EBS current account review
With no maintenance or day-to-day transaction fees, an EBS current account is perfect for no-frills account seekers.
With many banks around Ireland providing current accounts, how do you know which one is right for you? Read on to learn more about what EBS has to offer, compare it to other current accounts available in Ireland and decide whether it’s the one for you.
€0
Maintenance fee
€0
ATM transaction fee
1%
Foreign transaction fee
Details
| Product Name | EBS Money Manager |
|---|---|
| Fee period | Monthly |
| Maintenance fee | €0 |
| Account Type | Standard |
| Online account only | No |
| More Info |
What's in this review?
Who is EBS?
EBS has a range of financial products and services including savings accounts, investments, mortgages, insurance and daily banking, and was first established in 1935. With branches nationwide, EBS has a corporate and social responsibility programme to provide a positive impact on communities and assists families in Ireland with savings and purchasing their first home.
What current accounts available at EBS?
EBS only has one current account at the moment called MoneyManager. This is a no-frills account suitable for people who don’t need extra bells and whistles that other banks offer such as an overdraft facility, rewards scheme or Apple or Google Pay. However, there are no fees for day-to-day transactions.
You can have your salary or wages deposited into this account to use for your daily transactions, and have a separate savings account to squirrel money away for a holiday, new home or a special purchase.
What are the features of an EBS current account?
- Online banking. View and manage your account online, set up payments and make transfers.
- Mastercard debit card. With your new MoneyManager account you will receive a Mastercard debit card that you can use at ATMs, stores both in Ireland and abroad, and for shopping online.
- Joint account. The MoneyManager account can have a maximum of two account holders, so you can use it as a joint account with your partner or housemate.
What fees will I be charged?
EBS does not charge any maintenance or everyday transaction fees on this account. This means that you can make as many purchases or withdrawals as you like in Ireland without needing to worry about the buildup of fees you may be incurring.
However, the MoneyManager account is not completely free as there are some charges and limits that do apply for certain situations. These include:
| MoneyManager fees and limits | |
|---|---|
| Monthly maintenance fee | €0 |
| ATM withdrawals | €0.12 Government Stamp Duty per withdrawal. Capped at €2.50 for debit card withdrawals only or capped at €5 for debit card purchases and withdrawals. |
| Non-euro-demonimated ATM withdrawals | 1% of withdrawal sum – (minimum €1.91 and maximum €6) |
| Foreign currency purchases that are non-euro-denominated | 1% of withdrawal sum – (minimum €0.30 and maximum €6) |
| Unpaid cheques charge | €4.44 |
| Unpaid direct debit charge | €6.35 |
| Unauthorised overdraft charge | €5 |
| Unauthorised overdraft interest rate | 3% per year above the EBS Mortgage Standard Variable Rate |
| Cheque withdrawal fee | €1.27 |
| Maximum account balance limit | €500,000 |
How do I open an EBS current account?
To open an account with EBS you must be 18 years of age and prove that you are a legally resident in the European Economic Area. You can only open an EBS current account by visiting a branch rather than applying online, and you will need to have the following documents with you when you apply:
- Identification
- Proof of address
- Proof of your PPS (Personal Public Service) number
How do I switch to a current account with EBS?
If you already have an account with another bank, you can switch to another bank account such as an EBS current account relatively easily. You don’t need to worry about direct debits or loan payments that you have coming out of your existing account, as these can be transferred to your new account without extra paperwork.
Below are the steps involved in switching to an EBS current account:
- Step 1: To start the process, EBS has a Personal Account Switching Pack on its website that explains the whole process in detail and has a Transfer of Account form that you will need to fill in.
- Step 2: Visit an EBS office with your signed Transfer of Account form, identification and proof of address.
- Step 3: Select a switching date for the switching process to start.
- Step 4: EBS will liaise with your previous bank to transfer funds and direct debit or standing orders.
- Your new account will be opened once the application has been approved.
- Step 5: You will be issued with a new bank card from EBS.
- Step 6: Your account will be up and running within 10 working days of the switching date that you selected.
You should make sure that you have enough money in your old account to cover any fees, direct debits or added interest. It’s a good idea to pick a switching date in a time of the month where you have little or no debits going out of your account to ensure that none are missed, which could lead to additional fees.
Looking for more options? Compare a range of current bank accounts in Ireland
What are the pros and cons of the EBS MoneyManager current account?
- No-frills current account
- No monthly maintenance fee
- Comes with a Mastercard debit card to use at ATMs at home or overseas
- Separate savings account
- Two account holders can open a joint account
- No fees for everyday transactions
- Limited features compared to other current accounts on offer in Ireland
- Fees for non-euro withdrawals
- Cannot apply for an account online
Verdict
EBS MoneyManager is the only current account on offer through EBS and it’s certainly a simple, no-frills account. This may appeal to you if you don’t want to pay monthly maintenance fees and like to keep things simple. However, if you want your current account to work harder and come with more benefits, it may be wise to look elsewhere. There are plenty of options in Ireland so shop around.