Best Payments in New Zealand
When it comes to making payments online, New Zealand shoppers are no different from consumers around the world. The most popular e-commerce payment methods include credit cards and e-wallets like PayPal.
But which one is best for your trip to New Zealand? This article will break it down. Plus, we’ll compare New Zealand’s top omnichannel payments gateway providers to help you decide.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are a popular payment method for New Zealanders. They account for more than 75% of all purchases made in-store. However, it’s always a good idea to bring some cash on your trip to pay for things like taxis or coffee.
EFTPOS (Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of Sale) cards are also popular with New Zealanders. These allow you to withdraw money from your bank account at ATMs and some supermarkets, as well as pay for goods and services online or over the phone. They typically come with a Visa or MasterCard logo and can be used anywhere that accepts them.
Most banks in New Zealand offer EFTPOS cards to their customers. In addition, many major retailers and hotels have card machines too. Most international debit and ATM cards will work in New Zealand as long as they have a four-digit PIN encoded. However, there is likely to be a currency conversion fee for using these overseas cards at a local merchant.
Debit Cards
Debit cards allow you to pay with the money in your bank account, and can help you manage spending. You can also use them at ATMs for cash, and many can be used with Visa payWave to skip the queue at the checkout.
Almost all businesses accept debit cards in New Zealand, from cafes to petrol stations to grocery stores and fashion retailers. Having a debit card is also great for shopping online as it gives you added protection against fraud, and enables you to choose to pay later (interest-free) or now.
Generally, the best way to carry money is to bring both debit and credit cards. Use the debit card for small daily purchases, and a credit card to book bigger expenses or anything that requires a guarantee. Prepaid travel cards are another good option as they let you lock in a fixed exchange rate, and usually come with bonus features like insurance. However, some have hidden fees and charges, so choose carefully.
Travel Money Cards
Credit cards are king in New Zealand but debit and travel money cards can be good options too. Look out for ones that waive ATM fees and offer better exchange rates than your bank.
Prepaid foreign currency cards are popular in New Zealand, especially those that allow you to load multiple currencies at a fixed rate ahead of time. You can find these cards at airports, banks and even some supermarkets.
Online payments are common in New Zealand, especially between locals. Credit cards like Visa and MasterCard are the most popular followed by PayPal. Kiwis also use POLi and AfterPay, which offer shoppers a secure and trusted environment to make online purchases.
Mobile payments are becoming more common in New Zealand too, particularly with Apple Pay and Android Pay. However, the number of merchants that accept this method is limited. Be sure to research these services before choosing one to ensure it’s a New Zealand Payments viable option for your trip.
Online Payments
As a country with a strong online presence, Kiwis enjoy access to a wide range of payment gateway options. These businesses play a crucial role in advancing frictionless transactions, providing an easy, secure, and convenient experience for online shoppers.
Debit cards remained popular for New Zealand POS payments in recent years, although their market share declined compared to credit card payments. Buy Now Pay Later websites or apps (like Afterpay) have also gained in popularity, enabling consumers to purchase online now and repay the supplier in installments.
The direct bank transfer specialist POLi has been a popular checkout option in New Zealand since 2007. This real-time payment service enables customers to make purchases using their New Zealand-based internet banking, without having to leave the merchant’s website or entering any personal information. Alternatively, Account2Account (owned by Windcave) and eWAY’s iPayit system both offer similar services to POLi. All these options are a good choice for local customers because they allow them to shop in their own currency.
