BNZ bank cards and internet banking back online after major outage

The Bank of New Zealand's internet banking services are currently down. Photo / Peter de Graaf

Customers can use their bank cards at stores and access online banking services again after a major outage this morning earlier knocked out services, the Bank of New Zealand says.

The outage was reported by customers unable to login into online banking services at 10.19am today.

Hundreds of customers were caught at supermarket and other store checkouts unable to pay for goods after their bank cards were declined.

They also couldn't use internet and mobile banking services for individual and business customers and Client Fund Services through until about 3.20pm.

Kia ora, we are experiencing system issues that are affecting our online banking channels, some internal channels, and some customers may be experiencing issues using their cards. Our teams are working to quickly resolve these issues, we appreciate your patience.

— Bank Of New Zealand (@BNZ) April 16, 2022

A BNZ spokesperson said the bank's systems were now back up and running.

"We can confirm this issue is now resolved and all online and mobile banking services and card payments are available," he said.

"We apologise to our customers for the inconvenience caused."

An update on the bank's Facebook page said "our systems are now operational".

"Customers can now access online banking channels and complete transactions using their BNZ cards," the bank said.

"Our branches will remain closed for the remainder of the day to allow branch staff to assist contact centre colleagues in serving customers on the phone."

"Thank you for your patience."

In an earlier update on the Facebook page from 1.13pm, it said the bank's team is "working hard to implement a fix to the system issues we've been experiencing today".

"While we don't have an ETA to share now we will continue to provide status updates here," it said.

"In the meantime, customers who have had their card declined while using PayWave can try inserting their card into the terminal."

"Unfortunately this is not a solution for 100 per cent of transactions but should prove effective for a large proportion of declined transactions. Credit cards are not impacted by these issues and are working as usual."

Bank customers posted close to 2000 messages below the Facebook update.

"Was just left standing completely embarrassed at a check out, lunch already eaten, card not working and unable to access app or internet banking," the Facebook user said.

Anyone else having issues with @BNZ right now? My card just declined (despite $ available) and the app is down

— Rochelle F (@Kiwiseabreeze) April 16, 2022

Any other BNZ users unable to use their bank cards now? Both J and I had our cards declined and we can't access the bank app. 🤨😫

— Zoë Irene 🇵🇸😷🦈❤️ (@GetCaughtLiving) April 16, 2022

Yep. Had a number of BNZ customers trying to purchase in our store and keeps coming up ICC declined. They seemed all good getting cash out at an ATM though.

— Amy 🇺🇲🇳🇿 - 🏳️‍⚧️ ally (@American_Kiwi1) April 16, 2022

"Another lady kindly offered to pay for my bill but this is less than ideal!! Please sort it ASAP."

Another mum said she needs to go out and do her weekly grocery shopping soon.

"I have no options to get back into town for another week! If I don't go soon my kids miss out on food for a week."

Another user said it was not good enough.

"Away on holiday with family with no access to funds," they said.