Account Opening
Please refer to the Identity Verification checklist for available options.
Yes, as long as we can see that you are one of the account holders.
For Joint account applications the nominated account must be a joint account and display both nominated account holders’ names.
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
You can apply for a Rabobank Online Savings account by clicking 'Apply for Savings Accounts' to open our application form.
Here’s a few things you will need:
- A bank account in your name with another New Zealand bank
- A current driver licence or passport
- Your vehicle licence plate (if you own one)
- Your mobile phone by your side
- Your IRD Number and Resident Withholding Tax rate (you can provide this later)
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.
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.
Go to our online application form and select ‘Children’ 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.
If you are not currently a customer, to open a Term Deposit with Rabobank Online Savings, click on the ‘Apply for a savings account’ button and follow the instructions to open a new account.
Please note that when you set up a Term Deposit account we will also set up a RaboSaver account for you.
Once we have completed your application, we will courier your welcome pack which will include the Digipass (a 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.
We will get in touch with you within 2 business days. Your account usually will be open between 2-4 business days however it may take longer if any additional information is required.
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 authorised signatories who is not an existing customer they 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:
- A certified copy of their identification (passport or birth certificate)
- Residential address evidence (for example IRD letter, or existing bank statement)
See our Identity Verification Checklist for some options of what to send and who can certify documents for you.
If you do not provide an IRD number, we are required to deduct RWT at 45%.
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 45%.
To update your IRD number, RWT rate, please send us a secure message.
- Log into Rabobank Online Savings
- Go to the envelope icon, located top right next to the log out button
- Click on ‘New Message’
- Provide us with the IRD number and new tax rate and send
You can still open an account for the child, but the Resident Withholding Tax rate will be set at the maximum rate of 45%.
Once the account is open, you can call us or send a secure message with the IRD number and tax rate.
To do this:
- Login to your Rabobank Online Savings account.
- Send us a secure message, by clicking on the envelope icon top right hand side of page.
- Create a message and send us the IRD number for the child’s account.
A nominated account is an external bank account held in the same name as your Rabobank Online Savings account. You need to provide details of this account on your application form. It is used for transferring money to and from your Rabobank Online Savings account.
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. See the OECD website for more information.
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.
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 a Rabobank Online Savings account.
No. You need to be currently residing in New Zealand to open a Rabobank Online Savings account.
As part of the application process you also need to provide details of:
- your existing New Zealand bank account with another bank in your 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 for savings account' at the top of the page.
We offer accounts to the following customer types:
- Individual
- Joint
- Children
The children account will be opened in the name of the child with an adult acting as the authorised signatory.