Coming to Ireland

A personal current account is a bank account for your everyday use. You can put money in and take it out on demand. It often includes a debit card and online banking. You can also set up regular payments.

Some current accounts let you apply for other products, like an overdraft or chequebook.

Unlike a savings account that earns interest, current accounts are for regular use. People use them to manage their income and pay bills. They do not usually earn interest.

Use our comparison table to explore the current accounts we offer.

Customers who are aged 18 and over can use the ‘Coming to Ireland’ process to apply for a current account with us. We offer joint and sole current account options.

The ‘Coming to Ireland’ process helps people who are planning to move to the Republic of Ireland in the next 45 days.

Sole account: You can apply for a standard Personal current account, a Golden Years current account, a Third Level current account, or a Graduate current account in your sole name.

Joint account: You can apply for a standard Personal current account, or a Golden Years current account in joint names with another person.

Please note: You must update your address to a Republic of Ireland address within the first 60 days of opening your account. If you do not update your address within this timeframe, your account will be blocked. If you do not update your address a further 30 days after this, your account will be closed.

You can apply for a personal current account online, over the phone, or in your local branch.

• Online – Choose the device (mobile or computer) you want apply on and get your details ready. You will need to upload:
• A valid form of photo ID
• Proof of address

Please note: If you’re applying for a current account using the ‘Coming to Ireland’ process, your proof of address documents must be in English. If the documents are not in English, they must be translated before you start your application.

Here’s a list of acceptable documents. Then follow the on-screen instructions. We’ll ask you to take a selfie in the application form, so make sure you are camera ready.

• Branch – Visit your local branch and fill in the application form using a Kiosk or with the help of a staff member. You can give your photo identification (ID) and proof of address to a branch staff member, or you can upload them yourself using the link that will be emailed to you after you submit the application.
• Phone – Call one of our agents on 0818 354 454 (or +353 1 404 4034 outside the Republic of Ireland) and complete an application over the phone. Lines are open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. The agent will fill in the application for you; just provide your details during the call. When the agent submits the application, you will receive an email with a link to upload your photo identification (ID) and proof of address.

When you submit your application, you’ll get an email from us with a copy of important documents. Take some time to read through them. If your application is successful, we’ll text you your BIC and IBAN within three days. Take note of these details and keep them safe.

We charge a flat monthly fee of €6 per month on our Personal current account. We do not charge an account maintenance fee on our Third Level current account, Graduate current account, and Golden Years current account. There may also be charges for things like Government Stamp Duty, and when you make international payments.

For details on the fees and charges on our Personal current account, see our Schedule of Fees and Charges for Personal Customers and our Schedule of International Transaction Charges.

You can apply for a joint personal current account online, over the phone, or in your local branch. A joint account is not available on our Third Level current account and Graduate current account.

• Online
  Step 1: Applicant 1 fills in their part of the online application form. They upload their photo ID and proof of address. They take a selfie as part of the application before they submit it.
  Step 2: Applicant 2 will receive a link by email. They can use this link to fill in their part of the application.
  Step 3: Applicant 2 needs to upload photo ID and proof of address as part of their application. They will also need to take a selfie to authenticate themselves.
  Step 4: When we receive the two forms, we will start reviewing your request.

• Branch:

  Visit your local branch and fill in the application form using a Kiosk or with the help of a staff member.

  Applicant 1 and Applicant 2 can give photo ID and proof of address to a branch staff member. You can also upload the photo ID and proof of address yourself. This can be done using the upload link that will be emailed to you after you submit the application.

• Phone:

  Call one of our agents on: 0818 354 454 (or +353 1 404 4034 outside the Republic of Ireland)

  Lines are open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

  The agent will fill in the application for you; just give them your details during the call. When the agent submits the application, Applicant 1 (you) and Applicant 2 will receive an email. This will have a link to upload your photo ID and proof of address.

Please note: If you and Applicant 2 are moving to the Republic of Ireland in the next 45 days, you can apply for a joint ‘Coming to Ireland’ personal current account.

Yes. You can apply for a current account if you are not an Irish national and are resident in the Republic of Ireland. Our current account comparison table lets you compare the different types of current accounts we have. After you submit your application, you may be asked to provide more information like evidence of source of funds, or your source of money. If more information is required, we will email you.

If you are not resident in the Republic of Ireland: But you plan to move to the Republic of Ireland in the next 45 days, you can apply for a Personal current account.

If you have any questions, please contact us on the numbers below.

Extra help

• If you are applying for international protection
• If you need help with language accessibility

You can find some helpful links below:

boi.com/extrahelp