Kiwibank Banking Solutions and Alternatives

Kiwibank offers a range of banking solutions to suit different needs. Their everyday account is a popular choice for those who want a no-fee account with access to online banking and mobile banking.

One of the key benefits of Kiwibank is its extensive branch network, with over 80 branches across New Zealand. This makes it easy for customers to access their accounts and get help when they need it.

Kiwibank's mobile banking app is also highly rated, allowing customers to manage their accounts, pay bills, and transfer money on the go. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices.

For customers who prefer to bank online, Kiwibank's website is user-friendly and secure, offering a range of online banking services, including bill payments and account management.

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Kiwibank was established in 2002 and was officially given the green light by Finance Minister Michael Cullen after a long and intense discussion in cabinet.

Jim Anderton's determination to make Kiwibank a reality was evident in his valedictory speech, where he revealed that he had spent hours convincing Cullen to support the bank. Annette King even stepped in to persuade Cullen, saying "For God's sake, give him the bloody bank", to which Cullen replied, "Oh, all right then."

By 2007, Kiwibank had achieved higher customer satisfaction ratings compared to the four major Australian-owned banks operating in New Zealand.

Kiwibank was established in 2002, and it was a long time coming. Jim Anderton had to convince Finance Minister Michael Cullen to give him the go-ahead, and it took him three hours of arguing to finally get the green light.

The bank's early years were marked by increased competition in the New Zealand banking sector, thanks in part to Kiwibank's lower fees. By 2007, Kiwibank had already achieved higher customer satisfaction ratings compared to the four major Australian-owned banks operating in New Zealand.

Kiwibank's advertising campaigns during this period were quite bold, with the "Join The Movement" campaign portraying foreign-owned competitors as enemy occupiers. The New Zealand Herald called the campaign "jingoistic", a fitting description given its patriotic tone.

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In 2012, Kiwibank celebrated its ten-year birthday with a unique advertising campaign featuring 10-year-old Kiwis pledging what they're standing up for.

The campaign used Neil Finn's song "Can you hear us?" re-recorded by Jeremy Redmore of Midnight Youth, with the proceeds from the first 20,000 downloads going to the NZ Music Foundation.

Kiwibank released an iPhone mobile banking app in 2012, following the rollout of a redesigned website.

Standard & Poor lowered Kiwibank's credit rating one level from AA− to A+ (outlook stable) that year.

Kiwibank reported a record after-tax profit of $79.1 million for the year ended 30 June 2012.

In 2014, Kiwibank launched its "Independence" advertising campaign, comparing itself to anyone who has ever immigrated to New Zealand.

The New Zealand Superannuation Fund and the Accident Compensation Corporation acquired shares in Kiwibank in 2016.

The New Zealand Government purchased Kiwi Group Holdings, the holdings company of Kiwibank, for an estimated NZ$2.1 billion in 2022, gaining full control of the state-owned bank.

Kiwibank offers a range of business services to help entrepreneurs and small business owners succeed.

One of the key services is business lending, which provides access to funds for business growth and expansion.

Their cheque accounts are designed for businesses, offering a convenient way to manage finances.

Kiwibank also provides credit cards for businesses, which can be used for purchases and expenses.

Investments are another service offered by Kiwibank, allowing businesses to grow their wealth.

Merchant services are available, enabling businesses to accept payments and manage transactions.

Payment services are also provided, making it easy for businesses to send and receive payments.

Insurance is available to help protect businesses from unexpected events and financial losses.

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Kiwibank has a impressive list of awards under its belt. It won the Sunday Star Times/Cannex banking awards from 2006 to 2012 for offering the best value across its range of products.

Kiwibank's commitment to providing excellent banking services has earned it numerous awards. It has also won New Zealand's Most Trusted Bank at the Reader's Digest Trusted Brand Awards from 2006 to 2017.

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Kiwibank's recognition doesn't stop there. It has been named Bank of the Year for First Home Buyers at the CANSTAR Awards from 2011 to 2017. This is a testament to its dedication to helping New Zealanders achieve their homeownership goals.

Here are some of Kiwibank's notable awards:

Kiwibank has also received recognition from other reputable organizations. It was named Bank of the Year – New Zealand by The Banker in 2009 and 2010.

Kiwibank is committed to giving back to the community through various initiatives. Kiwibank is the major sponsor of the New Zealander of the Year Awards.

Kiwibank has partnered with the children's financial literacy provider Banqer to promote financial education among young people. The goal of this partnership is to have 1000 classrooms sponsored into the programme, which was achieved by April 2017.

Kiwibank has also partnered with the Predator Free New Zealand Trust and the Department of Conservation (DOC) to help eradicate pests in New Zealand. The Kiwibank Predator Free Communities Programme works with communities wanting to take up the predator-free challenge.

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Kiwibank has a history of supporting various events and initiatives through sponsorship. One notable example is its sponsorship of The Block NZ from 2012 to 2014.

In 2012, Kiwibank also sponsored the CFA Institute Research Challenge hosted by the CFA Society of New Zealand. This partnership aimed to promote financial research and education.

The bank's commitment to innovation is evident in its support of New Zealand's first FinTech Accelerator, set up in 2016 with Kiwibank sponsorship. This program aimed to foster growth in the financial technology sector.

The 2018 Kiwibank FinTech Accelerator was a three-month business growth program that resulted in seven successful start-ups. These businesses included AccountingPod, Tapi, Liberac, Sharesies, Teddy, Wicket, and a Xero team.

The 2019 intake of the Kiwabank FinTech Accelerator featured innovative companies like BankEngine, Cove Insurance, and Miuwi.

Kiwibank is committed to making a positive impact in the community through its corporate social responsibility initiatives. They've been the major sponsor of the New Zealander of the Year Awards since I don't know when. Kiwibank has also partnered with the children's financial literacy provider Banqer, aiming to sponsor 1000 classrooms into the programme by April 2017, which they successfully achieved.

Their partnership with Banqer continues to grow, helping to educate children about financial literacy. Kiwibank has also joined forces with the Predator Free New Zealand Trust and the Department of Conservation (DOC) to establish the Kiwibank Predator Free Communities Programme. This programme works with communities wanting to take up the predator-free challenge.

Kiwibank's commitment to sustainable growth and becoming the first choice for business and retail banking customers is evident in their corporate social responsibility efforts. Their mission emphasizes the importance of trust and continual investment in both people and technology. By partnering with nCino, Kiwibank aims to revolutionize traditional banking processes and deliver seamless and efficient loan processing and frictionless customer experiences.

Here are some notable corporate social responsibility initiatives undertaken by Kiwibank:

Kiwibank has made a significant commitment to Mātauranga Māori, with a rautaki in place to increase knowledge and comfort with te ao Māori among its kaimahi.

The bank's Head of People Experience, Jess Segal, says the rautaki aims to support all kaimahi to understand how their decisions impact Māori and give them the confidence to weave te ao Māori into their work.

A te reo Māori and te ao Māori development and leadership framework is being implemented, involving the Executive leadership team and around 60 kaimahi from across the business.

Kiwibank has also established an app to support all kaimahi to learn te reo Māori me ōna Tikanga, and is incorporating te reo Māori into its purpose and values.

The bank's purpose was recently changed from "Kiwis making Kiwis better off" to "Kiwi making Kiwi better off", after realising that using the letter 's' in te reo Māori is both incorrect and disrespectful.

Kiwibank has also created a group called Te Rito on its digital social platform, Workplace, where kaimahi can share content and experiences related to the rautaki.

Establishing Te Uepu Māori o Kiwibank, a group of Māori and advocates, has been a huge support for the rautaki, and has helped to make everyday use of te reo Māori the norm in the business.

Kiwibank offers a range of products and services that cater to different needs. Their core business activities include personal banking, business banking, KiwiSaver, and other wealth services.

They have a personal banking service that provides everyday banking solutions for individuals. This includes various account options, loans, and credit cards.

Business banking is another key area of focus for Kiwibank, offering tailored solutions for businesses of all sizes.

Kiwibank has made significant investments in alternative finance options, such as New Zealand Home Loans, which now offers a nationwide network of over 75 franchises.

In 2012, Kiwi Group Holdings acquired Gareth Morgan Investments for an undisclosed sum, and by 2013, GMI reached a milestone of $2 billion funds under management.

Kiwibank's digital transformation is ongoing, with a partnership with nCino in 2021 to support their multi-year digital transformation.

By 2018, Kiwi Wealth's asset under management had surpassed $6 billion, a testament to their commitment to expanding their investment services.

This investment in technology and people will likely have a positive impact on Kiwibank's customers and employees alike.

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Business credit cards can be a valuable tool for businesses, offering a range of benefits and features.

Kiwibank offers business credit cards as part of their Business Banking products and services.

You can use a business credit card for business lending, investments, and merchant services.

However, it's worth noting that customer service may not always be up to par, as one customer experienced 4 weeks of secure messages and phone calls with inadequate or no replies.

To open a Fast-Forward savings account, the procedure and eligibility requirements are the same as if opening a Free-Up everyday account.

You can start by filling out the online banking application form, where you'll specify that you want to open a Fast-Forward savings account.

All applicants are required to present a proof of NZ address and a personal identification document, which can be done online or in person.

Verification can be done via a Smartphone, through a verified RealMe account, or by bringing documents into a branch.

You'll need to have your documents ready to upload or bring in, so make sure you have them easily accessible.

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Kiwibank offers a range of savings accounts to suit different needs.

You can choose from four savings account options: Fast Forward Saver, Back-up Saver, Notice Saver, and Online Call Account.

The Fast Forward Saver account is a good option for those who want to grow their savings quickly.

Fast Forward Saver, Back-up Saver, Notice Saver, and Online Call Account are the savings account options available.

These savings accounts can help you reach your financial goals, whether it's building an emergency fund or saving for a big purchase.

Here are the savings account options:

At Kiwibank, customer experience is top-notch. Valerie at the Takanini branch is a real asset to the organization, providing exceptional service to customers.

Kiwibank's staff are dedicated to making the banking process a pleasure, as evidenced by the positive feedback from satisfied customers.

At Kiwibank, Valerie is a real asset to the organization, making a significant positive impact on customer experience.

Valerie's helpful and obliging nature made a busy branch feel more manageable for a customer who invested with the Takanini Kiwibank.

A very satisfied customer was able to enjoy a pleasant experience at the Takanini Kiwibank due to Valerie's assistance.

Opening a joint account can be a straightforward process. Anyone looking to open a joint account with Kiwibank requires both applicants to visit a branch in-person or make contact over the phone.

You'll need to schedule a visit or call to initiate the process, as Kiwibank doesn't allow online applications for joint accounts. This ensures both account holders are present and can provide necessary information together.

By visiting a branch or making a phone call, you can get the ball rolling on opening a joint account with Kiwibank.

If you're still unsure about Kiwibank, consider other options like the Bank of New Zealand or ASB.

You can also look into Wise, which offers benefits similar to a local bank in New Zealand.

Opening a Kiwibank account from overseas online is possible, but with some specific requirements.

You'll need to have a valid New Zealand study or work visa, or be an Australian citizen. This allows you to enter New Zealand within 180 days of first enquiry to activate the account.

To open an account online, you'll need to submit a Kiwibank migrant banking application form, along with a notarised copy of your passport, proof of home country residential address, completed overseas tax declaration, and a proof of valid visa to the email address [email protected].

If you're opening a joint account, each applicant must fill out their own separate Kiwibank migrant banking application form, with one applicant providing a proof of New Zealand address.

Here's a summary of the requirements:

If you're not sold on Kiwibank, you can consider the Bank of New Zealand or ASB. These two banks offer similar services to Kiwibank.

The Bank of New Zealand and ASB have a strong presence in New Zealand, making them great alternatives to Kiwibank. They offer a range of financial products and services that can meet your needs.

Wise is another option to consider, offering benefits similar to a local bank in New Zealand. It's worth exploring what Wise has to offer if you're looking for something with extra perks.

Kiwibank has a reputation for being anti-crypto, with customers reporting constant failed payments and card blocks for legitimate crypto transactions.

This can lead to frustration and inconvenience, with some customers having to call multiple times to resolve the issue.

The bank's security measures are cited as the reason for these issues, but some customers feel that this is not a valid excuse for not supporting crypto transactions.

One customer reported having to buy crypto from dodgy exchanges due to Kiwibank's restrictions, resulting in higher rates and fees.

I called the bank to report unauthorized charges on my credit card, which I had never used and didn't have an account with.

They told me to write to the company (Adobe) and ask them to stop using the card, and then keep the paperwork for reimbursement.

The bank's customer service said that even if I blocked my card, the charges would still go through.

This is frustrating because it allows the thief to continue stealing money from my account while I wait for a response from the company.

Kiwibank has been accused of being anti-crypto, with one customer stating it's the "most anti-crypto bank on the planet". They claim constant failed payments for crypto from legit sites, and their CC is constantly blocked.

Customers have reported having to call Kiwibank multiple times to unblock their CC, only to be told it's due to security measures. One customer was told they couldn't do anything about it.

Buying crypto from dodgy exchanges at higher rates and fees is apparently the only option for Kiwibank customers. This is considered unacceptable by some.

Kiwibank's anti-crypto stance has led to a poor experience for some customers. One customer had $800 worth of sold USDC and ETH converted to NZ currency, only to have it rejected and disappear.

Don't go with Kiwibank if you're looking for a hassle-free experience with crypto transactions. They seem to be causing more problems than solutions.

Repeated calls to Kiwibank have yielded little to no results for some customers. One customer was told they would receive a response within 14 days, but it's been over a month with no resolution.

Kiwibank's customer service has been described as "absolutely useless" by one customer. They claim to be calling every day, but getting nothing but missed messages and unavailable investigators.

Kiwibank offers a range of account types to suit different needs.

You can open a Fast-Forward savings account, which has the same eligibility requirements and procedure as opening a Free-Up everyday account. To specify you want to open a Fast-Forward savings account, simply fill out the online banking application form accordingly.

The key difference between the two is the type of account you're opening, but the process remains the same.

Kiwibank offers a range of account options for its customers.

You can choose from an everyday transaction account and several savings accounts.

Their everyday transaction account, known as the Free Up account, is a great option for those who need a simple and easy-to-use account.

The Free Up account is available to anyone aged 13 and over who lives or is eligible to work or study in New Zealand.

To open a Free Up account, you'll need to meet the eligibility requirements and follow the steps outlined on Kiwibank's website.

Some of the savings accounts offered by Kiwibank include the Fast Forward Saver account, Back-up Saver account, Notice Saver account, and Online Call Account.

Here are some of the savings accounts available:

The Kiwibank Free-Up everyday Account has no monthly account fees, which is a great perk for those who want to save some money.

Fees can add up quickly, so it's essential to understand what you're paying for. The table below compares the Kiwibank Free-Up everyday Account with the Wise multi-currency account.

It's clear that both accounts have their pros and cons when it comes to fees.