Moving to Platinum Visa

After more than a decade of helping Kiwi take off to destinations around the world, we've made the decision to end our Airpoints credit card partnership. As an Airpoints credit card holder, here's what you need to know.

The information on this page relates to all of our Airpoints credit cards — Air New Zealand  Airpoints™ Platinum, Air New Zealand Airpoints™ Low Fee, Air New Zealand Airpoints™ Standard.

Why we're making changes

Since the introduction of our Airpoints cards in 2013, the regulatory environment has changed, and costs associated with reward-based credit cards have risen significantly. We carefully considered whether we could continue to offer these cards, however we'd need to change the Airpoints earn rate, remove other card benefits, or increase the interest rate on our cards.

These changes would mean that customers who don't repay their credit card balance in full every month would be further subsidising rewards for others. At Kiwibank, we believe that all customers should get a fair deal, which is why we've decided to close our Airpoints credit card programme from 31 October 2025.

What to expect

Moving to Platinum Visa with new travel insurance benefits

Platinum visa back front

As we farewell our Airpoints credit cards later this year, we're excited to offer a new card which will unlock value for even more for Kiwi. In September we'll automatically move you to a Platinum Visa credit card - there's nothing you need to do at this stage.

Customers have told us what they would value in a new card, and Platinum Visa comes with a range of benefits that reflect this feedback, including built-in overseas travel insurance, and from 1 July 2025 it'll also include domestic travel insurance benefits, so you'll be covered wherever you go. Plus, it comes with a lower interest rate of 582 - Platinum Visa - interest rate on purchases (active) and more interest free days.

Closer to September, we'll reach out with more details and your new card. For now, you’ll continue to enjoy all the benefits of your Airpoints credit card.

We’ll do the heavy lifting

We’ll make the move to Platinum Visa as easy as possible for you. Here’s how:

  • Your new Platinum Visa will come with the same PIN. If you'd like to change it, you can set a new PIN in the mobile app or internet banking.
  • Most regular payments will automatically carry over from your Airpoints credit card to your new Platinum Visa.
  • Any payments made into your Airpoints credit card account will be redirected to your new Platinum Visa account.
  • If you’ve set up Apple Pay or Google Payâ„¢, your new Platinum Visa will automatically replace your Airpoints card in your mobile wallet.

If Platinum Visa isn’t right for you, closing your credit card account is easy:

  1. Pay off your credit card balance in full. If you’re paying interest on any balance or have been charged other fees since your last statement, please contact us to confirm the exact amount owing.
  2. Let us know you want to close your account. You can send us a secure message via the mobile app or internet banking, or call our credit cards team.

Earning Airpoints Dollars

You can continue earning Airpoints Dollars until 31 October 2025 on eligible purchases made using your current Airpoints credit card and your new Platinum Visa.* From September, any Airpoints Dollars you earn will go straight to your Airpoints account, and you won't see this information on your credit card statement anymore. For any questions on Airpoints benefits, please contact Air New Zealand directly.

Frequently asked questions

When will my Airpoints Dollars start to expire?

Air New Zealand owns the Airpoints programme and associated benefits and sets the Airpoints terms and conditions that apply.

Under the Airpoints terms and conditions, Airpoints Dollars will remain valid for four years from the date they were added to your Airpoints account. After four years, those Airpoints Dollars are eligible to expire. Expiry of points happens once a year, on the anniversary of the day you joined the Airpoints programme. If you have any questions about points expiry or your anniversary date, please contact Air New Zealand.

The non-expiry benefit associated with your Kiwibank Airpoints credit card will remain in place until 31 October 2025. For any Airpoints Dollars that are older than four years (or close to the four-year mark), you may want to redeem these before 31 October 2025 to ensure you don’t miss out.

When will my Status Points expire?

Status Points generally have a 12-month validity. 50% of the Status Points required for Silver and Gold tier status can be earned from credit card spend. For Elite tier status 40% of the Status Points required can be earned from credit card spend.

When do the new domestic travel insurance benefits start?

If you have an Air New Zealand Airpoints Platinum Visa, you'll get this benefit from 1 July 2025 on your current card.

If you have an Air New Zealand Airpoints Low Fee or Standard Visa, you'll start enjoying this benefit when we move you to Platinum Visa in September. Please note the domestic travel insurance benefits will be for unforeseeable cancellations and travel delays.

Will my credit card number change?

Yes, your Platinum Visa card will come with a new card number, expiry date and security code.

What if the new Platinum Visa doesn’t meet my needs?

If your new Platinum Visa doesn’t meet your needs, you have options. You can switch to a Zero Visa or close your Airpoints card. New and existing business customers can apply for a Business Low Rate Visa.

Please note, if you make the change before 31 October 2025, you'll stop earning Airpoints from the date you make the change.

What if my Airpoints credit card is due to expire soon?

You'll receive a new Airpoints credit card to use until your new Platinum Visa arrives. Once you activate your Platinum Visa, please destroy your old Airpoints card.

Still have questions?

For a full list of frequently asked questions about this change, visit the FAQs page.