What it does
Kernel Wealth offers index funds, KiwiSaver, savings and direct access to US shares and ETFs for New Zealand residents. Its share interface can display NZD or USD prices. The free Core membership provides basic access, while paid plans add product access and lower currency-conversion fees.
Kernel separates its own funds and KiwiSaver service from direct US shares and ETFs. On a US asset’s detail view, the NZD/USD toggle changes the displayed currency, helping when comparing a US quote with a New Zealand budget. Price history is available for research, while Plus and Premium add recurring US investments and watchlists.
| Membership | Monthly or annual fee | US share currency-conversion fee |
|---|---|---|
| Core | Free | 1.50% |
| Plus | NZ$5 monthly or NZ$50 yearly | 0.60% |
| Premium | NZ$15 monthly or NZ$150 yearly | 0.40% |
All three list zero US share brokerage. Fund management fees remain separate. Plus and Premium provide access to the Total World Fund and PIE Save; Premium also includes trust and company accounts. The Total World Fund has its own 0.12% annual management fee.
Products are offered to New Zealand residents. Create an account and confirm bank details, an IRD number and identification before choosing products from the dashboard. A New Zealand driver’s licence or passport can be used; certified foreign passports have a separate support route.
Manage paid membership in the profile settings. Subscriptions renew automatically, and a cancellation or downgrade takes effect at the end of the billing period. When comparing plans, use the amount you expect to convert as well as the membership price. A lower conversion rate does not remove the fund’s own fee or change its investment risk.
Strengths
- Combines index funds and direct US securities in one account interface
- Lets a US asset’s price display switch between NZD and USD
- Paid plans reduce currency-conversion charges and add recurring US investing
Watch out for
- US share conversion costs still apply despite zero brokerage
- Total World Fund and certain account types require a paid membership
Best for
- New Zealand residents combining fund and direct-share investing
- Users comparing membership cost with expected US currency conversions
Sources
- Kernel funds and US share services (Oct 27, 2026)
- Kernel membership prices and product entitlements (Oct 27, 2026)
- Kernel US asset view, watchlists and recurring-investment features (Oct 27, 2026)
- Kernel account setup and identity verification (Oct 27, 2026)
- Kernel New Zealand availability (Oct 27, 2026)
- Kernel subscription renewal and cancellation terms (Oct 27, 2026)