Having an American Express card can bring you a world of benefits, including room upgrades at hotels, free wine or appetisers at dinner, cashback on everyday spend, and car hire discounts.

We thought we’d compile a list of current known offers that are able to be accessed by American Express cardholders in New Zealand, in the absence of there being one elsewhere.

This is a bumper guide, so make use of the quick links below to jump to those benefits that interest you most. Be sure to bookmark this guide, and feel free to comment if you come across any offers that you think we should add.

Entertainment

American Express Invites

Eligible Cards: All Amex cardholders

You can get exclusive access to a range of entertainment offers, including pre-sale or reserved tickets to some of the most popular shows or concerts, through American Express Invites. We’ve listed current offers below.

Celine Dion Pre-Sale Tickets

Celine Dion has announced she is bringing her LIVE 2018 Tour to New Zealand this winter – and Amex Card Members can access tickets before the general public. Amex Pre-sale tickets go on sale 12 February until 5pm 13 February 2018, and can be purchased here.

Reserved Shania Twain Tickets

Shania Twain will be coming to Auckland and Dunedin in December 2018. Amex cardholders can purchase reserved tickets for each event date.

Reserved P!NK Tickets

P!INK will be coming to Auckland and Dunedin in September 2018. Amex cardholders can purchase reserved tickets for each event date.

American Express Openair Cinema

The Openair Cinema will be in New Zealand between the following dates:

• Auckland: 1 February until 4 March 2018
• Christchurch: 15 March until 1 April 2018

Special extras for Amex cardholders include:

• Pre-Sale access via this page
• Save 15% on general admission, concession, and Star Lounge tickets
• Complimentary blanket hire when you present your card at the blanket kiosk
• Purchase access to the American Express Invites Lounge, where you’ll receive a lounger, blanket and cushion, and treats including popcorn, ice cream, and drink

By Invitation Only

Eligible Cards: American Express Platinum

Platinum’s by invitation only program gives you access to experiences that are not open to the general public. These can include intimate wine dinners, drive days, fashion shows, theatrical previews, VIP functions, major sporting events and much more.

See here for a list of current international experiences that you will have access to. To book, email [email protected] or call Platinum Concierge on 0800 377 421.

Dining

Taste by American Express

Eligible Cards: All Amex cardholders

Taste is the American Express global dining program. The program includes over 400 specially selected restaurants around the world, said to be handpicked by locals in the know.

If you let these restaurants know that you’re an Amex cardholder when booking lunch or dinner, and then pay with your card, you’ll receive one of the following offers:

• 20% off the food bill (up to ten guests); or
• Complimentary bottle of wine (per table); or
• An appetiser from the à la carte menu when a main course and dessert are ordered per person (up to ten guests)

You can view all participating restaurants on the Taste by American Express Invites website.

There are not currently any participating restaurants in New Zealand, but plenty throughout the Asia Pacific region, including in Australia, Singapore, Bali, Hong Kong, China, and Japan.

Platinum Dining Program

Eligible Cards: American Express Platinum

Amex Platinum cardholders can get access to an expanded range of exclusive restaurant offers that are not available to those holding standard cards.

Offers can include special reserved tables at restaurants that could be fully booked, bottles of wine, and appetizers. You can view all participating restaurants here.

To book, email [email protected] or call Platinum Concierge on 0800 377 421.

In New Zealand, the following restaurants are listed:

Hotels and Accommodation

Depending on your card type, you could score free elite status with different hotel loyalty programs, free nights, or discounted stays. The value of the discount offers can vary, so it’s always best to compare with other sites online before booking.

Elite Status with Club Carlson, Hilton, Shangri-La, Taj InnerCircle, SPG, Marriott Rewards, and Preferred Golf

Eligible Cards: American Express Platinum

Amex Platinum cardholders receive instant status with the following:

• Club Carlson Gold Elite
• Hilton Honors Gold Status
• Shangri-La Golden Circle Jade Membership, which can then be matched for instant Star Alliance Silver Status with Singapore Airlines, and Taj InnerCircle Gold Status
• Starwood Preferred Guest Gold Status, which can then be matched for instant Marriott Rewards Gold Elite Status
• Preferred Golf – Premium Membership

Your four free supplementary cardholders will also receive instant status with each of the above.

You and your supplementary cardholders can enrol here.

Mandarin Oriental

Eligible Cards: All Amex cardholders

Book and stay a minimum of two nights at Mandarin Oriental properties worldwide by 31 December 2018, and receive the following benefits:

• Complimentary daily breakfast for two
• Room upgrade at time of check in (subject to availability)
• Special guest amenity of either 2pm late check-out, or a USD 50 resort credit, depending on the hotel

Alternatively, all Amex cardholders can receive a complimentary third, fourth or fifth night on bookings made by 3 April, for stays completed by 8 April 2018.

Amex Platinum cardholders who book this latter offer through Fine Hotels & Resorts will also receive:

• Noon check-in, when available
• Room upgrade upon arrival, when available
• Daily breakfast for two people
• Guaranteed 4pm late check-out
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Special amenity of a US$100 property credit to be used during your stay

Worldhotels

Eligible Cards: All Amex cardholders

Book a minimum two night stay with your Amex at more than 100 participating properties worldwide, and receive the following benefits:

• 10% saving on the best available rate
• Complimentary daily breakfast for two
• Room upgrade at time of check in (subject to availability)

This offer is valid for bookings made and stays completed by 31 December 2018.

Participating properties in New Zealand and Australia include:

• Stamford Plaza Auckland
• Stamford Grand Adelaide
• Stamford Plaza Adelaide
• Sir Stamford at Circular Quay Sydney
• Treasury Hotel and Casino Brisbane
• The Star Grand at The Star Gold Coast

Stamford Plaza Auckland

Small Luxury Hotels of the World

Eligible Cards: All Amex cardholders

Having an Amex card will allow you to sign up with SLH and instantly receive Inspired status for 12 months. You’ll receive benefits on your next booking including daily breakfast, and a space-available room upgrade.

Existing SLH members are eligible for this offer too, including if you’ve taken advantage of one of these status offers in the past.

Read our quick intro to Small Luxury Hotels for more information, or click here to sign up now.

Fine Hotels & Resorts

Eligible Cards: American Express Platinum

Fine Hotels & Resorts offer a number of benefits for hotel stays booked through the program, and for frequent travellers who like to stay at the kind of upscale hotels included, these extra wins are a key part of the value of the Amex Platinum card.

• Guaranteed 4pm late check out
• Breakfast for two guests
• An additional amenity – often a $100 USD hotel or spa credit
• Room upgrades, subject to availability
• 12pm check in, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi

For more information, read our full guide on the FHR program.

The Hotel Collection

Eligible Cards: American Express Platinum , American Express Gold

The Hotel Collection expands on the FHR program, and includes over 500 properties in more than 30 countries worldwide from brands like Hyatt and Hilton Hotels.

Every time you book two consecutive nights stay or more at one of these properties with your Platinum Card, you will receive:

• $75 USD hotel credit to spend on qualifying dining, spa and resort activities
• Complimentary room upgrade at check-in, when available

You can book properties like the Sofitel and Hilton in Auckland under this program.

As with FHR, there is a three-room limit per cardholder, per stay.

Accor Plus

Eligible Cards: American Express Platinum

Amex Platinum cardholders receive complimentary membership to Accor Plus, which entitles you to a host of benefits at over 700 hotels in 18 countries throughout Asia Pacific, including a free one-night stay. From my experience, despite what is written on the Amex website, this will also include automatic qualification for Platinum membership in Le Club AccorHotels.

You can make good use of this program in New Zealand, where AccorHotels have an extensive footprint. I also tend to use the 50% dining offer at their restaurants quite frequently, including the excellent Lava Dining at Sofitel in Auckland.

For more information, read our full guide on the Accor Plus program.

Anantara and AVANI Hotels & Resorts

Eligible Cards: All Amex cardholders

Amex cardholders can receive the following benefits:

• At least 25% off rooms or 30% off suites/villas
• Daily breakfast for two persons
• 20% off 90-minute oil massages throughout stay for two persons

On minimum three-night stays at participating Anantara and AVANI properties in Oman, UAE, Qatar, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Botswana, Namibia, Seychelles, Lesotho, Mozambique, and Zambia.

This offer is valid for bookings and stays made through 31 December 2018.

The full offer details, and terms and conditions, can be found here for Anantara and here for AVANI.

Alex Perry Hotel, Brisbane

Eligible Cards: All Amex cardholders

Book by 31 March 2018 via this web page and you can save 30% on your stay at the Alex Perry Hotel & Apartments in Brisbane.

Offer is valid for stays until February 2019.

SkiJapan.com

Eligible Cards: All Amex cardholders

Make a booking with SkiJapan.com staying 5 nights or more between now and 30 April 2018, and you’ll receive an additional 5% off all existing SkiJapan.com accommodation deals. Use the promo code SJAMX1718 when booking.

Cruise Benefits

Eligible Cards: American Express Platinum

Amex Platinum cardholders can enjoy up to $300 USD in onboard credit when you book with one of the following cruise partners:

• AmaWaterways
• Crystal Cruises, Crystal River Cruises & Crystal Yacht Cruises
• Cunard
• Holland America Line
• Oceania Cruises
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises
• Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours
• Seabourn
• Silversea
• Viking Cruises

Email [email protected] or call Platinum Concierge on 0800 377 421 for more information.

Free or Discounted Flights

Up to 10% off selected Etihad flights

Eligible Cards: All Amex cardholders

Etihad Airways are offering American Express cardholders a discount of up to 10% on selected flights in First, Business and Economy Class, excluding taxes. Book and travel by 30 June 2018 and pay with your American Express Card to receive the discount.

See the full offer details and terms and conditions here.

You’ll be unable to take advantage of this offer for flights originating in New Zealand, as these include codeshare legs on Air New Zealand Trans-Tasman to Australia.

Complimentary Domestic Air New Zealand Flight

Eligible Cards: American Express Platinum Edge

Platinum Edge cardholders will enjoy a complimentary direct domestic return flight every year with Air New Zealand. One checked bag (23kg) is included.

To book, simply call American Express Travel Services on 0800 332 268 between 9.00am – 5.30pm Monday to Friday.

You can book from as little as 2 weeks and up to 10 months in advance – the earlier you book the more availability you’ll have.

See our Amex Platinum Edge card guide for our experiences with using the complimentary flight benefit. Full terms and conditions can be found here.

Airline Privileges Program

Eligible Cards: American Express Platinum

Amex Platinum cardholders can take advantage of savings on First and Business Class fares with some of the world’s leading airlines. Depending on the airline and destination, you can save up to 20% compared to standard fares found outside of Platinum Travel Service. These savings can be taken advantage of either as a single traveller, or with a companion.

Airline Privileges Program partners in New Zealand include:

• Air China
• Etihad
• Emirates
• LAN Airlines
• Lufthansa
• Virgin Australia
• Singapore Airlines

All airfares must be purchased through the Platinum Travel Service and paid for on the Platinum Card. Email [email protected] or call Platinum Concierge on 0800 377 421 for more information.

Star Alliance Gold Status

Eligible Cards: American Express Platinum

Amex Platinum cardholders can make good use of their complimentary Shangri-La Golden Circle Jade status to secure Star Alliance Gold after only three flights with Singapore Airlines.

This comes courtesy of the Infinite Journeys tie-up between Singapore Airlines and Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts. To find out how this works, make sure to read our complete guide here.

Star Alliance Gold will come in handy on flights with Air New Zealand, including free seat selection, increased baggage allowance, and access to Koru lounges across the country.

Airport Lounge Access

Two New Zealand-issued Amex cards can see you gain free access to airport lounges. One card will also see you receive a discounted Koru Club membership.

Free passes for Priority Pass and The American Express Airport Lounge, Sydney

Eligible Cards: American Express Airpoints Platinum

The Amex Airpoints Platinum Card entitles you to 2 complimentary passes per year into Priority Pass lounges, which includes the Strata Lounge at Auckland International Airport, and the Manaia Lounges in Queenstown and Christchurch.

To become a Priority Pass member and receive your passes, complete this form.

Further, you’ll also receive 2 complimentary entries per year to The American Express Lounge at Sydney International Airport. You may use your second lounge pass for an accompanying guest. Complimentary access is also available for the card member’s children between the ages of 2-17. To gain access, simply present your card on arrival.

Discounted Koru Club Membership

Eligible Cards: American Express Airpoints Platinum

Koru is the lounge program of Air New Zealand, and also provides reciprocal lounge entry benefits with partner airlines worldwide, including Virgin Australia.

The Amex Airpoints Platinum Card lets you can save $255 on the Koru joining fee, and $145 per annum on the Koru annual fee. This benefit is available for as long as you hold the card.

American Express Global Lounge Collection

Eligible Cards: American Express Platinum

With the Amex Platinum, you will have constant access to 1,100+ airport lounges in over 500 airports around the world with the American Express Global Lounge Collection. Most lounges provide free guest access also.

The network includes Amex Centurion Lounges, Amex Lounges, Priority Pass, Plaza Premium Lounge, and Delta Sky Club.

Click here for a full list, including access requirements, guest policies, and terms and conditions.

Enrolment is required for Priority Pass, you can find the necessary form here. One supplementary cardholder is also eligible for complimentary Priority Pass membership, and their join form is located here.

All supplementary cardholders will gain access to all other lounges in the network.

Car Hire

Again, it is often difficult to assess the value of some of these offers, so make sure you compare prices before booking.

Avis Discounts

Eligible Cards: All Amex cardholders

In partnership with American Express, Avis is offering Amex cardholders savings of up to 15% at participating locations worldwide – excluding Australia, New Zealand, and select destinations in Latin America.

Card members will also receive a complimentary one car-class upgrade, subject to availability.

Simply make a booking, and then download and print this PDF upgrade voucher, and present to the rental agent when you pick up the car.

Avis Preferred

Eligible Cards: American Express Platinum

Your Amex Platinum entitles you to a complimentary enhanced membership with Avis Preferred.

You will receive the following enhanced benefits:

• Complimentary one car-class upgrade whenever possible
• Up to 15% off standard rates
• Complimentary additional driver

To enrol into Avis Preferred, click here. Make sure that you add AWD R0939000 under ‘AWD Number’ when joining.

Alternatively, if you are already a member, you can add this AWD number directly to your member profile.

You must also register your American Express card as the preferred form of payment in your profile.

Hertz Gold Plus Rewards

Eligible Cards: All Amex cardholders

Your American Express Card entitles you to a complimentary enhanced membership with Hertz Gold Plus Rewards.

The benefits that you will be entitled to depend on your card type. All Amex cardholders are able to access the following with a standard Gold Plus Rewards membership:

• 10% discount off standard rates
• One car class upgrade (applicable to standard vehicles only and valid for rentals of 5 consecutive days or more, subject to availability)
• Fee-waived additional driver

Amex Platinum cardholders are spoilt, and will receive the following with an enhanced Gold Plus Rewards Five Star membership:

• Up to 15% discount off standard rates, and up to 25% off Prestige Collection vehicles
• One car class upgrade whenever possible
• Guaranteed vehicle availability
• Up to a 4-hour grace period when returning the vehicle; complimentary one way rentals, and courtesy pick-up/delivery of vehicle

To enrol into Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, click here. Make sure that you add CDP 705500 (all Amex cardholders) or CDP 1251959 (Amex Platinum) under ‘Corporate Discount Program’ when joining.

Alternatively, if you are already a member, you can add these CDP numbers directly to your member profile.

You must also register your American Express card as the preferred form of payment in your profile.

You can find the full terms and conditions here (all Amex cardholders) and here (Amex Platinum).

Sixt Gold Card

Eligible Cards: American Express Platinum

Amex Platinum cardholders can use their complimentary SPG Gold status to secure a Sixt Gold Card.

This card will give you:

• Up to 10% discount for all rentals with Sixt rent a car
• Up to 20% discount on Sixt limousine service in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and France. Up to 10% in all other countries
• Guaranteed rental availability if booked at least 48 before the car is required
• 4 hours mobility guarantee in case of Breakdown.

Shopping

Here are some shopping discounts that are able to be accessed by New Zealand Amex cardholders.

Fresh Cosmetics

Eligible Cards: All Amex cardholders

While Fresh Cosmetics have a New Zealand website, they also have an Australian one.

Fresh offer free global shipping, the ability to earn 2 Qantas Points per $1 AUD, and also 20% off full price purchases when using your Amex card and entering the coupon code ‘AMEX’ at time of checkout.

When combined, this offers an incentive to shop on the Australian site, and most likely compensates for any currency exchange fee you may incur.

This offer is valid until 31 January 2019.

Matches Fashion

Eligible Cards: All Amex cardholders

Sign up with Matches Fashion, and you can receive free delivery on all purchases. You then simply need to enter promo code AMEXFREE at time of checkout.

Amex Platinum cardholders can also receive complimentary in-store tailoring, preferred access to personal shoppers, a copy of their bi-annual magazine, invitation to events both in London stores and selected global cities, and access to their online private sales. This offer is available until 20/03/2019. Email [email protected] or call Platinum Concierge on 0800 377 421 for more information. An in-store voucher can be downloaded here.

Saks Fifth Avenue

Eligible Cards: American Express Platinum

This isn’t an offer that most will be able to take advantage of, unless you’re travelling to the US.

Amex Platinum cardholders have access to personal shopping amenities. The following complimentary services can be enjoyed at the Fifth Avenue Club—the in-store by-appointment personalised shopping venue at Saks – at selected locations:

• An exclusive welcome gift
• Personal styling sessions with a Saks Fifth Avenue Associate
• Access to a team of traveling fashion experts and makeup artists in your home, hotel or office
• Beauty treatments from a team of skincare and makeup Associates
• Complimentary basic alterations and expedited tailoring on purchases, upon request
• Complimentary same-day local delivery (where offered)
• International shipping (where offered)
• Complimentary food and beverage menu (where offered)
• Fashion consultants fluent in multiple languages (where offered)

Selected locations include Bal Harbour, Beverly Hills, Boca Raton, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Las Vegas, Miami, New York, Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens and San Francisco.

Email [email protected] or call Platinum Concierge on 0800 377 421 for more information.

This offer is available until 31/03/2018.

Printemps

Eligible Cards: American Express Platinum

Printemps Paris flagship store is offering Platinum cardholders:

• Complimentary local delivery or home shipping (also available at Louvre location)
• Complimentary tailoring
• Preferred access to personal shoppers
• Access to VIP lounge and use of VIP entrance (located on the corner of Rue Provence and Rue Caumartin)
• Priority Tax refund
• A VIP Card
• Hands free shopping

Email [email protected] or call Platinum Concierge on 0800 377 421 for more information.

This offer is available until 28/02/2018.

Other Global Benefits

Eligible Cards: All Amex cardholders

American Express Selects provides a wide range of special offers from around the globe in hotels, spas, dining, shopping, and entertainment.

From our experience, international cardholders have access to these offers when travelling – there is no interrogation as to whether your card has been issued locally or not.

Most of the offers are very country specific, so we have just included the country links below – you can explore the offers available if you plan to travel to any of these:

Asia

• Bangladesh
• China
• Hong Kong
• India
• Indonesia
• Japan
• Mongolia
• Singapore
• Taiwan
• Thailand

Europe and Middle East

• Armenia
• Bahrain
• Cyprus
• Egypt
• Ethiopia
• Jordan
• Kazakhstan
• Kuwait
• Lebanon
• Morocco
• Oman
• Portugal
• Qatar
• Russian Federation
• Saudi Arabia
• Switzerland
• Tunisia
• United Arab Emirates

$200 Annual Travel Credit

Eligible Cards: American Express Platinum

Amex Platinum cardholders receive an annual $200 Platinum Travel Credit that can be redeemed on eligible flights, hotels or car hire when you book online with American Express Travel or by phone through Platinum Travel Service on 0800 377 421.

Note that the credit cannot be used towards hotel and car hire bookings where payment is made directly to the supplier – e.g. you will not be able to use this credit towards Fine Hotels & Resorts bookings.

Until the end of 2018, you’ll also receive 1 bonus Membership Rewards point per $1 spent at American Express Travel on prepaid hotels and car hire.

Insurance

Eligible Cards: American Express Platinum, American Express Platinum Edge, American Express Airpoints Platinum

The above cards come with a variety of complimentary insurance benefits.

The coverage and benefits conditions for these insurance products may not suit everyone’s requirements. We advise that you carefully read any terms and conditions, and seek appropriate independent advice if these features are important to you.

The American Express Platinum comes with complimentary domestic and overseas travel insurance, smartphone screen insurance, and purchase protection. For full details of the insurance cover, including terms, conditions and exclusions, please refer to the terms and conditions here.

The Amex Platinum Edge comes with complimentary domestic and international travel insurance. For full details of the insurance cover, including terms, conditions and exclusions, please refer to the terms and conditions here.

The Amex Airpoints Platinum comes with complimentary domestic and international travel insurance, smartphone screen insurance, and purchase protection. For full details of the insurance cover, including terms, conditions and exclusions, please refer to the terms and conditions here.