How to get the best current account in Ireland
Here’s all you need to know about current accounts in Ireland. Find out about benefits, costs and how to pick the best current account for your banking needs.
What is a current account?
It’s a type of account held with a bank, building society or financial institution that you use to keep your money secure. Personal current accounts are normally used for everyday finances.
This type of bank account is best for:
- Everyday spending such as weekly shopping
- Receiving money like wages or welfare benefits
- Transferring money by direct debit or standing order
What do you get with a current account?
When you open a current account, you will usually be given:
- a debit card for contactless payments & ATM withdrawals
- a mobile app to manage your money
- an online account or telephone banking facilities
- an overdraft facility, subject to your credit history
- a chequebook if you want one
- Apple & Google Pay
Some bank account providers offer other perks such as cashback on purchases and bills.
Who provides current accounts in Ireland?
All the major banks in Ireland offer current accounts; here’s a list of current account providers in Ireland:
- AIB
- An Post
- Bank of Ireland
- bunq
- Credit Union
- EBS
- N26 - online only
- PTSB
- Revolut - online only
Some offer different types of current accounts to cater to different needs or life stages, for instance, student accounts.
How do you know your money is safe?
All current account providers are regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
All firms which hold an authorisation from the Central Bank of Ireland to provide financial services in Ireland are listed in their Registers section. Providers will provide their registered address and number on their website.
Current account charges and fees
Bank charges and fees
Many banks charge monthly maintenance fees and sometimes charge for cash withdrawals at ATMs. Here’s a snapshot of bank charges for their main current accounts.
| Bank | Account charge | Overdraft set-up fee | ATM withdrawal fee | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AIB | €4.50 per quarter | €25.39 | €0.35 | |
| An Post | €5 p/m | not offered | €0.60 | |
| Bank of Ireland | €6 p/m | €30 | free | |
| bunq | from €3.99 p/m | not offered | €0.99 for first 5 p/m | |
| Credit Union | €4 p/m | €25 | 5 free p/m | |
| EBS | free | not offered | free | |
| N26 | free | not offered | 3 free p/m | |
| PTSB | €8 p/m | €25 per annum | free | |
| Revolut | free* | not offered | Up to €200 p/m** |
*Fees and limits may apply depending on plan type, weekend vs weekday, capped amount (e.g. withdrawals) & potential fees charged by partner banks etc. See plan Ts&Cs for more detail. **Within plan limits. Third party providers may change a withdrawal fee. Weekend fees may apply.
Some banks also charge additional fees for setting up direct debits, lodgements or in-branch counter services.
You will also be charged for any transaction that creates extra administration for the bank, such as:
- Bounced cheques
- Replacement cards
- Unauthorised overdrafts
- Spending abroad
The cost of these charges varies so always check you know what you’ll have to pay extra for before you open an account.
What are overdraft charges?
An overdraft allows you to withdraw money or pay bills from your bank account even if there is no money in it. It is a form of short term credit, so you are borrowing money from the bank.
There are two types of overdraft:
- Arranged overdraft: this is when you agree with your bank in advance, how much you can get overdrawn.
- Unauthorised overdraft: this is when you spend more than you have in your account without agreeing on an overdraft in advance.
All current account providers charge interest if you use your overdraft. Interest rates vary but currently range between 11.85% and 15.55% for an arranged overdraft and 11.85% and 27% for an unauthorised overdraft.
ATM fees
Even if ATM withdrawals are free with your account, Government Stamp Duty is charged at a rate of €0.12 per ATM transaction. Government Stamp Duty only applies to ATM transactions carried out within Ireland and is due annually in arrears.
This charge is capped at €2.50 per year if you use your debit card for ATM transactions only and capped at €5 if you use your debit card for both ATM transactions and purchases.
Some account providers offer free or low cost cash withdrawals for a limited number of withdrawals each month, but then may charge fees as high as €2.99 per transaction thereafter.
Can you get a free bank account?
Yes, you may be able to get a basic bank account which means you don’t pay any charges for everyday banking for the first year. You will need to meet certain criteria to qualify for one.
You can open a basic account if you:
- don’t have another current account with a bank in Ireland
- are legally resident in the EU
- are over 18 years of age
- can provide proof of ID and address
Opening a bank account
Ways to open a bank account
There are several ways to open a current account.
- Online using your laptop, PC or tablet
- Via a mobile app
- In a branch
- By phone
- By post
Some providers only offer online accounts, but the main banks still allow you to open an account in person.
What you need to open a bank account?
Whether you are opening an account in person or online you will need at least one document as proof of identity and separate documents for proof of address.
If you are opening an account online or via an app you may need to provide more than one piece of evidence and Photo ID.
What counts as proof of identity?
Your identity documents need to be in date, valid and legible and the name must exactly match your proof of address. Some examples are:
- Passport
- Birth certificate
- EU driving licence
- EU national identity card
- Public service card
If the date of birth isn’t shown on your ID, you may also need to provide your birth certificate as supporting evidence.
What can be used as proof of address?
Proof of address needs to be less than six months old, but banks may accept 12 months for mortgage statements or home insurance documents. Some examples are:
- Utility bills, e.g. electricity, gas, telephone, broadband, waste collection
- Letters from a regulated financial provider, e.g. mortgage or credit card statement
- Government department correspondence, e.g. LPT letter
- Insurance documents
- Tax credit certificates
Can you get a current account if you have bad credit?
The decision will be at the provider’s discretion, but if you cannot open a personal current account, you will be able to get a basic bank account.
You can find out more about Basic Bank Accounts at CCPC.ie.
How to get the best current account
Tips for finding the right current account and switching your bank.
Choosing a current account
Whether you want to open a bank account for the first time or you’re thinking of switching, take time to fully compare bank accounts and think carefully about which best suits your finances.
You should consider:
- What’s the main purpose of the account? Is it for receiving wages and purchasing or do you need to set up lots of direct debits, make transfers and pay in cheques? Some banks charge for these, so a flat fee and free transactions may suit you best.
- Account fees and transaction charges: Would you prefer to pay a higher monthly account fee or be charged for individual transactions? All banks have a web page and leaflet outlining their charges in full, it’s definitely worth reading the small print.
- How you manage your money: Do you prefer to use mobile apps on the go? If so, one of the newer providers may suit you. If you’re more comfortable phone banking or visiting a branch, opt for a more traditional bank.
- Your preferred payment method: If you favour mobile payments, opt for a bank that offers free Google or Apple Pay. If you like to use cash, go for a bank that offers free ATM withdrawals.
- Do you need regular or easy access to a branch network? If so, choose a bank with branch near you, and opt for the closest or easiest to get to.
- Perks and other rewards: Some current accounts offer perks like cashback on bills and purchases. If this benefits you, opt for an account that offers the best incentives.
- Do you need an overdraft? Choose the bank that offers the cheapest overdraft fee and interest charges. Some of the newer providers don’t offer overdrafts at all.
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What is the best current account?
Current accounts have different features and prices, so shop around for one that fits your financial and lifestyle needs.
For example,
- If you’re looking for a budget-friendly account with limited digital features and branch access, EBS might be suitable.
- If you want quick, in-app transfers Revolut or N26 might be the right fit.
Here’s a brief overview of the features of each account:
| Bank | App banking | Google/Apple Pay | In app transfer | Branch access | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AIB | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| An Post | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | |
| Bank of Ireland | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| bunq | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | |
| Credit Union | Some branches | Some branches | No | Yes | |
| EBS | No | No | No | Yes | |
| N26 | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | |
| PTSB | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | |
| Revolut | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Can you get a prepaid card without a current account?
Yes, you can. You don’t need a current account to have a prepaid card and you don’t need to be credit checked for a prepaid card as you would for a current account or credit card.
You may still have to undergo identity and age checks though.
How to switch your current account
The Central Bank Switching Code ensures that switches have to be completed by the bank within 10 working days.
This includes the transfer of all direct debits and standing orders. It takes the hassle out of switching and an assurance that you won’t miss any payments.
Here’s what you’ll need to do:
- Choose your new provider
- Apply for the account
- Read any T&Cs carefully and check you understand the fees and charges
- Tell your new bank about any overdraft you may need to transfer
- Agree on a date for switching (don’t pick the days you pay bills or get your wages)
- Complete an account transfer form. This gives permission to the bank to transfer any active direct debits, funds and close your old account if required.
- Give your new account details to anyone who pays into your account, like your employer
You’ll likely be credit checked so your new account provider can find out how you have previously managed your money. If you’d like to know more about your credit score, visit our guide, How to check your credit record?
Once your application is complete, and your new current account has been set up, your new bank will order your new debit card and provide you with details about internet and mobile banking.
Can you switch your bank if you’re overdrawn?
It depends on your bank or provider. Some request you pay it off before switching and others will take on your overdraft subject to your credit rating.
It’s best to discuss it with your prospective bank before applying.
Current account FAQs
Can I do my banking at the post office?
Yes. An Post has more than 900 post offices across the country, providing a range of banking services for AIB customers.
This service is available from 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 1pm on Saturday.
On their website, you can find out more about banking with An Post.
Due to Bank of Ireland branch closures, the bank has recently agreed a partnership with An Post that will allow customers to make over the counter cash and cheque lodgements and cash withdrawals to ensure continuity of service.
What's the difference between a debit card and a credit card?
A debit card is provided with your current account and can be used for everyday spending.
A credit card can be obtained from your bank or another credit provider for making purchases on a buy now, pay later basis. Interest charges may apply.
If you get a credit card, you’ll be given a credit limit based on your credit score, which will allow you to make large purchases, such as a holiday, and spread the cost.