How do I open an Irish bank account?

Introduction

Banking in Ireland is changing, and digital current bank accounts are becoming more widely used along with traditional high street banks.  

1.  Digital Banks

You can set up a digital current bank account online and get an IBAN (International Bank Account Number) in a 'digital only' banks. They have no high-street presence and operate entirely online with customers accessing their accounts via apps on their phone. The best known in the Irish market are listed below:

• Bunq
• Money Jar
• N26
• Revolut

1.1. Bunq

1.2. Money Jar

Money Jar is an Irish based company and their digital account provides an Irish IBAN, a physical bank card (optional), and its mobile app supports both Apple and Google pay. 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. 

When do I open this current bank account?

You can open a Money Jar current bank account before travelling to Ireland and obtain an Irish IBAN straight away. Unlike Revolut and N26, Money Jar is available to international students living in all countries.

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.

NOTE, you do not need proof of address, and you can use a temporary address (with a valid Eircode) in Ireland such as a hostel or hotel and then update your address later.

1.3. 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

1.4. 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.

1.5. How to choose my digital bank?

Before you make any decision, find the right bank account that suits you with the below online articles:

• 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

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) 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. Should I open an account in a local branch or online?

• Online: you can subscribe and provide your documents online. We recommend you open a bank account online with a traditional high street bank.
• In a local branch: you will need to make an appointment at the branch.  It can take weeks or months to get an appointment with some high street banks.

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, as students who have just arrived in Ireland, you do not have the required documents for Proof of address. When you have secured your accommodation, you can request our NCI Bank Letter through NCI360, on the Student Letter Hub. Learn more on our How do I request a letter? NCI Support Hub article.

Please note that only registered students will have access to the Student Letter Hub. New students will only have access to a few days before classes start.

2.2. Allied Irish Banks

Allied Irish Banks is one of the biggest banks in Ireland with local branches across the country and they offer a third level current account.

When do I open this current bank account?

• You can open a bank account in Ireland.

What do I need to open a student bank account?

• Proof of identity (passport)
• Proof of address

For more information for this bank account option, visit Allied Irish Banks website.

2.3. Bank of Ireland

Bank of Ireland is one of the biggest banks in Ireland with local branches across Ireland. They offer a third level current account, and you can open this account online 45 days before arriving in Ireland!

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 for this bank account option, visit Bank of Ireland 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