So you have accepted a college offer in Ireland and there’s no doubt that there are plenty of fun times (and lectures) ahead! But before you get your social life in order, there are a few other priorities to get out of the way – one of them being setting up a bank account that will cater to all your needs as a student in Ireland.
Setting up a bank account can seem daunting at the best of times and setting up a student bank account might seem especially puzzling. That’s why we’ve answered nearly every question that you might have about setting up a student bank account in Ireland including the best bank accounts for students in Ireland depending on your individual needs.
What banks are best for students in Ireland?
Before you’re tempted to choose the first bank that has a stand or rep on your campus, remember that it’s pretty likely that the bank you choose to open an account with now will be the bank you stick with for a few years – so make sure it fits into your current needs and potentially your future wants.
Remember though, that you can and should switch banks if you’re not getting what you need – you can find out more about that process here.
As mentioned, when it comes to bank accounts, we all have our own specific needs. With that in mind, there really isn’t one provider that can be considered the best for all students. This is why we have highlighted the ins and outs of the most popular bank accounts for students in Ireland to help you make an informed decision!
Bank of Ireland is one of the leading banks in Ireland and is one of the most popular choices for students – probably because they can be found on nearly every campus across the country.
Some benefits and features of a third-level current account with the Bank of Ireland include:
🗸 Contactless Visa debit card
🗸 Online and mobile banking
🗸 Make foreign currency payments
🗸 No maintenance or transaction fees
🗸 Borrow up to €5,000 at a variable rate of 5.0% APR
Find out more about the Bank of Ireland student account here.
The AIB student plus account is a current account that offers nearly everything a student might need including competitive interest rates and overdrafts.
Some benefits and features of a third-level current account with AIB include:
🗸 Contactless Visa debit card
🗸 Online and mobile banking
🗸 Debit cards can be used at home and abroad
🗸 No maintenance or transaction fees
🗸 First and second-year students can apply for an overdraft of up to €1,000 interest-free. Third and fourth-year students can apply for an overdraft of up to €1,500 interest-free
Find out more about the AIB student account here.
The Permanent TSB student account is not too different from your average current account with the main difference being that there are no maintenance or transaction fees.
Some benefits and features of a third-level current account with Permanent TSB include:
🗸 Contactless Visa debit card
🗸 Online and mobile banking
🗸 No maintenance or transaction fees
✗ No student-specific loans, overdrafts, or credit cards
Find out more about the Permanent TSB student account here.
How do you open a bank account as a student in Ireland?
Once you have decided on your provider, you can usually open your account online or in a local branch in person. Before you do this, there are a few documents you will need, these include:
- Proof of identity such as your passport, driving license, or national ID card
- Proof of home address such as a utility bill or bank statement
Remember to check with your provider what documents you will need as some requirements may differ.
How do you open a bank account as an international student in Ireland?
If you have just arrived in Ireland, you might not have all the required documents to open a student bank account. Some providers may allow you to use different documents or there may be a specific process in place for international students. It’s best to check in with your chosen provider to see how to proceed – the student union in your college should be able to offer advice too!
What to look for in a student bank account
There are a number of things to consider before taking the plunge and opening a student bank account in Ireland, such as:
- If you prefer in-person banking, make sure your chosen provider has a branch near you
- Check for hidden fees and make sure the benefits align with your needs
If you tend to do all your banking online, it might be worth considering an alternative to a traditional bank account such as the digital account with Money Jar. You can find out more here.
Money Jar is a simple and straightforward approach to a digital account. We make things like setting up a bank account a lot easier with just a few simple steps.
- Download the Money Jar app
- Register your personal details
- Verify your identity using a standard form of identification
We provide plenty of ways to help you stay on top of your spending and make the process of setting up an account easy. Find out more about how we can help you have the freedom to be better with money and everything else you need to know about signing up for a digital account with Money Jar here.
