One of the smartest things you can do before moving to New Zealand is open a bank account before you leave home. Having an account number on arrival means you can apply for your IRD number sooner, get paid faster, and avoid the stress of trying to sort banking in the first chaotic days.
ANZ, ASB, and Westpac all offer some form of pre-arrival account opening for migrants. ASB's process is the most straightforward — 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 |
| Reduce admin stress | One less thing to sort in your first chaotic week |
| Credit card applications | Most NZ credit cards require an existing account relationship |
Which NZ Banks Offer Pre-Arrival Opening?
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.
How it works:
- Visit the ANZ NZ website and complete the online international application
- You’ll need to supply a certified copy of your passport and visa
- ANZ will contact you by email — process typically takes 3–7 business days
- You’ll receive your account number before you leave home
- Collect your debit card from a branch on arrival (or have it 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
ASB’s process is widely regarded as the easiest for new arrivals.
How it works:
- Download the ASB Mobile app
- Follow the new customer sign-up flow — you can complete it from outside NZ
- Upload your passport and visa documents via the app
- Account typically approved within 1–3 business days
- Account number issued immediately; debit card mailed to your NZ address
Best for: People arriving from the UK, South Africa, and other Commonwealth countries who are comfortable with app-based banking. ASB is one of the largest banks in NZ and has strong branch coverage.
Accounts available: ASB FastNet Classic transaction account, savings accounts.
Westpac — Pre-Arrival Application
Westpac NZ allows people relocating to NZ to apply for an account before they arrive.
How it works:
- Contact Westpac NZ’s international or migrant team via the website
- Complete the application with identity and visa documents
- Account opened — debit card issued on or after arrival
Note: The Westpac process is more manual than ASB and may require a follow-up visit to a branch to complete identity verification, depending on your circumstances.
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 — this is quick and straightforward once you’re on the ground.
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. Kiwibank is often the fastest in-person option for domestic accounts.
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, consider:
| Option | How it helps |
|---|---|
| Wise (formerly TransferWise) | Open a Wise NZ account from overseas — receive a NZ account number and BSB-style details. Not a full bank but works for receiving pay. |
| Revolut NZ | NZ-based Revolut account available via the app. Can be opened before arrival for some nationalities. Good for travel money. |
| Your existing overseas bank’s travel card | Use as a bridge for the first week — accept the fees for this short period |
Wise and Revolut are not full NZ banks — they cannot accept KiwiSaver employer contributions or be used for all NZ payment types. They work well as a short-term bridge, but you’ll still need a main NZ bank account.
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
Tip: Go first thing in the morning on a weekday. Avoid end of month when branches are busier.
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 | Apply after 3–6 months — helps build NZ credit history |
See best savings accounts NZ and best credit cards NZ for options once you’re settled.