Opening an account

Depending on the bank or provider there are a number of ways you can open a current account. You can open an account:

• In a branch
• Online
• Through a mobile app
•  Over the phone and by post

What documentation do I need to provide?

When you are opening an account you will need to provide proof of your identity and permanent address. If you are opening an account in a branch you will generally need one document as proof of ID and another document as proof of address.

If you are not opening an account in person you may need to provide two documents for each purpose.

Depending on the provider, some acceptable forms of proof of identify are:

• Passport
• EU driving licence
• Travel document
• EU national identity card
• Public service card. You may also have to provide your birth certificate as proof of date of birth.

Your proof of identity will need to be in date and valid, the name must match your proof of address.

Depending on the provider, some acceptable forms of proof of address are:

• Utility bill, for example, electricity, gas, telephone, waste collection
• Correspondence from a regulated financial provider
• Correspondence from a Government Department or body
• Original insurance document
• A copy of your Tax Credit Certificate (TCC)

Your proof of address usually can’t be more than six months old but it may be 12 months for insurance documents and mortgage statements.

How do I open an account if I don’t live in Ireland?

With some providers you don’t need to be a resident in Ireland to open a current account and you may be able to open an account remotely using their app, online services, by phone and by posting the required documents.

You may have to be a resident of an EU Member State and/or provide two proofs of identity and address.

What do I need to look out for when opening an account?

When opening your current account you should make sure to choose a provider that has the types of services you like to use. If you prefer dealing with people you should select one that has branches throughout the country. If you use banking online or through your phone, make sure the provider offers a quality online service.

Likewise, if you deal in cash make sure they have branches where you can deposit and withdraw cash and check if they have limited hours for this service. Our current account Money Tool will give you an idea of the fees, charges and some of the services offered by the different providers.

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17 April 2023

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If you are thinking about opening a new account with a digital bank, you can visit our moving bank hub to learn more about the steps involved and how to make the switch. You can also compare current accounts using our current account Money Tool.

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Opening a joint account

You can open a current account with another person and you might do this with your partner to manage household expenses, with a relative to pay for the care of a family member or someone you are in business with.

You will still need to provide proof of ID and address but it can be a quicker process if both people are already customers of the bank. The main thing to think about when it comes to a joint account is accessing the money.

Think about whether you want each person to be able to use the account and withdraw money individually or if you require all signatures in order to use the account. At the account opening stage make this clear and also ask about what happens if one person was to die.

Opening a student account

For student and teen accounts, each provider has slightly different procedures and rules. Some providers will require the signature of a parent or guardian to open an account or provide a debit card, depending on the age of the applicant. Some accounts are available from 11 years of age and others at 13.

If you already have an account with a provider it may be easier to open an account for your child with them as you have an established relationship and have proven your identity and address.

What if I have a problem opening an account?

If you are having trouble opening an account there are some steps you can take:

• Ask to speak to an experienced member of staff or a manager and ask why you are being refused an account.
• If you are not satisfied with their answer or reason you can make a formal complaint to the account provider.
• If you are still unsatisfied by their response to your formal complaint you can escalate the matter to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman.

Last updated on 24 August 2023