There are three ways for you to choose from:

• Call us on 1890 354 454 and we will give you your account number over the phone. Then drop into a branch (when convenient) to provide the ID we need before we can open your account. (See below for examples of documents we accept as proof.)
• Fill in and print off the application form here and contact your local branch for an appointment.
• Contact your local branch for an appointment to come in to open the account. Don’t forget to bring the ID we need.

We need photo ID and proof of your address.

• As photo ID we accept your current valid passport or driving licence.
• As proof of your address we accept a recent household bill or a bank or building society statement issued within the last six months.

Our staff will take you through the application. All the forms you need to fill in for the switch are at the back of the switch pack which you can get in branch or by downloading it below. Also, check out our switching guide.

Switching Date: Our staff will help you choose a switching date, which should not be at a time when there are a lot of standing orders or direct debits due out of your account.

Old Account: Remember to keep your old account in credit as the switch cannot take place if it is overdrawn.

Funds: Make sure that you have enough funds in both your new and old account to meet any payments (cheques, direct debits and standing orders), or fees and charges, that are due. Remember to arrange for your employer to pay your salary into your new account as soon as possible.

Direct Debits: Make sure to contact your direct debit originators to confirm that they have received your new account details

Yes, we need proof of both your identity and your address.

• As photo ID we accept your current valid passport or driving licence.
• As proof of your address we accept a recent household bill or a bank or building society statement issued within the last six months.

You can open your account over the phone by calling us on 1890 354 454, but you will need to call into your branch to provide ID. When you drop into the branch we can help you fill in the switch pack and talk you through the process.

You cannot switch a lump sum from a deposit account using this form but drop into any of our branches and we would be happy to discuss your savings options.

Switching your account takes less time than you might think. Your old account, including all direct debits and standing orders, should be switched over to your new Bank of Ireland account within 10 working days of the date you have chosen. If you have asked your old bank to close your account, the balance will be transferred and your old account will be closed during the same 10 working days. We and your old bank will aim to meet these deadlines, but delays may arise as a result of circumstances beyond our or the old bank’s control.

Yes, as long as the old account allows you to set up new standing orders and direct debits.

Some companies may not let you pay by direct debit for two months after a previous direct debit to them was switched to a new bank. If this is the case, talk to the relevant company.

Unfortunately, you cannot transfer an overdraft over to us as part of the switching process. Your old current account must be in credit for the switch to go ahead. However, you can apply for an overdraft on your new Bank of Ireland current account. You will need to provide six months’ statements from your old bank.

You should take this opportunity to consider setting up online or phone banking. This can save you time and money. Our phone and online services give you the confidence and flexibility to take care of your banking needs when it suits you.

If you are switching your current account, you can ask your old bank to provide statements of your account for the previous 12 months. If the statements are not available electronically, your bank will provide a paper copy of the previous 12 months free of charge

No, your old bank will send you and us a complete list of your standing orders and direct debits.

You can either:

• Close your existing account and transfer your balance and all of your standing orders and direct debits to us; or
• Transfer your standing orders and direct debits but leave your existing account open. We will tell your existing bank that you want to switch. Once they know you are switching, they will send us a list of all your standing orders and direct debits (you will get a copy of this too).

If you choose to close your old account, your old bank will do this for you. Remember, if you have an overdraft, you must pay this off before you switch. Make sure you leave enough in your existing account to cover any interest or fees as well as any payments that may be due.

Your branch will be able to tell you this. If the account is not active, staff at your branch will tell you what you need to do to start using it again.

When you visit the branch, bring along proof of you identity (such as your passport) and address (such as a household bill).

The customer complaint process can be found here.

The DGS is a scheme established under Irish and European legislation to protect depositors in the event of a bank, or credit union authorised in Ireland being unable to repay deposits (e.g. where a liquidator has been appointed). The DGS is administered by the Central Bank of Ireland and is funded by the credit institutions covered by the scheme. The DGS protects eligible deposits up to a limit of €100,000 per person in the credit institutions covered by the Scheme. The Irish DGS covers deposits in branches of credit institutions authorised in Ireland. You do not have to be resident in Ireland or be an Irish citizen to be eligible for DGS compensation. For further information please see www.depositguarantee.ie.

Check out our Switching Guide.