2020 MoneyHub Editor's Choice Awards

Celebrating New Zealand’s Best Financial Products and Services

Updated 25 February 2020

Tested, Approved and Trusted

• ​At MoneyHub, we believe you deserve to know about the best-of-the-best financial products and services. Our renowned research team takes the utmost care in helping everyday New Zealanders understand the options available for all their money needs.
• We read the small print, compare the fees and rates and determine the best financial products available. Best of all, our awards are at a granular level, so they mean something and let consumers easily identify the best products. 

Our Editor's Choice Awards Highlight the Best Products from MoneyHub's Research and Guides

• Our Editor’s Choice Awards 2020 are the result of countless hours of research that go into every MoneyHub guide.
• We’re proud to publish our exclusive list of the best financial products New Zealand has to offer.
• From credit cards to insurance and investment platforms, each of our winners has earned our utmost respect.

​2020 Editor's Choice Awards

Our Top Winners in Each Financial Category cover:

• Credit Cards
• Investing Platforms
• ​KiwiSaver Schemes and Funds
• Bank Accounts and Banking Products
• Personal Loan Products and Credit Services
• Insurance

Leading Credit Cards

Best Travel Credit Card - Flight Centre Mastercard

Our view:

• With no international transaction fees and Flight Centre Rewards, the Flight Centre Mastercard is New Zealand's leader for overseas travel.
• Competing cards charge between 1.80% and  2.5% on top of the value of the purchase. The Flight Centre Mastercard charges 0% and benefits from outstanding Mastercard FX rates. 
• The reward system for earning and redeeming is straightforward - cardholders earn $1 of Flight Centre credit for every NZ$100 spent at any retailer, and $2 of Flight Centre credit for every NZ$100 spent at Flight Centre. And, unlike Air New Zealand credit cards, you can spend rewards on ANY airline, hotel or travel package.

MoneyHub's editor Christopher Walsh says:
​“We’re huge fans of everything about this card, and even the smaller details offer a lot - free global Wi-Fi access, a reasonable interest rate, low annual fee and free additional cardholders. Right now we don’t see any credit card coming close to offering what the Flight Centre Mastercard offers for New Zealanders who make transactions in other currencies". 

More details: Flight Centre Mastercard Review

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Best Airline Credit Card - The American Express Platinum Edge Credit Card

Our view:

• This is a credit card that leads the market when it comes to the extensive benefits offered, as well as offering value for money from its annual fee
• Cardholders receive a lot of perks, including one complimentary domestic return flight each year (seat + bag), travel insurance, phone screen insurance and 1 Air New Zealand Airpoints Dollar for every $50 spent at major supermarkets (if converted from Membership Rewards points).

MoneyHub's editor Christopher Walsh says:
"​The American Express Platinum Edge Credit Card​ offers extraordinary value, and any savvy New Zealander will easily receive a lot of benefit from using the card. We're big fans of the annual domestic trip freebie, which is arguably worth more than the $149 fee. While the card earns Membership Rewards, the recent boost in Airpoints Dollars conversion gives the best-earning rate in New Zealand at major supermarkets. There's a lot to like, and MoneyHub is a big fan". 

More details: The American Express Platinum Edge Credit Card Review

More announcements in early March, including:

1. Best Airline Credit Card 
2. Best Balance Transfer Card 
3. Best Reward and Benefits Credit Card
4. Best Cashback Credit Card
5. Best Low-Interest Credit Card
6. Best Student Credit Card
7. Best Fee-Free Credit Card
8. Best Small Business Credit Card
9. Best Credit Card Innovation
10. ​Best Credit Card Travel Insurance

Leading Investing Platforms

Best Investing Platform for Beginners - Sharesies

Our view:

• Sharesies offers flexible investing with no minimum investment. We see the platform as a perfect opportunity for newbie and experienced investors looking to get into the sharemarket and avoid traditional brokerage fees on individual trades. 
• The user-friendly website and app offer easy monitoring of investment performance.
• Sharesies offers low transaction fees for NZX-listed companies; 0.5% for orders up to $3,000 and then 0.1% for amounts over $3,000. 
• The investment opportunities are extensive and have grown considerably over 2019, with more set to be added in 2020. 

MoneyHub's editor Christopher Walsh says:
Sharesies has met a need to make investing fun and simple for ordinary New Zealanders looking to secure their financial future. Beyond the NZX-listed shares available, the diverse number of funds means you can focus on particular industry sectors in specific countries, such as Australian property, New Zealand property and global emerging markets. Add in socially responsible funds and you have a platform that is all about encouraging long-term investing. We're huge fans of every aspect.

More details: Sharesies Review

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Best Investing Platform for International Shares - Hatch Invest

Our view:

• Hatch Invest offers an easy to use interface, with 3,000+ investment options in the US market, all supported by an experienced and trusted New Zealand team. 
• The platform offers much lower FX fees and brokerage commissions compared to New Zealand incumbents.

MoneyHub's editor Christopher Walsh says:
Hatch offers a tremendous number of options for exposure to US-listed shares and ETFs, unrivalled by any other New Zealand-based platform. It's low in fees - there are no custodial fees for investments, and you won't pay any account management fees. The number of funds is extensive, which appeals to any investor preference. Hatch is meeting the needs of New Zealanders looking to buy US-listed shares or ETFs not otherwise available via local platforms. 

More details: Hatch Invest Review

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Best Overall Investing Platform - InvestNow

Our view:

• InvestNow offers the widest choice of funds, and makes exclusive funds with otherwise high buy-ins available to anyone with $50+ to invest.
• We're huge fans of that fact there are no account or transaction fees, arguably the second biggest draw next to the fund opportunities.
• The low starting costs, with flexible ongoing investing from $50, is perfect for newbie investors looking to get into sharemarket but not pay brokerage fees on individual trades. As the funds invest in shares, there is direct exposure to local and global markets.
• InvestNow also offers Term Deposits from a selection of 5 banks including ANZ, BNZ, China Construction Bank of New Zealand, Heartland Bank and SBS Bank. 

MoneyHub's editor Christopher Walsh says:
InvestNow keeps improving, and is our investor favourite given its extensive fund options and minimal fees. The recent addition of Morningstar performance tools allow investors to compare the full historical performance of all funds offered by InvestNow. In a market where the likes of popular Vanguard, Fisher Funds and Mint Asset Management have $2,000+ minimum buy-ins, InvestNow drops this to as low as $50 making investing democratic. There's a a lot to like with InvestNow, and MoneyHub believes it is the best general investing platform available in New Zealand". 

More details: InvestNow Review

More announcements in early March, including:

1. Best Index Fund
2. Best ETF Platform
3. Best Investing Innovation
4. Best Investing App​

Leading KiwiSaver Schemes and Funds

Disclaimer: The KiwiSaver funds listed below have been awarded our Editor's Choice due to a number of factors, with recent returns (1 year, 3 year, 5 year and 10 year) being part of our consideration. The selection is journalistic in nature and does not constitute financial advice, nor does it imply the funds listed have the best long-term performance, nor are we recommending KiwiSaver members join or switch into any fund. Always seek professional financial advice before making any investment decision. We recommend the Sorted FundFinder tool as a starting point for KiwiSaver.

Best Growth Fund (Active Investment) - Generate Growth Fund

Our view:

• Generate's Growth Fund is a market-leader, backed by an active management team that continues to provide investors with market-leading returns.
• In June 2019 Morningstar KiwiSaver Survey, the Generate Growth Fund was the only KiwiSaver multi-sector growth fund to return double digits for the year, with a 10.2% return after fees, ranking in 1st place. It also ranked 3rd in this category over five years, with a return of 11.2% p.a. after fees. Similar results were reported in 2018. 
• In a sample of five Growth funds offered by Generate, ANZ, AMP, SuperLife and Simplicity, Generate returned the highest pre-tax growth in the year to 30 June 2019.
• In 2019, Generate dropped its Growth Fund fees by 9% (1.65% p.a. to 1.50% p.a.), directly benefiting investors' long-term wealth creation.

MoneyHub's editor Christopher Walsh says:
The Generate KiwiSaver scheme is orientated around one single goal - building the biggest KiwiSaver fund possible for each investor investor whilst tailoring to differing degrees of risk aversion. The Growth fund still retains some assets in income-producing, and is less aggressive than its Focused Growth fund sibling.  Operating since 2013, the scheme currently holds approximately 2% of the total KiwiSaver funds invested. Despite its small position, the funds are becoming popular with existing KiwiSaver members looking for better returns.

More details: Generate KiwiSaver Review

Honourable Mentions: JUNO Growth Fund and ​Milford Active Growth

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Best KiwiSaver Member Benefit - Simplicity Mortgages

Our view:

• Launched in October 2019, Simplicity offers best-in-market floating first home interest rates, available exclusively to its KiwiSaver scheme members. The current floating interest rate is 2.95%. 
• Furthermore, the loans are attractive to borrowers given there are no break or penalty fees, and members can repay any or all of the mortgage at any time, at no extra cost (standard with floating interest rate mortgages).
• The Simplicity Mortgage offers home buyers significant potential savings. As an example, for a first home buyer with a $600,000 home loan, the interest savings are $6,000 in the first year alone where the interest difference is 1%. Over the life of the loan, the savings could be more than $130,000. 

MoneyHub's editor Christopher Walsh says:
Low-rate and zero-fee mortgages are an unprecedented perk for any KiwiSaver member, and since launching in late 2019, demand has been insatiable with monthly ballots awarding winners. A floating rate may not appeal to every home buyer given the risks, but for those suited to the offer, having access to cheap lending is a defining KiwiSaver member benefit.
​
More details: Simplicity Review

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Best KiwiSaver Scheme for New Members - Simplicity

Our view:

• In the Morningstar KiwiSaver quarterly survey to 30th September 2019, most of Simplicity’s funds ranked 1st or 2nd amongst at least 20 competitors for performance over a three year period. While past returns are no guarantee of future results, Simplicity's commitment to investing in indexes means you invest in some of the biggest and most profitable companies in the world.
• Simplicity offers an excellent choice for KiwiSaver participants looking to invest in an index fund with low fees and historically strong results. 
• Simplicity is New Zealand’s lowest-priced KiwiSaver fund, with management fees capped at 0.31% of your fund's balance (compared to the industry norm of 1-2%).

MoneyHub's editor Christopher Walsh says:
"Simplicity is arguably New Zealand's most talked-about KiwiSaver scheme, with its rock-bottom management fees and index-focused funds. Its commitment to return all profits to investors is unique, as its 15% allocation of management fee revenue to charitable purposes. With historically pleasing fund returns and innovative products, KiwiSaver offers something for anyone looking for a passive index fund-driven fund".

More details: Simplicity Review

Honourable Mentions: (Actively Managed Funds): Fisher Funds, JUNO KiwiSaver and ​Milford Asset Management

More announcements in early March, including:

1. Best Growth Fund (Index Tracking Investment)
2. Best Mixed Asset Fund
3. Best Cash Fund
4. Best Default Fund
5. Best Overall KiwiSaver Scheme - Active Investment
6. Best Overall KiwiSaver Scheme - Index Tracking Investment
7. Best KiwiSaver Innovative Investment

Leading Bank Accounts and Banking Products

Best Everyday Account - Heartland Bank YouChoose Account

Our view:

• Heartland's YouChoose offers leading interest rates, both for credit balances (1.7% p.a.) and overdraft (10% p.a.).
• Free fees for general transactions and an Eftpos card complete the package. 

MoneyHub's editor Christopher Walsh says:
"Heartland's innovative YouChoose product offers the best of both worlds to everyday account holders. Few banks offer interest on credit balances, with the current 1.70% being very generous given New Zealand's historically low interest rates. We like the transparent 10% p.a. overdraft offer, unique given most banks have a 'margin rate' applied to their base overdraft lending rates. While you won't get a debit card with the account, Eftpos comes and standard. Overall, there's a lot to like, and MoneyHub is a big fan". 

More details: ​Heartland YouChoose 

Honourable Mentions: Kiwibank Free Up and Westpac Everyday

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Best Bank for Students - ​ASB Tertiary Student Package

Our view:

• Offering free account fees, a free debit card, a free Visa Light credit card (offering 6 months interest-free on purchases over $1,000) and unlimited transactions, ASB's Tertiary student package offers a friendly range of features. 

MoneyHub's editor Christopher Walsh says:
"The ASB offers fantastic benefits with its free debit card and free fee Visa Light credit card as well as a free chips at McDonalds® promotion, and a reasonably priced overdraft facility fee. You'll pay around $30/year for a $2,000 overdraft facility if you use it or leave it untouched. The ASB also has a number of branches, some on-campus. Student bank accounts are competitive, but the ASB offers a little bit extra that makes it a worthwhile option".​

More details: ​ASB Tertiary Student Package

Honourable Mentions: Co-operative Bank and Westpac School Leave Pac

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Best Debit Card - TransferWise Debit Mastercard®

Our view:

• TransferWise's innovative debit card beats the banks; you will never pay a fee for withdrawing money from an overseas ATM (banks charge as much as NZ$6 per transaction). There are no application fees or annual fees either.
• Lower currency conversion fees are standard; while banks charge 1.8% to 2.80% for debit card transactions, TransferWise converts major currencies for around 0.50%. 
• TransferWise always uses the mid-market exchange rate (the one you will find on Google). In comparison, exchange rates used by banks, PayPal and travel money cards often conceal a markup. The use of mid-market rates is a major reason why using a bank is so much more expensive. 

MoneyHub's editor Christopher Walsh says:
"TransferWise's debit card is the fresh arrival into New Zealand and delivers more bang for buck when transacting beyond the NZD. It offers free cash withdrawals up to NZ$350 (or NZD equivalent in foreign currencies) every 30 days, and has an easy-to-use app. I

​Innovations such as TransferWise's app give cardholders instant transaction notifications on their phone, as well as the ability to block and unblock the card in case of misplacement or loss. There's a lot to like, and MoneyHub is a big fan".

More details: TransferWise Debit Card

More announcements in early March, including:

1. Best Bank for Savings
2. Best Bank for Students
3. Best Bank for Kids
4. Best Bank for Business
5. Best Call Account
6. Best International Money Transfer
7. Best Bank
8. Best Credit Union
9. Best Banking App

Leading Personal Loan Products and Credit Services

Best Lending Innovation - Harmoney

Our view:

• Harmoney is 100% managed online - loans are paperwork-free.  Unlike traditional bank lending, decisions are made quickly, with a personalised interest rate which takes into account your credit history, income and assets. 
• Harmoney borrowers also enjoy zero penalty fees if they pay loans off early, a rare feature in personal lending. Recent numbers from Harmoney stated that 11% of all completed loans are paid off early.

MoneyHub's editor Christopher Walsh says:
"​Harmoney offers transparency borrowing for anyone looking to take out a personal loan. We're big fans of the simple process, completed 100% online. Any potential borrower can get a "yes" or "no" from Harmoney within 24 hours with an interest rate specific to their application. Borrowers can compare the Harmoney offer with that of others as it's valid for up to 60 days. With competitive loan fees and no early repayment fees or penalties, Harmoney brings leading innovation to the New Zealand personal loan market". 

More details: Harmoney

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Best Credit Score Provider - Credit Simple

Our view:

• Credit Simple offers the only free credit score service in New Zealand. It's quick and perfect for giving anyone a summary of their credit data.
• Credit Simple delivers a credit score in just a few minutes, and a summary credit report which will list any defaults, defaults or late payments is emailed. You can challenge anything with Credit Simple if you don't believe your credit report is accurate. It's user-friendly and transparent.

MoneyHub's editor Christopher Walsh says:
"​Credit Simple offers an easy-to-access credit score and credit report service, and is a market leader given its free service. Ultimately, credit reporting needs to be transparent and accessible for every New Zealander, and Credit Simple delivers that with an easy-to-use interface". 

More details: Credit Scores

More announcements in early March, including:

1. Best Personal Loans for Debt Consolidation
2. Best Personal Loans for Good Credit
3. Best Car Finance Provider
4. Best Alternative Lender

Leading Insurance Products

More announcements in early March, including:

1. Best Car Insurer
2. Best Home Insurer 
3. Best Landlord Insurer
4. Best Contents Insurer   
5. Best Phone Insurer
6. Best Pet Insurer
7. Best Insurance Innovation

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How are the Editor’s Choice Awards different from MoneyHub’s guides?
A: MoneyHub’s awards are given annually to the best products as determined by MoneyHub guides; our Editor’s Choice winners represent the leading products in their field. Our guides will feature ‘runner up’ or ‘worth considering’ options, but these are not classified as award-winners. Please note that our guides offer additional consumer choices and get updated as products change, products are discontinued and new products emerge.

Q: How do you determine the winners?
A: MoneyHub’s research team rigorously evaluates and assesses the features that we believe are most important to consumers. We then order financial products based on the rates, fees, features and pros and cons. For example, for a balance transfer credit card, we look at each card's interest rate offer, the term of interest rate offered, fees and other features.

Q: Are the results 100% objective?
A: Yes. All of our award winners are based on identifiable facts – rates, fees and benefits etc. We use this data to assess each financial product’s essential features, weighting them according to their importance to consumers.

​Q: Can companies pay to get an Editor’s Choice Award?
​A: No. Our research team members are solely responsible for creating and publishing all product reviews and ratings. This means that only the best products can appear in our Editor’s Choice list. No company can therefore “buy” an award.

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