Maximise Airpoints Dollars with Air New Zealand Airpoints Standard Visa for Kiwi Travellers
Make everyday NZ spending earn Airpoints Dollars with the Air New Zealand Airpoints Standard Visa, boosted returns on Air NZ fares and lounge passes for Kiwis
Why Kiwis choose the Airpoints Standard Visa
For many Kiwi travellers the Airpoints Standard Visa is a simple way to turn everyday NZ$ spending into Airpoints Dollars. The card rewards regular supermarket runs, fuel and online shopping while giving stronger returns when you book flights or services directly with Air New Zealand. That practical return on spend makes it a go-to rewards card for families and frequent flyers across Auckland, Wellington and beyond.
Beyond points, the card offers perks that matter to local travellers, such as lounge passes after meeting spend thresholds and the Airpoints Dollars Advance for when you need a little extra to secure a flight. Combining everyday earning with travel-specific benefits keeps this Airpoints card relevant whether you’re commuting domestically or planning a holiday overseas.
How Airpoints earning and redemptions work
With the Airpoints Standard Visa you earn Airpoints Dollars on eligible purchases, typically at a baseline rate for general spending and an improved rate when buying directly from Air New Zealand. Airpoints Dollars can be redeemed for flights, seat upgrades, lounge passes and purchases in the Airpoints Store, giving genuine flexibility to Kiwis who want to book travel without burning cash.
Airpoints Dollars generally don’t expire while you remain the primary cardholder, so you can save for a bigger trip without pressure. The Airpoints Dollars Advance feature also lets you access a small advance of points to lock in a fare, then top up later through normal earning on the card.
Fees, eligibility and handy features
The card has an annual fee that’s competitive in the NZ market and interest rates to bear in mind, so it’s best suited to those who pay their balance in full each month. There are also options for balance transfers and occasional promotional rates; check current terms before applying to confirm eligibility and any introductory offers.
To apply you’ll need to be a New Zealand resident aged 18 or over with the usual credit history checks. Other practical features include supplementary card options for family members, online account management and mobile wallet compatibility so you can tap and earn Airpoints Dollars on the go.
Top tips to maximise Airpoints as a Kiwi traveller
Use the card for recurring bills and everyday shopping to stack Airpoints Dollars steadily, and prioritize booking Air New Zealand fares on the card to benefit from the higher earn rate. Keep an eye on promotional earning periods and partner offers that can significantly boost your Airpoints balance.
Plan your spend to reach thresholds that unlock lounge passes or other perks, and always weigh annual fees against the value of those benefits. For Kiwis aiming to travel smarter, combining consistent use of the Airpoints Standard Visa with strategic redemptions delivers real value and memorable trips across New Zealand and beyond.