Frequently Asked Questions

You can apply for a RaboDirect account online. Click 'Apply Now' at the top of the page to open our application form.

Here’s a few things you will need:

• Your IRD number
• Your NZ driver licence and passport details (if you have them)
• Your vehicle licence plate (if you own one)
• An account number for another NZ bank account you hold 

We use the passport and licence information to electronically identify you, however if this isn’t successful we may need you to post us some documents. After completing the online application:

• Submit any documentation listed on the checklist. 
• Make an initial deposit to activate the account.

We will then post out your Digipass, giving you access to your new account online.

Any deposits you make will earn on-call interest straight away.

You have the option to have your identity verified electronically or by providing certified identity documentation. Providing consent to verify your identity electronically allows us to verify your details against external data sources and therefore streamline the account opening process.

We do this by providing your details securely to a third party which specialises in electronic identity verification. The details you have provided are verified against data from a number of NZ data sources. Your details will not be forwarded to other third parties or used for any other purpose; read our privacy statement.

Electronic identity verification is optional, however it means less documentation you need to send us.

If the electronic identity verification is not successful (which means that we are unable to sufficiently match your information against the data sources), we will need certified identity documents. In this situation you will be advised during the application process of any additional documentation requirements.

Use our Identity Verification Checklist

A nominated account is an external bank account held in the same name as your RaboDirect account. You need to provide details of this account on your application form. It is used for transferring money to and from your RaboDirect account.

Go to our online application form, and select ‘Children’s’ and follow the instructions. 

When opening a children’s account we will need to identify both the authorised signatory and the child. We offer the option to have the identity of the authorised signatory electronically verified, but we will need to receive certified identity documents for the child. Look out for the checklist at the end of the online application.

Each country has its own tax residency rules and regulations. Please visit the OECD website for more information.  If you are unsure if you are a tax resident of another country, we recommend that you seek advice from a professional accountant or financial advisor.

 If you would prefer to get your documents verified in person, this can be done at any Rabobank New Zealand branch. You can find the list of branches here.

We will need to identify both the authorised signatory and the child. If you are an existing customer, please select this on the form as you are already identified.

For new customers, the authorised signatory can:

• choose to be electronically verified using their passport or driver licence details, or
• provide certified identity documents (photo ID and residential address evidence).

Electronic verification isn’t always successful, so they may still need to send certified identity documents. You will receive a checklist at the end of the online application confirming what is needed. 

For the child, we will need:

Anti-Money Laundering legislation requires banks to conduct due diligence on its customers to try to identify individuals/entities who may be engaging in money laundering or terrorism finance. As a bank, we are required to comply with this legislation. For more information please visit http://www.rbnz.govt.nz/regulation-and-supervision/anti-money-laundering.

You are required to let us know if you are a tax resident of any country other than New Zealand.  If you are, you’ll need to supply your TIN (tax identification number) or equivalent.  That’s your identifying number for tax purposes. 

As of the 1^st of July 2017, all New Zealand banks are required to collect information about foreign tax residents (under the Common Reporting Standard – CRS, & Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act - FATCA).  We need this information before we can open your account.  

Although your child might not be working, interest payments are still considered a form of income. We are required to deduct tax from this interest and pay it to Inland Revenue on the child’s behalf. 

You can still open an account for the child, but the Resident Withholding Tax rate will be set at the maximum rate of 33%. 

Once the account is open, you can add an IRD number and update the tax rate online. 

To do this:

1. Login to RaboDirect
2. Click ‘My Rabo’ then ‘Tax Details’
3. Click ‘Actions’ then ‘Change tax details’
4. Enter the new details. 
5. Confirm the change with the Digipass. 

To open a term deposit with RaboDirect, select 'Apply Now' on our home page, then 'Term Deposit' from the investment options and follow the instructions.
Please note that when you set up a term deposit account we will also set up a RaboSaver account for you.

For Existing Customers:

To set up a term deposit, simply log into RaboDirect and click 'Term Deposits' then 'Create Term Deposit' from the menu at the top of the page. This will allow you to specify the amount, term (duration), and maturity instructions of the new term deposit.

Please note, before the funds are transferred to the term deposit they need to be in one of your RaboDirect savings accounts. The cut-off time for starting a new term deposit is 4pm (NZT) business days. 

No. You need to be a New Zealand tax resident to open a RaboDirect account.

As part of the application process you also need to provide:

• an existing New Zealand bank account in the same name, and
• a New Zealand residential and postal address.

If you move to New Zealand and can provide the documents above, you can apply for an account by clicking ‘Apply Now’ at the top of the page.

Yes, as long as we can see that you are one of the account holders.

Yes, but we will need to receive evidence of a New Zealand bank account in the other applicants name so that we can fully identify them. 

Once we have completed your application, we will courier your welcome pack which will include the Digipass (a security device that allows you to access your account securely) and instructions on activating your account. You will then be able to log in online, complete transfers and invest in our range of excellent products.

If you do not provide an IRD number, we are required to deduct RWT at 33%.

In the case that you supply an IRD number but fail to select an RWT rate, then we are legally required to deduct RWT at 33%.

You can update your RWT rate and IRD online once your account is opened. To do this click ‘My Rabo’ then ‘Tax details’ when logged into your account.

A nominated account is an external New Zealand bank account held in the same name as your RaboDirect account. You need to provide details of this account on your application form. It is used for transferring money to and from your RaboDirect account.    

You can only have one nominated account but this can be changed online at any time.

We offer accounts to the following customer types:

• Individual
• Joint
• Minor

The minor account will be opened in the name of the child with an adult acting as the authorised signatory.

We require a direct debit authority for the nominated bank account as our internet banking system has both a 'Transfer in' and 'Transfer out' facility. This allows you to make both deposits and withdrawals all in the same place, rather than having to log in to two different internet banking systems.

If you prefer to make deposits via direct credit using the services of your other bank, you are more than welcome to do this. However, we still need you to accept our direct debit authority before you can open an account with RaboDirect.