KiwiSaver is a great way to grow your savings for two of life's most significant events— buying a house or retiring (hopefully with considerable savings in the bank).
But did you know KiwiSaver interest rates change? That's because your KiwiSaver isn't technically a savings account, even though it's called a 'saver'.
In reality, KiwiSaver is an investment that changes depending on who you open your KiwiSaver account with. We cover interest rates in another blog if you're thinking about switching out your KiwiSaver.
How to check your KiwiSaver balance.
Checking your balance is easy. You've got three options to view your balance through — your online banking portal, My KiwiSaver or your KiwiSaver provider's website.
If you don't know who your provider is, check with the IRD at My KiwiSaver when you log in or call 0800 KiwiSaver.
How KiwiSaver works for banks.
Do you use online banking to check if your paycheque came through or if your car loan got paid? If your KiwiSaver provider is also with your bank, your balance should sit right next to both your current and your savings account. Click on that box, and you should have access to all the same information you'd find on a regular bank statement.
You can track each contribution and deduction made from your account from the drop-down menu boxes.
Deductions are the percentage you pay for your investment. Think of it like betting on a horse you know will win. You may lose $5 on the betting ticket, but the horse is guaranteed to bring in hundreds every time it runs.
You can also check your complete statement online (we cover how to read your statement in another blog). Depending on how good your bank is, you should contribute, change, and export (move over) your KiwiSaver balance online. Some banks even have KiwiSaver calculators built-in, so you can check how much you'll get once you retire.
Using My KiwiSaver.
You can also check and track your KiwiSaver through MyIRD.
Why the IRD?
The IRD is the 'central administrator' for KiwiSaver, which means that they provide all the information on the benefits of KiwiSaver. They also help you opt out, suspend your account or transfer your government contributions.
To log in to My KiwiSaver (and track that growing balance), you'll need a myIR or RealMe number (which should be on the back of your payslip. Otherwise, you can always sign up to KiwiSaver online.
Can I get my statement in the mail?
You can. Your KiwiSaver provider (or whoever you set up your KiwiSaver with) will create a statement form based on your invested savings. You can request that the form be physically sent to you instead of electronically, or to receive email notifications of your KiwiSaver statements.
I'm not sure who my provider is.
It could be you're signed up with a private KiwiSaver company or a bank. But if you don't know who you're with, it's likely your employer set you up with your bank when you signed your employment contract.
Your employer has to contribute to your KiwiSaver, too — at least 3% of what you earn. That's why they're the ones who work KiwiSaver out for you because they're legally obligated to help you save if you decide to be on a KiwiSaver.
How do I log in to My KiwiSaver?
Just have your myIRD number handy when you call or click on My KiwiSaver — from there, the IRD website will figure out who you are and where your account is.
In short.
It's easy to check and track your KiwiSaver — you can click on your bank or provider's website for up-to-date information on where your balance is at. If your bank isn't your provider, you can always check out My KiwiSaver or have your statement sent to you, if you prefer.
