Getting started with PayDay
Complete setup guide for new users
Setup time: under 5 minutes
Follow this guide to get PayDay up and running before your next payday. No technical knowledge required.
Join the waitlist
PayDay is in private testing with a small group of Kiwis. Join the waitlist at payday.nz and we'll email you an invite when a spot opens up.
Screenshot: Join the waitlist
Step-by-step:
- 1 Head to the waitlist page and pop in your email
- 2 Keep an eye on your inbox for your invite
- 3 Follow the link in the email to create your account
Pro tip
Invites go out in small groups while we polish the app, so the sooner you're on the list, the sooner you're in.
Create your account
Sign up with your email address or use Sign in with Apple/Google for a faster setup process.
Screenshot: Create your account
Step-by-step:
- 1 Enter your email address
- 2 Create a secure password (8+ characters, mix of letters and numbers)
- 3 Verify your email by clicking the link we send you
- 4 Set up a 6-digit PIN for quick app access
Pro tip
Using Sign in with Apple or Google is the fastest way to create your account and adds an extra layer of security.
Connect your main bank account
Link the bank account where your pay is deposited. We use Akahu, New Zealand's open finance platform, to securely connect to your bank.
Screenshot: Connect your main bank account
Step-by-step:
- 1 Tap 'Connect Bank Account'
- 2 Select where your pay lands (ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Kiwibank, NZHL or Westpac)
- 3 Log in to your internet banking through Akahu's secure portal
- 4 Authorise PayDay to view your transactions
Pro tip
We never see or store your banking password. Akahu handles all the secure connection, and you can revoke access anytime.
Add your destination accounts
Connect the accounts where you want your money to go, such as savings or bills. They need to be your own accounts at ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Kiwibank, NZHL or Westpac.
Screenshot: Add your destination accounts
Step-by-step:
- 1 Tap 'Add Destination Account'
- 2 Choose from your connected accounts
- 3 Give each account a nickname (e.g., 'Emergency Fund', 'Rent Account')
- 4 Repeat for all accounts you want to include in your splits
Pro tip
PayDay can pay into your own accounts at ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Kiwibank, NZHL and Westpac, not just your main bank. TSB, Heartland, SBS, The Co-operative Bank, Rabobank and credit unions are not available in PayDay yet.
Create your first split rule
Set up how you want your pay divided. Choose percentages or fixed amounts for each destination account.
Screenshot: Create your first split rule
Step-by-step:
- 1 Tap 'Create Split Rule'
- 2 Choose your pay source account
- 3 Add each destination with a percentage or fixed amount
- 4 Set the order of priority for your splits
- 5 Review and confirm your rule
Pro tip
Start simple! You can always adjust your splits later. Many users begin with just 2-3 destinations and add more over time.
Test your setup
Before your next payday, verify everything is configured correctly using our test feature.
Screenshot: Test your setup
Step-by-step:
- 1 Go to Settings > Test Split
- 2 Enter a sample pay amount
- 3 Review how the money would be distributed
- 4 Make adjustments if needed
Pro tip
Testing with a realistic pay amount helps you see exactly how your money will flow. Try it with your actual salary to confirm the splits make sense.
You're all set
Once you've completed these steps, PayDay will automatically detect your next pay deposit and split it according to your rules. No more manual transfers.
Common setup questions
How long does setup take?
Most users complete setup in under 5 minutes. Connecting your bank is the only step that requires your bank login, and that takes about 30 seconds.
What if my bank isn't listed?
PayDay makes payments only from and to accounts at ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Kiwibank, NZHL and Westpac, all part of New Zealand's regulated open banking system. Your pay needs to land at one of them, and your splits go to your own accounts at them. TSB, Heartland, SBS, The Co-operative Bank, Rabobank and credit unions are not available in PayDay yet.
Can I change my splits after setup?
Absolutely! You can edit, add, or remove splits anytime. Changes take effect from your next pay detection. There's no limit to how often you can adjust your rules.
What happens if my pay amount varies?
PayDay handles variable pay automatically. If you use percentages, they'll apply to whatever amount arrives. If you use fixed amounts, whatever is left after your rules stays in your main account.
Is there a minimum amount required?
No minimums. PayDay works with any pay amount, from part-time wages to full salaries. The only requirement is that your pay is deposited into a connected bank account.