How do I open an Irish bank account?

Introduction

Banking in Ireland is evolving, with digital current accounts becoming increasingly popular alongside traditional high street banks. The below outlines the main banking options available to students and what you need to open an account.

1  Digital Banks

Digital banks allow you to open a current account online and receive an IBAN (International Bank Account Number). These banks operate entirely online, with no physical branches, and accounts are managed via mobile apps.

• Money Jar
• Revolut
• Bunq
• N26

1.1 Money Jar

Money Jar is an Irish-based digital banking provider offering:

You can open a Money Jar account before travelling to Ireland. Learn about Money Jar plans.

NCI have partnered with Money Jar to give students free monthly fees for 9 months: Explore our Money Jar Guide for NCI students. 

What do I need to open a current bank account?

• Proof of identity (passport)
• A photo for verification
• Irish Residence Permit card (within 3 months the bank account opening). Learn more about IRP card.
• Temporary Irish address (can be updated later; proof of address not initially required)

1.2 Revolut

Revolut is licensed and regulated by the Bank of Lithuania within the European Union.

Their digital account provides an Irish IBAN and it offers accounts featuring currency exchange, physical and virtual debit cards, Apple Pay, and other services. Learn about Revolut plans.

When do I open this current bank account?

• If you are resident abroad in one of these listed countries, you can open a Revolut current bank account before travelling to Ireland.
• If your home country is not on the list, you can open it once you arrive in Ireland.

What do I need to open a current bank account?

• Proof of identity (passport)
• A photo for verification
• Proof of address
• PPSN (Personal Public Service Number). Learn more about PPSN.

1.3 Bunq

1.4 N26

N26 is a German Bank which now operates in over 20 countries across Europe. It provides a free basic current account and a debit card. Learn about N26 plans.

When do I open this current bank account?

• If you are resident abroad in one of these listed countries, you can open a N26 current bank account before travelling to Ireland.
• If your home country is not on the list, you can open it once you arrive in Ireland.

What do I need to open a current bank account?

• Proof of identity (passport)
• A photo for verification
• Proof of address

1.5. How to choose my digital bank?

Before selecting a provider, you may want to review the following resources:

• Q&A: Should I switch to a digital-only bank?
• Digital Banks - what are they and what do I need to know? 
• Revolut vs N26 how do they compare 

2  Traditional High Street Banks

Traditional banks offer in-branch services and student current accounts. Main providers in Ireland:

• Allied Irish Bank (AIB) website
• Bank of Ireland (BOI) webiste
• Credit Union website
• Permanent TSB (PTSB) website

You can discover and compare the fees and benefits of the different current accounts available.

2.1 Opening an account: online vs branch

What do I need to open a current bank account?

• Proof of identity (passport)
• NCI student card and/or the NCI Bank Letter (if opening a student account).
• Proof of permanent address in Ireland (must be dated within 6 months):
  • A current utility bill (a gas, electricity, telephone).
  • A current car or home insurance policy that shows your address.
  • A document issued by a government department that shows your address.

Note about proof of address: New students may not have proof of address immediately.

 Learn more on: How do I request a letter? 

2.2 Bank of Ireland (BOI)

Bank of Ireland is one of the biggest banks in Ireland with local branches across Ireland. They offer a third level current account, and online application options.

When do I open this current bank account?

• You can open this account online 45 days before you arrive in Ireland.
• You can open a bank account once here in Ireland.

What do I need to open a student bank account?

• Proof of identity (passport)
• A photo for verification
• Proof of address:
  • Irish proof of address or your home country address with a proof in English

For more information, visit Bank of Ireland website.

2.3 Allied Irish Banks (AIB)

Allied Irish Banks is also one of Ireland’s largest banks with nationwide branches. They offer a third level current account. and you can open this bank account only after you arrived in Ireland.

What do I need to open a student bank account?

• Proof of identity (passport)
• Proof of address

For more information, visit Allied Irish Banks website.

3.  General banking resources

You can use the following resources for information on banking in Ireland:

• Citizens Information website
• MABS (Money Advice and Budgeting Service) website
• Competition and Consumer Protection Commission to compare Student Current Accounts