Amex Platinum New Zealand: Travel Perks, Lounge Access and 100,000 Points for Kiwis

Amex Platinum New Zealand: a premium card built for Kiwis

The Amex Platinum New Zealand is designed for Kiwis who want travel perks, strong rewards and VIP treatment every time they fly. With a headline offer of 100,000 Membership Rewards points and premium travel benefits, this card aims squarely at frequent travellers and those who like lifestyle upgrades.

In Aotearoa the balance between the annual fee and tangible credits matters. The Amex Platinum New Zealand includes lounge access, dining and travel credits that help offset the NZ$1,250 fee when used smartly, making it a serious option for anyone who travels regularly or values airport comfort.

Rewards engine: 100,000 points and how to earn more

New cardholders can earn 100,000 bonus points after meeting the introductory spend, which translates into flights, upgrades or hotel stays when redeemed through Membership Rewards partners. Everyday earn rates are strong, and bonus categories accelerate point accumulation for travel and dining purchases.

To maximise value from Amex Platinum New Zealand, funnel recurring payments and travel bookings through the card, and use transfer partners to get better cents-per-point redemption. For Kiwis, that often means converting points to airline partners or hotels that fly and stay to and from NZ.

Travel perks and lounge access that make a difference

One of the biggest draws of the Amex Platinum New Zealand is widespread lounge access—Priority Pass and Amex lounges included—so you get quieter spaces, complimentary refreshments and business facilities before flights. This benefit alone appeals to frequent flyers who spend hours at Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch airports.

Beyond lounges, the card packs travel credits, rental vehicle excess cover and robust travel insurance tailored for international trips. For Kiwis planning long-haul travel to the UK, US or Asia, those protections and credits reduce stress and can save substantial out-of-pocket costs.

Is it worth it? Fees, credits and who should apply

The sticker price of the Amex Platinum New Zealand is high, but the effective cost drops significantly if you use the travel credit, dining credit and lounge access. If you only travel once a year and rarely dine out, the card might not return enough value to justify the fee.

Ideal applicants are frequent travellers, points collectors and lifestyle seekers who will use lounge access, transfers and the 100,000 points sign-up bonus. If you tick those boxes, applying for Amex Platinum New Zealand can unlock outsized value—just be sure to read T&Cs and plan redemptions to maximise ROI.