Westpac Airpoints Platinum MasterCard Credit Card Review: Best Credit Card in New Zealand

# If you're a frequent traveler and are always on the lookout for credit card rewards tailored to your lifestyle, the Westpac Airpoints Platinum MasterCard Credit Card may just be what you need.

Offering some of the best credit card rewards in New Zealand, this card combines generous Airpoints benefits, low rates, and additional perks that make it a top contender in the market.

Benefits of the Westpac Airpoints Platinum MasterCard

The Westpac Airpoints Platinum MasterCard Credit Card allows you to earn Airpoints Dollars seamlessly. For every $110 spent, you earn 1 Airpoints Dollar up to $7,000, and 1 Airpoints Dollar for every $220 spent each month thereafter. What makes this card stand out are the extended benefits it offers:

• Earn one Status Point for every $225 spent: This helps in maintaining your frequent flyer status.
• Koru membership benefits: The joining fee is waived, and you receive a $145 discount off a standard 12-month individual membership.
• Airpoints Dollars Advance: If you're a bit short on Airpoints for a reward, you can avail an advance of 200 Airpoints Dollars.
• Extended Warranty Insurance and Purchase Protection: This includes a 12-month extended warranty and 90 days of purchase protection against loss, theft, or damage.

With these features, this card not only offers excellent travel rewards but also protects your purchases, making it one of the best credit cards New Zealand has to offer.

Interest Rates and Annual Fees

Understanding the financial aspects of a credit card is crucial. Here are the key financial details of the Westpac Airpoints Platinum MasterCard:

• Purchase Rate: 20.95% p.a.
• Cash Advance Rate: 22.95% p.a.
• Balance Transfer Rate: 5.95% for the life of the balance transferred
• Annual Fee: $125 per year
• Interest-Free Days: Up to 44 days

These rates are competitive, especially the balance transfer rate, which makes this card a strong candidate for those looking to manage their credit effectively while earning rewards.

Credit Limit Requirements and Eligibility

Before applying for any credit card, it's crucial to understand the eligibility and credit limit requirements. For the Westpac Airpoints Platinum MasterCard, the minimum credit limit is $10,000. Eligibility criteria include:

• Income: Proof of stable income
• Expenses and Debts: An evaluation of your financial commitments
• Assets, Savings, and Investments: These factors will be taken into account to assess your creditworthiness
• Residency and Credit History: You must be a New Zealand permanent resident with a good credit history

Ensuring you meet these requirements can ease the application process and enhance your chances of approval.

Comparing the Best Credit Cards in New Zealand

When choosing a credit card, it’s beneficial to compare various options available in the market. Here's a quick comparison of top features to help you decide:

| Feature | Westpac Airpoints Platinum | ASB Visa Platinum Rewards | ANZ Airpoints Visa Platinum | |———————————-|—————————————|————————————–|————————————–| | Airpoints Earnings Rate | 1 Airpoints Dollar per $110 | 1 True Rewards Dollar per $150 | 1 Airpoints Dollar per $75 | | Annual Fee | $125 | $40 for 6 months, then $80 per 6 months | $150 per year | | Balance Transfer Rate | 5.95% for life | 0.00% for 12 months | 1.99% for 12 months | | Purchase Protection | 90 days | 90 days | 90 days | | Extended Warranty | 12 months | 12 months | 12 months |

Consider what aspects are most important to you, such as travel rewards, annual fees, or purchase protections, when choosing your ideal credit card.

How to Apply for the Westpac Airpoints Platinum MasterCard

Applying for the Westpac Airpoints Platinum MasterCard is straightforward. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth application process:

1. Gather Required Documents: Ensure you have identification, proof of income, and information about your financial obligations.
2. Visit Westpac's Official Site: Navigate to the credit cards section and select Westpac Airpoints Platinum MasterCard.
3. Complete the Application Form: Fill in personal, financial, and employment details.
4. Submit Your Application: Review the information provided and submit your application.
5. Await Approval: After submission, Westpac will assess your eligibility and creditworthiness before approving your application.

Pros and Cons

Analyzing the pros and cons can provide a comprehensive view of what the card offers.

| Pros | Cons | |————————————————————————|————————————————-| | Earn Airpoints Dollars on every purchase | High purchase and cash advance rates | | Extended Warranty and Purchase Protection | Relatively high annual fee | | Low balance transfer rate for the life of the balance | Minimum credit limit is quite high | | Koru membership fee benefits | |

Weigh these pros and cons based on your personal financial needs and travel frequency.

Additional Tips for Maximizing Your Card Benefits

To get the most out of your Westpac Airpoints Platinum MasterCard, consider the following tips:

• Track Your Spending: Use the card for everyday purchases to maximize Airpoints earnings without overextending your budget.
• Utilize the Balance Transfer Offer: Transfer existing high-interest balances to benefit from the 5.95% p.a. rate.
• Take Advantage of Interest-Free Days: Pay off your balance within the 44-day interest-free period to avoid interest charges.
• Leverage Travel Benefits: Make the most of your Koru membership discounts and Airpoints Dollars advance for enhanced travel experiences.

These strategies can help you maximize the benefits and rewards offered by the card.

Conclusion

The Westpac Airpoints Platinum MasterCard Credit Card stands out as one of the best credit cards in New Zealand, especially for those who frequently travel or desire comprehensive purchase protection. With competitive rates, numerous rewards, and significant travel perks like Koru membership benefits, this card suits a wide range of financial and lifestyle needs. Carefully considering your eligibility and comparing it with other available cards can ensure that you make an informed decision that aligns with your financial goals and maximizes your rewards.

Understanding Airpoints Dollar Card Benefits

What sets the Westpac Airpoints Platinum MasterCard apart from other credit cards is its remarkable Airpoints Dollar benefits, which cater specifically to avid travelers. Each Airpoints Dollar you earn can be redeemed directly on flights, upgrades, and even Koru membership fees, offering you greater travel flexibility and savings. Unlike other loyalty programs that require conversions and have complicated reward structures, the simplicity of earning and spending Airpoints Dollars ensures that you get the most value out of every point. This straightforward approach to rewards is particularly advantageous if you frequently travel with Air New Zealand or its partners, allowing you to enjoy seamless travel experiences without hidden complexities or restrictions.

Furthermore, the Airpoints Dollar Advance feature deserves special mention. If you’re just short of a few points for a significant reward, you can proceed with the redemption and pay back the advanced amount as you earn more Airpoints Dollars. This not only ensures that you can capitalize on immediate travel opportunities but also maintains the fluidity of your reward usage without disruptions. It's these thoughtful benefits that make this a standout card when looking to compare credit cards in New Zealand, especially if maximizing travel perks is high on your priority list.

Extended Warranty and Purchase Protection

In addition to generous travel rewards, the Westpac Airpoints Platinum MasterCard excels in providing purchase security, making it a solid choice for everyday spending. The extended warranty benefit prolongs the manufacturer’s warranty by an additional 12 months on eligible purchases. This is particularly beneficial for big-ticket items like electronics and appliances, giving you peace of mind and protecting your investments for a longer period. Coupled with 90 days of purchase protection against theft, loss, or accidental damage, this card offers comprehensive security that is rare among credit cards in New Zealand.

This layer of financial protection ensures that your significant purchases are safeguarded, mitigating risks associated with unforeseen circumstances. Leveraging these features to make secure, large purchases can be an excellent strategy to maximize your credit card benefits. In addition, the low balance transfer rate and competitive interest-free period make the card versatile for both savvy travelers and everyday consumers alike. Together, these benefits can enhance your purchasing power and protect your financial interests more robustly than other options available.

Discover Other Unique Card Options

While the Westpac Airpoints Platinum MasterCard is undoubtedly a strong contender, exploring additional credit card options tailored to specific needs can unearth even more tailored benefits. Some cards offer exclusive access to events, tailored insurance covers, and higher reward rates on certain spend categories such as groceries or dining. These specialized features can align perfectly with unique lifestyles and spending habits, providing enhanced value beyond travel perks.

If you’re curious about how other credit cards can complement your financial and lifestyle needs, there are options available that might just surprise you. Whether it's a card with a lower annual fee, different reward structures, or unique perks designed for specific spending categories, broadening your search can lead to uncovering hidden gems. Interested in learning more? Discover an alternative card choice that could redefine your idea of credit card benefits and perfectly match your distinctive preferences.