Amex | $149 | 21.74% p.a. | Membership Rewards points | Travel credit, lower fee entry to Amex benefits |
| Explorer Card | Amex | $0 first year, then $49 | 21.74% p.a. | Membership Rewards points | No-fee entry to Amex Membership Rewards |
The Amex Platinum is the top-tier card in NZ. At $1,250 per year, it's expensive, but the travel insurance alone can be worth $300 to $500 if you travel internationally even once a year (Amex NZ). You also get Priority Pass lounge access (two complimentary visits per year), a hotel status programme, and a concierge service. For most people, the Platinum Edge at $149 per year offers better value: you still get travel insurance and Membership Rewards points, without the premium price tag.
The Amex Explorer is the entry point to Membership Rewards at $0 for the first year, then $49 annually (Amex NZ). Points can be transferred to airline and hotel partners or redeemed for statement credits.
Low interest cards
If you carry a balance month to month, the interest rate matters more than any reward. A low-interest card at 13% to 14% saves hundreds compared to a rewards card at 20% to 22%.
| Card | Provider | Annual fee | Purchase rate | Interest-free days | Key benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low Rate Visa | ANZ | $58 | 13.90% p.a. | Up to 55 days | Lowest rate from a major bank |
| Low Rate Mastercard | BNZ | $58 | 13.90% p.a. | Up to 55 days | Low rate, long interest-free period |
| Visa Light | ASB | $0 | 13.90% p.a. | Up to 55 days | Low rate AND no annual fee |
At 13.90% p.a., the ASB Visa Light charges no annual fee while matching the low rate offered by ANZ and BNZ, which both charge $58 per year (ASB, ANZ, BNZ). For someone carrying a balance, the ASB Visa Light costs $58 less per year in fees at the same rate.
On a $5,000 balance carried for 12 months, the interest at 13.90% is roughly $695. On a typical rewards card at 20.95%, the same balance costs roughly $1,048 in interest. That's a $353 difference, far more than any rewards programme would earn on $5,000 in spending.
Balance transfer cards
A balance transfer lets you move existing credit card debt to a new card at a reduced interest rate, typically 0% to 5% for a promotional period of 6 to 12 months. This gives you time to pay down the principal without interest compounding.
| Card | Provider | Balance transfer offer | Revert rate | Transfer fee | Key conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low Rate Visa | ANZ | Promotional rate for 6 months (rates vary, check ANZ website) | 13.90% p.a. | 1% of transferred balance | Must be new to ANZ credit cards |
| Low Rate Mastercard | BNZ | Promotional rate for 6 months (check BNZ website) | 13.90% p.a. | Varies | Balance must come from a non-BNZ card |
Balance transfer promotions change regularly. The key things to check before transferring: the promotional rate (look for 0% to 1.99%), the promotional period (6 months is typical, 12 months is excellent), the balance transfer fee (usually 1% to 3% of the amount transferred), and the revert rate (what you pay after the promotional period ends). The revert rate matters because if you haven't paid off the balance by the end of the promo period, you'll be charged the standard rate on whatever remains.
A full list of current balance transfer offers is in the balance transfer credit cards NZ comparison.
How to pick the right credit card
The right card depends on three things: how you spend, whether you carry a balance, and how often you travel.
Start with this question: do you pay your balance in full every month?
If yes, the interest rate is irrelevant. Focus on rewards, annual fee, and perks. If you spend $2,000+ per month and travel domestically, an Airpoints card pays for itself. If you spend less or don't fly often, a cashback card or a no-fee card makes more sense.
If no (you carry a balance), forget rewards entirely. A rewards card at 20.95% costs far more in interest than any points you'll earn. Get the lowest rate card you can find. The ASB Visa Light has the same 13.90% rate with no annual fee.
Spending threshold for rewards cards. Most rewards cards charge an annual fee between $65 and $195. To break even on that fee through rewards alone, you typically need to spend $6,500 to $19,500 per year on the card. Below that, a no-fee card is the better deal.
Travel frequency. If you fly Air NZ more than a couple of times a year, Airpoints cards offer genuine value. If you travel internationally, Amex's travel insurance and lounge access benefits become relevant. If you rarely travel, those perks are wasted.
Existing loyalty programmes. If you already collect Airpoints Dollars, adding an Airpoints credit card accelerates your earn rate. If you're a Flybuys member, some Visa/Mastercard options link to Flybuys instead. Consolidating to one programme tends to deliver more value than splitting across several.
Amex acceptance in NZ. Amex cards are not accepted everywhere in NZ. Most large retailers, supermarkets, and petrol stations accept Amex, but smaller businesses often don't. Many Amex cardholders carry a Visa or Mastercard as a backup. If you want a single card that works everywhere, stick with Visa or Mastercard.
Credit card fees to watch out for
The annual fee is just one cost. Here are four other fees that can quietly add up.
Annual fee. Ranges from $0 to $1,250 in NZ. The fee buys you access to rewards, travel insurance, or concierge services. If you're not using those benefits, you're overpaying.
Foreign currency fee. Most NZ credit cards charge 2% to 2.5% on purchases made in a foreign currency, including online shopping from overseas retailers (even if the price is displayed in NZD). This fee is often overlooked but adds up fast if you shop on international sites or travel frequently. Some Amex cards waive or reduce this fee.
Cash advance fee. Withdrawing cash on a credit card typically costs 2% to 3% of the withdrawal amount (minimum $5) plus interest from the moment of withdrawal, with no interest-free period. Cash advance rates are usually 22% to 25% p.a. Avoid using a credit card at an ATM.
Late payment fee. Missing a payment typically costs $10 to $25 per occurrence. More importantly, it can trigger a penalty interest rate on some cards and negatively affect your credit score. Set up an automatic payment for at least the minimum amount due each month to avoid this.
How we compare credit cards
Forge Money does not receive affiliate commissions from any credit card issuer for our tools or calculators. The cards listed on this page are selected based on published rates, fees, and features sourced directly from provider websites.
Our comparison approach:
- Annual fee vs. reward value. A card is only worth its fee if the rewards exceed the cost at a realistic spending level. We calculate breakeven points.
- Interest rate. For people who carry a balance, the purchase rate is the most important number. Rewards are irrelevant if you're paying 20%+ in interest.
- Acceptance network. Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere in NZ. Amex acceptance is more limited. We note this clearly.
- Published rates only. We use rates and fees published on provider websites, not promotional material or advertised "from" rates. All data is verified against provider websites and dated.
- No "best overall" ranking. There's no single best card because the right card depends on your spending pattern. We organise by category so you can find the card that fits how you actually use it.
For more detail on specific card types, see rewards credit cards NZ and low interest credit cards NZ.
Common questions
What is the best credit card in NZ?
There's no single best credit card because the right card depends on how you spend. The ANZ Airpoints Visa Platinum has a competitive Airpoints earn rate on the Visa network. The ASB Visa Light charges 13.90% p.a. with no annual fee. The Amex Platinum has the most travel benefits at the highest annual fee ($1,250). The main decision is whether you carry a balance (interest rate matters most) or pay in full (rewards and fees matter most).
What is the best credit card for travel in NZ?
For domestic travel (Air NZ flights), the ANZ Airpoints Visa Platinum earns Airpoints Dollars at a competitive rate on the widely accepted Visa network (ANZ). For international travel, the Amex Platinum includes travel insurance, Priority Pass lounge access, and hotel benefits at a $1,250 annual fee. The Amex Platinum Edge at $149 per year includes travel insurance and Membership Rewards points at a lower annual cost (Amex NZ).
What is the best no-fee credit card in NZ?
The ASB Visa Light charges no annual fee and has a purchase rate of 13.90% p.a. with up to 55 interest-free days (ASB). The Kiwibank Low Fee Visa is a similar no-fee option at 13.90% (Kiwibank). Both offer a credit card without the cost of rewards programmes.
How do credit card rewards work in NZ?
Most NZ rewards programmes work in one of three ways. Airpoints cards earn Airpoints Dollars (1 Airpoints Dollar = $1 with Air NZ) based on your spending. Cashback cards return a percentage (typically 1%) of your spending as a statement credit. Points-based programmes like Amex Membership Rewards and ASB True Rewards earn points that can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, or cash equivalents. The value per point varies by programme and redemption method.
What's the difference between Airpoints and Flybuys?
Airpoints Dollars are earned through Air NZ and partner credit cards. They're worth $1 each when used with Air NZ for flights, upgrades, and the Airpoints Store. Flybuys is a separate loyalty programme run by Loyalty NZ, linked to retailers like New World, Z Energy, and participating Visa/Mastercard cards. Flybuys points have a lower per-point value (roughly $0.005 each, so 200 points = $1). If you fly Air NZ regularly, Airpoints Dollars generally deliver more value. If you don't fly much but shop at Flybuys partners, Flybuys may be more practical.
Is Amex accepted in NZ?
Amex acceptance in NZ is more limited than Visa or Mastercard. Most large retailers, supermarkets (Countdown, New World), petrol stations (Z, BP), and major chains accept Amex. However, many smaller businesses, cafes, and independent retailers don't, because Amex charges higher merchant fees. Most Amex cardholders in NZ carry a backup Visa or Mastercard for merchants that don't accept Amex (Amex NZ).
How do I apply for a credit card in NZ?
You can apply online through the issuer's website or in-branch at your bank. You'll need to provide proof of income (usually a minimum of $15,000 to $30,000 per year, depending on the card), ID, and address details. The issuer runs a credit check as part of the application. Approval typically takes 1 to 5 business days. Some premium cards have higher income requirements ($50,000+ for Platinum cards).
Does applying for a credit card affect my credit score?
Yes. Each credit card application generates a hard inquiry on your credit file, which can temporarily reduce your credit score by a few points (Centrix, Equifax NZ). Multiple applications in a short period have a larger impact. Only apply for cards you're likely to be approved for, and avoid applying for several cards at once. The inquiry typically drops off your credit file after 12 months.
How do balance transfers work?
A balance transfer moves your existing credit card debt from one card to another, usually at a lower promotional interest rate (often 0% to 1.99% for 6 to 12 months). You apply for the new card and specify the amount to transfer. The new issuer pays off your old card, and you owe the balance to the new issuer at the promotional rate. There's usually a balance transfer fee of 1% to 3%. The key is to pay off the transferred balance before the promotional period ends, because the rate reverts to the standard purchase rate (typically 13% to 21%). See balance transfer credit cards NZ for current offers.
Can I get a credit card with bad credit in NZ?
It's more difficult but not impossible. Secured credit cards (where you deposit funds as security) are available from some providers. You may also qualify for a basic no-frills card with a lower credit limit. If your credit score is low, focus on improving it before applying: pay existing debts on time, reduce outstanding balances, and wait for any defaults to age off your file (typically 5 years in NZ). For more on managing credit card debt, see credit card debt: how to pay it off faster.
What to do next
- Rewards credit cards NZ: Airpoints, Flybuys, and cashback earning rates compared
- Balance transfer credit cards NZ: Current promotional rates and how to use them
- Credit card debt: how to pay it off faster: Strategies for clearing balances
- PAYE calculator: Check your take-home pay after tax
Last updated: 28 February 2026. Sources: Amex NZ (americanexpress.com/nz), ANZ (anz.co.nz), ASB (asb.co.nz), BNZ (bnz.co.nz), Westpac (westpac.co.nz), Kiwibank (kiwibank.co.nz). Rates and fees are as published on provider websites. Promotional offers change frequently; check the issuer's website for current deals. This is financial information, not financial advice.
This is educational content, not financial advice.