The Air New Zealand American Express Platinum Card is a premium credit card that offers a range of benefits to frequent flyers. It's designed for those who travel extensively, particularly to New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.
With a $295 annual fee, this card is not for everyone. However, for those who can make the most of its features, it could be a worthwhile investment.
The card offers 75,000 bonus Airpoints Dollars when you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months, which can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other rewards.
American Express Acceptance and Benefits
American Express acceptance among retailers is limited, but it's rapidly improving, with a recent study showing a surge in acceptance among businesses.
You'll find that many retailers are now accepting American Express, making it a more convenient option for cardholders.
The AMEX Airpoints Platinum Card shines as a premium choice for frequent travellers, with a comparison of earning rates and perks showing it to be a standout option.
American Express Acceptance
American Express Acceptance is improving, but it's still not as widely accepted as other credit cards. A recent study showed that American Express is experiencing a surge in acceptance among businesses.
In New Zealand, you might find that some retailers still don't accept American Express. This can be frustrating, especially if you're used to using your card for everyday purchases.
However, the issue is rapidly improving, with more and more retailers starting to accept American Express. This is great news for cardholders who want to use their card for all their purchases.
Platinum Card Perks
The American Express Airpoints Platinum Card is a game-changer for frequent flyers, offering an array of luxurious perks that take your travel experience to the next level.
With this card, you'll enjoy exclusive lounge access at nine different establishments, complete with two complimentary-entry passes. This means you can escape the hustle and bustle of the airport and relax in style before your flight.
The Airpoints Platinum Card is perfect for travellers who want to earn rewards at a rapid rate, with the potential to unlock premium Air New Zealand perks, including priority boarding and access to even more lounges.
As a cardholder, you'll be able to earn valuable Air New Zealand Tier Status Points, which will give you access to an array of premium perks. This includes the ability to earn rewards at a rapid rate and enjoy a higher level of comfort during your travels.
The annual fee for this card is worth it for frequent flyers, considering the numerous benefits and perks that come with it.
Earning and Redeeming Points
You can earn 1.125 Airpoints Dollars for every $1 spent with this card, making it a top earner. This means your points balance will soar as fast as your jet-setting lifestyle.
Redeeming your hard-earned Airpoints Dollars is also a straightforward process. You can use your rewards for flights, upgrades, rental cars, merchandise, and more.
The card also offers a generous sign-up bonus, which will get you flying high on rewards before you know it. Maximize your Airpoints with everyday purchases and enjoy your journey.
Here are the credit cards you can use to earn Membership Rewards points:
Note that tickets booked through the Amex International Airline Program are eligible for mileage accrual, regardless of whether you pay cash or redeem Amex points using the Pay With Points feature.
High Earning Rate and Excellent Customer Service
Earning points can be a thrilling experience, and the AMEXAirpointsPlatinum Credit Card offers an unmatched earning rate of 1.125 Airpoints Dollars for every $1 spent. This means your points balance will soar as fast as your jet-setting lifestyle.
One of the standout features of this card is its top-notch customer service. American Express is known for being a leader in customer service, providing quick resolutions, personalization, and care for all your needs – travel or otherwise. They've got you covered for help booking flights or dealing with travel mishaps.
The earning rate is an incredible 1.125 Airpoints Dollars for every $1 spent, making it a great choice for frequent travelers.
Koru Membership Discounts
The AMEX Airpoints Platinum Card offers exclusive discounts on Koru membership, saving you a significant amount of money on your first year. You can save a cool $296 on your first year by taking advantage of this offer.
This discount can add up to even more savings throughout the year, making it a great value for frequent travelers.
Earning Potential
You can earn 1.125 Airpoints Dollars for every $1 spent with the AMEX Airpoints Platinum Credit Card, which is an unmatched rate.
Maximizing your Airpoints earnings is easy with everyday purchases. With a generous sign-up bonus, you'll be flying high on rewards before you know it.
To give you a better idea of your earning potential, here's a breakdown of the rewards you can earn:
The more you spend, the more Airpoints you'll earn. It's a simple yet effective way to accumulate rewards.
Travel and Insurance
Traveling abroad can be unpredictable, but with the Air New Zealand American Express Platinum Card, you'll have peace of mind with comprehensive insurance coverage.
This card provides insurance coverage for your travel plans, so you can focus on exploring new destinations without worrying about unexpected expenses.
You'll also receive protection for your mobile phone screen, which is a must-have for any traveler who likes to stay connected on the go.
With this card, you can enjoy your adventures without stressing about the what-ifs.
International Program and Fares
The Amex International Airline Program is a great perk of the Air New Zealand American Express Platinum Card, offering exclusive savings on select airlines when booking through American Express. You can get discounts on first class, business class, and premium economy tickets for international itineraries.
To be eligible for the Amex IAP, you need to have either The Platinum Card or The Business Platinum Card from American Express. The program is valid for international itineraries only, and you can use it to book one to eight tickets on the same flight.
There are two ways to book a ticket through the Amex International Airline Program - by calling Amex or through the Amex Travel website. If you choose to book by phone, you'll be charged a $39 per person ticketing fee.
If you prefer to book online, simply go to amextravel.com and log into your account associated with your Amex Platinum Card. You can then search for eligible international itineraries and look for discounted options marked with "International Airline Program Platinum Card Benefit".
To give you an idea of the savings, a roundtrip nonstop Air France first class ticket between New York and Paris can be discounted by nearly $1,000. However, the bigger the ticket, the bigger the savings - for example, a roundtrip nonstop first class ticket for $10,000+ might not be the most affordable option available through the program.
To help you compare options, you can sort results by airline, travel time, number of stops, and more on the Amex Travel website.
Here are some key details about the Amex International Airline Program:
- Available to those with The Platinum Card or The Business Platinum Card from American Express
- Valid for international itineraries in first class, business class, and premium economy
- Can be used on both refundable and non-refundable tickets
- Can be used to purchase one to eight tickets on the same flight
- Offers discounts for flights originating in the United States or select Canadian gateways
Keep in mind that you can also earn miles for Amex International Airline Program tickets, regardless of whether you pay cash or redeem Amex points using the Pay With Points feature.
Comparison and Suitability
The American Express Airpoints Platinum Card is a premium choice for frequent travellers, offering luxury perks and high Airpoints earning potential.
Frequent flyers will love the card's ability to take them sky-high, with rewards and comfort that rival the best Airpoints credit cards in New Zealand.
If you're a small business owner, the Business Platinum Card from American Express is a great choice, earning points on eligible business purchases and offering 35% of points refunded on eligible flights booked through American Express Travel.
The card's annual fee is offset by point and perk redemption, making it a great option for those who can use its benefits frequently.
The Platinum Card from American Express for Charles Schwab is geared towards investors, allowing for redemption of points into an eligible investment account and offering a Schwab Appreciation Bonus for high balances in eligible accounts.
This card is a clear choice for frequent flyers who want to maximize their Airpoints earning potential and experience a new level of high-flying rewards and comfort.
Comparing Leading Credit Cards
The AMEX Airpoints Platinum Card stands out as a premium choice for frequent travelers, outshining other leading Airpoints Platinum Credit Cards in terms of earning rates and perks.
The Platinum Card range from American Express comes with large annual fees, but you can effectively cancel out the annual fee on some cards through point and perk redemption.
The standard Platinum Card is the logical choice for personal use, rewarding travelers with attractive perks.
The Business Platinum Card is a great option for small business owners, earning points and issuing statement credits on eligible business purchases.
You'll get 35% of your points refunded on eligible flights booked through American Express Travel and paid for using the Pay with Points feature with the Business Platinum Card.
The Platinum Card for Charles Schwab allows for greater point redemption flexibility by redeeming points into your investment account with Charles Schwab.
The Schwab Appreciation Bonus rewards investors with high balances in their eligible Schwab account, offering a $100 statement credit for holdings of $250,000 and a $200 statement credit for holdings greater than $1,000,000.
The Morgan Stanley Card directly cancels out the annual fee and enables you to add a second authorized user free of charge.
The Morgan Stanley Card also accelerates point-earning, allowing you to take greater advantage of its travel perks.
The Chase Travel℠ card offers a bonus of 60,000 points after $4,000 spend in the first 3 months, and 5x points on travel booked through the Chase Travel℠.
Is the American Express Platinum Card Right for You?
The American Express Platinum Card is perfect for frequent flyers who want to earn rewards at a rapid rate and enjoy luxury lounge access.
If you're a small business owner, the Business Platinum Card from American Express is a great choice, earning points and issuing statement credits on specific eligible business purchases.
The card also offers 35% of your points refunded on eligible flights booked through American Express Travel and paid for using the Pay with Points feature.
You'll need to consider the large annual fee of $695, but if you can use the perks and points effectively, you can offset the cost.
The Platinum Card range from American Express comes with a range of attractive perks, but also a hefty annual fee.
If you have an eligible investment account with Charles Schwab, the Platinum Card from American Express for Charles Schwab may be your best bet, allowing for greater point redemption flexibility.
You'll also need to think about the opportunity cost of locking up a significant amount of your funds in an account with a low APR, which may not be worth it if you can find a better return elsewhere.
The break-even interest rate is 2.78% APR, so if you can earn a return greater than this, the opportunity cost isn't worth it.
The card offers a bonus of 60,000 points after $4,000 spend in the first 3 months, making it a great deal for getting started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my American Express card in New Zealand?
American Express cards are accepted in New Zealand, but may not be as widely accepted as Visa or MasterCard. You can use your American Express card, but it's a good idea to check with merchants beforehand.
Can you skip TSA with Amex Platinum?
Yes, Amex Platinum Card Members can skip TSA lines with Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, which can be applied for and paid for with an eligible Card. This benefit also includes access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
Sources
- https://moneysavers.co.nz/finance/credit-card/american-express-airpoints-platinum-card/
- https://milevalue.com/how-to-get-a-platinum-card-from-american-express-for-free/
- https://www.americanexpress.com/nz/credit-cards/airpoints-cards/airpoints-platinum-card/
- https://www.thepointcalculator.com/au/airline/airnewzealand/airpoints-credit-card-transfer-partners
- https://onemileatatime.com/guides/amex-international-airline-program/
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