Best Banks in Ireland: Complete Account Comparison Guide (2025)

Choosing the right bank in Ireland significantly impacts your monthly expenses and banking experience. With fees ranging from €0 to €6+ per month and varying levels of service, understanding your options helps you make an informed decision and potentially save hundreds of euros annually.

This comprehensive guide compares Ireland’s major banks and digital alternatives, explains account fees and features, and shows you how to choose the best account for your needs. Whether you’re new to Ireland or considering switching banks, you’ll find everything you need to make the right choice.

For a complete guide to opening a bank account in Ireland including required documents and the application process, see our banking in Ireland guide.

Quick comparison: Irish current accounts

Bank	Monthly Fee	Free Banking Available?	Branch Network	Best For
AIB	€4.50	Yes (€2,500 balance)	Extensive	Traditional banking
Bank of Ireland	€6	Yes (conditions)	Extensive	Branch access
Permanent TSB	€6	Yes (€3,000 balance)	Good	Relationship banking
N26	€0	Yes	None (app only)	Digital natives
Revolut	€0	Yes	None (app only)	Travel, FX
An Post	€4	No	Post offices	Basic banking

Fees as of 2025. Free banking conditions apply - see details below.

Understanding Irish bank fees

Irish banks charge fees unlike many other countries where banking is free.

Common fee structures

Monthly maintenance fee:

• Standard: €4-€6 per month
• Annual cost: €48-€72
• Usually waived with minimum balance

Transaction fees:

• ATM withdrawals: Often free at own bank
• Debit card purchases: Often free
• Branch transactions: €0.50-€1 per transaction
• Standing orders/direct debits: Often free
• International transfers: €5-€25 per transfer

Other fees:

• Overdraft: 8-14% APR
• Bounced payment: €10-€20
• Paper statements: €1-€2 per statement
• Card replacement: €7.50-€10
• Foreign exchange: 2.75-3.5% markup

Free banking conditions

Most banks offer free banking if you meet certain criteria:

Typical conditions:

• Maintain minimum balance (€2,500-€3,000)
• Monthly salary deposit (€1,500-€2,500)
• Be under 18 or over 66
• Be a student with valid ID

Worth noting: Even “free” accounts may charge for certain transactions.

AIB (Allied Irish Banks)

Overview

AIB is one of Ireland’s largest banks with extensive branch and ATM networks.

Branch network:

• Nationwide coverage
• 170+ branches
• 900+ ATMs
• Good rural coverage

Digital banking:

• Mobile app
• Online banking
• Generally good reviews

Account fees

Standard current account:

• Monthly fee: €4.50
• Transaction fees: 20c per debit transaction
• ATM fees: Free at AIB ATMs

Free banking available if:

• Maintain €2,500 minimum daily balance, OR
• Under 18 or over 66 years old, OR
• AIB Advantage account (different conditions)

Additional fees:

• Overdraft: 13.5% APR
• Unauthorised overdraft: 17.68% APR
• International payment: €8
• Foreign exchange: 2.75%

Features

Included:

• Debit card (Visa Debit)
• Online and mobile banking
• Direct debits and standing orders
• Apple Pay and Google Pay
• Contactless payments

Additional services:

• Overdraft facility available
• Savings accounts
• Credit cards
• Mortgages and loans
• Investment services

Pros

Extensive network:

• Most branches nationally
• Easy to find ATM
• Good branch access for complex needs

Established bank:

• Long history in Ireland
• Stable and reliable
• Full range of financial products

Student-friendly:

• Good student accounts
• Campus branches
• Student advisors

Cons

Monthly fees:

• €4.50/month unless you meet conditions
• €54/year if paying fees
• Transaction charges apply

Old-fashioned feel:

• Technology not as modern as digital banks
• App has some limitations
• Branch-focused model

Customer service:

• Can be slow
• Phone wait times
• Branch queues

Best for

AIB suits:

• People wanting branch access
• Those maintaining €2,500+ balance
• People over 66 or under 18
• Those needing full banking services (mortgage, loans, etc.)
• Rural residents needing local branch

Bank of Ireland

Overview

Bank of Ireland is Ireland’s largest bank with comprehensive services.

Branch network:

• Nationwide coverage
• 220+ branches
• 1,100+ ATMs
• Excellent coverage

Digital banking:

• Mobile app
• Online banking
• Modern digital services

Account fees

Current account:

• Monthly fee: €6
• Transaction fees: Free transactions on current account
• ATM fees: Free at BOI ATMs

Free banking available if:

• Third-level student, OR
• Age 18-25 with conditions, OR
• Over 66 years old, OR
• Maintain €3,000 balance and €3,000 in deposits per quarter

Additional fees:

• Overdraft: 13.99% APR
• Unauthorised overdraft: 17.99% APR
• International payment: €5-€10
• Foreign exchange: 2.75-3%

Features

Included:

• Visa Debit card
• Online and mobile banking
• Free transactions
• Direct debits and standing orders
• Apple Pay and Google Pay

Additional services:

• Overdraft available
• Savings products
• Credit cards
• Mortgages and loans
• Business banking

Pros

No transaction fees:

• Free debit card purchases
• Free ATM withdrawals (own ATMs)
• No per-transaction charges

Largest network:

• Most ATMs in Ireland
• Extensive branch network
• Easy access nationwide

Good digital banking:

• Modern app
• Good online platform
• Digital-first approach

Cons

Highest monthly fee:

• €6/month (€72/year)
• Conditions for free banking harder to meet
• €3,000 balance requirement high

Free banking difficult:

• Need €3,000 balance AND €3,000 deposits/quarter
• Many people can’t meet conditions
• Expensive if you don’t qualify

Best for

Bank of Ireland suits:

• People maintaining €3,000+ balance
• Students or over 66
• Those wanting extensive branch/ATM network
• People needing no transaction fees
• Those planning mortgage with BOI

Permanent TSB (PTSB)

Overview

Permanent TSB is smaller than AIB/BOI but offers competitive services.

Branch network:

• Good coverage
• 70+ branches
• Limited ATMs
• Stronger in urban areas

Digital banking:

• Mobile app
• Online banking
• Improving digital services

Account fees

Explore current account:

• Monthly fee: €6
• Transaction fees: Free
• ATM fees: Free at PTSB ATMs

Free banking available if:

• Maintain €3,000 minimum balance, OR
• Under 25 with third-level student status, OR
• Over 65 years old

Additional fees:

• Overdraft: 13.25% APR
• International payment: €6
• Foreign exchange: 2.75-3%

Features

Included:

• Visa Debit card
• Online and mobile banking
• Free transactions
• Direct debits and standing orders
• Contactless payments

Additional services:

• Overdraft facility
• Savings accounts
• Credit cards
• Mortgages (strong in this area)
• Personal loans

Pros

No transaction fees:

• Free debit transactions
• Free ATM withdrawals
• Simple fee structure

Mortgage specialist:

• Competitive mortgage rates
• Good for property buyers
• Integrated banking/mortgage

Improving digital:

• Recent app improvements
• Better online banking
• Modern approach

Cons

Smaller network:

• Fewer branches than AIB/BOI
• Limited ATMs
• May not be convenient everywhere

Monthly fee:

• €6/month (€72/year)
• €3,000 minimum balance high
• Expensive if don’t qualify

Less established:

• Smaller product range
• Fewer services than bigger banks

Best for

PTSB suits:

• People maintaining €3,000+ balance
• Those planning to get mortgage
• Students under 25
• Over 65s
• People in areas with PTSB branch

N26 - Digital Bank

Overview

N26 is a German digital bank with no physical branches in Ireland.

Branch network:

• No branches
• No ATMs (use any ATM)
• Completely app-based

Digital banking:

• Excellent mobile app
• Modern, intuitive
• Highly rated

Account fees

N26 Standard (Free account):

• Monthly fee: €0
• Transaction fees: Free
• ATM withdrawals: 3 free per month, then €2

N26 You (Premium):

• Monthly fee: €9.90
• Unlimited ATM withdrawals
• Travel insurance included
• No foreign exchange fees

Features

Included:

• Mastercard debit card
• Instant notifications
• Easy budgeting tools
• Instant transfers (to other N26)
• Apple Pay and Google Pay

Additional features:

• Spaces (sub-accounts)
• Spending insights
• Round-up savings
• Shared Spaces

Pros

Completely free:

• No monthly fees (standard account)
• No transaction fees
• No minimum balance
• Free digital banking

Excellent app:

• Best-in-class mobile experience
• Instant notifications
• Easy to use
• Great design

Quick to set up:

• Open account in minutes
• No branch visit needed
• Digital identity verification
• Fast approval

Good for travel:

• No foreign transaction fees (premium)
• Good exchange rates
• Works across Europe

Cons

No branches:

• Can’t deposit cash easily
• No face-to-face support
• Must be comfortable with digital-only

ATM withdrawal limits:

• Only 3 free withdrawals/month (standard)
• €2 per withdrawal after that
• Can add up if you use cash frequently

Limited services:

• No overdraft in Ireland
• No loans or mortgages
• Basic banking only
• No business accounts

Cash deposits difficult:

• Can’t deposit cash directly
• Need to use other methods
• Inconvenient if you handle cash

Best for

N26 suits:

• Digital natives comfortable with apps
• People who rarely use cash
• Those wanting completely free banking
• Frequent travelers
• People fed up with traditional bank fees
• Second account for daily spending

Revolut - Digital Alternative

Overview

Revolut is a UK-based digital financial app, not technically a full bank in Ireland but widely used.

Branch network:

• No branches
• No ATMs (use any ATM)
• Completely app-based

Digital banking:

• Excellent mobile app
• Feature-rich
• Continuously improving

Account fees

Revolut Standard (Free):

• Monthly fee: €0
• Transaction fees: Free
• ATM withdrawals: €200 free per month, then 2%
• Foreign exchange: Free up to €1,000/month

Revolut Premium:

• Monthly fee: €7.99
• ATM withdrawals: €400 free per month
• Unlimited foreign exchange
• Travel insurance

Revolut Metal:

• Monthly fee: €13.99
• ATM withdrawals: €800 free per month
• Cashback on purchases
• Airport lounge access

Features

Included:

• Visa debit card
• Multi-currency accounts
• Instant transfers
• Budget analysis
• Cryptocurrency trading
• Stock trading
• Apple Pay and Google Pay

Additional features:

• Vaults (savings goals)
• Round-up savings
• Kids accounts
• Business accounts
• Disposable virtual cards

Pros

Free account:

• No monthly fees
• No transaction fees
• Great for everyday use

Excellent for travel:

• Multi-currency accounts
• Best exchange rates
• Free FX up to limit
• Works worldwide

Feature-rich:

• More than just banking
• Investment options
• Cryptocurrency
• Budgeting tools

Instant everything:

• Instant notifications
• Real-time spending tracking
• Instant transfers (between Revolut users)

Cons

Not a full bank:

• Not a licensed bank in Ireland
• Deposits not covered by Irish deposit guarantee
• E-money institution instead
• Keep main account elsewhere

ATM limits:

• Only €200 free per month (standard)
• 2% fee after limit
• Can be expensive for cash users

Can freeze accounts:

• Sometimes freezes for verification
• Customer service can be slow
• Frustrating when locked out

Limited in-person options:

• No branches
• No cash deposits
• All support through app

Best for

Revolut suits:

• Frequent travelers
• Foreign currency users
• Digital-first users
• Second account for spending
• People wanting investment features
• Budget-conscious users

Not suitable as:

• Main salary account (use traditional bank)
• Large savings storage
• Primary emergency fund

An Post Money

Overview

An Post Money offers banking through Post Office network.

Branch network:

• 900+ Post Offices nationwide
• Best rural coverage
• Limited opening hours

Digital banking:

• Basic mobile app
• Online banking available
• Less sophisticated than others

Account fees

Current account:

• Monthly fee: €4
• Transaction fees: Various
• ATM fees: Free at An Post ATMs

No free banking:

• No conditions to waive fees
• Pay €4/month regardless
• €48/year minimum

Features

Included:

• Mastercard debit card
• Online and mobile banking
• Direct debits and standing orders
• Basic banking services

Pros

Excellent coverage:

• Post office in nearly every town
• Best rural access
• Long opening hours (some locations)

Simple:

• Straightforward service
• No complicated conditions
• Easy to understand

Good for rural:

• Only bank in some areas
• Local service
• Face-to-face option

Cons

Always costs €4:

• No free banking option
• Can’t waive fees
• €48/year guaranteed

Limited services:

• Basic banking only
• No loans or mortgages
• Limited products

Old-fashioned:

• Technology behind competitors
• Less sophisticated app
• Post office hours restrictive

Best for

An Post suits:

• Rural residents
• People needing local branch
• Basic banking needs
• Those uncomfortable with digital-only
• Older customers

Credit unions

Overview

Credit unions are member-owned cooperatives offering banking services.

Branch network:

• Local credit unions
• Community-focused
• Variable coverage

Services vary by credit union

Typical features

Accounts:

• Share account (savings)
• Current account (some credit unions)
• Loan services

Fees:

• Generally lower than banks
• Vary by credit union
• Often €1-€3 per month

Pros

Community focus:

• Member-owned
• Local decision making
• Know your community

Better loan rates:

• Often cheaper loans
• More flexible approval
• Consider personal circumstances

Lower fees:

• Usually cheaper than banks
• Simple fee structures

Cons

Limited services:

• Not all have current accounts
• Limited digital banking
• Basic services only

Smaller network:

• Only local branches
• Limited ATMs
• May not be convenient

Variable quality:

• Depends on local credit union
• Some excellent, some basic
• Check your local one

Best for

Credit unions suit:

• Community-focused people
• Those needing personal loans
• People wanting local banking
• Those supporting cooperative model

How to choose the right bank account

Step 1: Assess your needs

Consider:

• Do you need branch access?
• How often do you use cash?
• Do you travel abroad frequently?
• What’s your typical monthly balance?
• Do you need loans/mortgage in future?

Step 2: Calculate true costs

For traditional banks:

• Monthly fee: €X
• Can you maintain minimum balance for free banking?
• Transaction fees if applicable
• True annual cost = ?

Example:

• Bank of Ireland: €6/month
• You can’t maintain €3,000 balance
• Annual cost: €72

vs.

• N26: €0/month
• No minimum balance
• Annual cost: €0
• Saving: €72/year

Step 3: Match to lifestyle

If you:

• Use branches regularly → AIB, Bank of Ireland, or PTSB
• Are 100% digital → N26 or Revolut
• Travel frequently → Revolut or N26 Premium
• Have large balance → Any traditional bank (free banking)
• Need mortgage soon → Bank you’ll mortgage with
• Live rurally → AIB or An Post
• Want community banking → Credit union

Step 4: Consider combinations

Popular strategies:

Strategy 1: Traditional + Digital

• AIB/BOI for salary, savings, bills (free if minimum balance)
• N26 or Revolut for daily spending, travel

Strategy 2: Two digital accounts

• N26 for main account
• Revolut for travel and FX

Strategy 3: Traditional only

• One main bank account (if you meet free banking criteria)

Step 5: Test before committing

Good approach:

• Keep existing account
• Open new account
• Use for 1-2 months
• Switch if satisfied

Don’t:

• Close old account immediately
• Move everything over at once
• Skip testing period

Switching banks in Ireland

How to switch

Traditional process:

1. Open new account
2. Wait for cards/access
3. Update direct debits manually
4. Update standing orders manually
5. Update salary details with employer
6. Monitor both accounts for 1-2 months
7. Close old account

Note: Ireland doesn’t have automatic bank switching like UK.

Switching checklist

Before switching:

• Open new account
• Receive debit card and PIN
• Set up online/mobile banking
• Test new account with small transactions

During switch:

• List all direct debits (check last 12 months)
• Contact each company to update bank details
• Update standing orders
• Give new details to employer
• Transfer main balance (leave buffer in old account)

After switching:

• Monitor both accounts for 2 months
• Check no payments missed
• Ensure salary coming to new account
• Close old account (in writing)
• Destroy old cards

Timeline

Realistic timeline:

• Week 1: Open new account
• Week 2-4: Test new account
• Week 5-8: Update all payments
• Week 9-12: Monitor both accounts
• Week 13+: Close old account

Allow 3 months minimum for safe switch.

Opening a bank account in Ireland

Documents required

Irish resident:

• Photo ID (passport or driving licence)
• Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement < 3 months)
• PPS number
• Proof of employment/income (sometimes)

Non-resident:

• Passport
• Proof of address from home country
• Letter from employer in Ireland
• PPS number (or confirmation it’s been applied for)

For complete step-by-step guide, see our banking in Ireland guide.

Digital banks (N26, Revolut)

Simpler process:

• Apply through app
• Upload ID photo
• Video verification
• Approved in minutes
• Card arrives in post

Easier for newcomers:

• Can open before arriving
• Less documentation needed
• No branch visit
• Faster approval

Cost comparison examples

Let’s compare annual banking costs for different scenarios:

Scenario 1: Student (age 21)

AIB:

• Monthly fee: €0 (under 25 and student)
• Transaction fees: €0
• Annual cost: €0

Bank of Ireland:

• Monthly fee: €0 (student)
• Transaction fees: €0
• Annual cost: €0

N26:

• Monthly fee: €0
• Transaction fees: €0
• Annual cost: €0

Winner: All equal - Students get free banking everywhere

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Scenario 2: Young professional (€2,000/month salary, €1,500 typical balance)

AIB:

• Monthly fee: €4.50 (can’t maintain €2,500)
• Transaction fees: ~€5/month
• Annual cost: €114

Bank of Ireland:

• Monthly fee: €6 (can’t meet conditions)
• Transaction fees: €0
• Annual cost: €72

N26:

• Monthly fee: €0
• ATM fees: €8/month (uses cash frequently)
• Annual cost: €96

Winner: Bank of Ireland - €72/year

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Scenario 3: Established professional (€5,000/month salary, €4,000 typical balance)

AIB:

• Monthly fee: €0 (maintains €2,500 balance)
• Transaction fees: €0
• Annual cost: €0

Bank of Ireland:

• Monthly fee: €0 (maintains €3,000 balance)
• Transaction fees: €0
• Annual cost: €0

PTSB:

• Monthly fee: €0 (maintains €3,000 balance)
• Transaction fees: €0
• Annual cost: €0

Winner: All equal - Free banking available at traditional banks

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Scenario 4: Frequent traveler (low balance, lots of FX)

Traditional bank:

• FX fees: 2.75% on €500/month = €165/year
• Annual cost: €165+

Revolut:

• Monthly fee: €0
• FX fees: €0 (up to €1,000/month)
• Annual cost: €0

Winner: Revolut - Massive savings on FX

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Banking is a significant monthly expense for many people in Ireland. Choosing the right account and maintaining minimum balances where possible can save €50-€150+ annually. For complete budget planning including all living costs, see our cost of living guide.

Frequently asked questions

Can I open a bank account in Ireland without a PPS number?

It’s very difficult. Most traditional banks require a PPS number. However, some digital banks (N26, Revolut) may let you open an account without one initially, though you’ll eventually need it for full functionality. Best approach: apply for PPS number immediately upon arrival. See our PPS number guide for complete information.

Which bank is best for newcomers to Ireland?

For newcomers, N26 or Revolut are often easiest to open quickly without Irish address history. Open one of these first for immediate banking access, then open a traditional bank account (AIB, Bank of Ireland) once you have Irish address, PPS number, and employment letter. Many newcomers use both: digital for daily spending, traditional for salary and bills.

Is there free banking in Ireland?

Yes, but with conditions. Most traditional banks offer free banking if you maintain minimum balance (€2,500-€3,000) or are under 18/over 66. Digital banks (N26, Revolut) offer completely free basic accounts with no conditions, but may charge for ATM withdrawals or premium features. Students also get free banking at most traditional banks.

Can I get an overdraft as a newcomer?

Very difficult initially. Irish banks are cautious about overdrafts and usually require 6-12 months of salary history in Ireland. You’ll need good credit history, stable employment, and relationship with the bank. Digital banks (N26, Revolut) don’t offer overdrafts in Ireland. Best to avoid relying on overdraft for first year.

How long does it take to open a bank account in Ireland?

Traditional banks: 1-3 weeks (need to visit branch, provide documents, wait for cards). Digital banks: minutes to approve, 5-7 days for card delivery. If you’re a non-resident or new to Ireland, traditional banks may take longer (2-4 weeks) for additional verification.

Can I use my foreign bank account in Ireland?

Yes temporarily, but you’ll face foreign transaction fees (1.5-3% per transaction) and poor exchange rates. For short stays this is fine, but for living in Ireland you need an Irish account for: receiving salary (most employers require Irish account), paying bills, avoiding FX fees, and building Irish banking history.

What’s the difference between N26 and Revolut?

Both are digital banks with no branches. N26 is a licensed bank (German banking license), while Revolut is an e-money institution. N26 is simpler and more focused on banking, while Revolut offers more features (crypto, stocks, insurance). N26 gives 3 free ATM withdrawals/month; Revolut gives €200 free withdrawals. For main account, N26 slightly better; for travel and features, Revolut slightly better. Many people use both.

Should I close my home country bank account?

Not immediately. Keep it open for at least 6-12 months while settling in Ireland. Useful for: emergency access to funds, receiving money from home country, maintaining credit history, backup if Irish banking has issues. Close it once fully established in Ireland and no longer needed.

Useful contacts and resources

Traditional banks:

• AIB: aib.ie / 0818 724 724
• Bank of Ireland: bankofireland.com / 0818 365 365
• Permanent TSB: permanenttsb.ie / 0818 50 24 24
• An Post Money: anpost.com / 0818 33 45 55

Digital banks:

• N26: n26.com / Support through app
• Revolut: revolut.com / Support through app

Other:

• Credit Union: creditunion.ie
• Central Bank of Ireland: centralbank.ie
• Banking & Payments Federation: bpfi.ie

Comparison tools:

• Bonkers.ie - Compare bank accounts
• Switcher.ie - Compare products

Summary

Choosing the right bank in Ireland depends on your circumstances:

Choose traditional bank (AIB, Bank of Ireland, PTSB) if:

• You can maintain minimum balance for free banking
• You need branch access
• You’re planning mortgage/loans
• You’re over 66 or student (free banking)

Choose digital bank (N26, Revolut) if:

• You want completely free banking
• You’re comfortable without branches
• You rarely use cash
• You travel frequently

Best strategy for most people: Open both - traditional for salary/bills (free if minimum balance), digital for daily spending and travel.

For newcomers specifically:

1. Open N26 or Revolut immediately (quick, easy)
2. Open traditional account after 1-2 months (need Irish address/PPS)
3. Use both accounts strategically

Banking fees in Ireland can cost €50-€150+ annually if you’re not careful. Take time to choose the right account, maintain minimum balances where possible, and consider digital alternatives to save money. Switch banks if your current one isn’t working for you - it takes effort but can save significantly over time.

If you’re moving to Ireland, see our complete guides for Americans, British citizens, or EU nationals for comprehensive relocation advice including banking setup.