Debut is building next-gen banking in New Zealand, starting with how you open your account. In this article, we’ll look at how to get started with Debut and activate your payment card.
What you’ll need
- Grab your ID, e.g. NZ Driver License or Passport
- Download the Debut App on your phone.
Download Debut
Debut is available on the App Store or Google Play Store.
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1. Verifying your contact details 📱
Simply launch the Debut app and choose Get started. You’ll be asked to provide your name and email address. We’ll send a unique code to your email. Confirm the code so that we know it’s you.
Note: If you need to pause or come back to your setup later, just choose the Log in option when you return, and we’ll send you a new code to continue with your account setup where you left off.
Once your email address is verified, you’ll be asked for your phone number, and we’ll txt you a code to enter.
Why does Debut use multi-factor authentication?
Multifactor Authentication, sometimes also called Two-Factor Authentication adds an additional layer security.
2. Verifying your identity 🥸
Next, we’ll verify your identity. Debut is fully online, so you’ll never need to go into a branch to open or close an account. It can all be done from your phone. If you have a New Zealand Driver License or Passport, verification is quick and easy. Follow the prompts to take a selfie and scan your ID. This process is automated and normally takes just a few seconds.
Tip: The ID checker is made to be easy to use, so hold your ID in your hand rather than laying it out flat, as this can sometimes look like a photocopy.
Using an alternative form of identification
Don’t have a New Zealand ID? That’s okay. If you have another form of ID and proof of New Zealand address, we can identify you with that too. Right now, alternative forms of ID need to be sent to our ID checking service. In this case, we’ll contact you once your ID has been verified, at which point you can continue with your account setup.
Why do I need to verify my ID?
Since you’re opening a financial account, it’s important that you are able to prove that you’re really you. Verifying your identity is necessary to prevent people with bad intentions from attempting to impersonate you or hide their identity by using yours. Over 130,000 Kiwis are affected by identity fraud in New Zealand every year (Te Tari Taiwhenua Department of Internal Affairs), so it’s something we take very seriously.
3. Security setup 🔒
Once your ID has been verified, you’ll continue to Security Setup. You’ll be asked to set a passcode to access your Debut account. If your device has biometric authentication like FaceID or a fingerprint reader, you can turn this on, so you don’t need to enter your passcode to access your account.
What do I do if I forget my passcode?
If you forget your passcode on a phone where you’re already logged in, it’s easy to reset it. Log out and choose Log In and we’ll email you a one-time code. Then, just set a new passcode and you’ll be good as gold.
Note: If you are logged into your account but wish to log out completely, go to Settings > Account > Log out.
Pick a card, any card.
Choose from two fresh Debut Ora Card designs in blanc or hēbē. Debut Mastercard Debit cards are digital-first, meaning they’re issued electronically, so you can use it straight away. You can choose to order a physical card too, or just go fully digital if you want. It’s up to you.
Activate Apple Pay or Google Pay in seconds.
If your phone supports Apple Pay or Google Pay, you’ll be asked to add your new Ora Card to your Wallet app. Once added to your mobile wallet, you can use your phone to pay for things wherever contactless payments are accepted.
Are Apple Pay and Google Pay secure?
We’re supposed to say that nothing is 100% secure, but mobile wallets are arguably a lot more secure than keeping cards (or cash) in your pocketbook. Apple Pay and Google Pay require biometric authentication at the time of purchase. This means that to pay using your phone, someone will need both your phone and your face. Compare that to someone stealing your wallet, where they don’t need any identification.
How do I use my card with my mobile wallet?
Apple Pay
On iPhone, double-click the lock button on the side of your phone, authenticate with FaceID or Touch ID and hold your phone to the payment reader.
Google Pay
On your Android device, unlock your phone and hold it to the payment reader. This may vary depending on which type of phone you have (e.g. Samsung, Xiaomi, Sony, etc)
Look for the Contactless Payment symbol when you pay.
And that’s it.
Confirm your contact details, verify your identity, set a passcode, and choose your card. Try Debut for yourself and let us know what you think, or better yet, what you’d like to see us bring to Debut next.
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Please note, Debut is not a registered bank under the Banking (Prudential Supervision) Act. This is about our future intentions. Investments with us are not supervised currently by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand.
