6 cards and concessions older Kiwis should apply for

From SuperGold Cards through to Community Services Cards, here are 6 great cards that make living in New Zealand cheaper and better for older Kiwis.

By Maddie Southall

Most of us know Kiwis over the age of 65 are eligible for NZ Super.

But New Zealand also offers 6 great cards with concessional benefits for older Kiwis.

Yes, some of these cards have eligibility requirements – along with residency, assets or other tests – but nearly all of these cards make living in New Zealand as an older person cheaper and better.

Vital card #1: Community Services Card (CSC)

The CSC helps low-to-middle income earners, including many older New Zealanders, reduce their healthcare and public transport costs. You may be eligible for this card even if you receive NZ Super, depending on your total household income. 

With a CSC, you can get:

• Cheaper visits to your GP
• Lower prescription fees
• Reduced fees for emergency dental care
• Discounts on services like hearing assessments and counselling
• Discounts on public transport fares

Some people automatically qualify if they receive certain government benefits, so check your eligibility. This is a great card to always carry with you to easily access benefits. 

Check your eligibility and apply via Work and Income

Vital Card #2: SuperGold Card

If your SuperGold Card has been sitting forgotten in your wallet, it’s time to dust it off, it could be your ticket to saving serious money across New Zealand (and even in Australia).

The SuperGold Card is a free government-issued discount card for all Kiwis aged 65 and over. You don’t need to be retired to get one, if you’re 65+ and a New Zealand resident, you’re eligible. If you’re receiving NZ Super or a Veteran’s Pension, it’s automatically sent to you. Best of all, it never expires, and there’s no need to reapply.

Here’s what you can do with it:

• Get free off-peak public transport in many regions (weekdays 9am–3pm and after 6:30pm, plus weekends and public holidays).
  
  
• Save money on health, including discounted glasses, gym memberships, chemist purchases and swimming pool entry.
  
  
• Enjoy entertainment for less, like $10 movies, free museum access, theatre discounts and cheaper zoo tickets.
  
  
• Cut everyday costs with savings on energy bills, fuel (up to 11c off per litre), internet, and mobile plans.
  
  
• Shop smarter with discounts on gift cards, food, books, and even pet care.
  
  

Even better? You can download the free SuperGold NZ app to instantly see what deals are nearby and flash your digital card on the go.

Pro tip: Many Aussie businesses accept the SuperGold Card too, so it can even save you money across the ditch.

Learn more and explore all the offers

Explore more SuperGold offers

Vital card #3: Cash-in with your debit card 

Did you know you can use your Visa debit card to earn a range of rewards and benefits? Now you can with the Citro App. Citro doesn’t have any eligibility or income requirements and is available to all Kiwis- for free!

Simply download the Citro App and follow the prompts to link your existing Visa debit card in the app. Then you can access a range of rewards and benefits like cashback and other deals on everyday spending.

Find out more about how to make your money go further in Citro's app and website.

While you’re at it, sign up to Citro's weekly email newsletter with more interesting articles like this one.

Vital card #4: High Use Health Card (HUHC)

For lots of us, getting older generally comes with a few more GP visits. If you’ve had more than 12 GP visits in a year, you might be eligible for a High Use Health Card, a little-known but valuable option.

The HUHC isn’t income-tested. Instead, it’s based on medical need. If your frequent GP visits are related to a chronic condition (not caused by injury), your doctor can apply for this card on your behalf.

What you get:

• Lower-cost visits to your regular GP (if you’re enrolled)
• Valid for 12 months
• Other benefits may be available through Health New Zealand

Unlike the Community Services Card, the HUHC does not subsidise prescription costs or cover family members. But if you're managing a long-term health issue, it can make a real difference in your medical bills.

How to apply:

You can’t apply directly- your GP needs to do it for you. They’ll also be the one to renew it or cancel it if your situation changes. So if you think you might be eligible, have a chat with your doctor at your next appointment.

Learn more about the application process

Vital card #5: Disability Allowance and Disability Support Services ID Cards

If you’re an older New Zealander with a disability, there are two key support avenues:

• Disability Allowance: A weekly payment to help with ongoing costs like prescriptions, medical appointments, and dietary needs.
  
  
• ID or mobility cards: Provided by local councils or disability organisations, these can assist with access to transport discounts or community services.
  

Some regional transport operators also offer mobility concession cards for discounted or free public transport for those with a disability.

Learn more here or talk to your GP or case manager.

Vital card #6: Prescription Subsidy Card

If your household has collected 20 or more prescriptions in a calendar year between 1 February and 31 January, you may be entitled to be a part of the Prescription Subsidy Card.

Once you hit the threshold:

• Your prescriptions for the rest of the year are free
  
  
• Your pharmacist will usually track this automatically, but you can request a card to confirm it
  

Great for those with regular medications, it’s one of the most underrated ways to save on prescriptions.

Ask your pharmacist about your subsidy status and click here for more information.

Feature image: istock/ Moyo Studio

You might also like:

• Unlock your entitlements: 12 amazing benefits for older Australians
• 6 surprising benefits of New Zealand Superannuation
• 11 impressive things you might not know your SuperGold Card can do

This article reflects the views and experience of the author and not necessarily the views of Citro. It contains general information only and is not intended to influence readers’ decisions about any financial products or investments.  Readers’ personal circumstances have not been taken into account and they  should always seek their own professional financial and taxation advice that takes into account their personal circumstances before making any financial decisions.