
In New Zealand, each bank account has a unique number, known as the Bank Account Number, which is used for transactions and payments.
The Bank Account Number is usually 6-8 digits long and can be found on your bank statement or by logging into your online banking.
New Zealand banks use the Bank Account Number for all transactions, including direct debits, credits, and payments.
You can also use your Bank Account Number to set up automatic payments or transfers, such as paying your bills or sending money to friends and family.
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Understanding NZ Bank Account Numbers
NZ bank account numbers are made up of a combination of numbers that identify the bank and branch. The first two digits, also known as the bank prefix, indicate which bank a customer holds an account with.
There are 38 different bank prefixes in New Zealand, each allocated to a specific bank. For example, ASB has a bank prefix of 12.
The bank prefix is usually followed by a branch code, which indicates the specific branch where the account is held. This can range from 0001 to 9999.
Here's a breakdown of the banks and their corresponding bank prefixes:
Some banks have multiple prefixes, while others have a single prefix. For example, Transferwise uses bank prefix 04 as of 2024.
The remaining digits in the account number identify the individual account.
NZ Bank Account Number Components
In New Zealand, a bank account number is made up of several components. The first two numbers indicate the bank number or prefix, which uniquely identifies the bank a customer holds an account with.
Each bank has its own allocated two-digit number, making it easy to tell which bank an account belongs to. For example, a bank account number like "12-1234-1234567-123" has a bank number or prefix of "12".
The second block of numbers in a NZ bank account number indicates the bank branch number, which can change depending on the branch location. This means that different branches of the same bank may have different branch numbers.
Number

The number component of a NZ bank account number is a crucial part of identifying the account. It's made up of 16 digits, with the first two numbers indicating the bank number or prefix.
The bank number or prefix is a two-digit code that identifies which bank a customer holds an account with. For example, a bank number of 12 indicates that the account is with ASB Bank.
A NZ bank account number is broken up into four distinct sections, with each section highlighting different features about the bank, branch, and account details. The first two numbers are the bank number or prefix.
Here are some popular NZ bank codes and their associated bank prefixes and branch ranges. This can be useful when trying to identify a bank or account.
The second block of numbers in a NZ bank account number indicates the bank branch number for where the account is located in NZ. Each bank can have several branch locations where customers can open an account.
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Suffix

The Suffix is a crucial part of a New Zealand bank account number, and it's usually the last 4 digits.
It's used to identify the branch or a specific service within the bank, such as a particular product or a mobile banking service.
The Suffix can be used to determine which bank or branch is associated with the account number.
It's usually a fixed number that doesn't change, regardless of account activity or balance.
The Suffix is an important detail to keep in mind when using your bank account number for transactions or online banking.
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NZ Bank Account Number Details
A New Zealand bank account number is 16 digits long, broken up into 4 distinct sections. Each section highlights different features about the bank, branch, and account details.
The first two numbers of a NZ bank account number indicate the bank number or prefix, which identifies the bank a customer holds an account with. Each bank in New Zealand has its own allocated two-digit number.
Here's a breakdown of the NZ bank account number format:
Your full NZ bank account number can be found on your bank statement or online banking account.
The Details
You'll need to gather some specific details from your New Zealand bank account to send money overseas. Your New Zealand bank account number can be found on your bank statement or online banking page.
To make things easier, you can refer to the following main New Zealand banks and their respective pages for the information: Co-Operative Bank, Westpac, BNZ, ANZ, Kiwibank, and ASB.
The currency and amount you want to send will also depend on your bank's policies. Some banks will allow you to send money in a foreign currency or an NZ$ equivalent, while others will only allow you to send in NZ$.
You can find this information on the following pages of your New Zealand bank account website: Co-Operative Bank, Westpac, BNZ, ANZ, Kiwibank, and ASB.
Here's a summary of what you'll need:
- Your New Zealand bank account number (found on your bank statement or online banking page)
- The currency and amount you want to send (check your bank's policies and website for more information)
Money Transfer Details
Transferring money to and within New Zealand can be a bit of a headache, especially if you're not familiar with the banking system. You'll need to know the bank account details to make it happen.
To transfer money between New Zealand bank accounts, you'll need your New Zealand bank account number, which can be found on your bank statement or online banking page. This is a crucial piece of information.
The currency and amount you want to send are also important details to consider. Some banks will allow you to send money in a foreign currency or an NZ$ equivalent, while others will only allow you to send in NZ$. You can find this information on the website of your New Zealand bank, such as Co-Operative Bank, Westpac, BNZ, ANZ, Kiwibank, or ASB.
If you need more help, you can refer to our complete guide on how to send money overseas from a New Zealand bank account. Alternatively, if you're sending money specifically to Australia, you might want to check out our guide on how to send money to Australia from New Zealand.
Here are the essential details you'll need to transfer money to and within New Zealand:
- New Zealand bank account number (found on your bank statement or online banking page)
- Currency and amount you want to send (check with your bank to see if they allow foreign currency or NZ$ equivalent)
Managing NZ Bank Accounts
Managing NZ Bank Accounts is a crucial aspect of living in New Zealand.
You can open a NZD account as an expat in New Zealand with various top options available.
It's essential to decide which one suits your needs, considering factors such as fees, interest rates, and services offered.
Some banks in New Zealand offer free or low-fee options for expats, making it easier to manage your finances.
Linking
Linking your New Zealand bank account can be a bit tricky, but don't worry, I've got you covered. To link your account, you'll need to provide your bank account details, which typically include your bank account name, physical address in New Zealand, full NZ bank account number, NZ bank address details, and branch identifier.
The format of your bank account number is usually XX-XXXX-XXXXXXX-XXX, where the first two groups are the bank and branch number (without the dash), and the rest is the account number and suffix. Some banks give you a 3-digit suffix, but you should only use the last two digits.
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Here's a tip: when linking your ANZ bank account, make sure to put the dash in PayPayl before the suffix (last 2 numbers), and use the first two "xx - xxxx" as the bank number (without the dash) and the rest "xxxxxxx - xx" as the account number (with the dash and only last 2 digits).
If you're still having trouble, you can try checking the direct links to the main New Zealand banks, such as Co-Operative Bank, Westpac, BNZ, ANZ, Kiwibank, and ASB, which can help you find the information you need to link your account.
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Best NZD Options for Expats
If you're an expat in New Zealand, you'll want to consider the top options for NZD accounts to manage your finances effectively. Our guide can help you decide which one is best for your needs.
ANZ offers a range of accounts for expats, including a fee-free Everyday Account with no monthly account fees. This account is ideal for those who want to avoid unnecessary charges.
Westpac's Everyday Account is another popular option for expats, with a low monthly account fee and a range of online banking tools. This account is suitable for those who want to manage their finances on the go.
ASB's Multi-Currency Account allows you to hold multiple currencies in one account, making it a great option for expats who receive income in different currencies. This account also comes with no monthly account fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do New Zealand banks have IBAN numbers?
No, New Zealand banks do not use the International Bank Account Number (IBAN) standard. Instead, you'll need to provide your full bank branch account number and suffix as indicated on your bank statement.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand_bank_account_number
- https://wise.com/nz/blog/nz-bank-account-format
- https://nzpocketguide.com/what-details-do-you-need-to-transfer-money/
- https://handwiki.org/wiki/Finance:New_Zealand_bank_account_number
- https://www.paypal-community.com/t5/Wallet/Linking-Bank-Account-New-Zealand/td-p/1697981
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