Frequently Asked Questions - Credit Cards

How do I report my credit card lost or stolen?

If you lose your card or have it stolen, please contact The National Bank immediately.

What is the minimum payment amount?

The minimum payment on your credit card account is the greater of $10 or 3% of the closing balance each month.

How is interest calculated on my account?

For Thoroughbred Card, Gold Thoroughbred Card, Visa Classic, Visa Gold, Platinum Visa and Low Interest Visa:
Purchases made with your card may give you access to free credit for up to 55 days (up to 44 days for Platinum Visa) depending on the date of your statement.

If you always pay your statement's closing balance in full by the due date no interest will be charged on purchases.

Interest on cash advances and balance transfers is calculated daily from the date of each advance or transfer to the date of full repayment. The current rate of interest appears on your statement and is compounded (i.e. interest is calculated on previously charged interest and fees).

For any billing period where you have only partially repaid the opening balance, interest due will be calculated daily until the account is repaid in full. Interest will be calculated on your opening balance plus all new purchases, interest, fees and charges incurred with interest calculated from the relevant transaction date.

For Freestyle customers:
Interest on all purchases, balance transfers and cash advances made and interest, fee and charges incurred on your account is calculated daily from the date each transaction is made or incurred to the date of full repayment. The current rate of interest appears on your statement.

For further details on the charging of interest, please refer to the Conditions of Use for your credit card available by calling 0800 721 721.

How do I change my credit limit?

Please call us on 0800 741 741 to discuss your needs, contact your nearest branch or e-mail us.

If we have asked you to provide extra information, please download the Increase to Credit Card Limit Form (PDF).

How do I make a claim on my Gold Thoroughbred, Visa Gold or Platinum Visa Overseas Travel Insurance?

To make a claim on your Overseas Travel Insurance Policy, it is important that you advise American Home Assurance Company (New Zealand branch) as soon as possible after the occurrence of the event giving rise to the claim. You can call one of the following numbers to advise of the event and to request a claim form:

To make a claim while in New Zealand
Call the AIG Call Centre on 0800 499 666.

To make a claim while overseas
Call AIG ASSIST collect on +64 9 359 1627.

To download a claim form please click here.

For more information please refer to your Gold Card or Platinum Visa Overseas Travel Insurance Policy document - or for administration, claims enquiries, or to obtain a policy document, please call the AIG Call Centre on
0800 499 666.

What you need

You must submit to American Home Assurance Company (New Zealand branch) all information they require in support of your claim, such as medical or police reports, declarations, receipts, valuations, certified translations or other evidence of ownership at your own expense.

Some useful things to remember:

  • For personal liability claims, it is a condition of payment that you do not admit fault or liability to any other person without the written consent from American Home Assurance Company (New Zealand branch).
  • All losses under the Luggage, Personal Effects, Travel Documents, Money and Credit Cards section of your Policy must be reported to the local police or appropriate authority as soon as possible after the discovery of the loss and a written acknowledgement of the report obtained. The issuing authority must be notified and the appropriate cancellation measures taken for all losses of credit cards, travellersý cheques or travel documents.
  • Obtain written confirmation from the carrier if your luggage is delayed, misdirected or temporarily misplaced by the carrier for more than eight consecutive hours.
  • Obtain prior approval for expenses incurred for hospital or surgical treatment. If the sudden nature of the injury or sickness prevents you from doing so you must contact AIG ASSIST as soon as possible after the occurrence of the injury or sickness.
  • As a National Bank credit cardholder you are entitled to a range of emergency services when travelling overseas through Global Services (excludes Platinum Visa). They may be able to help.
  • As a National Bank Platinum Visa cardholder you are entitled to a range of emergency services when travelling overseas through the Visa Concierge Service and a complimentary Secure Sentinel membership.

For information about the terms, conditions, exclusions (for example, age limitations), and eligibility criteria that apply see your Gold Card or Platinum Visa Overseas Travel Insurance Policy document.

Can I use my credit card overseas?

Yes. If you're planning a trip, here are some tips to help you manage the financial side.

How do I dispute a transaction on my National Bank credit card?

If you notice a transaction on your National Bank credit card that you have not authorised, that has been processed incorrectly, or that you do not recognise, you can dispute this transaction. To do this, please contact us on 0800 741 741 or simply download the Customer Transaction Dispute Form (PDF), fill in your details, sign and post to The National Bank, Card Operations, P O Box 40, Wellington 6140, or fax to us on +64 4 496 7745.

You'll need Adobe Acrobat Reader to read the PDF version. If you don't have it, don't worry - it's free. Just follow this link to the Adobe site to download a copy.

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