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Opening a bank account in Ireland

Why you need an Irish or SEPA account, which documents banks ask for (photo ID plus proof of address), how the fee-free basic bank account works for people who have no current account, and how to compare fees with the CCPC's tools.

Checked 8 Oct 2026
Applies to
Everyone who will be paid, pay rent or pay bills in Ireland.
Effort
Low effort
Time needed
Usually under an hour online or in a branch once you have the documents
Cost
Fees depend on the account; a basic bank account has no maintenance fees or charges for standard transactions for the first 12 months
When
In your first week or two, as soon as you have proof of an Irish address
On this page
  1. Overview
  2. Before you start
  3. Documents you need
  4. Step by step
  5. If your proof of address is the problem
  6. Watch out
  7. Common mistakes
  8. Tips
  9. Frequently asked questions
  10. Official links
  11. In your plan
  12. Sources
  13. Related guides

Salaries, rent and most bills in Ireland are paid by bank transfer or direct debit, so a current account is one of the first things to set up. Current accounts are offered by banks, credit unions and An Post. Under anti-money-laundering law, every provider must verify your identity and address before opening an account.

Before you start

  • Valid photo ID
  • A separate document proving your address

Documents you need

  • Valid passport or national ID card

    required

  • Irish Residence Permit card, if you have one (banks may accept it as photo ID)

    optional

  • Proof of address less than 6 months old (12 months for an insurance policy)

    required

  • PPS number, if the bank asks for it

    optional

Step by step

  1. Step 1: Decide what you need and compare

    Think about how you bank: card payments, transfers, cash withdrawals, foreign-currency use, and whether you want a branch nearby or only app banking. Fees vary: some accounts charge a monthly maintenance fee, others charge for particular transactions, ATM withdrawals, or non-euro card payments. Before you sign up, the provider must give you a fee information document, and you get a statement of fees at least once a year.

    The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) runs free comparison tools for current, deposit and regular savings accounts.

  2. Step 2: Gather photo ID and proof of address

    You need at least one photo ID and at least one document that proves your address, and you cannot use the same document for both. The name on both must match.

    • Photo ID that banks may accept: a valid passport, a valid driving licence, an Irish Residence Permit, an Irish Government Travel Document or a Temporary Residence Certificate.
    • Proof of address: a current utility bill, a car or home insurance policy, a document from a government department, a Revenue tax credit certificate or statement of liability. It must be less than 6 months old (12 months for an insurance policy).

    If you cannot provide the standard documents, contact the bank and ask what alternatives it accepts.

  3. Step 3: Consider a basic bank account if you have no current account

    If you are 18 or over (16 with AIB), legally resident in the EU and do not already have a current account, you can open a basic bank account. It has no maintenance fees or charges for standard transactions for the first 12 months and includes a debit card (which may not support contactless), direct debits, standing orders and online banking. It has no cheque book and no overdraft. After a year, the bank reviews the account; if your income is below the relevant criteria, generally around the national minimum wage, you may keep free banking. After five years, it converts into a standard current account. Card replacement, bank drafts, international services and missed payments may still be charged.

  4. Step 4: Open the account and share your IBAN

    Apply online or in a branch. Once the account is open, give your IBAN to your employer for your salary and set up direct debits for rent and bills. Banks may also ask you about the purpose of the account and the source of your money; this is normal under anti-money-laundering rules.

If your proof of address is the problem

In your first weeks you may not yet have a utility bill or insurance policy in your name. Citizens Information advises contacting the bank for advice on alternatives it may accept. A document issued by a government department that shows your address is on the standard list, so keep official letters you receive at your Irish address.

Watch out

Banks must keep copies of the documents you use to prove your identity for 5 years after an account is closed. Apply directly with the bank, credit union or An Post rather than through intermediaries you do not know.

Common mistakes

  • Using the same document as both photo ID and proof of address.
  • Bringing a proof of address older than 6 months.
  • Choosing an account without checking the fee information document.

Tips

  • Open the account as early as possible. The CCPC advises paying rent and deposits only by card or bank transfer, never in cash.
  • Compare accounts with the CCPC's tool before you choose.

Frequently asked questions

Editorial answers written by our team, based on the sources below.

Can I keep using my foreign account?

You can, but rent, salary and bills are usually handled by transfer, direct debit or standing order, and an Irish current account makes that straightforward. If you use a foreign account, check its fees for euro and non-euro transactions.

Do I need a PPS number to open an account?

Not normally. A bank may ask for your PPS number in some cases, for example if you claim tax relief on mortgage interest.

In your plan

  • Open a bank account

Sources

Written and checked by HomiStart editorial against the official sources below. Next scheduled check: 6 Apr 2027.

  1. Citizens Information BoardOfficial source
    Opening a bank account (Opens {{site}} in a new tab)
    Accessed 8 Oct 2026

    Page edited 22 July 2026.

  2. Citizens Information BoardOfficial source
    Proof of identity to open a bank account (Opens {{site}} in a new tab)
    Accessed 8 Oct 2026
  3. Competition and Consumer Protection CommissionOfficial source
    Basic bank accounts (Opens {{site}} in a new tab)
    Accessed 8 Oct 2026
  4. Competition and Consumer Protection CommissionOfficial source
    Rental scams (Opens {{site}} in a new tab)
    Accessed 8 Oct 2026

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