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.
Download the App
Get PayDay from the App Store or Google Play. The app is free to download and includes a 14-day free trial of all features.
Screenshot: Download the App
Step-by-step:
- 1 Search 'PayDay NZ' in your app store
- 2 Tap 'Get' or 'Install' to download
- 3 Open the app once installation completes
Pro tip
Make sure you're downloading the official PayDay app with the green logo. We're a New Zealand company, so look for 'Made in NZ' in the description.
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 trusted open banking provider, to securely connect to your bank.
Screenshot: Connect Your Main Bank Account
Step-by-step:
- 1 Tap 'Connect Bank Account'
- 2 Select your bank from the list (all major NZ banks supported)
- 3 Log in to your bank 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 — savings, bills, investments, or any other accounts.
Screenshot: Add Your Destination Accounts
Step-by-step:
- 1 Tap 'Add Destination Account'
- 2 Choose accounts from your connected bank, or add accounts from other banks
- 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
You can add accounts from any NZ bank, not just your main bank. PayDay works across all your accounts.
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?
We support all major New Zealand banks including ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Kiwibank, Westpac, TSB, SBS, The Co-operative Bank, and more. If your bank isn't listed, contact us and we'll work on adding it.
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, any remainder stays in your main account (or you can set up a 'remainder' rule).
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.