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Travel Rewards Credit Cards: Maximize Your Savings
Compare travel rewards cards for cost-effective spending.
Quick Picks
Best overall: ANZ Airpoints Visa Platinum.
Best budget: Westpac Airpoints Mastercard.
Best for Airpoints: American Express Airpoints Card.
Budget-Friendly Travel Rewards
For those who want to earn travel rewards without a hefty annual fee, these cards offer cost-effective options. Let's dive into the specifics of what you can expect from each.
Westpac Airpoints Mastercard
The Westpac Airpoints Mastercard stands out with its low $70 annual fee, making it the most affordable option for earning Airpoints in New Zealand. It provides 1 Airpoints Dollar per $150 spent up to $3,500 monthly, then 1 per $300. However, its 20.95% purchase interest rate is a downside if you carry a balance. Ideal for New Zealanders who use Mastercard frequently and want to accumulate Airpoints without splurging on fees.
American Express Airpoints Card
Compared to Westpac, the American Express Airpoints Card has a slightly higher interest rate at 22.95%. Still, Amex often offers better customer service and additional perks like exclusive pre-sales. This card suits those who value the Amex network's benefits and can manage the higher APR.
For those willing to pay a bit more upfront, the next option offers enhanced benefits that might justify the higher annual fee.
Premium Travel Rewards
Now, let's look at cards that provide premium travel perks for a higher annual cost.
ANZ Airpoints Visa Platinum Card
The ANZ Airpoints Visa Platinum commands a $150 annual fee but offers robust travel benefits like overseas travel insurance and a higher Airpoints earn rate. It's particularly appealing for frequent travelers who spend enough to justify the annual fee through the added perks and insurance coverage.
When selecting the right travel rewards card, consider how you spend and what benefits you'll actually use. If travel insurance and higher earn rates are priorities, ANZ's offering might be the best fit. If keeping costs low is more important, Westpac provides excellent value. For a deeper dive into maximizing savings on travel, check out our related post on Travel Rewards Cards: Maximize Savings on Your Next Trip.