Android Permissions
When you install the Bank of Ireland Mobile Banking App on your Android phone, you’re shown a list of permissions that the app requests. The descriptions of these permissions are created by Google and are worded the same for every app — currently, there’s no way for Bank of Ireland to customize them. So, to make sure you understand what features we access and what data we actually collect, we’ve provided a more detailed breakdown and guide of the permissions below. Click on any of the permissions and you’ll be linked to Google’s official documentation for that permission.
Contacts
Why do we ask for this?
This permission allows us to provide an easier way for you to make a payment using the ‘Pay To Mobile’ and the View/Share BIC & IBAN features. Rather than having to enter the phone number you have the option to simply select one of your own contacts from your phone.
The mobile banking app will not access your contacts unless you select the address book icon.
Bank of Ireland will not capture your contacts or call logs.
Location
Why do we ask for this?
This allows us to provide you with the ‘ATM/Branch locator’ service showing you the nearest ATM or Branch based on your current Location.
This also allows us to send you location based push notifications.
The mobile banking app does not store your location to persistent memory on your phone, but it does use your location to pinpoint your location, but only when you select the ‘ATM/Branch locator’ service.
Photos/Media/Files
Why We Ask for These Permissions
To help you find the nearest ATM or branch, our ATM/Branch Locator uses Google Maps.
Google Maps requires permission to save map data to your phone’s external storage (like an SD card). This allows the app to load maps faster without re-downloading them each time.
We may ask for your permission that looks like this:
‘Photos/Media/Files’
This is only to allow Google Maps to save map data.
We do not access your personal photos, media, or files.
At Bank of Ireland, your privacy and security matter to us.
Network Access
Why do we ask for these permissions?
These are required to:
- Connect to Bank of Ireland’s servers.
- Communicate with third-party services.
- Download map and app data.
Additional:
Why do we ask for this?
This permission allows us to give better accuracy when you use the Google Maps for the ‘ATM/Branch locator’ service.
Bank of Ireland’s mapping libraries use this permission to see if a Wi-Fi connection is available. Determining whether Wi-Fi is available helps optimize the data used to display these maps.
Why do we ask for this permission?
This helps us to improve the accuracy of the ATM/Branch Locator.
We use your permission to check if Wi-Fi is available, which can optimise the data that is used to display these maps.
Why do we ask for this permission?
This allows the app to check if it can connect to our services and display appropriate messages if there is a connection issue.
Bluetooth Connection Information
Why do we ask for this permission?
You may use Bluetooth, in future features:
- to enhance location accuracy, or,
- enable secure device pairing,
Currently, the app does not use Bluetooth to access or share personal data.
Bluetooth connection information
Bank of Ireland Mobile Banking App Permissions
Why We Ask for Bluetooth Permissions.
This permission allows us to send you relevant information to your app.
This is based on how near you are to a Bluetooth device called an iBeacon.
For example, Bank of Ireland uses iBeacons in some branches.
These are used to send push messages to customers.
These messages have information that might be useful or important.
Questions?
If you have any questions, you can write to us at mobilebanking@boi.com.
For more information about our privacy practices, take a look at our Privacy Policy.