Bank breaking up with you?

Step 1: Get Ready

Get ready: before you open your account make sure you have the correct documents to hand. You’ll need different documents depending on the type of account you want to open.

• Personal Current Account

  To open a bank account online or in branch, you need to provide at least one form of photo ID and one form of proof of address. To complete the online application you will also need to take a selfie (Photo of you).

  Before you apply, you can find all the features, benefits, terms and conditions of our Personal Current Account here.

• Basic Bank Account

  To open an account, we require documentation to check who you are (proof of identity) and where you live (proof of address).

  If you are unable to provide documents such as a passport and utility bill, we can accept alternative documents for identifying and verifying you. Please click here for further information.

  Before you apply, you can find all the features, benefits, terms and conditions of our Basic Bank Account here.

• Second Level Current Account

  Apply for a 2nd Level current account in a few easy steps by completing an online application form. You will need:

  • Your current passport
  • A selfie of you holding your passport
  • Parent/legal guardian address (1 piece of address verification documentation dated within the last 6 months).

  Before you apply, you can find all the features, benefits, terms and conditions of our Second Level Current Account here.

• Third Level Current Account

  All you need is your passport and proof of address (a college letter will be perfect).

  Before you apply, you can find all the features, benefits, terms and conditions of our Third Level Current Account here.

• Graduate Current Account

  You’ll need proof of ID, proof of address and proof that you have graduated college in the last three years.

  Before you apply, you can find all the features, benefits, terms and conditions of our Graduate Current Account here.

• Golden Years Current Account

  To open a bank account at a branch, you need to provide at least one form of photo ID and one proof of address. If you’re opening the account online, you require your passport book, a selfie (picture of you) and proof of your address.

  Before you apply, you can find all the features, benefits, terms and conditions of our Golden Years Current Account here.

Step 2: Open

Start the account opening process today by visiting our online Current Account Opening Centre. Or if you prefer, you can make an appointment to visit us in branch. As soon as your application has been approved, we’ll send your BIC and IBAN and any information you need to get started on 365 Banking.

Step 3: Move

Start the switch by making a list of all your payments in and out, and start sharing your new details with all the relevant parties. You’ll need to contact each individual direct debit originator to change their direct debit payment account. Once you receive your new card, you’ll need to update any recurring card payments such as music streaming services, gym memberships etc.

All inward payment payment providers (such as your employer, social welfare, tenants etc.) will need to be provided with your new account details.

Our Moving Guide has helpful lists and jargon busters to guide you through the process.

Step 4: Close

When you’ve moved all payments over, don’t forget to bring the balance of your old account to zero by completing a transfer to your new BOI current account and close your old account, if you wish to do so.

Check out our Moving Guide: Our Moving Guide has lots of great tips for making the move simple and easy.

Alternatively, you can use the Central Bank of Ireland Switching Code to move your account from your current bank to Bank of Ireland. You can download our guide which takes you step by step through this process here.

Please note that some Direct Debit originators do not accept Direct Debit instructions from 3rd parties. In this instance your “old” bank is considered a 3rd party. It is very important that you personally contact your Direct Debit originators to ensure that your Direct Debit details have been updated to avoid any missed payments.”

Once your new Bank of Ireland account is opened you can complete your digital switching for here.

Contact Us

Need more support? If you need a little more help with opening your new Bank of Ireland account, you can contact our Personal Current Account Team on 0818 354454 (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday).

Our Vulnerable Customer Unit are also on hand to help older or cognitive impairment customers, on 1800 946 146 (9.30am-4.30pm Mon-Fri)

Contact Us

Frequently Asked Questions

Looking for help and support? Read our FAQ’s to find the answer to your question.

Visit our help centre

There may be other products that you are interested in, to find out more see below:

MortgagesLoansSavingsCredit CardsInsuranceInvestmentsInternational Payments

Alternatively, use the Switching Service

Customers can switch to Bank of Ireland using the formal bank-to-bank switching process. Once you have opened your new Bank of Ireland Current Account, you can complete our digital switching form here. You will find all the information you need on switching in our downloadable Switching Guide below. We have also included a paper version of the form in our guide if you would prefer to complete it and drop it into your nearest Bank of Ireland branch to be processed.

It is recommended that you choose a switching date for a day when there is the least activity on your account, typically 10-20 days after payday.

Please note that some Direct Debit Originators do not accept Direct Debit updates from third parties, In this instance, your old bank is considered a third party. Double check with your service provider that your Direct Debit details have been correctly updated to avoid any missed payments.

Recurring Debit Card payments will not automatically switch over. You’ll need to give your new card details to the providers you pay in this way.

Find Out More

You can find everything you need in the guide below.

Switching Guide

Ready for the Big Move?

A major change is happening in the Irish banking sector, and thousands of businesses will need to find a new banking partner before the end of 2022 or shortly afterwards.

Whether you’re moving from one of the departing banks or opening your first business banking account, you’re sure of a big welcome here at Bank of Ireland.

We’ve got years of experience in serving business customers of all sizes and sectors, along with a physical offering across 1,000 Irish locations in our own branches and through our partners in An Post. This means that you’ve got a place to do your everyday banking in person, if you favour the face-to-face touch.

In preparation for what we know will be a challenge for many businesses, we’re making it as easy as possible for them to migrate with as little disruption as possible.

Sole trader

Find out more

Limited Companies and others

Book an appointment

Sole Traders

We have an easy online account opening process for sole traders. Our online banking platform gives customer smart payment options, daily transfers up to €20,000, the ability to manage direct debits and standing orders online, plus easy 24/7 access to online credit applications up to €120K. You’ll also have access to our nationwide team of local business advisors.

We can support your business needs through different account types including everyday banking core business accounts and commercial cards. We’ve also got solutions for term debt, asset finance, insurance premium finance and working capital.

Step 1: Getting Started

Before you open your account, you will need to have the following documents:

• Original or certified copy of the Certificate of Registration of business name (if you are trading under a name other than your surname(s);
• Proof of identity and address verification.

Step 2: Apply Online

Start the account opening process today by visiting our online Business Current Account Opening Centre. Or if you prefer, you can make an appointment to visit us in branch. As soon as your application has been approved, we’ll send your BIC and IBAN and any information you need to get started on 365 Banking.

Step 3:

Make a list of your existing payments in and out of your account(s). This will cover everything from payrolls, suppliers, revenue, utilities etc.

• Let customers and suppliers know you’re switching bank accounts.
• Check your payroll system and change the relevant account number(s).
• Re-direct any other regular incoming payments to your new account(s), e.g. customer direct credits.
• Change the details on your invoice documentation to include your account number, sort code, new Bank Identifier Code (BIC) and International Bank Account Number (IBAN). A sample letter is available for you to send to your direct credit originators.
• If you are the recipient of standing orders, you should notify your customers and suppliers of your new account details.
• If you are a direct debit originator, you should arrange to change your sponsoring bank and join the SEPA scheme, if applicable.

Step 4:

Close your existing account (if applicable).

When you’ve moved all payments over, don’t forget to bring your balance to zero and close any old accounts with other banks if you wish. Your old bank will issue you with a statement showing your account closing details. You can request your old bank to provide you with statements on your account for the previous 12 months, if necessary, free of charge.

There may be other products that you are interested in, to find out more see below:

OverdraftsBusiness LoansInternational PaymentsBusiness Credit CardsCard Payment Solutions

Limited Company and Others

Whether you’re moving from another bank or opening your first Limited Company Business Account, you’ll get a big welcome here at Bank of Ireland. Please arrange an appointment with one of our friendly and professional business advisers in branch about setting up your account and we’ve also included a handy checklist of the types of documents we require to open your new account.

Arrange an appointment

Arrange an appointment

Checklist of documents

Checklist of documents

Alternatively, use the Switching Service

Customers can switch to Bank of Ireland using the formal bank-to-bank switching process. Once you have opened your new Bank of Ireland Business Current Account, you will find all the information you need on switching in our downloadable Switching Guide below which you will need to complete and drop it into your nearest Bank of Ireland branch to be processed.

It is recommended that you choose a switching date for a day when there is the least activity on your account.

Please note that some Direct Debit Originators do not accept Direct Debit updates from third parties. In this instance, your old bank is considered a third party. Double check with your service provider that your Direct Debit details have been correctly updated to avoid any missed payments.

Recurring Debit Card payments will not automatically switch over. You’ll need to give your new card details to the providers you pay in this way.

Find Out More

You can find everything you need in the guide below.

Switching Guide