What is Emerge?

What is Emerge?

Emerge is a digital, online-only business banking service from the same team behind SquareOne, the digital wallet for Kiwi kids.

Like SquareOne, Emerge isn’t a registered bank, meaning it can’t provide loans and term deposits. However, it offers most of the other services usually associated with regular high-street banks, including:

• Unlimited NZ transfers & payments
• Physical and virtual debit cards
• Unlimited accounts
• Online and in-app banking

Emerge is also built for teams. It allows for unlimited team accounts, each with its own permissions and spending limits, and delivers real-time spend notifications.

Integration with accounting apps such as Xero is also in beta mode, allowing for reconciliation, bookkeeping, batch payments and in-app receipt capture.

→ Related article: What is SquareOne, the Digital Wallet for Kids

Is Emerge safe?

All money deposited with Emerge is held in trust with a major registered New Zealand-based bank. This means that if anything happens to Emerge, your money will remain safe.

Emerge implements stringent digital security procedures, ensuring your funds always remain safe. You also have full control over your business’ cards and can change permissions, freeze and unfreeze cards, adjust spend limits and control where cards can be used.

Is Emerge only for businesses?

Emerge is only available for NZ registered limited liability companies. To set up an Emerge account, you’ll need to be a registered director of such a company with a New Zealand Business Number (NZBN).

However, Emerge has stated its aim to offer personal accounts in the near future.

What are the benefits of using Emerge?

Emerge offers a range of benefits for its users, including:

• Digital debit cards: debit cards are no longer just physical (although they can be if you prefer), they’re on your phone, too. Simply add your Emerge card to your Apple or Google Pay wallet for contactless or online use
• Disposable cards: single-use digital cards for extra security
• Easy account set-up: opening an account with Emerge can be done online and only takes a few minutes
• Free to use: the only cost is $10 per physical card issued
• 24/7 customer support: because it’s all online, you’re able to access round-the-clock assistance

How do I sign up to Emerge?

To sign up and for more information, visit the Emerge website, here.

About the author of this page

This report was written by Canstar Content Producer, Caitlin Bingham. Caitlin is an experienced writer whose passion for creativity led her to study communication and journalism. She began her career freelancing as a content writer, before joining the Canstar team.