What you need to open an account
To open a bank account in New Zealand, you need to prove who you are and where you live. Every bank requires both pieces of information before they will let you deposit money or use their services.
For identity, bring a passport, driver's license, or national ID card — something issued by a government that has your photo and signature. If you don't have any of these, some banks will accept a firearms license or a passport from another country, though this varies by bank.
For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill (electricity, water, or gas), a rates notice from your local council, a tenancy agreement, or a mortgage statement. The document needs to show your name and your current address, and it usually needs to be less than three months old. A bank statement from another country does not count.
Key Takeaways
- You need one form of government-issued photo ID and one recent document showing your address — most commonly a utility bill or council rates notice.
- The major banks (ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Westpac) all offer basic accounts with no monthly fee, but online-only banks like Kiwibank or Wise may have different requirements and lower fees.
- The process takes between 10 and 20 minutes in a branch, or one to three business days if you explore online.
- You can open an account in person at a branch, online through the bank's website, or by phone — each route has different document requirements.
- Once your account is open, the bank will issue you a debit card within five to seven business days and set up online banking access when ready.
Opening an account in a bank branch
Walking into a branch with your ID and proof of address is the fastest way to open an account. Bring the originals — banks will not accept photocopies or photos of documents. A staff member will check your documents, ask you basic questions about what you plan to use the account for, and enter your information into their system. The whole process takes 10 to 20 minutes.
You will leave with a temporary card or a card number you can use when ready for online purchases. Your physical debit card will arrive by post within five to seven business days. Online banking access is usually set up on the same day, and the bank will give you a username and temporary password before you leave.
Most branches are open Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, and some open on Saturday mornings. If you work during these hours, you may need to take time off or visit a branch near your workplace.
Opening an account online
Most banks now let you start an account through their website or mobile app without visiting a branch. You will upload photos of your ID and proof of address, enter your personal details, and choose what type of account you want. The bank then verifies your documents — this usually takes one to three business days.
Some banks use a video call instead of document uploads. A staff member will call you at a time you choose, ask you to hold up your ID and proof of address to your camera, and verify them in real time. This is faster than waiting for document review and takes about 15 minutes.
Once your documents are approved, your account is active and you can use online banking when ready. Your debit card will arrive by post within five to seven business days, just as it would if you opened the account in a branch.
Which bank to choose
The four largest banks in New Zealand are ANZ, ASB, BNZ, and Westpac. All four have branches nationwide, offer basic accounts with no monthly fee, and let you open an account online or in person. They all offer the same core services: a debit card, online banking, bill payment, and transfers to other accounts.
If you want lower fees or are comfortable banking entirely online, Kiwibank (which is owned by NZ Post and has branches in post offices) and Wise (which is online-only and specializes in international transfers) are alternatives. Kiwibank has no monthly fee and branches are easier to reach if you live outside a city. Wise charges no monthly fee but is best if you plan to send money overseas or receive money from other countries.
The choice between them matters less than you might think. You can always move your money to a different bank later if you change your mind. For your first account, pick whichever bank has a branch or online service that feels easiest to you.
What type of account to open
Most banks offer a basic transaction account (sometimes called a current account or everyday account). This is what you need if you want to receive wages, pay bills, and use a debit card. There is no monthly fee, no minimum balance, and no restrictions on how many times you can withdraw money.
Some banks also offer savings accounts that pay a small amount of interest on money you leave in the account. Interest rates change regularly, so ask the bank what rate they are currently offering. If you are new to banking and want to keep your money safe while you get used to how accounts work, a savings account is a good choice — you can always move money to a transaction account later if you need to pay bills or receive wages.
A few banks offer accounts specifically for people who are new to the formal banking system or who have had trouble with banks before. Ask the staff member whether your bank has this option. These accounts sometimes have lower fees or fewer restrictions, though they work the same way as a standard account.
What happens after you open your account
Once your account is open, you will receive a debit card by post within five to seven business days. The card comes with a PIN (a four-digit number) that you choose yourself. You use the PIN to withdraw money from ATMs and to pay for things in shops.
You will also get access to online banking on the same day your account opens. This means you can log in to the bank's website or app using a username and password, see how much money is in your account, transfer money to other people's accounts, and pay bills. Most banks let you set up automatic payments so that bills are paid on the same day each week or month without you having to do anything.
If you receive wages or a benefit payment, you will need to give your employer or the government agency your account number and the bank's name. Your money will then be deposited automatically into your account on payday. Ask the bank staff for your account number before you leave — it is printed on your debit card and in your online banking, but it is easier to write it down while you are there.
If you do not have proof of address
If you have just arrived in New Zealand and do not yet have a utility bill or council rates notice, tell the bank staff this when you arrive. Some banks will accept a letter from your landlord or a tenancy agreement as proof of address instead. Others will accept a letter from your employer on company letterhead that shows your name and address.
If none of these are available, ask the bank whether they can open a basic account with just your ID and a commitment to provide proof of address within 30 days. Some banks will do this; others will not. If your bank will not, try a different bank — policies vary.
If you are staying in temporary accommodation or a hostel, this is harder. Some banks will not open an account without a permanent address. In this case, ask whether a friend or family member in New Zealand will let you use their address as your mailing address for the bank. The bank only needs to know where to send your debit card and statements — it does not need to be where you actually live.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a New Zealand phone number or email address to open an account?
Yes, banks need a way to contact you. You need a phone number (mobile or landline) and an email address. If you do not have a New Zealand phone number yet, you can use an international number, though some banks prefer a local number. You can always change your contact details after you open the account.
What if I do not have a passport or driver's license?
A firearms license or a passport from another country will work at most banks. If you have none of these, ask the bank whether they accept other forms of ID — some will accept a national ID card from your home country, though this varies. If your bank will not accept what you have, try a different bank.
Can I open an account if I have had problems with banks before?
Yes. Banks in New Zealand do not usually refuse to open an account because of past problems, though some may ask questions about what happened. If one bank refuses, try another. Some banks have accounts designed for people in this situation and may be more willing to work with you.
How long does it take to receive my debit card?
Five to seven business days by post. If you need to withdraw cash before your card arrives, you can use your account number and ID at any branch of your bank to withdraw money over the counter. Online banking is available when ready, so you can transfer money or pay bills the same day your account opens.
Can I open more than one account?
Yes. Many people have a transaction account for everyday spending and a separate savings account. You can open both at the same time or open a second account later. Each account has its own account number and debit card (if it is a transaction account).