Can I apply for an SBS Visa Credit Card online?
Yes, you can apply by clicking here and choosing the credit card you wish to apply for or by:
- Calling us on 0800 727 2273 and select option 1; or
- Visiting our nearest SBS Bank Branch – click here to find your local SBS Bank Branch. Our Branch team members will be happy to help you apply.
When applying through the above methods, please have the following things handy:
- A current and valid Passport or New Zealand Driver Licence; and
- Details of your income and regular expenses.
Can I apply for a credit card if I don’t have a Driver Licence or passport?
If you don’t have any of the documents listed below, you won’t be able to complete the application form.
We accept the following types of Identification Document (ID):
- New Zealand Passport
- New Zealand Driver Licence
- Overseas Passport
Your ID must be current and valid. If you don’t have at least one these types of ID, please phone us on 0800 727 2273 for help.
If I change my mind about my credit card application, can I cancel it?
Yes, if you’d like to cancel your application, you can:
- call us on 0800 727 2273;
- visit your nearest SBS Bank Branch – click here to find your local SBS Bank Branch; or
- send us a letter to: SBS Visa Credit Card Team, PO BOX 1204, Invercargill 9840 to arrange this.
Can I include my partner's income in my application as additional income?
No, you can’t include your partner’s income. If your partner is the main earner, it’s best for them to apply for the credit card instead.
In my application, can I list more than three sources of income?
No, we only accept up to three sources of income. Most of your income should come from your primary source. Your source of income must be legal and can be any one of the following:
- Salary
- Wage
- Commission
- Rental property
- Interest/Dividends
- Superannuation
- Benefits
- Profit (if you are self-employed)
- Child support
Can my credit card be issued in the name that I go by (nickname)?
Unfortunately, the name of the card needs to match the legal name on your account.
How long does it take to apply for a credit card?
It should take you about 10 minutes to fill in the online application form. It might take a little longer if you call to apply or visit us in Branch to apply.
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- A current and valid Passport or New Zealand Driver Licence – so we can verify who you are, and
- Details of your income and regular expenses.
Can I save my application and complete it later?
No, you can’t save your application form. Before you start applying for a credit card, it’s best to make sure you have all the necessary information you’ll need nearby (see the question above).
What does it mean if my application is conditionally approved?
If your application is conditionally approved, it means that we’ve approved you for a credit card but can’t complete your application because we can’t verify your ID automatically. So, we’ll need to see or receive a document that shows your home address or receive a certified copy of your Identification Document (ID) or both before we can complete your application.
You will receive an email from us telling you what you need to complete your application and how to do this or you can call us on 0800 727 2273.
If I've been conditionally approved, what do I need to do to get fully approved?
We'll send you an email telling you what you need to do to get fully approved. In most circumstances, you'll need to do one of the following:
1) Send us a document that shows your home address or take it to you nearest SBS Bank branch. These are the types of documents we'll accept:
- A bill from your water, power, gas, telephone, mobile or internet service provider
- A council rates notice or valuation notice
- A bank statement from a New Zealand bank
- Any Insurance Policy
- A letter from the Electoral Office
- Any documentation from a Government agency that includes a unique reference ID
- A letter from a Solicitor confirming your recent house purchase
- A tenancy Agreement
2) Send us a certified Identification Document (ID). These are the documents we'll accept:
- NZ Passport
- NZ Driver Licence
- Overseas Passport
If my application is declined, when can I reapply?
If your application for a credit card was declined and you want to apply again, you’re welcome to do so after six months and we’ll assess your application then.
My Identification Documents (ID) is expired, can I still use it for my application?
No. Your ID must be current.
If you don’t have one of the types of photo ID listed above, please call us on 0800 727 2273 for help.
Why do you need to know my friend or relative's phone number?
If we need to speak with you urgently but can’t get hold of you, we’ll phone your friend or relative to ask how we can get in touch with you. Rest assured that we won’t talk about your account with your friend or relative.
Why do you need to know what my income is?
As a responsible lender, we need to know what your income is and what your regular expenses are to make sure you can make repayments on your credit card for the credit limit you have requested without suffering undue hardship. If we do not think you can make repayments, or we think the credit limit requested is too high for you, we may decline your application or propose a lower credit limit respectively.
Why was my application declined?
There are various reasons why any application for a credit card may be declined. It could be because of your credit history, income, high expenses, or other debts you may have.
As a responsible lender we need to make sure that you can afford to make repayments on your credit card without suffering undue hardship.
If your application is unsuccessful, you're welcome to apply again after six months and we'll assess your application then.
Why do you need my Identification Document (ID)?
We need your ID so we can verify who you are (which the law requires us to do) and prevent people from obtaining a credit card fraudulently.
Why do you need to know my email address?
We need to know your email address because it's the best way for us to get in touch about your application and/or decision, and the ongoing management of your Card Account.
Who should I list as my dependents?
List any persons under 18 years of age who you support financially.
Who can certify my documents?
We accept documents certified by any one of the following:
- Member of the NZ Police
- Justice of the Peace
- NZ Lawyer
- NZ Chartered Accountant
- Court Official
- NZ Honorary Consul
- SBS Bank Team Member
If I apply for a credit card, when should I expect to get a response back?
When you apply for a credit card, you'll get one of the following responses within 60 seconds:
- Approved for a credit card; or
- Approved on condition that we still need to verify your Identification Document and/or your home address; or
- Referred to the Customer Experience Team for your application to be assessed further; or
- Declined.
What’s the minimum and maximum credit card limit?
The minimum credit limit is $1,500 and the maximum credit card limit is $15,000.