Guide · Money & banking
Day-one banking.
The major NZ banks let you start the account application before you land, so you can transfer money in and have an account number ready on arrival. Here is how the process generally runs. Not financial advice, just the process.
Overview
Many people start their NZ bank account before they land. ANZ, ASB and BNZ all take applications from overseas, so you can transfer money in and have an account number ready when you arrive.
This page summarises publicly available information from those three banks, checked August 2026. Requirements change, so verify directly with your chosen bank before you apply.
All three follow the same shape:
- Apply online from overseas, through the bank's new-to-New-Zealand or international-student pages.
- Use the account number you are given to receive transfers before you arrive.
- Visit a branch in person once you land, with your original documents, to activate the account for everyday use.
ANZ New Zealand
ANZ has specific services for international students and people relocating. Look for "ANZ International Students" and "ANZ New to New Zealand" on anz.co.nz. You fill in the online form from anywhere, then visit a branch when you arrive to activate the account with your original ID.
ANZ typically issues a debit card after in-branch activation.
ASB Bank
ASB's "New to New Zealand" service, on asb.co.nz, lets you apply online before you leave home. You may get an account number you can use to receive transfers before you arrive. Full activation (where the account is ready for everyday EFTPOS and online transactions) happens at an ASB branch with original ID documents.
BNZ (Bank of New Zealand)
BNZ takes applications online for people moving to NZ. See the moving-to-New-Zealand pages on bnz.co.nz. Start the process before you arrive, then complete it at a branch in person.
Documents you'll typically need
Requirements vary by bank and account type, so always check the bank's site directly. These are the documents commonly asked for:
- Valid passport
- Visa or visa approval letter
- Proof of NZ address (an offer letter from a NZ institution or a signed tenancy agreement often works)
- Acceptance letter from a NZ educational institution (for student accounts)
- Evidence of funds
In-branch activation
All three banks require you to show up in person at a NZ branch before the account is fully usable. This is an identity verification step, so take your original documents, not photocopies.
There's usually a timeframe for doing this after arrival. Check with your bank so you don't miss it.
Comparison table
| Feature | ANZ | ASB | BNZ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Offshore application | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Student-specific account | Yes | Yes | Check bank |
| In-branch activation required | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Where to look | anz.co.nz | asb.co.nz | bnz.co.nz |