Switching is easy
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1Tahi
We're committed to Kiwi
As a Kiwi bank, we’re focused on backing local and supporting Kiwi, contributing to a stronger community and economy. We have the everyday banking accounts and services you need, and when you're ready, we have home loan specialists to help get you into your home.
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2Rua
We'll help you get set up
We can work with you to help close your old accounts and transfer your funds - this is also a good time to let your employer know your new Kiwibank account details. We can bring over your existing payments, including direct debits and automatic payments for you.
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3Toru
Make the switch
Open an account to make the switch. The easiest way to open an account is online. Check below to see if you meet the criteria and get started on your Kiwibank journey.
Joining online is the easiest option if you:
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Are aged 16 and over
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Live in New Zealand
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Are eligible to work or study in New Zealand
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Have a New Zealand mobile phone number
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Haven't previously banked with Kiwibank
Here's what to expect
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1Tahi
Complete the online form & verify who you are
If you're new to Kiwibank, fill in our online join form which takes around 10 minutes to complete, you'll then automatically be set up with a Free Up account.
Once you've completed the online form, we'll need to verify who you are. There are two ways you can do this:
- Using ID checker on your smartphone.
- Visiting your nearest Kiwibank or Local for Kiwibank. You'll need to bring your ID and proof of address with you.
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2Rua
Start using your accounts
Once you've been verified, you'll be able to do all the things you'd expect, like accessing money from your account, ordering a Visa Debit or EFTPOS card and opening other accounts.
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3Toru
Switch your accounts and payments
We can help with switching your accounts, moving your regular payments and arranging to close your accounts from your current bank.
The easiest way to request our help with switching is by logging into your internet banking and following these steps:
- Click on 'Settings'
- Under 'Services' click on 'easyswitch'
- Add your details and follow the prompts, then you're on your way.
If you're aged between 16 and 17 years old and you don’t have a proof of address, we can also accept your parent or guardian’s as long as your last names are the same. If your last names are different, you'll need to bring documentation to your nearest Kiwibank or Local for Kiwibank that confirms your relationship such as:
- Your original birth certificate.
- A court order.
- A letter from Oranga Tamariki.
Joining online is the easiest way to open a joint account
Here's what to expect
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1Tahi
Complete the online form
Individually fill in our online join form which takes around 10 minutes to complete, you'll then automatically be set up with a Free Up account.
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2Rua
Verify who you are
We'll need to verify your identity and address. There are a few ways you can verify your identity:
- Using ID Checker on your smartphone.
- Visiting your nearest Kiwibank or Local for Kiwibank. You'll need to bring your ID and proof of address.
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3Toru
Open your joint account
Once you've both been verified you can open a joint account. To do this each of you will need to send us a Secure Mail request in our mobile app or internet banking, you'll also need to provide the access number of the person you wish open the account with.
To do this in the mobile app; click 'More', select 'Secure Mail', then click the 'New Message' button.
To do this in Internet banking; click on the 'Messages' tab then click the 'Send a new message' button.
Alternatively, you can visit your nearest Kiwibank or Local for Kiwibank together.
Visit your nearest Kiwibank to get started
Here's what to expect
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1Tahi
Visit a Kiwibank branch
Visit your nearest Kiwibank branch to open an account. Since your child's account will be linked to yours, we'll need to set up a profile for you as well (unless you already have one).
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2Rua
Verify your child
During your visit, we'll need to verify you and your child's identity and address and that you're the child's parent or legal guardian.
Please bring your ID and proof of address as well as proof of relationship, such as an original birth certificate, passport with the same surname, court order or letter from Oranga Tamariki - Ministry for Children to your appointment.
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3Toru
Access your child's account
Once we've set up your child's account, you’ll be able to see and access their account in internet banking or the mobile app. The types of things they can access will depend on how old they are.
Join online to get started
Here's what to expect
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1Tahi
Complete the online form
If you're new to Kiwibank, fill in our online join form which takes around 10 minutes to complete, you'll then automatically be set up with a Free Up account.
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2Rua
Verify who you are
Once you've completed the online form, we'll need to verify your identity and address by visiting your nearest Kiwibank or Local for Kiwibank, bring your ID and proof of address with you.
If you don’t have a proof of address, we can also accept your parent or guardian’s as long as your last names are the same. If your last names are different, you'll need to bring documentation to your nearest Kiwibank or Local for Kiwibank that confirms your relationship such as:
- Your original birth certificate.
- A court order.
- A letter from Oranga Tamariki.
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3Toru
Start using your accounts
Once you've been verified, you'll be able to do all the things you'd expect like accessing money from your account and ordering a Visa Debit or EFTPOS card.
If you're already a Kiwibank customer opening an account can be easily done within internet banking or our mobile app. Alternatively you can you can call us on 0800 113 355.
- In the mobile app, go to 'More' then go to 'Apply & Open', in internet banking go to 'Apply & Open'.
- Select from the list what type of account you'd like to open.
- Fill in your details and follow the prompts on screen, this will vary depending on the type of account you've selected.
Opening an account after you arrive is the easiest option if you:
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Are aged 18 and over
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Hold a Work, Student or Resident Visa
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Have a New Zealand residential address
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Have a New Zealand mobile phone number
Here's what to expect
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1Tahi
Get your details together
You'll need to have the following before opening an account:
- A New Zealand residential address
- A New Zealand mobile phone number
- An email address
- Your New Zealand resident withholding tax rate
- Your overseas tax identification number
- Your New Zealand IRD tax number (not compulsory).
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2Rua
Complete the online form & verify who you are
Fill in our online join form to join Kiwibank which takes around 10 minutes to complete, you'll then automatically be set up with a Free Up account.
Once you've completed the online form. We'll need to verify who you are, you can do this by visiting your nearest Kiwibank or Local for Kiwibank. You'll need to bring your ID and proof of address with you
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3Toru
Start using your accounts
Once you've been verified, you'll be able to do all the things you'd expect, like giving your employer your bank account number, accessing money from your account and ordering a Visa Debit or EFTPOS card.
Joint accounts
Once you've both been verified you can open a joint account by individually sending us a Secure Mail request in our mobile app or internet banking, you'll need to provide both of your access numbers.
To do this in the mobile app; click 'More', select 'Secure Mail', then click the 'New Message' button.
To do this in internet banking; click on the 'Messages' tab then click the 'Send a new message' button.
Alternatively, you can visit your nearest Kiwibank or Local for Kiwibank together.
Overseas tax information
You'll need to provide us with information about your overseas tax status, even if you’re not a tax resident anywhere else.
Are you a foreign tax resident?
If you’re a tax resident in any country other than New Zealand, we’ll require your tax identification number.
Are you a US citizen or a US tax resident?
If you’re a US citizen or US tax resident we’ll need to ask you a few questions to comply with the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA).
Account opening criteria, terms and fees apply. Details of our fees can be found in our Fees & Limits brochure.
Have a business or starting a business?
Whether you're starting a business, a non-profit organisation, looking at new opportunities, or you’re after detailed advice, we’ve got the right people in the right places to help you with your business ambitions. We've also pulled together a handy break down of what you'll need to open a business account.
Some of our services don't require you to open an account with us first
Home loans
Whether you’re applying for a new home loan, looking to move your home loan or topping up your existing loan, you can start by talking to one of our home loan specialists.
Credit Cards
You can apply for a credit card online, over the phone or at your nearest Kiwibank.
Investments
If you’re keen to build your nest egg with a savings or investment account, you can apply using our online form.
Talk to our specialists
Need some extra help with your options? If you're in New Zealand, we've got specialists to help you with your banking and investing needs.
Home loan specialists
At any stage of your home buying journey, our home loan specialists are available to give you obligation-free advice and guide you through the process right to the end.
Investment specialists
If you need help deciding on what investments are right for you, talk about your options with one of our specialists.
Business banking specialists
Business is all about people and we've got the right people in the right places to help Kiwi businesses grow.
This is Kiwi banking on New Zealand
We’re ambitious for New Zealand and dedicated to making Kiwi better off. Here are a few ways we’re supporting everyday New Zealanders.
The bank backing Kiwi
Since we're 100% Kiwi-owned we keep money where it belongs - right here, in New Zealand. We're the bank New Zealanders can call their own.
Making a positive impact
We're proud to partner with Sarah Hirini, Ngāti Kahungunu, in her role as Whatu Kōkiri, Kiwibank Impact Champion. Our partnership combines our banking expertise and passion for supporting Kiwi thrive, with Sarah's advocacy for financial security and leadership.
Making money work for Kiwi
We're passionate about growing the financial literacy of the next generation. That's why we partner with Banqer to enable primary and secondary school classrooms throughout the country to prepare for the financial world ahead.