KiwiSaver contribution rate calculator
What moving from the default 3.5% to 4%, 6%, 8% or 10% costs each pay, and what it adds at 65. Includes the step to 4% on 1 April 2028.
The short answer
On $70,000 a year, moving from the default 3.5% to 6% costs $67.31 more each fortnight and adds about $80,043 at 65 in today’s dollars, for a 30 year old with $20,000 in a balanced fund. On the default rate, the deduction rises from $94.23 to $107.69 a fortnight on 1 April 2028, at today’s pay.
per pay
You are on the default rate. Pick another rate to compare.
| more each pay than the default | $67.31 |
| more at 65 in today’s dollars | $80,043 |
On the default rate you pay $94.23 and from 1 April 2028 $107.69. Your employer adds at least $94.23, $65.96 after ESCT at 30%.
- 3.5% then 4%
- 4%
- 6%
- 8%
- 10%
Your timeline
- Now, age 30
- 1 April 2028: default and employer rates move to 4%
- Age 65: KiwiSaver opens
Show the chart as a table
| Rate | Your deduction each pay | At 65, today’s dollars | Compared with default |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5% then 4% | $94.23 | $302,947 | $0 |
| 4% | $107.69 | $304,075 | $1,127 |
| 6% | $161.54 | $382,990 | $80,043 |
| 8% | $215.38 | $461,906 | $158,958 |
| 10% | $269.23 | $540,821 | $237,874 |
Rules as at 10 November 2026. Paid by no KiwiSaver provider. General information, not financial advice.
Extra at 65 by salary and rate
Extra at 65 in today’s dollars compared with the default rate, for a 30 year old with $20,000 in a balanced fund, and the cost each fortnight.
| Salary | 4% | 6% | 8% | 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $644$61.54 a fortnight | $45,739$92.31 a fortnight | $90,833$123.08 a fortnight | $135,928$153.85 a fortnight |
| $55,000 | $886$84.62 a fortnight | $62,891$126.92 a fortnight | $124,896$169.23 a fortnight | $186,901$211.54 a fortnight |
| $70,000 | $1,127$107.69 a fortnight | $80,043$161.54 a fortnight | $158,958$215.38 a fortnight | $237,874$269.23 a fortnight |
| $85,000 | $1,369$130.77 a fortnight | $97,195$196.15 a fortnight | $193,021$261.54 a fortnight | $288,847$326.92 a fortnight |
| $100,000 | $1,611$153.85 a fortnight | $114,347$230.77 a fortnight | $227,083$307.69 a fortnight | $339,820$384.62 a fortnight |
| $130,000 | $2,094$200.00 a fortnight | $148,651$300.00 a fortnight | $295,208$400.00 a fortnight | $441,765$500.00 a fortnight |
Questions people ask
What is the default KiwiSaver contribution rate?
It is 3.5% from 1 April 2026, rising to 4% on 1 April 2028. You can also choose 4%, 6%, 8% or 10%.
Does my employer pay more if I contribute more?
Not by law. The compulsory employer contribution is at least 3.5% of your gross pay, rising to 4% on 1 April 2028, whatever rate you choose. It is taxed by ESCT before it reaches your account.
Can I drop to 3%?
Only through a temporary rate reduction, which lasts from 3 to 12 months. It is not available as a permanent rate.
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