Diners Club will exit the New Zealand market at the end of this month. After 31 December 2018, Diners Club cards issued in New Zealand will stop working. And, from this date, any Diners Club Rewards points of New Zealand cardholders that have not yet been redeemed will be wiped.
If you hold a Diners card issued in New Zealand, make sure that you redeem all of your points before the end of this month! In New Zealand, Diners Club points can be redeemed for merchandise through the Diners Club online store or for travel bookings through PIC Travel.
Diners Club cardholders in New Zealand should also change any automatic billing arrangements in place if using Diners Club for this.
Affected cardholders have been notified by mail of the Diners Club New Zealand closure. Cardholders will be refunded the unused portion of any annual fees paid on the card.
Diners Club’s New Zealand franchise was bought by The Warehouse Group in 2014 for NZD$3 million. Some have speculated that the division has been loss-making for some time, leading to the decision to close the business.
You’ll still be able to make purchases in New Zealand with an overseas-issued Diners Club card from next year. However, as is often the case with Diners Club, card acceptance may be limited.
Australian Diners Club cardholders are not affected by the changes across the ditch. Diners Club continues to operate and issue new credit cards here in Australia.
Diners Club can be useful for Australians as cardholders gain unlimited access to an international network of airport lounges. Diners Club Rewards points can also be transferred to many airline frequent flyer and hotel loyalty programs. This is a useful benefit, although earn and burn rates are no longer as competitive as they were before the RBA credit card regulation changes of 2017.
Join the discussion on the Australian Frequent Flyer forum: Diners Club abandoning New Zealand
Matt's favourite destinations (so far) are Germany, Brazil, New Zealand & Kazakhstan. His interests include economics, aviation & foreign languages, and he has a soft spot for good food and red wine.
You can contact Matt at editor@australianfrequentflyer.com.au