Foreign currency accounts

Hold a wide range of overseas currencies and convert it when the exchange rate is right for you.

Enquire online Opening an account online

Foreign currency accounts at a glance

  • Multiple currency accounts available.
  • Transfer funds to or from your New Zealand dollar transaction account into your foreign currency account (Note: You won’t be able to access your account from ATMs in NZ or overseas).
  • Send international transfers to overseas bank accounts (service fees may apply).
  • Monthly maintenance fees and rebate levels apply to all foreign currency accounts. If your average daily balance for the month is over the rebate level for your account’s currency, the maintenance fee will be refunded in full.
  • Minimum balances apply to earn interest, and interest rates can change daily. Refer to Account fees and interest rates for eligible currencies and current interest rates.
  • Keep track of your account balance in Internet Banking or the BNZ app. Your balance shows in real time, so it’s always up to date.^
  • Funds are held in New Zealand, not overseas.

Benefits of a foreign currency account

Receive, hold and pay out in one currency

If you get money from overseas, you can hold it in your foreign currency account rather than converting it to New Zealand dollars. Then if you need to make a payment in that currency, you can do so using the funds in your foreign currency account.

Manage the potential of a better exchange rate

Buy foreign currency now when the exchange rate is right for you, and hold it until you need it later. Likewise, if you already have foreign currency you can wait a while before converting it to New Zealand dollars.

How to open a foreign currency account

Personal customers

If you’re already registered for Internet Banking, log in and click on Apply Now in the menu^ to complete a request for a foreign currency account. Your request will be actioned within two business days and you’ll be able to view your account in Internet Banking.

How to register for Internet Banking

Log in to Internet Banking

Account fees and interest rates

Account fees are charged on a monthly basis and are subject to change from time to time. Where applicable, account fees are in addition to service and facility fees.

The account maintenance fee is charged monthly in the currency of the account. If your average daily balance for the month is over the rebate level for your account’s currency, the maintenance fee will be refunded in full. The rebate level is subject to change from time to time.
- Account maintenance fees are charged on the last business day of each month.
- Account maintenance fees and rebate levels are subject to change from time to time.
USD - United States Dollars AUD - Australian Dollars CAD - Canadian Dollars GBP - Great Britain Pounds
EUR - European Community Euro SGD - Singapore Dollars HKD - Hong Kong Dollars  
  • These per annum interest rates are indicative only and are subject to change without notice.
  • Tiers are subject to change from time to time.
  • No interest is payable on credit balances below the minimum tier.
  • Interest is calculated daily and paid in the currency in which the account is held, on the last business day of each month. You’ll be able to use it the following calendar day.

International help and support

If you need some help call 0800 275 269.