REWARD CARDS

• Bank online, no branch banking
• $149 annual fee
• 2.99% p.a. introductory rate for six months
• Excellent reward scheme

The American Express Platinum Edge is one of the best cards available for earning points. There is an annual fee of $149 and you will be automatically enrolled into the rewards programme upon account opening. You can earn 3 Membership Rewards points for every dollar spent at major supermarkets, 2 points for every dollar spent at major petrol stations and a further point for every other dollar spent. Points can be redeemed for various gift cards, or you can choose to turn your points into a credit balance on your card. For added flexibility you can even turn your points into Air New Zealand Dollars or to any of their seven airline partner reward programmes. Although the annual account fee is higher than most, the reward scheme on offer is second to none.

• Bank in branch or using the internet
• $95 annual fee
• Access to a host of rewards
• No balance transfer offer

The ANZ Reward Platinum credit card comes with two card options. With added flexibility and greater rewards on offer, cardholders will be able to benefit from using either the Visa or American Express card option. By using the Rewards Platinum credit card for everyday purchases, you could have access to a range of useful benefits including: overseas travel and medical insurance and also receive Purchase Security Insurance and Extended Warranty. Not only that, the ANZ Rewards Platinum card boasts a selection of rewards including travel options, entertainment, gift cards, shopping vouchers, merchandise and much more. Earn 50,000 Reward Points when you spend $3000 on purchases within the first 3 months.

• Bank in branch or using the internet
• $80 annual fee
• 24-hour concierge service
• Complimentary 120 day travel insurance

ASB's premium rated credit card is the Visa Platinum with Rewards card. Not only will you receive a purchase interest rate of 19.95% p.a but you will also enjoy a minimum credit limit of $10,000 with the option to increase this upon application. Complimentary 120 day Platinum Card Travel Insurance also comes as standard. What sets this card apart from other platinum credit card offerings is the 24-hour concierge service. You will be able to benefit from a complimentary information and booking service from anywhere in the world.

• Bank online, no branch banking
• Annual fee of $195
• Earn 1 Air New Zealand Airpoints Dollar for every $59 spent
• Complimentary domestic and international travel insurance

A card tailored for Air New Zealand Airpoints members. This card has one of the highest point earning rates of any of the Air New Zealand partners, with 1 point being earned for every $75 spent. The ongoing annual account fee of $195 is quite high, but for frequent flyers this could soon pay for itself. You will receive a host of travel extras including 2 complimentary passes per year into VIP lounges including the Emperor Lounge at Auckland International Airport, Complimentary Domestic and International Travel Insurance and Overseas Medical Emergency Expenses Cover for added peace of mind when travelling.

• Bank in branch or using the internet
• $44 annual fee
• Earn hotpoints rewards
• Balance transfer available

With an annual fee of only $44 this is Westpac's lowest annual fee card. You will earn hotpoints on every dollar you spend which can be redeemed in a number of ways. Points can be used for retail vouchers, merchandise or you can even choose to donate to charity. One of the biggest draws to the card is its Holiday Credits option. You will be able to purchase any flight with any airline using your hotpoints credit card, which you can then use your accumulated hotpoints to help pay it back later.

• Bank in branch or using the internet
• $62.50 charged every 6 months
• Earn hotpoints on every dollar you spend
• Balance transfer available

Earn rewards for using your Westpac Platinum MasterCard on your daily transactions. Two points can be earned for every dollar spent. Along with being able to redeem these points for retail vouchers and merchandise, you will also be able to use them for discounted travel with Holiday Credits. Up to 35 days travel insurance comes as standard when purchasing a holiday using your Platinum credit card. Big ticket purchases would also be covered with Westpac's Purchase Protection Insurance and extended warranty for a further 12 months.