Gain a head start on your move to New Zealand

Open a bank account online while you’re still overseas, so you can hit the ground running when you arrive in New Zealand. Consider it one thing checked off your to-do list.
移居新西兰 or ニュージーランドへ移住

Open an account online

What you can do before you move

Step 1: Open your account

While you’re still overseas, apply to open a bank account online, and with the assistance of a dedicated migrant banking specialist we’ll help you set up your banking, ready for living in New Zealand.

When you arrive you’ll need to provide full identification to a banker at a BNZ store, so they can activate your account.

Before you move, and while your account is not fully activated, it will act as a holding account where you can make deposits to it, but you won’t be able to make any withdrawals.

Open an account

Step 2: Move money across

Once your account is open, you can deposit money into it via a telegraphic transfer^, and view your account balance by logging in to Internet Banking.

You can withdraw funds as soon as you have met with a BNZ banker, and provided evidence of your identity and address.

For any accounts that haven’t been activated within 12 months of being opened, any deposits you have made will be returned to the account you transferred them from.

Receiving international payments

Step 3: Activate your account when you arrive

Before you leave home, and before you arrive in New Zealand, set up a meeting with a banker at your nearest BNZ store to get your account activated.

If you applied for a joint account, you’ll both need to be at the appointment for the account to be activated.

  • You’ll need to bring your passport and evidence of your current address along to the meeting.
  • Your account will be activated by your banker and you’ll receive your BNZ Eftpos card.
  • Once activated, your account will be fully functional which means you’ll be able to withdraw money and make payments from your account.
  • When your account is active i.e. you’ve made a deposit and a withdrawal of different amounts, you’ll be able to apply for an IRD number. 

How to activate your account

如何激活您的帐户 or 口座の有効化

We’ll help you get started in New Zealand

Moving to a new country comes with its own set of rules that are likely to be unfamiliar, so we’ll support your move to New Zealand with information, products, and services to help you get settled in.

Pay for things you need

Cover the essentials

Build your savings and wealth

Services for those on Investor Visas

If you’re planning on moving to New Zealand under the Investor or Investor Plus visa categories, we’re able to work with you to create investment solutions that will help you meet the 'acceptable investment' requirements, and your own individual investment preferences.

Solutions tailored to your needs

Not only will your portfolio meet the requirements of your visa application, but it’ll also reflect your personal situation and investment objectives. Plus we’ll tailor it to your attitude to risk.

What your portfolio will be

Your portfolio can be constructed with New Zealand managed funds and (or) direct investments in New Zealand equities, bonds or listed property. 

Leave the hard work to us

We make the process easy by working with Immigration New Zealand on your behalf to gain approval of your investment portfolio. Once approved, we’ll take care of implementing your portfolio for you.

Ongoing Advice and Monitoring

We actively monitor and manage your investments for you. We’ll provide in-depth valuation, performance and tax reporting to maintain your ongoing compliance with the investment rules.

Why Bank of New Zealand?

We’re one of New Zealand's leading full-service banks with over 170 stores nationwide and we’ve been helping people start a new life in this country since 1861. 

We offer a leading online banking experience with our Internet Banking platform that simplifies your banking experience and gives you the flexibility to bank the way you want.

Our award winning Mobile Banking app gives you freedom to bank on the go, and at your convenience, all within a beautiful design plus options to personalise your account. 

Award-winning banking

Creating the best banking experiences for our customers is at the heart of what we do. But don’t just take our word for it.

Delightful Digital Experiences

We ranked top in New Zealand for digital banking experiences that customers love in SAP’s 2016 New Zealand Digital Experience Report.

Best private bank, New Zealand

BNZ Private Bank won the "Best Private Bank in New Zealand" in The PWM/The Banker Global Private Banking Awards 2015, recognising excellence in wealth management.

Outstanding design

Our internet banking and mobile app won Best Effect award for design and innovation excellence in the 2014 Best Design Awards.

Planning a move to Australia?

National Australia Bank (NAB) is one of Australia's leading financial services organisations. They can help you set up an Australian bank account, up to 12 months before you move to Australia. BNZ is part of the National Australia Bank Group of companies.

About moving to Australia

Migrant help and support

If you need help, contact us at bnzmigrant.banking@bnz.co.nz  or talk to one of our team (international charges will apply). 

  • New Zealand +64 9 976 6318 

  • Australia +61 3 8634 1393

Small Print

Account opening and lending criteria, terms and fees apply. Refer to our Migrant account terms and conditions.  BNZ standard terms and conditions apply to all BNZ transaction and savings accounts. Details of our fees can be found in our Fees Guide (PDF 126kb)

  1. Exchange rates on international payments will be the market rate at time of transfer and a processing fee will apply.