What you need to open an Irish bank account
To open a bank account in Ireland, you need a valid form of identification, proof of address, and your Personal Public Service Number (PPS number) if you are resident in Ireland. Most banks require you to be at least 18 years old, though some offer accounts for younger people with a parent or guardian present. Non-residents can open accounts, but the process is slower and some banks will not accept them.
The identification banks accept includes a passport, driving licence, or national ID card. For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill, rental agreement, or council tax document dated within the last three months. If you do not have a PPS number yet, you can still open an account, but you will need to provide it within a set timeframe after opening — usually 90 days.
Some banks now allow you to start the process online and complete it in a branch, while others require you to visit in person from the start. A few banks offer fully remote account opening for certain account types, but this is less common and usually only for people who already have a relationship with that bank.
Key Takeaways
- You need a valid passport or driving licence, proof of address from the last three months, and your PPS number (or a commitment to provide it within 90 days).
- The main banks in Ireland are Bank of Ireland, AIB, Permanent TSB, and KBC, plus online-only banks like Revolut and N26, each with different opening processes and fees.
- Most accounts open within one to two weeks if you visit a branch with all documents; online-only banks can open accounts in days.
- If you are not an Irish resident, you can still open an account, but expect a longer process and possible restrictions on the account type.
- Monthly fees vary widely — some accounts are free, others charge €5 to €15 per month depending on the bank and account type.
Which banks operate in Ireland and what they offer
The four largest banks in Ireland are Bank of Ireland, AIB (Allied Irish Banks), Permanent TSB, and KBC. All four have branches across the country and offer current accounts, savings accounts, and overdraft facilities. Bank of Ireland and AIB have the most branches and the widest range of account types. Permanent TSB and KBC have fewer branches but often lower fees.
Online-only banks like Revolut, N26, and Wise operate in Ireland and can open accounts faster — often within hours or days. These banks have no physical branches, so all banking is done through an app or website. They are useful for international transfers and multi-currency accounts, but they do not offer overdrafts or loans, and customer support is limited to email or chat.
Credit unions also operate in Ireland and offer savings accounts and loans to members. You must live or work in the union's area to join. Credit unions are slower to open accounts than banks but often have lower fees and more flexible lending.
Step-by-step process for opening an account in a branch
Visit a branch of your chosen bank with your identification, proof of address, and PPS number. Tell the staff you want to open a current account (or savings account, depending on what you need). They will ask you to complete an application form on paper or on a tablet in the branch. The form asks for your name, date of birth, address, employment status, and PPS number.
The bank will then carry out identity checks and fraud screening. This usually takes a few minutes while you wait. If everything passes, they will open the account on the spot and issue you a debit card. The card usually arrives by post within five to ten working days. Your account number and sort code are provided immediately, so you can start receiving payments the same day.
Some banks now offer a hybrid process: you start online, upload your documents, and then visit a branch to verify your identity in person. This can be faster if the online part is already done before you arrive. Check the bank's website to see which process they use.
Opening an account online or by post
Online-only banks like Revolut and N26 let you open an account entirely through their app. You upload a photo of your passport or driving licence, take a selfie for identity verification, and provide your address. The process takes 10 to 30 minutes. Your account opens immediately, and you can use a virtual debit card within hours. A physical card arrives by post within one to two weeks.
Some traditional banks offer limited online opening for certain account types. Bank of Ireland and AIB both allow you to start an application online, but you still need to visit a branch or video call to complete identity verification. This hybrid approach is faster than visiting in person from the start, but slower than fully online banks.
Opening by post is rare in Ireland now. A few banks will send you an application form if you request it, but you still need to visit a branch or use video verification to confirm your identity. This route takes four to six weeks and is not worth using unless you have no other option.
Timeline and what happens after you open the account
If you open an account in a branch with all documents ready, it takes one to two weeks from the day you visit. Your debit card arrives by post during this time. Your account number and sort code are ready immediately, so your employer or benefits office can start paying you before the card arrives.
Online-only banks open accounts in hours or days. Your virtual card is ready to use immediately through the app, and your physical card arrives within one to two weeks.
After opening, you will receive a welcome pack by post with your account details, PIN, and information about online banking. You can set up online banking and a mobile app within days. Most banks let you set up standing orders and direct debits as soon as your account is open, so you can start paying bills immediately.
Opening an account as a non-resident
Non-residents can open bank accounts in Ireland, but the process is more complex. You need a valid passport, proof of your overseas address, and proof of your reason for needing an Irish account — such as a job offer letter, rental agreement, or business registration. Some banks will not open accounts for non-residents at all; others require you to visit a branch in person and may charge higher fees.
Online-only banks are sometimes easier for non-residents because they do not require a physical visit. However, you still need an Irish address to complete the application. If you do not have one yet, you can use your employer's address or a temporary accommodation address, but you will need to update it within a set timeframe after you arrive.
Non-residents should contact the bank directly before visiting or applying online, because requirements vary widely. Some banks ask for additional documents like a visa or work permit, and processing times can be four to eight weeks instead of one to two.
Fees and account types
Most current accounts in Ireland are free to hold, but some charge monthly fees between €5 and €15. These fees usually include a debit card, online banking, and a certain number of transactions per month. Savings accounts are almost always free, but interest rates are very low — usually 0.1% to 0.5% per year.
Online-only banks like Revolut and N26 offer free accounts with no monthly fees. They make money from currency exchange and premium features, not from account fees. Traditional banks charge fees to cover branch costs and staff.
Overdraft facilities (borrowing money when your balance goes negative) are available on most current accounts, but you must ask for them separately. The bank will set a limit based on your income and credit history. Interest rates on overdrafts vary between 8% and 20% per year, depending on the bank and your creditworthiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account in Ireland if I do not have a PPS number yet?
Yes. You can open an account without a PPS number, but you must provide one within 90 days. If you are a new resident, you can get a PPS number by contacting the Department of Social Protection or applying online through their website. The process takes two to four weeks.
What if I do not have proof of address?
If you have just arrived in Ireland and do not have a utility bill or rental agreement yet, some banks will accept a letter from your employer or accommodation provider on headed paper, dated within the last month. Contact the bank before you visit to confirm what they will accept. Online-only banks are sometimes more flexible with this requirement.
Do I need to visit a branch in person?
Not always. Online-only banks let you open accounts entirely through an app. Some traditional banks offer video verification instead of a branch visit. However, most traditional banks still require at least one in-person visit to verify your identity. Check your chosen bank's website to see what options they offer.
How long does it take to receive my debit card?
Physical debit cards usually arrive within five to ten working days of opening your account. Online-only banks provide a virtual card you can use immediately through their app, and the physical card arrives within one to two weeks. If you need to make payments before your card arrives, you can use your account number and sort code for bank transfers.
Can I open more than one account?
Yes. You can hold accounts at multiple banks and multiple accounts at the same bank. Some people keep a current account for everyday spending and a savings account for money they want to keep separate. There is no limit on the number of accounts you can hold, but each bank will carry out identity checks for each account you open.