You’ve got your visa, booked the flight, maybe even found a place to stay. But one of the first things you’ll need after landing in New Zealand is a local bank account. The good news is that the country’s five major banks—ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Westpac, and Kiwibank—all allow non-residents to open accounts, and some, like BNZ and Westpac, let you apply online before you arrive. Getting the right account early means you can start paying rent, receiving wages, and avoiding foreign transaction fees from day one.

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Major banks in New Zealand: 5 (ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Westpac, Kiwibank) ·
Non-residents allowed to open accounts: Yes ·
Minimum deposit (most accounts): $0 ·
Time to open online: 10–15 minutes ·
IRD number required to open: No, but needed for tax purposes ·
Accounts can be opened before arriving: Up to 180 days ahead (some banks)

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact documentation requirements vary by bank and may change
  • Which bank is cheapest depends on account usage and transaction patterns
  • Some banks may require a minimum deposit or balance; check individual terms
3Timeline signal
  • Pre-arrival applications possible up to 180 days before relocation (Westpac)
  • Account activation typically in-branch after arrival (Westpac)
  • IRD number should be provided within 6 months to avoid high withholding tax (Westpac)
4What’s next
  • Provide IRD number after opening to reduce tax rate
  • Set up internet banking and mobile app
  • Link overseas accounts for transfers

Six key facts about opening an account, drawn directly from bank policies and government guidance.

Fact Value
Minimum age 13
ID required Passport (or driver’s license + birth certificate for residents)
Proof of address Utility bill, bank statement, or letter from employer/government
IRD number needed at opening No
Online application possible before arrival Yes (BNZ, Westpac)
Account fees (typical monthly) $0–$5 (depending on account type and deposit amount)

What is required to open a bank account in NZ?

What documents are needed for a non-resident?

For non-residents, the standard document set includes a valid passport, proof of overseas address (dated within the last 12 months), and evidence of a visa or travel document. ASB requires a foreign passport plus an eligible visa such as a study or work visa. Westpac accepts a signed passport and a letter from Immigration New Zealand if the visa is not attached to the passport.

Do I need a New Zealand address?

Most banks ask for a New Zealand address after you move. Westpac accepts recent utility bills, council rates, bank statements, insurance policies, Electoral Office letters, or travel itineraries as proof. If you apply from overseas, you can initially provide your overseas address and update it later (Xe).

Is a passport sufficient ID?

A passport is the primary ID for non-residents. BNZ notes it needs to verify who you are and where you live. For residents, a driver’s license and birth certificate may also work, but for most foreigners, the passport plus visa is the standard combination.

Bottom line: Non-residents need a passport, proof of address (overseas or NZ), and a valid visa. The IRD number is optional at opening but required later for tax.

What is the best bank in New Zealand for foreigners?

Which New Zealand banks are most newcomer-friendly?

Based on official policies, BNZ and Westpac stand out because they allow full online applications from overseas, with account activation after arrival. ASB requires a long-term visa and may need certified copies for pre-arrival applications (Monito). ANZ and Kiwibank have large branch networks but typically require a New Zealand residential address to open an account.

The comparison below maps each bank’s specific policies.

Bank Online app before arrival In-person activation required Proof of NZ address needed Visa required for non-residents Pre-arrival window
BNZ Yes Yes (on arrival) Yes, after arriving Yes Unknown – confirm directly
Westpac Yes Yes (branch visit) Yes Yes Up to 180 days
ASB Limited (may require certified copies) Usually yes Overseas address proof accepted Yes (study/work visa) Varies
ANZ No Yes Yes Yes N/A
Kiwibank No Yes Yes Yes N/A

The implication: If you want a bank account ready before you land, BNZ or Westpac are your only options. ASB may work if you can provide certified documents from overseas. ANZ and Kiwibank are solid choices once you’re settled in New Zealand.

Can a non-resident open a bank account in NZ?

What type of visa do I need to open an account?

Yes, non-residents can open accounts. Immigration New Zealand states you may need an IRD number, but that’s not a barrier to account opening. Banks generally require a residence, work, or student visa. Wise notes that tourists on short-term visitor visas are usually not eligible.

Can I open an account as a tourist or on a working holiday visa?

Working holiday visa holders are typically eligible. ASB explicitly says a valid long-term visa (study or work) is sufficient. Westpac requires proof of visa if not attached to the passport. For tourists, check with each bank—some may allow a basic account with restrictions.

Is it possible to open a joint account as a non-resident?

Yes, joint accounts are available, but both applicants must meet the same ID and visa requirements. BNZ and other banks allow joint applications, though non-resident joint accounts may require additional documentation.

The upshot

Non-residents with a valid visa and passport can open an account. Working holiday and student visa holders have the easiest path; pure tourists may be turned away.

Can you open a NZ bank account without an IRD number?

When do I need to provide an IRD number?

You can open an account without an IRD number. Inland Revenue issues IRD numbers free of charge. However, banks will apply a non-declared tax rate (33% on interest for individuals, 28% for companies) until you provide your IRD number (Xe).

What happens if I don’t have an IRD number when opening?

Interest earned on your savings will be taxed at the higher non-declared rate. You can apply for an IRD number online and then update your bank to avoid the penalty rate. Most banks give you a grace period of several months.

How do I apply for an IRD number?

Apply through the New Zealand Inland Revenue website. You’ll need your passport and proof of address. The process is free and usually takes a few days to a week.

The catch

Without an IRD number, your savings interest gets taxed at 33% instead of the standard 10.5%–33% marginal rate. Apply as soon as you arrive to keep more of your money.

How can I open a New Zealand bank account from overseas?

Which banks allow online application before arrival?

BNZ and Westpac are the two banks that explicitly allow online applications from overseas. Monito adds that most banks require you to relocate within 180 days of the initial application.

What is the process step-by-step?

  1. Choose a bank (BNZ or Westpac recommended for pre-arrival).
  2. Visit their website and start the online application.
  3. Upload scanned copies of your passport, visa, and address proof.
  4. Receive confirmation and account details (usually within 1–2 business days).
  5. Upon arrival in New Zealand, visit a branch to activate the account (required by both BNZ and Westpac).
  6. Provide your IRD number to the bank within the first few months to avoid high tax rates.

Can I activate the account after arriving?

Yes. Westpac says opening after arrival requires visiting a branch in person with your ID. Wise also notes that some banks require in-person activation, even if you applied online.

Bottom line: Apply with BNZ or Westpac up to 180 days before moving. Upload your documents, get your account number, then activate in-branch after arrival. Non-residents should plan for this two-step process.

What we know and what’s still unclear

Confirmed facts

  • Non-residents can open bank accounts with proper ID and visa.
  • IRD number not required at opening but needed for tax.
  • BNZ and Westpac allow pre-arrival online applications.
  • Major banks: ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Westpac, Kiwibank.
  • Minimum deposit for most accounts is $0.

What’s unclear

  • Exact documentation requirements vary by bank and may change.
  • Which bank is cheapest depends on individual usage patterns.
  • Some banks may have minimum balance requirements not widely advertised.
  • Policy updates (e.g., post-COVID ID verification) are not uniformly documented.

“You can apply online for a bank account while still overseas and activate it upon arrival.”

— BNZ website

“Customers can set up an account up to 180 days before migrating to New Zealand.”

— Westpac website

“IRD numbers are issued by Inland Revenue and are free to apply for; you can apply online.”

— New Zealand Inland Revenue

For anyone moving to New Zealand, the choice is clear: apply with BNZ or Westpac before you arrive, or use ASB or ANZ once you’re settled. The sooner you have a local account, the smoother your transition will be. For working holiday or student visa holders, the path is straightforward—just gather your passport and visa, and you’re ready to go.

Additional sources

internations.org, pacificbrief.nz, reddit.com, taxpolicy.ird.govt.nz, wise.com

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Frequently asked questions

What is the fastest way to open a bank account in New Zealand?

Apply online with BNZ or Westpac before you arrive. Activation requires a branch visit, but you can have your account number within a day.

Can I open a bank account as a tourist?

Tourists on short-term visitor visas are usually not eligible. Banks require a residence, work, or student visa. Some may offer limited accounts, but it’s best to check directly.

Do New Zealand banks charge fees for international transfers?

Yes, most banks charge an incoming and outgoing international transfer fee (typically $10–$30). Use services like Wise or TransferWise for cheaper transfers.

Is it safe to keep large amounts in a New Zealand bank account?

Yes, New Zealand banks are regulated by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. Deposits are covered by a deposit insurance scheme (up to $100,000 per depositor per bank as of 2025).

How do I close a bank account if I leave New Zealand?

Contact your bank in writing or via online banking. Withdraw any remaining funds and provide your overseas address for final communications.

Can I use my New Zealand bank account to receive salary from an overseas employer?

Yes, but international transfers may incur fees. It’s often cheaper to use a multi-currency account or service like Wise for regular salary payments.

What happens to my account if I become a non-resident after opening?

You can keep the account, but you must notify the bank. Your tax status may change, and you may need to provide an overseas address. Some banks may convert your account to a non-resident account with different fees.

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