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Money
11 impressive things you might not know your SuperGold Card can do
If your government-issued SuperGold Card is growing dust in your wallet, it’s time to dig it out. This far-reaching program can save you money and enrich your life in some very unexpected ways.
By Bron Maxabella
There are so many benefits to getting older: self-acceptance; a wealth of knowledge and life experiences; financial stability (hopefully!); plus no one expects you to stay late at the party…
The biggest bonus of all, though, is you get to save money just by existing! ‘Seniors’ (the nice term for ‘old folk like us’) get discounts, freebies, special offers and bonus gifts wherever we go. In New Zealand, it all starts with getting a SuperGold Card.
First, you might be surprised you qualify
Many people think you have to be retired in order to apply for a SuperGold Card. That’s not the case at all.
Anyone 65 or over who is a New Zealand resident can get a SuperGold Card that gives instant discounts and offers across thousands of businesses in New Zealand (and Australia!) and the best part is- it never expires. Once you have one, there’s no finicky admin to renew or reapply. Yay!
There is also a Veteran SuperGold Card for those who have served in the armed forces which can grant you instant savings on things like insurance, food, electricity and healthcare. This coupled with free off-peak public transit and discounts on entertainment and retail makes it a valuable addition to your wallet indeed.
Second, you will likely get one automatically
Getting a SuperGold Card is pretty easy. In fact, if you have already successfully applied for NZ Superannuation, you will automatically be sent a SuperGold Card. It usually takes a few weeks to arrive but it is on its way.
The same goes for the Veteran SuperGold Card, it will automatically arrive once your Veteran’s Pension is approved.
If you don’t qualify for NZ Super or the Veteran’s Pension, don’t despair- you can still apply for the SuperGold Card. If you meet all the eligibility criteria of being a resident and over 65, you’ll soon get the tick of approval.
Okay, so with your new card in hand, it’s time to start saving. Here are some of the less well-known things you can do with your SuperGold Card.
PS - Don’t forget: The Citro App gives you cashback on everyday purchases.
1. Your card is good across New Zealand
Flash your SuperGold Card anywhere across New Zealand and you’ll unlock a variety of offers. Not all businesses extend offers to seniors though, so be sure to check before you buy.
2. It works in Australia too
Most Aussie businesses who offer discounts under the SuperGold Card will give Kiwi Seniors Card holders the same deal. The opposite is true for Aussie Seniors Card holders here in New Zealand – welcome! Just check to make sure the business you want to buy from is on board before you purchase.
3. How to see what’s on offer
The SuperGold App is free and is the easiest way to see which businesses offer discounts and offers. It will also show the offers closest to your location which is great for when you are out and about.
If apps are not your thing, you can see the desktop version of offers available here.
4. Travel at a discount or even for free
If you have a SuperGold Card, you qualify for cheap or even free travel on public transport. The exact amount varies depending on which area you’re travelling in, but here is what you need to know.
SuperGold Cardholders can get free off-peak travel in many areas, off-peak on weekdays meaning anytime between 9am-3pm and anytime after 6:30pm. Cardholders can travel free anytime on weekends and public holidays.
To use your card for free off-peak travel, simply show your SuperGold Card to the bus driver or train staff. See this table to check specific travel requirements for your area.
5. Get money off your energy bill
Many energy retailers offer discounts on energy bills for SuperGold cardholders. However, just because a deal is offered through the SuperGold Card, doesn’t automatically make it the best deal available. It’s a great idea to do a price comparison for energy as well to ensure you are getting the best deal for you.
This will help too: 16 things you can do right now to save big on your energy bill
6. Enjoy a discounted movie
How long since you went to the cinema? There are discounts for SuperGold Cardholders and the savings are impressive.
For instance, at Hoyts you can get $10 tickets every day for sessions starting before 5pm plus cheaper icecreams and snacks while you watch your favourite.
Focal Point Cinema offers a free morning tea with ticket purchase for 10:30am and 10:45am sessions.
Going to see a play or musical more your speed? You can get $5 off tickets at Auckland Theatre Company.
No doubt your local cinema has similar savings, so pop in and see what’s on offer. A trip to see a good movie is such a nice time.
7. Stay healthy for less
Keeping on top of your health is made easier when you don’t have to worry so much about what it’s costing you. There are discounts on allied health, fitness centres, gyms and swimming pools available to SuperGold Card holders in most areas. The savings are impressive, for example:
- Specsavers gives you 25% off a pair of prescription glasses
- NZ Online Chemist and Kiwi Chemist offer 10% off most things (excludes prescriptions unfortunately)
- Results Fitness offers almost 35% off a yearly gym membership for women
- Olympic Gym in Mosgiel are offering a $10 gym membership fee
- Concession swimming pool entry in Alexandra
- Up to 20% off physio at Tiraku Physio
- 5% off nutritionist visits at Maximised Nutrition
The easiest way to find what’s available in your local area is to search the directory on the SuperGold Card website.
Don’t miss this Citro guide: Lifestyle Swaps for Longevity
8. Access cheaper internet
Some internet and mobile service providers offer good discounts to SuperGold Cardholders. They include Island Internet Limited, Angel Mobility NZ, Whero Net, Realtime Networks and more.
9. Save on fuel
Most Caltex service stations are offering SuperGold cardholders a 8c per litre discount on fuel purchases. Kiwi Fuelcards are offering 11c off per litre at a variety of Mobil, Caltex and BP petrol stations across New Zealand.
This could be a great way to keep the cost of living down. Check out 4 steps to get on top of your household bills permanently for more ways to put money back in your pocket.
10. Get discounts on gift cards
Many areas offer discounts on gift cards, but what’s available varies. For savings on groceries, Woolworths are offering 5% off on Tuesdays at a variety of locations.
Hot tip: buy the gift cards and then use them to do your weekly shopping. The savings really add up.
More tips: 9 creative ways to save on your grocery bills
There are discounts on hundreds of gift cards, including 10% off at Thorndon Antiques & Books, 10% off Unichem Rosedale Pharmacy, and 10% off Heritage Jewellers. You can browse all the options here.
11. Explore places at a discounted rate
Your SuperGold Card will help you explore more. Museums, zoos, parks and other attractions across New Zealand offer discounts when you flash your card. This comes in very handy when you’re planning a trip because, remember, your SuperGold will get you discounts even over the ditch.
Are you ready to get out and about more? You can get free access to MOTAT (Museum of Transport and Technology); visit New Zealand Maritime Museum with 25% off; enjoy a day at Auckland Zoo for $16.50; get a free 45-minute behind the scenes tour at The Air Force Museum; or get 10% off art workshops at Quarry Arts Centre.
In fact, there are so many places to explore for less you may be in danger of never coming home again… unless you happen to have a pet to care for, of course.
12. Care for your pet for less
Got a pet bestie by your side? They can benefit from your SuperGold Card too.
Pet Central and Pet Goods NZ have a 10% discount off all products needed to keep your pooch healthy and happy. The Auckland Pet Hospital offers 10% off all veterinary services.
There are plenty more deals to get tails wagging.
Feature image: iStock/skynesher
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