Which way to pay is right for the job?
Honest, side-by-side comparisons of the common ways to pay and get paid for work in New Zealand — including where the alternatives genuinely win.
Escrow vs bank transfer
A direct bank transfer is simple and free, but it puts all the trust on one side — someone pays first and hopes. Escrow keeps the same bank-to-bank simplicity but holds the money on trust until the work is approved. Here's how they compare.
Escrow vs a deposit
Deposits are completely normal — the risk is only in how they're held. Paid directly, a deposit relies on trust. Held in escrow, the same deposit is committed but protected. Here's the difference.
Open banking vs cards
Cards are familiar and everywhere, but they come with fees and chargeback risk for the business. Open banking moves money directly bank-to-bank, authorised in your banking app. Here's how they stack up.