I have lived in various countries (US, Ireland, UK and NZ) and have had a relationship with American Express since 1989.

Do not know about their charge card today, but I had one when I first moved here in 2006 and switched to the credit card in 2009 due to the poor value for money. I cut up my Platinum Rewards Credit card last week simply because it is now even worse value and not worth any annual fee IMHO. Lots of things from the NZ customer service team led me to this point, but the final straw was the poor quality travel insurance. You will likely need another policy from elsewhere (and will need to pay for it), because there are now so many exclusions in the AmEx one. Lots of long stories about problems with AmEx NZ while I was VERY satisfied elsewhere.

As for the other travel benefits, NZ cards do not get SPG Gold, lounge access (anywhere), or even the same level of emergency assistance. It is my understanding that charge card customers these days get close to the same level of benefits as credit card customers, but more Reward Points and a few events / wine tastings. Basically, the benefits are worthless except for the Membership Rewards points. It is the best credit card loyalty program in NZ, bar none. However, it is a mere shadow of what is offered overseas on Rewards.

Here is the link for the partner transfer chart on Membership Rewards: http://www.americanexpress.com/newze...partners.shtml

They used to have IHG (Priority Club) as a partner, but they are gone now. SPG is the only halfway decent transfer partner and the rate is still quite bad.

If you want a AmEx Membership Rewards card, go for the cheap card with Membership Rewards as an optional fee (I think they have one at a $59 fee + $59 for Membership Rewards). If it offers nothing but points as a benefit and a low rate (12.9%), then it might be worth it.

Me? They have had the third strike in as many years and they are out of my wallet here......unless I move to another country.