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KiwiSaver at 4%: Is It Worth It?
Compare 4% with 3.5% and see the difference to your balance at 65.
1. You and your pay
Your contribution rate
Going into your KiwiSaver
$4,776 a year
📈 Estimated balance at 65: $267,846 in 30 years (if your pay stays the same and returns average 4% a year).
🧭 Good to know
- The default rate rises again to 4% (employee and employer) on 1 April 2028.
- Self-employed or not working? You won't get employer money, but you can still get the government contribution by paying in yourself.
- You can use KiwiSaver towards your first home, or withdraw at 65.
Rules last checked: October 2026. ESCT thresholds from 1 April 2025. The future balance is an estimate, not a promise: returns go up and down. Not financial advice. 🔒 Everything stays on your device.
✅ Rules last checked:
📚 Official sources: IRD KiwiSaver changes
We build every tool from the official rules and re-check them when they change. Always confirm with the official source before you rely on a result.
🛠️ Spotted a mistake or an out-of-date rule? Tell us
Questions people ask
What is the KiwiSaver rate from April 2026?+
The default employee and employer rate went up from 3% to 3.5% on 1 April 2026, and will rise to 4% on 1 April 2028. You can also choose 4%, 6%, 8% or 10%.
How much is the government contribution?+
25 cents for every dollar you contribute, up to $260.72 a year (1 July to 30 June). To get the full amount you need to put in about $1,043 a year. It stops if your taxable income is over $180,000.
Why is my employer's contribution less than 3.5%?+
Employer contributions are taxed with ESCT (employer superannuation contribution tax) before they reach your account. The rate depends on your salary plus employer contributions: from 10.5% up to 39%.
Can I stay at 3%?+
Yes, you can apply to IRD for a temporary rate reduction to 3% for up to 12 months at a time. Your employer may then reduce theirs to 3% as well.