Join Kiwibank

If you’d rather have one of our banking specialists give you a hand, you can give us a call on 0800 523 523 to either book an appointment at your nearest Kiwibank or start the process over the phone.

Joining in branch is the easiest option for you

Here’s how:

• Give us a call on 0800 523 523 to make an appointment at your nearest Kiwibank. Since you’re opening an account for two people, we need to see both of you in branch.
• We’ll need to verify your identity and address. Please bring some ID and proof of address to your appointment.
• Once you've been verified we can give you a Visa Debit or EFTPOS card. If you've ordered a personalised card, or if you've been verified at a selected service branch, we'll send your card to you in the post following your visit.

You can also join over the phone

Here’s how:

• Give us a call on 0800 523 523 to start the process over the phone. Since you're opening an account for two people, we'll need to speak with both of you.
• If you don’t have an account with us yet, and you don’t already have a RealMe verified identity, we’ll need to verify your identity and address. Just pop into a branch with some ID and proof of address.
• Once you've been verified we can give you a Visa Debit or EFTPOS card. If you've ordered a personalised card, or if you've been verified at a selected service branch, we'll send your card to you in the post following your visit.

Joining in branch is the easiest option for kids under 13

Here’s how:

• Give us a call on 0800 523 523 to make an appointment at your nearest Kiwibank. Since your child’s account will be linked to yours, we’ll need to set up profiles for both of you (unless you already have an account with us).
• We’ll need to verify you and your child's identity, address, and that you are the child’s parent or legal guardian. Please bring some ID, proof of address, and proof of your relationship, such as an original birth certificate, court order or letter from Oranga Tamariki - Ministry for Children to your appointment.
• Once we’ve set up your child’s account, their card and account access will depend on their age.

You can also help them join over the phone

Here’s how:

• Give us a call on 0800 523 523 to chat about your child’s account requirements and set up their customer profile. Since your child’s account will be linked to yours, we’ll need to set up accounts for both of you (unless you already have one).
• Once we’ve set up their profile, we’ll email you a form to complete on your child’s behalf. Send back the completed form with proof of your relationship, such as an original birth certificate, court order or letter from Oranga Tamariki - Ministry for Children.
• We’ll need to verify you and your child's identity and address. Please bring some ID and proof of address to your nearest Kiwibank.
• Once we’ve set up your child’s account, their card and account access will depend on their age.

Once we've set up your accounts, we can give you an EFTPOS card, and you can open other accounts. If you are 15 or over we can also set you up with a Visa Debit Card.

Moving to New Zealand or planning to be here temporarily?

We can help set you up with an account that you'll be able to use once you arrive in New Zealand. You'll need to hold an appropriate working or study visa for New Zealand. Australian permanent residents and citizens don't require a working visa in New Zealand.

Here’s what we need to sign you up:

Send these documents to migrant.banking@kiwibank.co.nz:

• A completed Migrant banking application form (PDF 208.3 KB)
• A certified copy of your passport. A certified copy is a photocopy stamped or signed by an acceptable certifier confirming it's a true copy of the original, and that the photo is a true likeness of you. The Migrant banking application form (PDF 208.3 KB) has a list of acceptable documents and certifiers and who can certify them
• A certified copy of your proof of your residential address in your home country
• A completed Overseas tax declaration (PDF 94.5 KB)
• Depending on whether you will be studying or working we’ll also need either the relevant visa that entitles you to work in New Zealand or, your student visa and proof of your enrolment in a New Zealand educational facility.

Here’s what happens next:

Once you’ve sent in your completed application form, with the correctly certified documents, we’ll email within one to two business days to let you know:

• Your account details
• Information on how to send international payments to your new Kiwibank account before you arrive
• Instructions on how to set up internet banking
• Where to find your nearest Kiwibank branch, so we can set up an appointment for you to activate your accounts once you arrive in New Zealand. Once we've verified your identity and address in a Kiwibank branch, you'll be able to withdraw money from your account.

If you need help or more information please email migrant.banking@kiwibank.co.nz. We also have a number of staff who speak different languages and may be able to help you in your preferred language.

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.

Some of our services don't require you to open an account with us first.