Merchants looking to grow in international markets must offer payment methods that align with local preferences. In New Zealand, one such method has gained widespread trust and adoption: POLi. For merchants seeking to tap into this dynamic market, understanding and offering POLi as a payment method at checkout can be a game changer.
What is POLi?
POLi is a real time online bank transfer payment method used in New Zealand and Australia. It allows consumers to pay for goods and services directly from their internet banking accounts securely, instantly and without the need for a credit or debit card. For merchants, this means reduced payment friction and increased conversions.
Developed by Australia Post, POLi bridges the gap between online payments and traditional bank transfers. It’s especially popular among consumers who prefer not to share card details online or who may not have access to credit cards.
How POLi works
POLi simplifies the online payment experience by connecting directly to a shopper’s bank account, no cards and no sign-ups. The process is intuitive and secure, guiding the customer through a familiar online banking environment to complete their purchase with confidence.
Here’s how a typical POLi transaction flows:
- Customer selects POLi at checkout: The customer chooses “Pay with POLi” and is redirected to POLi’s secure interface.
- Bank selection: They select their bank from a list of supported New Zealand banks.
- Login via internet banking: The customer logs into their online banking. POLi does not store login credentials.
- Pre-filled payment details: POLi auto-fills the payment with the merchant’s bank details, reference and amount.
- Customer confirms payment: The customer reviews and approves the payment within their online banking environment.
- Instant confirmation to merchant: POLi notifies the merchant in real time, even before settlement.
Key features:
- Real time payment confirmation: Payments made through POLi are confirmed instantly, allowing merchants to process orders, activate services or release goods without delay. This real time insight improves operational efficiency and enhances the overall customer experience.
- Compatible with major New Zealand banks: POLi integrates with all leading banks in New Zealand, including ANZ, BNZ, ASB and Westpac. This wide coverage ensures accessibility for the vast majority of local shoppers, giving merchants broad reach and seamless customer uptake.
- Widely used across key industries: POLi is widely adopted in sectors from eCommerce and travel to utilities and government services. It has a track record in handling high volume transactions with security and efficiency, which makes it smart choice for merchants looking to establish or grow their presence in the New Zealand market.
Why POLi matters to New Zealand shoppers
New Zealand consumers are digitally savvy, yet they remain cautious about online security. POLi appeals to this mindset by offering a secure and transparent payment experience. Nearly 40% of all bank customers or 1.6 million Kiwis have used POLi. It enables shoppers to control the transaction from within their trusted banking environment, which reinforces confidence and reduces cart abandonment.
Additionally, POLi is cost effective and card free, which makes it particularly appealing for budget-conscious users or those who avoid credit altogether.
Merchant benefits: seamless, secure, customer centric
For merchants looking to expand into New Zealand, POLi offers several compelling advantages:
Access to a wider customer base
Tap into a growing segment of New Zealander shoppers who prefer direct bank transfers or who choose not to use credit cards. This includes younger consumers, budget-conscious shoppers and those who value control over their finances. By integrating POLi, merchants provide a trusted payment experience for Kiwis that resonates with local expectations and removes friction for a large, engaged user base.
Reduce costs with a card-free model
POLi transactions bypass card networks entirely, removing the need for card schemes or digital wallets. This helps lower overall payment processing costs by eliminating interchange fees and the risk of chargebacks. As a result, merchants can retain more of their revenue while offering customers a straightforward way to pay.
Enhance customer trust through secure payments
POLi is built with security at its core, enabling customers to complete transactions directly within their trusted online banking environment. This eliminates the need to share sensitive card details, reducing the risk of fraud and increasing peace of mind. For privacy-conscious consumers, this added layer of protection builds confidence, ultimately encouraging more completed purchases and fewer abandoned carts.
Expand to New Zealand with emerchantpay
Offering local APMs like POLi is more than just a technical integration it’s a sign of commitment to customers. It shows that merchants understand their preferences, value their trust and are ready to meet their needs with clarity and care.
As a global payment partner, we’re passionate about making these connections possible. Whether businesses entering the New Zealand market for the first time or optimising their existing offering, POLi is a powerful tool to have in merchant’s local payment stack.
At emerchantpay, we understand that trust and transparency are essential to building long lasting relationships with customers. Integrating POLi into their checkout is one more way we help merchants expand to more customers through their preferred channels.
Contact us to learn more about POLi.