This page is for people moving to New Zealand: migrants, international students and other new arrivals. Some NZ banks let you apply for an account before you leave home, so you have an account number on arrival to give an employer and use for your IRD number application. If you already live in NZ, see how to open a bank account in NZ.
ANZ, ASB, and Westpac all offer some form of pre-arrival account opening for migrants. With ASB you can apply via the ASB app from overseas and have an account number within days. Kiwibank requires an in-branch visit after you arrive.
Why Open a Bank Account Before You Arrive?
| Benefit | Detail |
|---|---|
| Get paid faster | You need an account number to receive your first wages |
| Apply for IRD number immediately | Online IRD applications require a NZ bank account number |
| Avoid cash dependency | ATM fees and exchange rates are costly without a local account |
| Less to do on arrival | One less thing to sort in your first week |
| Credit card applications | Most NZ credit cards require an existing account relationship |
Which NZ Banks Offer Pre-Arrival Opening?
Providers are listed alphabetically.
ANZ: International Account Opening
ANZ has a dedicated process for migrants, international students, and people moving to NZ from overseas.
Eligibility: Available to people with residency, skilled migrant visas, or other long-stay visas. International students can apply through the ANZ International Student account pathway.
Application: online international application with a certified copy of your passport and visa.
Timing: typically 3–7 business days; the account number is issued before you leave home, and the debit card is collected from a branch on arrival or mailed to your NZ address.
Accounts available: Everyday banking, savings accounts. No credit card until you’ve been banking with them for 3–6 months.
ASB: Mobile App Pre-Arrival Opening
Application: through the ASB Mobile app from outside NZ, with passport and visa documents uploaded in the app.
Timing: typically approved within 1–3 business days; account number issued immediately, debit card mailed to your NZ address.
ASB is one of the largest banks in NZ.
Accounts available: ASB FastNet Classic transaction account, savings accounts.
BNZ: Limited Pre-Arrival Options
BNZ does not have a formal pre-arrival programme but occasionally facilitates account openings for high-value or referred customers. Contact BNZ directly if you have a corporate or referral relationship.
In practice, most BNZ new-customer accounts are opened in-branch within days of arrival.
Kiwibank: Must Open in Branch
Kiwibank does not currently offer pre-arrival or remote account opening. You must visit a NZ Post outlet or Kiwibank branch in person after you arrive.
In-branch process: Bring your passport and visa documents. Account can typically be opened same-day.
Westpac: Pre-Arrival Application
Westpac NZ allows people relocating to NZ to apply for an account before they arrive.
Application: through Westpac NZ’s international or migrant team, with identity and visa documents.
Timing: debit card issued on or after arrival.
Note: The Westpac process may require a follow-up visit to a branch to complete identity verification, depending on your circumstances.
What Documents Do You Need?
Regardless of which bank you choose, you’ll need:
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Passport | Must be current (not expired) |
| NZ visa | Work visa, student visa, or evidence of residence status |
| Proof of address | A letter from your employer, university, or accommodation provider. Some banks accept an overseas address initially. |
| Contact details | NZ or overseas mobile number and email |
Some banks also ask for:
- A utility bill or bank statement from your home country (for AML/identity purposes)
- An overseas bank account number for initial transfer
International Bank and Fintech Options
If you can’t open a NZ bank account before you arrive, or need a bridge account for your first few days, these are the alternatives:
| Option | How it helps |
|---|---|
| Wise (formerly TransferWise) | Open a Wise account from overseas and receive NZ account details. Not a bank, but it can receive payments. |
| Revolut NZ | NZ-based Revolut account available via the app. Can be opened before arrival for some nationalities. |
| Your existing overseas bank’s card or travel card | Works as a bridge for the first week or so, with overseas transaction fees |
Wise and Revolut are not full NZ banks: they cannot accept KiwiSaver employer contributions or be used for all NZ payment types, so a main NZ bank account is still needed.
After You Arrive: In-Branch Account Opening
If you choose to open your account in person after arrival, the process is fast:
- Visit any branch of your chosen bank with your passport and visa
- Tell them you’re a new arrival and want to open an account
- Most branches can open an everyday account same-day
- Your debit card may be issued immediately or posted within 5 working days
Account Types to Open
| Account type | Why |
|---|---|
| Everyday / transaction account | For wages, rent, bills — your main account |
| Online savings account | Earn interest on money not needed immediately. Open alongside your transaction account. |
| Credit card | Some banks offer one after a few months of banking with them; on-time repayments build a NZ credit history |
See savings accounts compared and credit cards compared by type.
Where to check the latest data
Rates, fees and returns change often. Before deciding, check current figures yourself:
- The provider's own website: has its current rates, fees and full terms; these change more often than any comparison page.
- interest.co.nz savings account rates: tables of current call and online savings account rates.
- Financial Service Providers Register: shows whether a provider is registered to offer financial services in New Zealand.
Related Guides
- NZ Financial Checklist for Migrants
- How to open a bank account in NZ: ID and proof of address for residents
- Banks for New Arrivals in NZ
- Compare NZ Banks
- Sending Money Home from NZ
- Moving to NZ — All Guides