Making Payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I establish Automatic Payments online?

Yes, select 'Automatic Payments' from the Payments menu, choose the account you want to load the Automatic Payment on and then click 'Create Payment'. You can also amend and delete automatic payments if you need to.

What is the difference between One–off Payments and Bill Payments?

A One–off Payment is to someone you don’t pay on a regular basis, often replacing the need to use cash or cheques. One–off Payments can be set up, up to 90 days in advance. The recipient's (payee) details, such as name and bank account number, are not stored in Online Banking for you to use again.

With Bill Payments your payee details are stored in Online Banking for you to re–use. Multiple Bill Payments can be setup with differing due dates and amounts and can be set up, up to 90 days in advance.

Am I able to make Bill Payments to any individual or company that I choose?

Before you make a bill payment, you must first load the person or organisation you’re paying the bill to as your payee.

The National Bank has over 1000 businesses, local bodies and utilities already registered to receive payments. You can view our list of Pre-authorised Organisations. You can set up a registered organisation as a payee by selecting 'Bill Payments' from the Payments tab, then clicking on 'Add a new payee'. You can also set up a payee that is not registered - all you need to know is their account name and number.

What information do I need to put in the Particulars, Code and Reference fields for a registered biller?

For a registered biller, specific information must be entered into the Particulars, Code and Reference fields for the recipient (payee) to be able to identify your payment.

Below each of the Particulars, Code and Reference fields you will see an explanation of what information you are required to enter (e.g. 'First 8 digits of card number: enter a space after first 4 digits').

You don't always have to enter information in all three fields, this will depend on the registered biller requirements. These fields will be marked as 'Not Required' or pre-filled for you already.

What information do I need to put in the Particulars, Code and Reference fields for One–off Payments and Automatic Payments?

The Particulars, Code and Reference fields can be used to provide meaningful statement information for you and the recipient (payee). You should put information in these fields that will help you, and the payee, identify the transaction in the future. Each field is limited to 12 characters.

How do I alter the saved payee details once a saved payee is set up?

Once your saved payee is set up, you can't permanently change the details. If you'd like to permanently change your saved payee details you will need to delete it and add a new payee.

However, you can change the statement details when making a Bill Payment to a saved payee. Your saved payee won’t be updated with these details.

Can One–off Payments be future dated?

Yes, One–off Payments can be future dated, i.e. scheduled for payment up to 90 days in advance.

How many digits do I need to enter for bank, branch, account number and suffix?

Generally, bank account numbers are made up of Bank (2 digits), Branch (4 digits), Account Number (7 digits) and Suffix (2 digits, although sometimes 3). For example: 06-0501-0123456-00.

Can I disable the 'Payments' functionality?

We provide the ability to turn–off automatic, bill payment and/or one–off payment functionality. To request this, please send us a Bank Mail or call our Online Banking Helpdesk on 0800 49 50 51 (personal customers), or 0800 69 62 69 (business/rural customers) any time 24 hours, 365 days.

Is there default limit for making payments?

You can make payments of up to $1,000 per transaction. To amend this limit, please contact the Online Banking Helpdesk on 0800 49 50 51 (Personal Customers), or 0800 69 62 69 (Business/Rural Customers).

How do I make a payment to my credit card?

You can make a payment to your credit card by using Funds Transfer. When you do this your credit card balance is updated immediately and you can access the funds straight away.

What accounts can I use to Transfer Funds?

You can transfer funds to and from your current and savings accounts and your National Bank credit card.

Can I transfer funds to/from a term deposit, loan or managed fund?

You can only transfer funds to and from your current and savings accounts and your National Bank credit card.

Can I make an additional payment to my loan?

You can request additional loan payments to be made toward most loans that are currently on a floating interest rate. A minimum payment amount of $1,000 is required.

Can I include a reference or comment on my funds transfer transaction?

Yes you can, comments added to transfers between current and savings accounts will show immediately. However, comments on transfers to your National Bank credit card will not be visible until the next business day.

If I make a funds transfer will the money be transferred and available straight away?

Yes. Funds transfer is immediate and the money will be transferred and available in your selected account straight away.

Do I have to add a comment on to my funds transfer transaction?

No, you don’t. For transfers to a credit card – the following standard message will display "DIRECT CREDIT PAYMENT – THANKYOU"

For other transfers it will say ‘Debit Transfer’ with the time stamp and ‘Credit Transfer’ with the time stamp

National Bank Saving and Investment Selector