Yes! Kernel offers kids accounts that can be opened for those aged under 18. You will need the child’s IRD number, NZ passport or birth certificate and your own NZ passport or driver's license. Read how the application process works 

. If the child does not yet have an IRD number and you are their parent or legal guardian you can apply with the 

Can I open an account for a child?

Which investments you choose is personal to your situation, tolerance for risk, time horizon and general preferences. We have a few great resources on how to select investments, including what to consider - 

. You may also wish to consult a financial adviser (especially with complex situations). 

 for independent financial adviser suggestions. 

How do I choose my investments?

The level of risk associated with a fund depends on how much the value of a fund’s assets goes up and down (volatility). At Kernel, we use the industry-standard risk indicator scale to illustrate the level of risk associated with investing in a specific fund. 

How risky is an index fund?

Which fund you choose should be in consideration of your age, appetite for risk, your time horizon for the investment and your purpose. You've got a wide range of Kernel funds to choose from - 

What fund should I choose?

Whether you are brand new to KiwiSaver or switching to Kernel from another provider, joining our plan takes less than five minutes. First, 

 then opt to transfer your KiwiSaver balance through the Kernel dashboard. 

Joining the Kernel KiwiSaver Plan is effortless and takes just a few minutes to complete. Find out how. 

How do I join the Kernel KiwiSaver Plan?

Very safe. The Kernel KiwiSaver Plan is regulated by the Financial Markets Authority and supervised by Trustees Executors Limited. By law, the supervisor has the responsibility to oversee our activities in the interests of all investors. You can 

How safe is my money with Kernel?

A competitive, market-leading rate that ensures your cash reserves don't just sit there - but grows. Plus it’s free from pesky fees and minimums (or maximums). Flexibility for businesses of all sizes.

Smart Saver money is held by Kernel’s independent custodian, Adminis NZ Limited, at one or more NZ registered, RBNZ regulated, investment grade credit rated bank.

Deposits are ring-fenced from any assets and liabilities of Kernel Wealth Limited and Adminis NZ Limited. These are therefore not available for any creditors should there be claims or financial difficulties.

An ‘investment grade’ bank means the bank has a credit rating of BBB or above. While bank defaults are possible, capital adequacy requirements make this very unlikely.

Kernel is a regulated entity. We hold an MIS license, FSP registration and are a licensed KiwiSaver provider.

Need to withdraw quickly for a sudden business opportunity?

Access deposits the same day that you need them, without delay or penalties. Superior interest rates and quick access; giving your business the upper hand.

Experience quick and effortless account opening. No mountains of paperwork or weeks 

 waiting. Just a few clicks and you’re on your way!

Your accountant will love you with an easy data import. Kernel's account data is ready to be imported into Xero.

To open a company account with Kernel, you'll need the registered name, address and IRD number of your company. This information will be used in the application process. 

All directors, beneficial shareholders, and account authorisers must have their identities verified, either through uploading certified identity and proof of address documents or via electronic verification using a mobile number.

To start the application process, complete this 

How do I open a company account?

There's no minimum or maximum balance transfer required, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes.

Is there a minimum (or maximum) balance transfer required?

Kernel does not offer direct bank account feeds to Xero. However, we provide account transaction statements, in CSV format, which can be manually uploaded to Xero.

Account transaction statements can be received on specific schedule or ad-hoc. To set-up a scheduled statement the following steps must be taken:

An Authoriser contacts Kernel support with the company name as the email subject (eg. ABC Company Limited – Xero Statement) and specifying the required statement frequency (Weekly or Monthly only) and delivery details.

Kernel provides the statement as per the requested frequency.

Upon receipt of the statement for the first time, set up a new bank account in Xero using the account number from the statement. Then, upload the statement by following Xero's guide 

https://central.xero.com/s/article/Import-a-CSV-bank-statement?userregion=true

How does Kernel support integration with Xero for transaction statements?

Open Smart Saver for business online in minutes.

*Interest rate is before tax and subject to change. *Interest rate as at 28/11/2024 is before tax and subject to change.

Same-day access transfer to/from bank accounts

Deposits aggregated and held in custody with one or more NZ registered banks

Get your idle cash working with Kernel's Business Smart Saver

Market leading interest rate: 3.80% p.a.*

Your money is in safe hands

Same-day access

Account opening & accounting made simple

Ready to break up with your bank?