Compare KiwiSaver providers on what actually matters
Choosing a KiwiSaver provider isn’t just about last year’s rankings. It’s about fees, how your money is invested, and whether the provider helps you stay invested for the long term.
Kernel combines low fees, index fund investing, and highly competitive recent performance across key diversified funds.
Fees from 0.25%
Fees are one of the few things you can control, and over time they can make a meaningful difference to your balance.
Index funds, not hand-picked stocks
Kernel focuses on broad market exposure and transparency, rather than trying to outpick the market at a higher cost.
Strong 3-year fund performance
Kernel’s High Growth, Balanced and Cash Plus funds ranked strongly on 3-year returns in the latest Morningstar KiwiSaver Survey. (As always, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.)
Fees are certain. Returns aren't.
Every KiwiSaver provider will talk about performance. Fewer will talk clearly about cost. But fees are one of the only constants in investing and, over time, they can eat into your returns whether markets are up or down.
Kernel KiwiSaver fees start from 0.25% p.a., with no hidden extras.
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Not all KiwiSaver providers invest the same way
Some providers take an active approach, aiming to outperform the market through manager decisions and fund selection. Others take an index-based approach, aiming to track markets broadly at a lower cost. Neither approach guarantees outcomes. But it’s worth understanding what you’re paying for — and whether it matches how you want your money invested.
Kernel’s approach is designed to be clear, diversified, and cost-conscious.
Recent performance matters. It just shouldn’t be the only thing.
Past performance doesn’t predict future returns. But for investors comparing KiwiSaver providers today, recent long-term results are still part of the picture. In the latest Morningstar KiwiSaver Survey, Kernel’s diversified funds ranked strongly on 3-year returns across key categories.
> Kernel High Growth Fund: 1st for 3-year returns
> Kernel Balanced Fund: 2nd for 3-year returns
> Kernel Cash Plus Fund: 1st for 3-year returns
That means investors don’t necessarily have to choose between lower fees and competitive recent performance.
How to compare KiwiSaver providers
If you’re comparing providers, you need to look past a single year of performance. One good year could be luck; decades of growth are built on fundamentals. Look for a provider that delivers on all four:
> Consistent performance: rankings change, but low fees and a proven index approach help keep more of your money invested over time.
> Low, transparent fees: every dollar saved in fees is a dollar that stays invested and compounds.
> Clear investment approach: Know exactly what you own - no hidden risks or guesswork.
> Easy to manage: a digital platform that makes it easy to track and manage your money.
The right provider is the one that gives you clarity across all four.
Why over 60,000 Kiwis are choosing Kernel
Kernel is built for people who want their KiwiSaver and investments to feel simpler, clearer, and easier to trust. They switch to Kernel for:
> Lower fees
> A clear index fund approach
> Strong recent fund performance
> A simple platform that's easy to manage.
For some people, that means switching for lower fees. For others, it’s about having more clarity around how their money is invested. For many, it’s both.
Kernel Wealth Limited is the manager and issuer of the Kernel KiwiSaver Plan and Kernel Funds scheme. The Product Disclosure Statements are available at Kernel Wealth.
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns. Returns may vary over time and across investment timeframes. Investing involves risk, including the possibility of loss. Any information on this page is general in nature and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation, or needs.
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