New Zealand travel bubble: what are your credit card options?

young woman in airport flying to New Zealand

It’s been almost two weeks since the Trans-Tasman travel bubble opened up between Australia and New Zealand. 

With the option now available for quarantine-free travel for Aussies, many are looking to bungee jump, hit the slopes, or just soak in the scenery our neighbours to the south have to offer. 

So if you’re one of the ones that has the New Zealand travel itch, you may be asking yourself: what are my travel money options? (Bet you haven’t asked that question in a while!)  

So to give you a bit of a refresh, a travel credit card may be a good way to go. 

Whether it’s a card with no foreign exchange rate or a card that could earn you a tonne of points as you fly and spend, or both, it’s all about making sure you get the most out of your travel money option. 

What is the best credit card to use in New Zealand?

As we said, it depends on what you’re after when it comes to your overseas spending. 

If you simply want to save on foreign exchange fees every time you make a purchase, a card without this charge is the ideal choice.

There are a number of credit cards that have a foreign exchange charge, ranging from 1.50% to 3.65%. This means each time you make an international purchase you’ll be charged a percentage extra on top of the cost of the transaction. 

Currently on the Mozo database there are over 20 credit cards with a 0% foreign exchange margin. So if your current credit card charges you this fee, it could be worth making the switch. 

On the other hand, if you’re all about earning rewards points on your credit card, you may want to choose a card with a solid rewards program and even a top bonus points offer. 

On the Mozo database there are over 110 rewards credit cards to choose from. Of those, over 65 cards have bonus points attached to them ranging from 7,500 points to 200,000. 

It’s important to keep in mind that these bonus points offers come with spending requirements, so there’s no point applying for the card if you aren’t going to meet the conditions. Similarly, unless you’re heading to New Zealand later this year, your holiday will likely be a way to earn bonus points rather than use them. This is because after you apply for a bonus points credit card, the points are made available after a period indicated by the credit card provider, not upfront. 

There are also a number of credit cards options that have no foreign exchange fee as well as a killer rewards points program. So if you are savvy and snag one of these deals, you could be getting the best of both worlds on your NZ holiday. 

Plus, some of these cards might also come with complimentary travel insurance attached to them too, so it's worth keeping an eye out for that. 

Want to start comparing travel credit card options now? Check out these offers below or head to our credit card hub for even more!

Compare travel credit cards - last updated 19 March 2024

Search promoted credit cards below or do a full Mozo database search. Advertiser disclosure
  • American Express Platinum Edge Credit Card

    Enjoy $0 Annual Card Fee (usually $195) in the first year when you apply online and are approved. T&Cs apply. New Card Members only. Offer subject to change without notice.

    Purchase rate
    23.99% p.a.
    Annual fee
    $195 $0 in the first year
    Rewards program
    Membership Rewards
    Privileges
    Extended Warranty,
    Account alerts by SMS,
    Card Purchase Cover ,
    Travel Inconvenience Cover
    Compare
    Details
  • Apply By 15 May 2024
    American Express Velocity Platinum Card

    Earn 100,000 bonus Velocity Points when you apply online by 15 May 2024, are approved, and spend $3,000 on eligible purchases on your new American Express Velocity Platinum Card within the first 3 months. T&Cs apply. Available to new American Express Card Members only.

    Purchase rate
    23.99% p.a.
    Annual fee
    $375
    Rewards program
    Velocity Frequent Flyer
    Privileges
    Account alerts by SMS,
    Card Purchase Cover,
    Travel Inconvenience Cover
    Compare
    Details
  • G&C Mutual Bank Platinum Visa Credit Card

    Receive 50,000 bonus Qantas Points when you apply, are approved, and spend $5,000 on eligible purchases on your new G&C Mutual Bank Platinum Visa Credit Card within 90 days. T&Cs apply. Available to new G&C Mutual Bank Card Members only. Earn 10,000 bonus Qantas Points annually. T&Cs apply. Access Platinum Visa Concierge. Add an additional cardholder at no extra cost.

    Purchase rate
    19.99% p.a.
    Annual fee
    $299
    Rewards program
    Qantas Frequent Flyer
    Privileges
    Concierge
    Compare
    Details
  • humm90 Platinum Mastercard

    0% balance transfer and no BT fees for 36 months. With 110 days interest free on your spending, this card is pretty unique in the market, and great for managing your daily spend. Plus, no foreign transaction fees overseas or online.

    Purchase rate
    0% p.a. for 3 months then 25.80% p.a.
    Annual fee
    $99
    Rewards program
    -
    Privileges
    Purchase Protection
    Compare
    Details
  • Apply By 30 Apr 2024
    Citi Premier

    120,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 within 90 days from card approval. Complimentary features like travel insurance and concierge.

    Purchase rate
    21.49% p.a.
    Annual fee
    $300 $150 in the subsequent years if you spend $48,000 on eligible purchases or cash advances in previous year., $150 in the first year
    Rewards program
    Citi Rewards Program
    Privileges
    Concierge,
    Travel Insurance,
    Extended Warranty,
    Purchase Protection
    Compare
    Details
  • Suncorp Clear Options Platinum

    Receive 100,000 bonus Suncorp Credit Card Rewards Points when you spend $3,000 on Eligible Transactions in the first 90 days from approval (T&Cs apply). Be rewarded for your purchases and enjoy premium benefits such as complimentary insurances.

    Purchase rate
    20.74% p.a.
    Annual fee
    $129 $99 in the first year
    Rewards program
    Suncorp Rewards
    Privileges
    Concierge,
    Travel Insurance,
    Extended Warranty,
    Purchase Protection,
    Guaranteed Pricing
    Compare
    Details

^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Credit Card Awards

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