Finance NZ: Compare Loans, KiwiSaver, Tax and Insurance in New Zealand
New Zealand Finance is an independent personal finance resource for Kiwis. We explain how borrowing, saving, investing, insurance and tax actually work here — then give you the calculators and comparisons to act on it. No lender owns us, and every guide says plainly how we make money.
Shape is illustrative, not live pricing. See current numbers in our mortgage rates guide and NZ interest rates 2026.
- Personal loans
- Mortgage rates
- KiwiSaver providers
- Tax rates 2026
- Term deposits
- Credit cards
- Debt consolidation
- First home buyers
- NZ Super
- Business finance
- Car finance
- Life insurance
- Personal loans
- Mortgage rates
- KiwiSaver providers
- Tax rates 2026
- Term deposits
- Credit cards
- Debt consolidation
- First home buyers
- NZ Super
- Business finance
- Car finance
- Life insurance
Work out what a loan really costs
Move the sliders to see weekly and monthly repayments across common New Zealand personal-loan rates, including the establishment fee and monthly service fee that lenders add on top. Then check the detail in our loan calculator guide or compare live offers on personal loans NZ.
Finance Calculator
Establishment fee $215
Monthly service fee $2.50
Fixed rate 9.49%
Total to repay $0.00
Disclaimer: Results are a guide only and not an offer of finance. Calculations include establishment and service fees and are based on fixed interest for the chosen term.
Highest rated finance companies in New Zealand
Our editorial team scores New Zealand lenders and finance companies on rates, fees, approval speed, transparency and how they treat borrowers who fall behind. Ratings are editorial, not paid placements — see how we make money.
Whether it’s for a new car, a dream holiday, or everyday purchases, Finance Now makes borrowing simple for Kiwis. Enjoy quick approvals, flexible repayment terms, and trusted service backed by over 20 years of experience in New Zealand. Apply online and get the support you need – when you need it.
Enjoy interest-free shopping across Farmers stores nationwide with Farmers Finance. Whether you’re upgrading your wardrobe, homeware, or tech, Farmers Finance gives you the freedom to buy now and spread the cost over time. Easy application, secure payments, and flexible repayment terms – all designed for Kiwi shoppers.
New to borrowing here? Start with understanding loans in New Zealand, then read our guides to MTF Finance, Gem Finance and Oxford Finance.
Explore New Zealand finance by topic
Eight core areas, each with a main guide and the supporting reads underneath. Every guide is written for New Zealand rules, New Zealand lenders and New Zealand tax — not adapted from overseas advice.
Loans & borrowing
Rates, fees, approval criteria and the traps to avoid before you sign.
- Understanding loans in NZ
- Bad credit loans NZ
- Debt consolidation NZ
- Car finance NZ
- Quick loans & alternatives
- Payday loans NZ
Mortgages & home loans
Deposits, fixed vs floating, refinancing and what the OCR does to your repayments.
- First home loan NZ
- Mortgage rates NZ
- How to refinance
- Offset mortgages
- Mortgage holidays
- NZ interest rates 2026
KiwiSaver & retirement
Contribution rates, fund types, withdrawals and what NZ Super actually pays.
- Complete KiwiSaver guide
- Best KiwiSaver providers
- KiwiSaver withdrawals
- Hardship withdrawals
- NZ Super per fortnight
- Retirement planning NZ
Tax, PAYE & income
Brackets, PAYE, ACC levies, GST and what lands in your account each payday.
- Income tax brackets NZ
- PAYE calculator NZ
- GST calculator NZ
- Salaries & cost of living
- Living wage NZ
- Minimum wage NZ
Insurance
Cover that matters in NZ, what it costs, and where policies quietly fall short.
- Life insurance explained
- Health insurance NZ
- House insurance NZ
- Contents & renters cover
- Car insurance NZ
- Income protection
Banking & saving
Where to park cash, what the big banks pay, and how to compare term deposits.
- High interest savings NZ
- BNZ term deposits
- Westpac term deposit rates
- TSB Bank review
- BNZ banking guide
- Westpac NZ guide
Investing & wealth
Shares, platforms, fees and the compounding maths that does the heavy lifting.
- Sharesies review
- Hatch Invest review
- Compound interest NZ
- Bitcoin price NZD
- XRP price NZD
- Trade Me NZ
Credit cards & credit
Rewards, cashback, interest-free deals and the credit score behind your approval.
- Cashback credit cards
- Airpoints credit cards
- Interest free credit cards
- Credit score NZ
- What credit score do you need?
- Borrowing with bad credit
Most read guides on New Zealand Finance
These are the pages Kiwis land on most from Google. If you only read a handful, read these.
Free New Zealand finance calculators
Every calculator is built on current New Zealand rates, thresholds and levies — and each one comes with a guide explaining what the numbers mean.
Struggling with repayments? Start here
Debt consolidation is the single most searched borrowing topic in New Zealand — and the one where bad decisions cost the most. Rolling several debts into one loan can cut your interest and simplify your budget, but only if the new rate and term genuinely beat what you are paying now.
- Work out your real total cost before you refinance anything
- Check whether a poor credit file is actually blocking you
- Understand what payday lenders charge — and the cheaper alternatives
- Know your rights under NZ responsible lending rules
Related reading
Guides to New Zealand banks, lenders and providers
Independent, non-promotional write-ups of the companies Kiwis actually deal with — what they offer, what they charge, and where they fall down.
Business finance, currency and household bills
Three areas Kiwis search constantly and rarely find straight answers on.
Business finance NZ
Funding options for Kiwi SMEs, from working capital to asset finance.
- Small business loans NZ
- Business loans compared
- Working capital finance
- Asset & equipment finance
- Business loans Auckland
- Business loans Wellington
- Business loans Christchurch
Currency & exchange rates
What moves the Kiwi dollar and how to avoid losing money on conversion.
Currency guide
Everyday costs & budgeting
Power, broadband, mobile and the recurring bills worth renegotiating.
- Power companies NZ
- Best broadband deals NZ
- Mobile plans NZ
- Saving money tips
- Wedding budget NZ
- NZ school holidays
Why trust New Zealand Finance?
Most finance content aimed at Kiwis is either recycled from overseas or written to sell one lender's product. We do neither. Every guide is researched against New Zealand sources — Inland Revenue, the Reserve Bank, the Financial Markets Authority and the providers themselves — and rewritten in plain English.
- Independent: we are not owned by, or tied to, any bank or lender
- Transparent: our revenue model is published in full
- Accountable: every article carries a named author and review date
- NZ-specific: written for New Zealand rules, rates and regulators
- Kept current: rates, thresholds and levies reviewed through 2026
What we cover
- Personal finance and borrowing
- Mortgage and home loan advice
- Life, health, car and property insurance
- KiwiSaver and long-term wealth planning
- Tax, PAYE and take-home pay
- Business and SME funding
- Budgeting tools and calculators
- NZ finance news and analysis
Browse everything on our full site index.
Latest New Zealand finance news and analysis
Rate moves, policy changes and provider updates, explained in terms of what they mean for your money.
NZ interest rates 2026: OCR, mortgage rates and what they mean
How the Official Cash Rate feeds through to your home loan, savings and term deposits.
TSB Bank review: digital infrastructure and everyday accounts
Low-fee everyday banking assessed on security, features and real-world usability.
Are finance jobs at risk from AI?
Which New Zealand finance roles are exposed, and which are growing instead.
Important financial disclaimer
New Zealand Finance publishes general information only. Nothing on this site is personalised financial advice, and we are not a registered financial adviser. Interest rates, fees, tax thresholds, KiwiSaver rules and eligibility criteria change often and vary between providers — always confirm the current terms directly with the bank, lender, insurer or Inland Revenue before you act. Consider seeking advice from a licensed financial adviser about your own circumstances. Some links on this site earn us a commission; this never changes our ratings or what we write. See our full financial disclaimer and how we make money.
Reference sources
- Inland Revenue (IRD) — tax rates, PAYE and KiwiSaver rules
- Reserve Bank of New Zealand — Official Cash Rate and lending data
- Financial Markets Authority — licensed providers and investor guidance
- Sorted (Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission) — independent money guidance
- Consumer Protection NZ — credit contracts and responsible lending
- Commerce Commission — consumer credit regulation
- Work and Income — NZ Superannuation rates and eligibility
- MoneyTalks — free, confidential financial helpline (0800 345 123)
Frequently asked questions about finance in New Zealand
What is the best personal loan rate in New Zealand?
Personal loan rates in New Zealand typically range from around 6.9% p.a. for secured borrowing with a strong credit file, up to roughly 29.95% p.a. for unsecured loans through consumer finance companies. The advertised headline rate is rarely what you pay — establishment fees and monthly service fees can add hundreds of dollars over the term. Compare the total cost of credit rather than the rate alone, and use our loan calculator to model the real repayment before you apply.
How much is NZ Super per fortnight?
NZ Superannuation is paid fortnightly and the amount depends on your living situation and the tax code you use. Single people living alone receive more than those in a relationship, and your rate is adjusted each year in line with wage growth. Because tax codes materially change what actually lands in your account, check the current after-tax figures for your own situation in our NZ Super guide and confirm them with Work and Income.
What are the current tax rates in New Zealand?
New Zealand uses a progressive income tax system, so different portions of your income are taxed at different rates rather than your whole income being taxed at one rate. On top of income tax, PAYE deductions include the ACC earners’ levy, and KiwiSaver contributions come out separately. Our tax rates guide sets out the current brackets and shows how PAYE, ACC and KiwiSaver combine to produce your take-home pay.
Can I get a loan in New Zealand with bad credit?
Yes, though your options narrow and your rate rises. Some non-bank lenders and finance companies specialise in borrowers with defaults or thin credit files, usually pricing that risk at the top of the rate range or requiring security such as a vehicle. Before applying, check your credit file for errors, avoid multiple applications in a short window, and compare against alternatives like debt consolidation — a rejected application leaves a mark that makes the next one harder.
How much deposit do I need to buy a house in New Zealand?
Most main banks look for a 20% deposit for an owner-occupied home, largely because of Reserve Bank loan-to-value restrictions. Lending above that threshold is possible but limited, often carries a low-equity premium or margin, and is assessed more strictly. First home buyers can also use a KiwiSaver first-home withdrawal and, where eligible, government support. Our first home buyer guide explains what each option requires.
Which KiwiSaver fund should I choose?
The right fund depends far more on when you will need the money than on last year’s returns. A conservative fund suits someone withdrawing for a first home in the next few years, because it moves less in a downturn; a growth fund generally suits someone decades from retirement, because it has time to recover from falls. Fees compound over a working life, so compare them carefully. Our KiwiSaver provider comparison sets out fund types, fees and performance side by side.
Is debt consolidation a good idea in New Zealand?
It can be, if the consolidated loan genuinely costs less than the debts it replaces once fees and the new term are included. Stretching a shorter debt over a longer term often lowers the repayment while raising the total interest paid. Consolidation also fails if the original spending pattern continues and the cleared cards fill up again. Work out your current total cost of credit first, then compare it against the consolidation offer.
How do I check my credit score in New Zealand?
New Zealand has three main credit reporting agencies — Centrix, Equifax and Illion — and you are entitled to request your credit report from each of them free of charge. Scores can differ between agencies because lenders do not all report to all three. It is worth checking every report before a major application, correcting any errors, and understanding which factors are actually dragging your score down.