Opening a bank account in Ireland: documents, basic accounts and your rights

The short answer

• Two documents: photo ID, and a separate proof of address in your name, usually less than 6 months old.
• No bills yet? A letter from a government body, such as your PPS number letter, or a Revenue Tax Credit Certificate is on the usual lists. Otherwise, ask the bank what it accepts.
• Basic bank account: free everyday banking for 12 months, if you don’t already have a current account.
• Your salary: your employer must accept a euro account from any SEPA country, so an account from home works while you wait.
• Refused? Complain to the bank, then the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman.

Check your documents

What banks ask for

Banks must check who you are and where you live under anti-money laundering rules. The law doesn’t list the exact documents: each bank decides. These are the usual examples from the CCPC and Citizens Information:

• One document can’t prove both. You need photo ID and a separate proof of address.
• Same name: the name on your ID must match the name on your proof of address.
• Recent: proof of address must usually be less than 6 months old, or 12 months for insurance.
• In a branch, one of each is usually enough. Online or by app, you may need two of each.

No bills in your name yet?

This is the usual problem after you arrive. You often need an address to get documents, and documents to open the account. A few ways through:

1. Get your PPS number. It arrives by post, in a letter to your address, and a letter from a government body is on the CCPC’s list.
2. Register your job with Revenue. Once you have a PPS number and a job, your Tax Credit Certificate is another accepted proof. It also helps you avoid emergency tax.
3. Ask about your tenancy agreement. It isn’t on the CCPC’s list, but some banks may accept it. Ask before you go.
4. Ask for alternatives. If you can’t provide the standard documents, Citizens Information advises asking the bank what else it accepts.

Meanwhile, your employer can pay you into a euro account you already have elsewhere in the EU.

The basic bank account

If you don’t already have a current account, you can ask any bank for a basic bank account:

• free everyday banking for the first 12 months: no maintenance fees or charges for standard transactions;
• a debit card, direct debits, standing orders and online banking;
• for people 18 or over (16 at AIB) who are legally resident in the EU;
• after a year, the bank reviews it: if your income is generally below the national minimum wage, it can stay free. After 5 years, it becomes a standard current account.

There’s no cheque book or overdraft, and you may still pay for things like a replacement card, bank drafts or international services.

People seeking international protection and people without a fixed address have the same right to a basic payment account. Under a 2021 guide agreed with the banks, State documents such as a Temporary Residence Certificate or an IRP card are accepted as ID.

Opening the account, step by step

1. Compare accounts on the CCPC’s current account comparison tool: fees, branches, app, cash deposits.
2. Check the bank’s list of accepted documents, and whether the branch needs an appointment.
3. Apply in a branch, online, by app, by phone or by post, with your ID and proof of address.
4. Read the fee information document the bank gives you before you open the account.
5. Give your IBAN to your employer, landlord and utility companies.

Using an EU account in Ireland

Every euro account in the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) has an IBAN starting with its country code, such as IE for Ireland or DE for Germany.

• Employers and companies in Ireland must accept any SEPA IBAN for euro payments and direct debits. They can’t insist on an Irish account.
• If one refuses, tell them it’s required under Article 9 of the SEPA Regulation, and complain in writing.
• Still refused? Report an employer to the Central Bank at ibandiscrimination@centralbank.ie, or a company, such as an electricity or phone provider, to the CCPC.

Keeping your money safe

The Deposit Guarantee Scheme protects up to €100,000 per person per institution in current and deposit accounts at banks, building societies and credit unions authorised by the Central Bank of Ireland. If you use a provider authorised in another country, check which scheme covers your money.

Common mix-ups

Common questions

Sources