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?

Our member fee applies to your total portfolio value, meaning any money you have invested in Kernel funds or sitting ready to invest. We deduct the member fee in arrears at the end of each month from your Kernel Wallet. 

How does the member fee work?

It’s simple, there are no transaction fees. Invest as regularly as you like, for no extra cost!

Are there transaction fees?

We've kept it simple. There is no member fee applied when using the Kernel KiwiSaver Plan. Our annual fund management fees vary depending on the fund your KiwiSaver balance is invested in. 

What are the fees for the Kernel KiwiSaver Plan?

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?

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?

Grow your money without the hidden costs.

Make regular investments, without any transaction fees.

Get started with any saving or investment amount - there are no minimums.

Invest internationally without foreign currency exchange fees.

Expertly crafted investment funds, at a competitively low price.

Designed for long-term capital growth, the NZ 20 fund invests in 20 of the largest companies listed on the NZX.

illustration of a farmer fixing a fence beside a cow

NZ 20

Own your piece of 100 blue chip companies across major equity markets. The biggest household names, they provide global diversification and long-term capital growth.

A person from the US giving a package to AUS

Global 100

Own your piece of 500 US companies listed on the New York or Nasdaq stock exchanges. The S&P 500 is considered a proxy for the U.S. stock market, and this Fund is designed for growth, well-diversified and hedged against currency fluctuations.

A map of the USA with different states highlighted

S&P 500

Own your share of 50 of the most innovative US-listed companies at the forefront of disruptive themes changing our tomorrow, e.g. Virgin Galactic Holdings, iRobot, Microvision and more.

a person in a spacesuit taking notes in a futuristic setting

S&P Kensho Moonshots Innovation

Invest in a diversified mix of global companies involved in the electric vehicles sector and the ecosystems supporting it – energy storage systems, clean fuel technology, charging infrastructure and more.

S&P Kensho Electric Vehicle Innovation

Invests in global companies involved in the production or provision of Clean Energy.

2 workers with hard hats looking at solar panels

S&P Global Clean Energy

A diversified allocation of 60% shares and 40% cash and bonds.

Balanced

Made up of short-term interest bearing assets and other NZ fixed income and floating rate note assets.

Pricing

Invest

$0

$5

KiwiSaver

$0

$0

Save

$0

$0

Fund management fees

Core index funds

0.25-0.30%

Specialty index funds

0.45%

Actively managed funds

0.25-0.50%

A bright future doesn’t cost a fortune

No transaction fees

No minimums

No FX fees

Got questions?
We have answers.

How does the member fee work?

Are there transaction fees?

What are the fees for the Kernel KiwiSaver Plan?

What do I need to get started?

How safe is my investment?

Can I open an account for a child?

Time to give your money a new home?

Keep up to date with Kernel

About

Learn

Legal

Pricing

Invest

$0

$5

KiwiSaver

$0

$0

Save

$0

$0

Fund management fees

Core index funds

0.25-0.30%

Specialty index funds

0.45%

Actively managed funds

0.25-0.50%

A bright future doesn’t cost a fortune

No transaction fees

No minimums

No FX fees

Got questions? We have answers.

How does the member fee work?

Are there transaction fees?

What are the fees for the Kernel KiwiSaver Plan?

What do I need to get started?

How safe is my investment?

Can I open an account for a child?

Time to give your money a new home?

Keep up to date with Kernel

About

Learn

Legal

Got questions?
We have answers.