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?

If you’d like to talk to a human, call us on 

Money held securely with a RBNZ registered bank

Kernel is regulated and licensed by the Financial Markets Authority and our Funds are supervised by Trustees Executors Limited, who set our requirements to operate. Read more on investment security 

How safe is my investment?

The fees you pay depend on the products you would like to use. You can read more about 

. There are no membership, account, entry, exit, switch or transaction fees!

How much will I pay in fees?

Five minutes of your time, your IRD number, your New Zealand identification and your NZ bank account details. If you don’t have NZ I.D. you can contact us for other options. 

What do I need to get started?

Any short term goal! We would never suggest investing money you need in the next 1-3 years in the sharemarkets. Save is a solution to that - an out-of-sight, out-of-mind account to get you to your goal faster.

What can I use a Save account for?

If your verification failed during the application process it means we could not match the details entered on your account to a registered database. Our team can manually verify you once you have emailed through a NZ identification and proof of address. 

Help! My verification failed. What now?

A couple walking down the road wearing backpacks

Save up for your short-term goals faster with Kernel Save's competitive interest rates.

You'll notice our competitively high interest rates

Secure, Simple, Short-term.

Make Tomorrow Happen, Today!