How much do KiwiSaver fees cost over 30 years?
More than most people expect. A fee is not just this year’s charge; every dollar paid in fees is also a dollar that stops compounding for the rest of your working life. The FMA and Sorted both note that a fee difference of around 1% can reduce a final balance by tens of thousands of dollars over a few decades.
Why fees compound against you
Returns compound in your favour. Fees compound against you in exactly the same way. The market average is around 0.71% of your balance a year (FMA KiwiSaver Annual Report, 2025), but the gap between providers is wide.
What a fee gap looks like in dollars
| Balance | 0.50% a year | 1.00% a year | 1.50% a year |
|---|---|---|---|
| $20,000 | $100 | $200 | $300 |
| $50,000 | $250 | $500 | $750 |
| $100,000 | $500 | $1,000 | $1,500 |
Those are first-year figures. Left to compound over 30 years, the gap grows far larger. To model your own numbers, use the Sorted KiwiSaver calculator.
How to check and act
Find your total fee on your annual statement, then compare it against funds of the same type. See KiwiSaver fees explained and the KiwiSaver fees comparison. If a comparable fund costs less, it may be worth switching.
Compare KiwiSaver fees on Kāhu.
Frequently asked questions
How much can KiwiSaver fees cost over time?
A difference of around 1% in annual fees can reduce a final balance by tens of thousands of dollars over a few decades (FMA; Sorted).
What is the average KiwiSaver fee?
Around 0.71% of your balance a year as at the FMA’s 2025 report, though providers vary widely.
Where do I find what I am paying?
Your annual statement shows your fees as both a percentage and a dollar figure.
Kāhu provides general information, not personalised financial advice. Kāhu is a KiwiSaver comparison and switching platform operated by Financial Advice NZ Limited, a licensed Financial Advice Provider (FSP1009051). The figures here are general and current as at June 2026. For advice on your situation, speak to a licensed financial adviser.