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Bank account and personal information requirements for Shopify Payments in New Zealand

Before you can use Shopify Payments in New Zealand, you need to understand the requirements that are in place to comply with regulations and to prevent financial crimes. This article explains why personal information is collected, the accepted types of documentation, and guidance for ensuring that your documentation meets the necessary criteria.

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Requirements for using Shopify Payments in New Zealand

Before you use Shopify Payments in New Zealand, ensure that you meet the following requirements:

  • Eligible business types: Some types of businesses and services aren't permitted to use Shopify Payments. To check whether you can use Shopify Payments, refer to the list of Prohibited and Restricted Businesses for Shopify Payments New Zealand.
  • Bank account requirements: Your bank account must meet the following requirements before you can connect it to Shopify Payments:
    • The bank account is a full checking account with a bank in New Zealand in NZD currency.
    • The bank account is eligible for Bulk Electronic Clearing System (BECS) transfers.

Unsupported bank account types

Certain bank account types aren't compatible with Shopify Payments. The following account types aren't supported:

  • Checking accounts that accept only wire transfers: These accounts don't work with Shopify Payments.
  • Savings accounts: Savings accounts can't be used for Shopify Payments payouts.
  • Flex-currency accounts: Accounts that support multiple currencies simultaneously aren't supported.
  • Money transfer services: Services that mimic bank accounts, such as some fintech platforms, can't be used with Shopify Payments.

Although non-Shopify virtual accounts are supported, you can experience more payout failures with these accounts.

To confirm whether your account can accept the transfer type listed for your region, contact your bank.

Purpose of collecting information

Shopify and its banking partners are required to collect and verify information about you and your business to comply with regulations in New Zealand that are designed to prevent financial crimes. As local rules and regulations evolve, you might be contacted by Shopify and its banking partners to provide additional information throughout the lifespan of your Shopify Payments account.

The information that's collected is used to confirm the identity of the business, the identities of individuals linked to the business, and the nature of the relationship between the two.

Shopify never physically mails documentation to you. Any important documents or communications are emailed, or made digitally available to the store owner in the Settings > Users page of your Shopify admin.

Review Shopify's Privacy Policy to learn about how your information is kept confidential and safe.

Required personal and business information for activating Shopify Payments in New Zealand

You must correctly identify your business type because it determines the information that you need to provide.

If you don't have a New Zealand Business Number (NZBN):

  • Charities and Non Profit Organizations should select Unincorporated Non Profit.
  • All other businesses without an NZBN should select Individual.

If you do have an NZBN, then proceed as follows:

  • If your business documentation shows "sole trader" or "sole proprietorship", then you should select Sole Trader.
  • If your business documentation contains the word "partnership", then you need to select Partnership.
  • Incorporated non profits, such as non profit companies, should select Incorporated Non Profit.
  • Unincorporated non profits or charities should select Unincorporated Non Profit.
  • Sports clubs, school clubs, hobby clubs, community gatherings, and other similar groups should select Club, Society, or other not for profit.
  • All other business types with NZBNs need to select Corporation.

If you need assistance with picking the correct business type, then confirm by speaking with a financial expert.

Individuals

Individuals are single person businesses that have not registered and are doing business privately. Individuals need to provide the following information:

  • Legal first and last name: Your full legal name as it appears on government-issued documentation.
  • Date of birth: Your birth date.
  • Email address: A valid and active email address.
  • Phone number: A valid and active phone number.
  • Residential address in New Zealand: Your home address, matching your documentation.

Ensure that your name, date of birth, and home address are accurate and that they match your government issued documentation. If your information can't be verified, then you're asked to update your name and date of birth to match your documentation, and you might be asked for a photo ID. Review the list of acceptable photo ID documents.

If your address can't be automatically verified, then you must upload a proof of address document. When providing this document, ensure that the address listed in your account matches exactly with the address on the document. Update the information in your account to match the document when necessary. Review the list of acceptable address documents.

Sole traders

Sole traders are businesses fully owned by one person. Legally the owner and the business are the same entity, and the owner is responsible for the actions of the business. The person displayed on your business registry as the owner must be the account representative and must provide the following information:

  • Legal first and last name: Your full legal name as it appears on government-issued documentation.
  • Date of birth: Your birth date.
  • Job title: The job title you hold with the business.
  • Email address: A valid and active email address.
  • Phone number: A valid and active phone number.
  • Residential address in New Zealand: Your home address, matching your documentation.

Ensure that your name, date of birth, and home address are accurate and that they match your government issued documentation. If your information can't be verified, then you're asked to update your name and date of birth to match your documentation, and you might be asked for a photo ID. Review the list of acceptable photo ID documents.

If your address can't be automatically verified, then you must upload a proof of address document. When providing this document, ensure that the address listed in your account matches exactly with the address on the document. Update the information in your account to match the document when necessary. Review the list of acceptable address documents.

Sole traders also need to provide the following details about their business:

  • Registered business name: The legal business name as shown in the New Zealand business register.
  • New Zealand Business Number (NZBN): The business's NZBN as shown in the New Zealand business register.
  • Business phone number: An active contact phone number for the business.
  • Business address: The official registered address of the business as shown in the New Zealand business register.

Your information is verified and compared against the business registry in New Zealand. Make sure to pay careful attention to case, punctuation, and symbols.

If the information you provide about the business can't be verified, then you might need to provide a business verification document. When providing this document, ensure that the registered name, NZBN, and business address listed in your account matches exactly with the information on the document. Update the information in your account to match the document when necessary. Review the list of acceptable business documents.

Corporations

A corporation is a business whose equity is divided into shares, owned by shareholders. A corporation is considered its own legal entity, separate from the people who run it. They typically also have a board of directors.

Corporations must assign either a beneficial owner or an executive with decision making power as their account representative. The account representative needs to provide the following information:

  • Legal first and last name: Your full legal name as it appears on government-issued documentation.
  • Date of birth: Your birth date.
  • Job title: The job title you hold with the business.
  • Email address: A valid and active email address.
  • Phone number: A valid and active phone number.
  • Residential address: Your home address, matching your documentation.
  • Equity: If applicable, the equity percentage you own of the business.

Ensure that your name, date of birth, and home address are accurate and that they match your government issued documentation. If your information can't be verified, then you're asked to update your name and date of birth to match your documentation, and you might be asked for a photo ID. Review the list of acceptable photo ID documents.

If your address can't be automatically verified, then you must upload a proof of address document. When providing this document, ensure that the address listed in your account matches exactly with the address on the document. Update the information in your account to match the document when necessary. Review the list of acceptable address documents.

Corporations also need to provide the following details about their business:

  • Registered business name: The legal business name as shown in the New Zealand business register.
  • New Zealand Business Number (NZBN): The business's NZBN as shown in the New Zealand business register.
  • Business phone number: An active contact phone number for the business.
  • Business address: The official registered address of the business as shown in the New Zealand business register.

Your information is verified and compared against the business registry in New Zealand. Make sure to pay careful attention to case, punctuation, and symbols.

If the information you provide about the business can't be verified, then you might need to provide a business verification document. When providing this document, ensure that the registered name, NZBN, and business address listed in your account matches exactly with the information on the document. Update the information in your account to match the document when necessary. Review the list of acceptable business documents.

You also need to list any other people who are beneficial owners of the company, or on the board of directors. Ensure you enter their names, dates of birth, and home addresses exactly as shown on their government documents. They may need to provide a photo ID or proof of address if their identities can't be verified automatically using the information provided.

Partnerships

A partnership is a business owned by at least two partners. Partnerships have equity, and the partnership is its own entity, separate from the owners.

Partnerships need to designate an owner or partner as the Account Representative of their Shopify Payments account. The account representative needs to provide the following information:

  • Legal first and last name: Your full legal name as it appears on government-issued documentation.
  • Date of birth: Your birth date.
  • Job title: The job title you hold with the business.
  • Email address: A valid and active email address.
  • Phone number: A valid and active phone number.
  • Residential address: Your home address, matching your documentation.
  • Equity: If applicable, the equity percentage you own of the business.

Ensure that your name, date of birth, and home address are accurate and that they match your government issued documentation. If your information can't be verified, then you're asked to update your name and date of birth to match your documentation, and you might be asked for a photo ID. Review the list of acceptable photo ID documents.

If your address can't be automatically verified, then you must upload a proof of address document. When providing this document, ensure that the address listed in your account matches exactly with the address on the document. Update the information in your account to match the document when necessary. Review the list of acceptable address documents.

Partnerships also need to provide the following details about their business:

  • Registered business name: The legal business name as shown in the New Zealand business register.
  • New Zealand Business Number (NZBN): The business's NZBN as shown in the New Zealand business register.
  • Business phone number: An active contact phone number for the business.
  • Business address: The official registered address of the business as shown in the New Zealand business register.

Your information is verified and compared against the business registry in New Zealand. Make sure to pay careful attention to case, punctuation, and symbols.

If the information you provide about the business can't be verified, then you might need to provide a business verification document. When providing this document, ensure that the registered name, NZBN, and business address listed in your account matches exactly with the information on the document. Update the information in your account to match the document when necessary. Review the list of acceptable business documents.

You also need to list any other people who are also partners. Ensure you enter their names, dates of birth, and home addresses exactly as shown on their government documents. They may need to provide a photo ID or proof of address if their identities can't be verified automatically using the information provided.

Incorporated non-profit organizations

A non-profit organization (NPO) is an entity that's established for purposes other than generating profit for its shareholders. Its primary mission is to serve a public or community benefit.

An incorporated non-profit is its own legal entity, separate from the members who have opened and operate it.

Non-profits must assign an executive with decision making power as their account representative. The account representative needs to provide the following information:

  • Legal first and last name: Your full legal name as it appears on government-issued documentation.
  • Date of birth: Your birth date.
  • Job title: The job title you hold with the business.
  • Email address: A valid and active email address.
  • Phone number: A valid and active phone number.
  • Residential address: Your home address, matching your documentation.
  • Equity: If applicable, the equity percentage you own of the business.

Ensure that your name, date of birth, and home address are accurate and that they match your government issued documentation. If your information can't be verified, then you're asked to update your name and date of birth to match your documentation, and you might be asked for a photo ID. Review the list of acceptable photo ID documents.

If your address can't be automatically verified, then you must upload a proof of address document. When providing this document, ensure that the address listed in your account matches exactly with the address on the document. Update the information in your account to match the document when necessary. Review the list of acceptable address documents.

Incorporated non-profits also need to provide the following details about their business:

  • Registered business name: The legal business name as shown in the New Zealand business register.
  • New Zealand Business Number (NZBN): The business's NZBN as shown in the New Zealand business register.
  • Business phone number: An active contact phone number for the business.
  • Business address: The official registered address of the business as shown in the New Zealand business register.

Your information is verified and compared against the business registry in New Zealand. Make sure to pay careful attention to case, punctuation, and symbols.

If the information you provide about the business can't be verified, then you might need to provide a business verification document. When providing this document, ensure that the registered name, NZBN, and business address listed in your account matches exactly with the information on the document. Update the information in your account to match the document when necessary. Review the list of acceptable business documents.

You also need to list any other people who are on your board of directors or who are key decision makers. Ensure you enter their names, dates of birth, and home addresses exactly as shown on their government documents. They may need to provide a photo ID or proof of address if their identities can't be verified automatically using the information provided.

Unincorporated non-profit organizations

A non-profit (NPO) is an entity that's established for purposes other than generating profit for its shareholders. Its primary mission is to serve a public or community benefit.

An unincorporated non-profit is not its own legal entity, and is not separate from its members. It is still formally recognized as a charity with the New Zealand Charity Register.

Non-profits must assign an executive with decision making power as their account representative. The account representative needs to provide the following information:

  • Legal first and last name: Your full legal name as it appears on government-issued documentation.
  • Date of birth: Your birth date.
  • Job title: The job title you hold with the business.
  • Email address: A valid and active email address.
  • Phone number: A valid and active phone number.
  • Residential address: Your home address, matching your documentation.
  • Equity: If applicable, the equity percentage you own of the business.

Ensure that your name, date of birth, and home address are accurate and that they match your government issued documentation. If your information can't be verified, then you're asked to update your name and date of birth to match your documentation, and you might be asked for a photo ID. Review the list of acceptable photo ID documents.

If your address can't be automatically verified, then you must upload a proof of address document. When providing this document, ensure that the address listed in your account matches exactly with the address on the document. Update the information in your account to match the document when necessary. Review the list of acceptable address documents.

Unincorporated non-profits also need to provide the following details about their business:

  • Registered business name: The legal business name as shown on government registries.
  • New Zealand Business Number (NZBN): The business's NZBN as shown in the New Zealand business register. If you do not have an NZBN, then select the "This business doesn't have a New Zealand Business Number (NZBN)" checkbox.
  • Business phone number: An active contact phone number for the business.
  • Business address: The official registered address of the business as shown on government registries.

Your information is verified and compared against government registries, such as the New Zealand Business Registry. Make sure to pay careful attention to case, punctuation, and symbols.

If the information you provide about the business can't be verified, then you might need to provide a business verification document. When providing this document, ensure that the registered name, NZBN (if provided), and business address listed in your account matches exactly with the information on the document. Update the information in your account to match the document when necessary. Review the list of acceptable business documents.

You also need to list any other people who are on your board of directors or who are key decision makers. Ensure you enter their names, dates of birth, and home addresses exactly as shown on their government documents. They may need to provide a photo ID or proof of address if their identities can't be verified automatically using the information provided.

Club, society, or other not-for-profit

A club, society, or other not-for-profit is an informal business type that encompasses various types of non-profit gatherings, including social clubs, cultural societies, and similar entities. For example, schools, churches, etc.

The intention is not to run the business for profit, but rather to self-sustain the group for community benefit. These groups are not in the Charity Register, but will have an NZBN for doing business.

A club, society, or other not-for-profit must assign a person with key decision making power as their account representative, and indicate that this person is an executive. The account representative needs to provide the following information:

  • Legal first and last name: Your full legal name as it appears on government-issued documentation.
  • Date of birth: Your birth date.
  • Job title: The job title you hold with the business.
  • Email address: A valid and active email address.
  • Phone number: A valid and active phone number.
  • Residential address: Your home address, matching your documentation.
  • Equity: If applicable, the equity percentage you own of the business.

Ensure that your name, date of birth, and home address are accurate and that they match your government issued documentation. If your information can't be verified, then you're asked to update your name and date of birth to match your documentation, and you might be asked for a photo ID. Review the list of acceptable photo ID documents.

If your address can't be automatically verified, then you must upload a proof of address document. When providing this document, ensure that the address listed in your account matches exactly with the address on the document. Update the information in your account to match the document when necessary. Review the list of acceptable address documents.

Clubs, societies, and other not-for-profit organizations also need to provide the following details about their business:

  • Registered business name: The legal business name as shown in the New Zealand business register.
  • New Zealand Business Number (NZBN): The business's NZBN as shown in the New Zealand business register.
  • Business phone number: An active contact phone number for the business.
  • Business address: The official registered address of the business as shown in the New Zealand business register.

Your information is verified and compared against the business registry in New Zealand. Make sure to pay careful attention to case, punctuation, and symbols.

If the information you provide about the business can't be verified, then you might need to provide a business verification document. When providing this document, ensure that the registered name, NZBN, and business address listed in your account matches exactly with the information on the document. Update the information in your account to match the document when necessary. Review the list of acceptable business documents.

You also need to list any other people who are key decision makers. If you have a board of directors, the board of directors should be included on the account. Ensure you enter their names, dates of birth, and home addresses exactly as shown on their government documents. They may need to provide a photo ID or proof of address if their identities can't be verified automatically using the information provided.

Acceptable document types

This section explains the types of documents that you can use to verify your account.

Identity documents

The name and date of birth on your Shopify Payments account must be updated to match the information displayed in the identity document that you're providing and the documents must be valid and not expired. The following documents are accepted as proof of identity:

  • Passport
  • Driver's license - Photographs of the front and back are required.
  • New Zealand emergency travel document
  • New Zealand refugee travel document
  • New Zealand certificate of identity

Address documents

The name and address on your Shopify Payments account must be updated to match the information displayed in the address documents that you're providing and all documents must display an issuing date within the past 6 months. The following documents are accepted as proof of address:

  • Utility bill
  • Financial statement
  • Central Government Agency document
  • Local council/government letter
  • Signed rental tenancy agreement
  • Electoral roll papers
  • Insurance policy document
  • Car registration notification/demand

Business verification documents

The documents must clearly display the legal entity name, NZBN, and address of your business and the details on your Shopify Payments account must be updated to match the information displayed in the documents that you're providing. The following documents are accepted for business verification:

  • New Zealand Business Number Registration Extract
  • New Zealand Companies Office Company Extract
  • New Zealand Certificate of Incorporation
  • New Zealand Certificate of Good Standing
  • Memorandum of Association
  • Statement from a financial institution
  • Government-issued letter

Ensuring documentation compliance

When providing your documents, ensure that they meet the necessary criteria. Review the following guidelines to ensure compliance:

  • Accuracy: Ensure that the information on your documents matches what you've entered in your Shopify Payments account. Update your account to match your documents, if necessary.
  • Clarity and legibility: Make sure that your documents are clear and large enough to read. Ensure the entire document is visible in the photograph.
  • Completeness: Ensure all the necessary details are visible on your document. Review the acceptable document types listed on this page to understand what details must be included on the document.
  • Original documentation: Take an original photograph of your document using a camera. Don't photocopy, scan, or screenshot your documents. Don't paste photos of documents into other documents. Don't take photos of computer screens or printouts.
    • If your document was issued to you digitally, then provide the PDF file with all pages as it was originally given to you, with no alterations.
  • Validity: Ensure photo IDs aren't expired and that proof of address is recently issued. If providing proof of business registration, then your business should still be actively registered and in good standing.

Troubleshooting common issues

Before contacting Shopify Support, review these common onboarding issues and their solutions.

My document was rejected

Ensure the information on your account matches your document exactly, and update your account if needed. If your documents are still being rejected, then refer to the following sections on this page:

My address can't be automatically verified

If your address can't be automatically verified, then you'll be asked to provide a proof of address document. Proof of address documents must include your full name and home address, and must be one of the accepted document types. Before uploading your document:

  1. Confirm that the address on your Shopify Payments account matches exactly with the address on your proof of address document.
  2. Update your account information to match your document, if necessary.
  3. Confirm that the document includes your own full name. If you have a utility bill in someone else's name, then you'll need to provide a different document.
  4. Upload a clear photograph of the document.
My payment is showing as pending

Check the order's timeline to confirm whether the payment was successful. If the payment failed, then you'll need to create a new draft order and send it to your customer to capture the funds.

My payouts are failing with a virtual bank account

Virtual bank accounts such as Revolut and Payoneer are accepted for payouts, but have a higher payout failure rate than traditional bank accounts. Payouts can also fail if the payout recipient name doesn't match the name your bank has on file. If your payouts are failing, then verify that the name on your Shopify Payments account matches your bank records, or consider using a standard bank account instead.

I don't have an NZBN, but I'm being asked for one

Sole traders, partnerships, and corporations require a New Zealand Business Number (NZBN) to set up and verify Shopify Payments. If you don't have an NZBN, then you might be set up under the incorrect business type.

If you're setting up the account, then return to the Business type section and select either Individual or Unincorporated Non Profit. Unincorporated Non Profit should only be selected if you are simultaneously registered as a charity or non profit organization in New Zealand, otherwise you should select Individual.

Outside of the verification process, the account owner of the store can update these details through Settings > General > Business Details. Click the three dots beside your business entity and then click "edit" to update that business's information, including business type.

If you have any difficulty with this process, contact Shopify Support for assistance.

Frequently asked questions

Review these frequently asked questions about Shopify Payments requirements in New Zealand.

Why do you need my photo ID and personal information if I'm a company, partnership, or non-profit?

Even if you're set up as a company, partnership, or non-profit, the banking partners that Shopify works with are required by regulations in New Zealand to verify the identities of the individuals associated with the business.

I'm a citizen of New Zealand but I don't currently live there. Can I use Shopify Payments in New Zealand?

If your business type is individual or sole trader, then you're required to live in New Zealand to be eligible for Shopify Payments in New Zealand. If you don't currently live in New Zealand, then you should create a Shopify Payments account for the region where you live.

Update your store address to your current location. If your location is eligible for Shopify Payments, then you can create a Shopify Payments account for that region instead.

If you're a partnership, corporation, or non-profit, then you aren't required to personally live in New Zealand, but your business must be registered there and have a New Zealand business address. If you need help, then contact Shopify Support.

My account was already verified. Why am I being asked to provide new information?

Regulatory requirements and the requirements from financial partners and their card networks change over time. When this happens, you might need to provide additional information to remain compliant. You'll receive these requests through a banner or alert in your admin and a corresponding email. You must complete these requests to continue using Shopify Payments.

How do I update my Shopify Payments account information?

If you are actively being asked to complete account verification, then you can make any updates to your information from in the verification page along with submitting any documents that are being requested.

Outside of the verification process, the account owner of the store can update these details through Settings > General > Business Details. Click the three dots beside your business entity and then click "edit" to update that business's information, including business type.

Note that any changes you make here are automatically sent to our banking partners for review, and the new information is re-run through their verification process. It's possible the changes automatically re-verify, but you may also be asked for supporting documents.

If you have any difficulty with this process, contact Shopify Support for assistance.

Before contacting Shopify Support about Shopify Payments in New Zealand

Before contacting Shopify Support, gather the following information to help resolve your issue faster:

  • Screenshots of any error messages you received, with sensitive information such as bank account numbers removed
  • The business type you selected during setup
  • Your New Zealand Business Number (NZBN), if applicable
  • The specific step where you encountered the issue
  • The browser and device you're using
  • Your bank account type and currency, without sharing the full account number
  • Any documents you've uploaded and when you uploaded them

Having this information ready helps Shopify Support assist you more efficiently.