Opening a Bank Account in Ireland

BankingFinanceEssential Services

Opening a bank account is one of your first priorities when moving to Ireland. You’ll need it to receive your salary, pay bills, and manage your day-to-day finances.

Why you need an Irish bank account

You’ll need a local bank account to:

  • Receive your salary
  • Pay rent and bills
  • Set up direct debits
  • Use local payment services
  • Build a financial history in Ireland

Whilst you can use your foreign account initially, most employers will only pay into Irish bank accounts. Bank fees are just one part of your monthly expenses in Ireland. For a complete picture of what you’ll spend, see our cost of living guide.

Main Irish banks

Traditional banks

AIB (Allied Irish Banks)

  • One of Ireland’s largest banks
  • Wide branch network
  • Online and mobile banking
  • Student accounts available

Bank of Ireland

  • Largest bank by assets
  • Extensive branch network
  • Good digital banking services
  • Various account types

Permanent TSB

  • Smaller branch network
  • Competitive offerings
  • Focus on personal banking
  • Good online services

Digital banks

Revolut

  • Digital-only bank
  • Easy to open account
  • Multi-currency accounts
  • Instant notifications
  • Lower fees for foreign transactions

N26

  • European digital bank
  • No physical branches
  • Free basic account
  • Good for international use

Bunq

  • Dutch digital bank
  • Eco-friendly focus
  • No physical branches
  • Multiple account options

Requirements for opening an account

Most banks require similar documentation.

Standard requirements

Proof of identity:

  • Valid passport, or
  • National identity card (EU/EEA citizens), or
  • Irish driving licence with passport

Proof of address in Ireland: One of the following (dated within last 3 months):

  • Utility bill (electricity, gas, phone)
  • Bank statement from another bank
  • Letter from landlord on letterhead
  • Government correspondence
  • Tenancy agreement with proof of address

Additional documents:

  • PPS number (most banks now require this)
  • Employment letter or proof of income
  • Mobile phone number
  • Email address

You’ll need your PPS number to open most Irish bank accounts. If you haven’t applied for yours yet, see our complete guide on the application process.

Challenges for newcomers

If you don’t have proof of address yet:

  • Some banks accept a letter from your employer
  • Temporary accommodation letters may be accepted
  • Some digital banks are more flexible
  • Start with a digital bank, then switch to traditional bank

If you don’t have a PPS number yet:

  • Some banks allow you to open an account before receiving PPS
  • You’ll need to provide it within a certain timeframe
  • Digital banks may be more flexible

If you’re moving to Ireland and need a work permit, check our work permits and visas guide to understand the full relocation process. Moving from abroad? See our guides for Americans, British citizens, or EU nationals.

Types of accounts

Current accounts

Standard transaction accounts for daily banking:

  • Receive salary
  • Pay bills
  • Debit card included
  • Online and mobile banking
  • Direct debit facilities

Typical fees:

  • Monthly maintenance: €0-€6
  • Transaction fees: Free or per transaction charge
  • ATM withdrawals: Usually free at own bank’s ATMs
  • Debit card: Usually free

Student accounts

Special accounts for third-level students:

  • Usually no monthly fees
  • Free or discounted overdraft
  • Must prove student status
  • Available at AIB, Bank of Ireland, others

Deposit/savings accounts

For saving money:

  • Interest paid (though rates are low)
  • Limited transactions
  • Different notice periods for withdrawals

How to open an account

Step 1: Choose a bank

Consider:

  • Branch locations near you
  • Fees and charges
  • Digital banking features
  • Customer service reviews
  • Account features you need

Step 2: Check you have the required documents

  • Gather all original documents
  • Ensure addresses match
  • Check documents are recent

Step 3: Apply

In-branch application:

  1. Find your nearest branch
  2. Bring all required documents
  3. Fill out application form
  4. Application reviewed on the spot
  5. Account usually opened immediately or within days

Online application:

  1. Visit bank’s website
  2. Complete online form
  3. Upload document copies
  4. May need to verify identity in branch or via video call
  5. Account opened within 3-10 days

Step 4: Activate your account

  • Receive account details by post
  • Receive debit card by post (separate mailing)
  • Receive PIN by post (separate mailing)
  • Set up online banking
  • Download mobile banking app

Opening a digital bank account

Digital banks often have simpler requirements:

  1. Download the app
  2. Complete application in-app
  3. Take a photo of your ID
  4. Take a selfie for verification
  5. Provide address details
  6. Wait for approval (often instant or same-day)
  7. Virtual card available immediately
  8. Physical card posted within 5-10 days

Advantages:

  • Quick to open
  • Often more flexible with address requirements
  • Lower fees
  • Better for international transactions

Disadvantages:

  • No physical branches
  • Cannot deposit cash easily
  • Some services may not accept digital bank accounts
  • No relationship banking

Banking fees in Ireland

Irish banking is more expensive than many other countries.

Common fees

  • Monthly account maintenance: €0-€6
  • ATM withdrawal (other banks): €0.35-€0.50
  • Debit card replacement: €7.50-€10
  • Paper statements: €1-€2 per statement
  • International transfers: €5-€25+
  • Currency conversion: 2-3% markup

Ways to reduce fees

  • Choose accounts with fee-free options
  • Use online banking to avoid paper statement fees
  • Use your own bank’s ATMs
  • Set up direct debits to reduce manual payments
  • Consider digital banks for lower fees

Services you’ll need to set up

Once your account is open:

Online banking

  • Register on bank’s website
  • Create login credentials
  • Set up security questions
  • Download mobile app

Direct debits

Set up direct debits for:

  • Rent
  • Utilities (electricity, gas)
  • Phone bill
  • Internet
  • Insurance

Standing orders

Set up regular payments for:

  • Recurring bills
  • Savings transfers
  • Payments to specific accounts

Salary payment

Provide your employer with:

  • Account number
  • Sort code (also called NSC - National Sort Code)
  • BIC (Bank Identifier Code)
  • IBAN (International Bank Account Number)

These details are on your account documentation.

Understanding Irish banking terms

IBAN: International Bank Account Number - used for transfers

  • Format: IE12 BOFI 9000 0112 3456 78

BIC/SWIFT: Bank Identifier Code

  • Format: BOFIIE2D (8 or 11 characters)

Sort Code/NSC: National Sort Code (6 digits)

  • Format: 90-00-01

Current Account: Equivalent to checking account (US) or current account (UK)

Laser Card: Old debit card system (being phased out, replaced by debit cards)

Tips for smooth banking in Ireland

  1. Open account early: Start the process as soon as you have an address

  2. Consider two accounts: A digital bank for immediate needs, traditional bank for long-term

  3. Keep documents organised: Banks may request additional documents

  4. Set up online banking: Essential for managing your account

  5. Monitor your account: Check regularly for fraud or errors

  6. Understand fees: Read the fee schedule carefully

  7. Keep emergency funds: Have backup access to money during account setup

  8. Get help if needed: Citizens Information provides free banking advice

Special circumstances

Students

  • Open a student account for better terms
  • Bring student ID and letter from college
  • Many banks have campus branches

Self-employed

  • May need to open business account
  • Additional documentation required
  • Separate personal and business finances

Non-EU citizens

  • May face additional checks
  • Work permit or visa may be required
  • Process may take longer

Banking rights and protections

In Ireland, you have:

  • Right to a basic bank account (if refused elsewhere)
  • Protection under EU regulations
  • Right to switch banks easily
  • Protection from unfair fees
  • Right to complain to Financial Services Ombudsman

Switching banks

If you want to change banks later:

  • Switching is free under the Switching Code
  • New bank handles most of the transfer
  • Takes about 5 working days
  • Direct debits transferred automatically
  • Old account closed once switch complete

Common problems and solutions

Problem: “I don’t have proof of address”

  • Solution: Use employer letter, stay temporarily with friend who can provide letter, or start with digital bank

Problem: “I don’t have my PPS number yet”

  • Solution: Some banks allow opening without it initially; provide when received

Problem: “Application rejected”

  • Solution: Ask for reason, try another bank, or try digital bank

Problem: “Taking too long to open”

  • Solution: Open digital bank account as backup, follow up with bank regularly

Useful contacts

  • Banking and Payments Federation Ireland: bpfi.ie
  • Financial Services Ombudsman: fspo.ie - For complaints
  • Citizens Information: citizensinformation.ie - Free advice
  • Competition and Consumer Protection Commission: ccpc.ie - Consumer rights

Summary

Opening a bank account in Ireland is straightforward if you have the right documents. Start the process early, consider digital banks for quick setup, and ensure you understand the fees involved. Most importantly, get your PPS number as soon as possible, as many banks now require it for account opening.

With your bank account set up, you’ll be ready to receive your salary and manage your finances in your new home.