How to open a bank account online in New Zealand: Eligibility, steps, and top providers

Opening a bank account is often an important decision in many people’s lives. While they mostly perform the same function, there are certain differences between the various accounts in terms of what they can offer their customers. It used to be the case that you would have to visit a branch in person in order to set one up. But in 2025, we’re moving away from brick-and-mortar institutions and into a world where everything is done digitally. And this includes setting up a bank account.

In this guide, we’ll be taking a look at everything you need to do in order to set up a New Zealand bank account online. We’ll explore who is eligible and the process for creating an account, as well as the various documents you’ll need. We'll also compare some of the best providers, including an alternative to traditional banks: the Wise account. While Wise is not a bank, its multi-currency account offers a powerful solution for managing money in New Zealand and abroad.

Who is eligible to open a bank account in New Zealand?

There are a couple of understandable criteria that you’ll need to meet in order to open a bank account online in New Zealand. In general, you’ll need to be a New Zealand resident over the age of 18, with proof of identification and address required. Work visa holders, international students and migrants are also eligible providing they have proof of status.

Teenagers can also open an account with most providers, though they might require some form of parental supervision and in-person verification during the setting up process. Many parents are also able to set up an account in their child’s name if under the age of 13.

What will I need?

To open a bank account online in New Zealand, there are certain documents that you will need. Not every bank has exactly the same requirements, so you’ll need to check carefully once you’ve made a decision as to who you go with.

However, largely speaking, you will need a combination of the following:

• New Zealand passport
• New Zealand driving licence
• Proof of address
• New Zealand birth certificate
• Evidence of visa, work, or education status
• IRD Number

What is the process?

Opening a bank account online in New Zealand is often a very quick and straightforward process, providing you have gathered all the necessary documentation ahead of time. The process will likely be very similar regardless of which provider you choose with a few minor tweaks here and there.

Fill in the application

You’ll start by filling in a general application. This is where you’ll provide the personal details that will be associated with the account. There will likely be additional sections if you are filling it in on behalf of a minor. If you already have an existing account with your chosen provider, you might only need your customer number rather than having to fill in your details again.

Verify your identity

Next you’ll need to upload copies of your various supporting documents. The verification process might take a short while, though with digital assistance this process is becoming much quicker. All documents need to match your personal details exactly, and for certain institutions, you might be required to provide in-person verification as well before you gain full access to services.

Activate your account

Once your application is submitted and your identity is verified, you’re just about ready to go. You may need to make a qualifying transaction to enable features - this can be done via the online app that most providers now have.

Wait for your card to arrive

Even though the account is designed for online use and transactions, you can still withdraw money the old-fashioned way. Your card will be mailed to you once the account is active. The PIN will often arrive separately.

Top 5 providers for setting up an account online

For this list, we’ve provided a mix of traditional banking establishments and digital-only platforms. All offer the ability to set up an account from the comfort of your own home, with various perks and features to help sweeten the deal.

Wise

While Wise is not a bank, it’s a popular digital financial provider that specialises in multi-currency accounts and international payments. The account is designed to be a powerful international account that works seamlessly for everyday use in New Zealand. With it, you can hold and manage over 40+ currencies, including NZD, USD, and EUR, all in one place.

It’s free to register an account with Wise, and there are no monthly fees either¹. This gives you the freedom to send, spend, and receive money like a local. Plus, you can get a linked Wise debit card for spending internationally at the mid-market rate. You can fully access and manage your money from the Wise app or online, no matter where you are.

🚀 Sign up for a Wise account

Westpac

Westpac is a very well-established, traditional bank and is considered one of the ‘Big 4’ in Australia, though it has a huge presence in New Zealand as well. They offer a variety of accounts depending on your circumstances, all of which can be set up online.³

The process for each is quick and easy, though for accounts with minors it will likely take a little longer to fully verify everything. Existing customers can use Westpac One to open a new account, which will likely make things even faster.

There is no setup fee or maintenance fee with the Everyday account and there are also overdraft services available. There is a $2.50NZD charge for manual withdrawals from a branch, though this is capped at $5NZD per month.⁴

Bank of New Zealand (BNZ)

Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) is another experienced bank that offers a wide range of services, including the ability to set up an account online. If you are an existing BNZ customer, you can use your RealMe login to help speed up the process of registering. The everyday account is also available to anyone aged 13 and over.⁵

There are no setup fees, no electronic transfer fees, and no manual transaction fees to worry about once the account is live. It does cater for international payments, though there is a monthly maintenance fee for each separate currency. There is also an overdraft available, though there is an establishing fee of $30NZD for this.⁶

Heartland

Heartland is an alternative to one of the bigger banking institutions available in New Zealand, and it’s definitely worth considering. There are a number of personal accounts to choose from, with Heartland showing to be particularly strong when it comes to offering interest on account funds.⁷

There are no minimum account fees, minimum deposit amounts, or online transaction fees with their YouChoose account, and their daily ATM withdrawal amounts are considerable ($1500NZD). It’s a very generous account in terms of fees in general, though you will incur direct debit dishonour charges as well as a 10% p.a. interest rate on overdraft borrowing.⁸

KiwiBank

KIwiBank is the final name on this list and is a popular option for many New Zealanders. Their signup process takes less than ten minutes, and all of the verification checks can be completed via their ID checker. You need to be 16 or over to set up an account with KiwiBank. In some instances, there may be additional verification checks on wealth sources.⁹

KiwiBank has no monthly account fees to keep an eye on and no fees for electronic transactions, though there is a $3NZD fee for branch transactions. There are no ATM withdrawal fees. There are criteria available that will waive the transaction fees altogether.

There is also an inoperation charge of $30NZD if you do not use your account for over a year and it has less than $200NZD.¹⁰

Summary

The move to digital banking has made opening a New Zealand bank account more convenient than ever. To make the right choice, it’s crucial to weigh up your personal needs against what each provider offers. For a traditional bank with a strong local presence, you can consider popular options like Westpac, BNZ, or Kiwibank. If you are looking for a digital-first solution, Heartland is a good choice. For a truly international account alternative to manage multiple currencies, Wise is a strong option.

💻 Open a Wise account online for free in minutes 💻

Sign up for Wise 🚀

1. Wise - setting up your account & fees
2. Wise - debit card services
3. Westpac - tailored account types
4. Westpac - Everyday account fees
5. BNZ - Everyday account home page
6. BNZ - account fees (PDF)
7. Heartland - YouChoose Account home page
8. Heartland - YouChoose fees & charges
9. KiwiBank - FreeUp Everyday account homepage
10. KiwiBank - Everyday accounts fees & charges (PDF)