How do I open a bank account in Ireland?

Banking in Ireland is changing, and digital current accounts are becoming more widely used along with traditional high street banks. Students can use the following resources for information on banking in Ireland.
• Citizens Information
• MABS (Money Advice and Budgeting Service)
• Competition and Consumer Protection Commission to compare Student Current Accounts

Digital Current Accounts

NCI have partnered with MONEY JAR who are an Irish company that offer a digital current account, so international students can set up an account and get an Irish IBAN (International Bank Account Number) even before they travel to Ireland.

See the MONEY JAR guide for NCI students. It includes a unique code for NCI students that gives 9 months free monthly fee, and you just pay for each transaction. It is simple to set up, just download the app, use NCI code and follow the instructions. To open an account, you will need proof of identity such as a passport and to take your photo for verification. You do not need proof of address and you can use a temporary address in Ireland such as a hostel or hotel and then update your address later.

There are a wide range of providers for digital current accounts and some of the most widely used are Revolut and N26. However, they may not issue an IBAN (International Bank Account Number) or if they do, the IBAN may not be accepted by an employer for the purpose of payroll.

Traditional High Street Banks
There are a few traditional high street banks in Ireland offering student current accounts for day-to-day banking and they are: Allied Irish Bank (AIB), Bank of Ireland (BOI), Permanent TSB and the Credit Union. Please note that two banks have recently announced that they are leaving the Irish market and they are KBC and Ulster Bank.

What documents do you need to open a bank account?

• Proof of Identity. You can use your passport
• Proof you are a full-time student if opening a student account. You will need your NCI student card and/or the NCI bank letter
• Proof of permanent address in Ireland

Generally, the following are accepted for proof of address and must be dated within 6 months.

• A current utility bill (such as a gas, electricity or telephone or mobile phone bill).
• A current car or home insurance policy that shows your address.
• A document issued by a government department that shows your address.

Students who have just arrived in Ireland do not have the required documents for Proof of
Address. However, new students can request a bank letter from NCI when they have secured their accommodation. To request a bank letter please go to the Student Letter Hub on NCI360.  Please note that only registered students will have access to the Student Letter Hub. Students starting at NCI in January won't have access until 18th January and students starting in September won't have access until early September.

If opening an account with a local bank branch you will need to make an appointment at the branch.  At some branches it can take weeks or months to get an appointment with some high street banks. Therefore, we recommend that students open a bank account online with a traditional high street bank.