How to switch KiwiSaver provider
To switch KiwiSaver provider in New Zealand, you apply to join the new provider and they arrange the transfer of your balance from the old one. You do not need to tell your current provider, and you do not need to notify your employer; contributions redirect automatically. It is free with most providers and takes only minutes to start.
The detail below covers what to check first, the exact steps, and what happens behind the scenes.
How switching KiwiSaver provider works
- Apply to your new providerPick the fund you want and complete the new provider's join form.
- They arrange the transferYour new provider requests your balance from the old one. No forms for you.
- Contributions redirectYour pay and any employer/government contributions follow automatically.
Before you switch: a 60 second summary
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Switching is free with most providers, and your full balance moves with you.
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Your membership length carries over, so the three years toward a first home withdrawal keep counting.
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Your government contribution and employer contributions are unaffected.
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You can only belong to one KiwiSaver scheme at a time, so joining a new one closes the old.
If you are still deciding whether to move, see is it worth switching KiwiSaver.
Step one: check your current fund first
Do not switch blind. Pull your latest annual statement and note two things: your total annual fee, shown as a percentage and a dollar figure, and your fund type, from defensive through to aggressive. These are the two levers a switch actually changes. Check whether you are in the right KiwiSaver fund.
Step two: compare providers on the same basis
Compare like with like: a fund against another of the same type, on fees and on the provider’s track record. Average market fees sit around 0.71% a year (FMA KiwiSaver Annual Report, 2025), but the spread is wide. See the KiwiSaver fees comparison and the best KiwiSaver funds NZ.
Compare KiwiSaver funds and fees side by side.
Step three: apply to the new provider
Once you have chosen, apply to join the new scheme. You will usually need:
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Your IRD number.
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Photo identification, for example a driver licence or passport.
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Your current provider and scheme name, so the new provider can request the transfer.
That is the whole application for most providers, and it is done online.
Step four: let the transfer run
The new provider requests your balance from the old one and the two settle it between themselves. You do not need to chase it. The transfer typically completes within a few weeks. Your contributions, and your employer’s, redirect to the new scheme automatically once your IRD number is linked, so there is nothing to change in payroll.
What stays the same when you switch
It is worth repeating, because the worry usually outweighs the reality. Switching does not reset your membership, does not pause or reduce your government contribution of up to $260.72 a year as at 2026 (Inland Revenue), and does not change your contribution rate, which sits at a default of 3.5% since 1 April 2026 (Inland Revenue). You keep all of it; only the provider and fund change.
Frequently asked questions
How do I switch KiwiSaver provider?
Apply to join your chosen new provider with your IRD number and ID. They request the transfer from your current provider and redirect your contributions automatically. You do not need to contact your old provider or your employer.
How long does a KiwiSaver switch take?
Starting takes minutes online. The balance transfer between providers usually completes within a few weeks.
Does it cost anything to switch KiwiSaver provider?
Most providers do not charge to switch in or out, and your full balance moves with you. Check your current provider’s terms first.
Will switching affect my employer or government contributions?
No. Employer contributions and the government contribution continue unchanged with your new provider, and your membership length carries over.
Can I be in two KiwiSaver schemes at once?
No. You can belong to only one scheme at a time, so joining a new provider closes your old account once the transfer completes.
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.