American Express Platinum Card New Zealand Travel Perks, Dining Credits and 100,000 Membership Rewards Points for Kiwis

Premium overview for Kiwis

The American Express Platinum Card in New Zealand is built for travellers and food lovers who want tangible value from a premium credit card. With NZ$ travel and dining credits and a high earn rate for Membership Rewards, the American Express Platinum Card stands out among premium cards for Kiwis.

New cardmembers often see an introductory bonus — commonly up to 100,000 Membership Rewards points — when meeting the minimum spend. For frequent flyers based in Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch the Amex Platinum unlocks lounge access, insurance and concierge services that genuinely offset the annual fee.

Travel perks and lounge access

The Amex Platinum provides Priority Pass and selected airline lounge access across global hubs, ideal for New Zealanders flying to Australia or further afield. Complimentary travel insurance and rental vehicle excess cover give added peace of mind on holiday or business trips.

Included travel credits such as an NZ$200 travel credit for pre-paid flights, hotels or car hire help reduce net cost, while the global concierge assists with bookings, upgrades and requests in a way many other credit cards don’t. These travel benefits are a core reason Kiwis choose the American Express Platinum Card.

Dining credits, rewards and how points work

Dining credits are a standout: annual restaurant credits can cover a portion of dining in New Zealand’s top spots, from Auckland’s Viaduct to Wellington CBD. Earn 2 Membership Rewards points per NZ$1 on eligible purchases and redeem across flights, hotels or partner transfers.

100,000 Membership Rewards points welcome offers transform into flights, hotel stays or upgrades when used wisely. The Amex Platinum’s rewards flexibility and dining credits increase real-world savings for Kiwis who use the card for daily spend and occasional splurges.

Is the Amex Platinum worth it and how to apply

Whether the American Express Platinum Card is worth it depends on how much you use the travel and dining credits, lounge access and Membership Rewards. For frequent travellers and diners in New Zealand, the card’s benefits typically outweigh the annual fee once credits and insurance are factored in.

Applying is straightforward: check eligibility on the issuer’s New Zealand site, complete the online application and, if approved, meet the introductory spend to secure the bonus points. To maximise value, plan spending around credits, shift travel bookings to the card and transfer Membership Rewards to airline or hotel partners when transfer bonuses appear.