Bank of Ireland current accounts
Learn about the different types of Bank of Ireland current accounts, with options for all ages and stages of life.
When you’re looking for a new current account, we recommend comparing options to find the right one to suit your financial situation and spending habits. You want to have easy access to your money in a way that works for you, be able to clearly understand what fees you will need to pay and if there are any perks that you can benefit from.
The Bank of Ireland has current accounts for different stages of life with features like cash back rewards and overdrafts, so read on to find out more.
€5
Maintenance fee
€0.25
ATM transaction fee
2%
Foreign transaction fee
What's in this review?
What current accounts does the Bank of Ireland offer?
Features of Bank of Ireland current accounts
- Visa debit card. With a Visa debit card with contactless, you can make purchases by tapping your card on the reader both at home and abroad. You can also use your card to make purchases online.
- Cashback rewards. Registering your Visa debit card with Bank of Ireland’s Live Life Rewards program enables you to earn cash back for spending. You’ll receive weekly offers for various businesses and you just need to use your card either online or in-store to earn. Brands associated with Live Life Rewards include Woodie’s, Just Eat and Dunnes.
- Overdraft facility. Some of Bank of Ireland’s current accounts allow you to add an overdraft of an agreed amount for a little extra help between paydays.
- Pay bills quickly and easily. Use your account to pay utility bills by direct debit.
- Different ways to bank. Manage and access your money in different ways. Bank of Ireland has branches nationwide plus you can use online, mobile or phone banking.
- Mobile top-up. Use your online banking to top up your mobile phone balance.
- Savings accounts. Access to exclusive savings accounts that you can open online in minutes.
Not all features come with all Bank of Ireland current accounts, but those listed are included in the Personal current account.
Bank of Ireland current account fees
Bank of Ireland’s Personal current account comes with a €5 quarterly maintenance fee and charges for all other transactions.
| Transaction type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Contactless payments | €0.01 |
| Automated transactions (chip and pin purchases, direct debits and electronic transfers) | €0.10 |
| ATM withdrawals and lodgements | €0.25 |
| Staff-assisted and paper transactions | €0.60 |
Is there a way to avoid fees?
Bank fees can add up over time if you make a lot of transactions during the month. Bank of Ireland does give you the change to avoid day-to-day transaction fees, but you must keep a minimum of €3,000 in your account at all times. Even if you are able to do this, the monthly maintenance fee still applies.
If you have an account for students, graduates or over 66s, you won’t have any transaction fees for day-to-day banking.
How to open an account
To open a current account at Bank of Ireland you need to be a resident of the Republic of Ireland and qualify for any age, studying or graduation requirements. You can apply online, by phone, or at your local branch, but you must have identification and proof of address documents.
If you want to apply online, you should complete an application form through the Bank of Ireland website which will take about five minutes. Once you have submitted the form, you will receive a link by email for you to upload your documents. Online applications require two forms of identification. This could be your driving licence and your passport, or one of these plus a selfie holding your identification.
How to switch to a current account with the Bank of Ireland
If you would like to switch your account from another bank to Bank of Ireland, you should meet with an advisor at a branch or call the Account Opening Team. You will need to fill in an Account Transfer form given to you at the branch or you can download the Switching Guide from the Bank of Ireland website.
Once you have completed this form, you will need to select a switch date. Bank of Ireland will then contact your old bank to arrange the transfer of direct debits, standing orders and funds to your new account. The whole process can take up to 10 working days from your switch date, so it’s recommended to choose a date that falls in a time of low activity on your account.