Airwallex Launches ‘Airwallex Yield’ High Returns Account

Airwallex has launched Yield in New Zealand, a proven global solution now allowing Kiwi exporters, global businesses and startups with foreign currency balances to earn returns on their AUD and USD balances, including funds from global trade revenue or VC investments. Businesses can now do so without the need to open an overseas bank account. 

Until now, earning returns on idle AUD and USD balances has been a capability typically reserved for the largest enterprises in New Zealand. Airwallex Yield brings that opportunity to local SMBs, giving them greater flexibility to manage cash flow, deploy funds for growth and reinvest their cash more efficiently.

Airwallex, the Australia-founded global financial platform, which entered the New Zealand market in 2024, has tailored Airwallex Yield’s benefits to meet the evolving needs of modern businesses:

• Competitive returns: Airwallex Yield currently offers a return of 3.34 per cent for AUD balances and 3.71 per cent on USD balances.
• No lock-up periods or penalties: Funds can be moved in and out of Airwallex Yield accounts at any time.
• Low entry threshold: A minimum investment of AUD10,000 (NZD $11,385) applies, but there is no ongoing minimum balance required.
• Easy access to USD returns: Businesses can earn on their USD balances without the need for foreign accounts or entities, in addition to their AUS balances.
• Safety meets growth: Airwallex Yield invests customer funds into AAA-rated J.P. Morgan money market funds, which have a conservative risk profile, high liquidity and a strategy of investing in short-term, highly-rated securities.
• Keep your balance data in sync: Bank-feed connectivity enables Airwallex Yield balances and returns to sync with Xero in real time for faster reconciliation.

Lowry Gladwell, Associate Director of New Zealand, Airwallex, said Airwallex is stepping up to support the growing demand for smarter cash management tools in New Zealand: “Airwallex Yield has already been adopted by thousands of businesses globally, and we’re excited to bring this proven product to businesses operating in New Zealand.”

“From payments, treasury, and spend management, to now offering better returns through Yield, Airwallex is building the future of banking that Kiwi businesses need.”

Airwallex Yield first launched globally in 2023 and is now available in multiple markets, including Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore. Since launch, hundreds of millions in business funds have been generating returns through Airwallex Yield globally, serving thousands of customers across sectors and regions.

Today, this product is being launched in New Zealand under the country’s Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Scheme with Australia, giving Kiwi businesses the same opportunity to grow and better manage their cash flow. 

Gladwell added that the launch comes at a time when New Zealand businesses are under increasing financial pressure. “Businesses are navigating higher costs and tighter margins, which means every dollar needs to work harder.”

“Airwallex Yield provides a flexible, low-risk way to put surplus funds to work, helping improve cash flow resilience without the limitations of legacy term deposits. Ultimately, this tool puts Kiwi businesses in a stronger position to grow, scale and compete across borders.”