How to Open a Bank Account in Ireland
- 1). Ask for recommendations. If you're just moving to Ireland and are unfamiliar with their banking system, it may benefit you to get some opinions from Irish friends or colleagues on where to open an account. The Bank of Ireland and Allied Irish Bank are two of Ireland's largest and most popular banking institutions.
- 2). Know the different account services each bank under your consideration can offer. Some Irish banks offer fee-free accounts, but many still charge for the service. Be sure to ask what percentage of interest your deposited money will earn you. It also pays to be aware of the 15-cent Irish government tax charged for each check you write.
- 3). Consider banking online. Many large Irish banks offer online service, and Ireland's first completely online bank, RaboDirect, offers a no-fee, no-charge deposit account that boasts a higher interest payback than most of its brick-and-mortar competitors.
- 4). Open your bank account in person. The majority of Irish banks prefer that you be present when opening a bank account rather than by correspondence from abroad. You can go to the bank directly to get an application for an account or download and print the application from the bank's website to complete before you go in. If circumstances do not allow for you to open your account in person, you can request an application form directly from the bank and work over the phone and by fax with bank branch employees to open your account.
- 5). Provide proof of identity and proof of Irish residence. Two forms of identification are required, and one must be a picture ID, such as a driver's license or passport. Bring along a piece of mail, like a utility bill that is addressed to you, to show proof of residence. If you are opening your account from abroad and depositing a large sum, under the Money Laundering Legislation, you may be required to show confirmation of where the funds originated.
- 6). Keep your old bank account. You will want to keep a bank account open in the country you are moving from to cover any unexpected expenses as you make the transition to Ireland.
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