Allied Irish Bank, or AIB, offers a range of financial products including savings accounts, mortgages, credit cards and current accounts. Here we review its current account offering.
To make comparing even easier we came up with the Finder Score. Fees, features and customer service across 20+ of the most popular banks are all weighted and scaled to produce a score out of 10. The higher the score the better the account – simple.
AIB doesn’t offer a huge selection of current accounts. It offers 1 main current account and 1 business account. However, it also offers student and graduate accounts.
Personal current account
This is a straightforward day-to-day bank account with no monthly maintenance fees. It offers a £200 interest-free overdraft (subject to certain criteria) and comes with a Visa debit card. You can manage the account online, by phone or by visiting your nearest Post Office branch.
Student 12-18 account
Designed for children aged 12-18 years old in part-time or full-time education. You’ll benefit from fee-free banking and a Visa debit card, but you can’t set up standing orders or direct debits on the account.
Student+ account
This account is for those aged 18 years and over who are a full-time third-level university or college student or student nurse. There’s no monthly account fee and you’ll get an interest-free overdraft of up to £1,850. There’s also a medical and dentistry package for those on a 5-year medicine or dentistry course, and the interest-free overdraft is £2,000.
Graduate account
Once you’ve graduated, your student account becomes a graduate account. Again, there are no monthly account fees and you’ll get an interest-free overdraft of up to £1,000.
Business bank account
AIB’s business account can be accessed via the bank’s Internet Business Banking service any time. You can also pay in cash via the Post Office. There is a fee for most banking transactions and these will be charged to your account on a quarterly basis, including a standing charge. It’s also possible to arrange an overdraft, though interest will be charged.
Benefits of opening an account with AIB
Overdraft facility. Some accounts offer an interest-free overdraft facility.
No maintenance fee for personal accounts. None of the personal accounts have a monthly or annual maintenance fee. The business account charges a quarterly fee.
Multiple ways to bank. You can bank online, by phone or at the Post Office.
Round the clock access. You can access your account via online banking 24/7.
How to open an account
To open a personal account you must be a UK resident and an existing Allied Irish Bank customer (this doesn’t include student accounts). Both personal and business accounts must be opened by phoning the AIB Business Centre on 0345 6005 204.
You will need to provide proof of ID, such as a passport or driving licence, and proof of address such as a utility bill.
Is AIB safe?
Yes, AIB is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA). All funds you deposit with the bank are protected under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).
This protects deposits up to £120,000 per person, per financial institution in the event the bank went bust.
Pros and cons
Pros
Overdraft facility
Multiple ways to bank
No account maintenance fee for personal accounts
FSCS protection
Cons
High interest rate on overdrafts if you exceed interest-free limit
Application process can only be carried out over the phone
Need to be an existing customer to open personal account
Fees for most business banking transactions
Customer service information for AIB
Email support
Telephone support
In-app or live chat
Contact form
Branch support
Our verdict: Is AIB a good bank?
AIB doesn’t offer a huge range of current accounts, but if you’re looking for a straightforward personal or business bank account, or you’re looking for a child or student account, you might want to consider what it offers. The personal account’s £200 interest-free overdraft might also appeal to those who tend to dip into the red. However, if you’re after an account that pays interest or offers cashback or other rewards, you will need to look elsewhere.
In the Apple App Store, AIB scores 4.6 out of 5 from around more than 26,000 reviews. It doesn’t have a specific UK app in the Google Play Store, but scores 3 out of 5 from more than 31,000 reviews overall. These were checked in June 2025.
Frequently asked questions
You can call the bank between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays).
Yes, AIB is part of the Current Account Switch Service and offers the Current Account Switch Guarantee. This means the switch from your old account to your new one must be completed within 7 working days and if anything goes wrong with the switch, any interest or charges must be refunded to you.
Northern Ireland has 7 AIB branches. There are no branches in Scotland, England or Wales. However, you can also manage your AIB account in any Post Office branch.
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Rachel Wait is a freelance journalist and has been writing about personal finance for more than a decade, covering everything from insurance to mortgages. She has written for a range of personal finance websites and national newspapers, including The Observer, The Mail on Sunday, The Sun and the Evening Standard. Rachel is a keen baker in her spare time.
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