Compare the best Irish bank accounts for expats. With fewer traditional banks than ever, digital options are increasingly important. Updated March 2026.
Tax note for Ireland: Ireland applies DIRT (Deposit Interest Retention Tax) at 33% on interest earned on savings. Banks withhold this automatically. Capital gains are taxed at 33%. Ireland has a self-assessment tax system, and you must file a tax return if you have non-PAYE income. The SARP (Special Assignee Relief Programme) offers tax relief to certain expat employees.
Our pick for Ireland
Wise — Real exchange rate, no hidden fees
Trusted by 16M+ people worldwide. Send, spend, and receive in 40+ currencies at the real mid-market rate. Multi-currency account with local bank details in 10+ countries. No monthly fees.
Ireland's banking landscape has changed dramatically since Ulster Bank and KBC exited the market. We evaluated the remaining options based on monthly fees, card costs, ATM networks, FX rates, ease of opening, and app quality. Irish deposit protection covers up to 100,000 EUR per person per institution under the EU Deposit Guarantee Scheme.
Revolut has become the most popular banking app in Ireland, with over 2.5 million Irish users. AIB and Bank of Ireland remain the two main traditional banks. N26, Wise, and bunq provide additional digital options.
What to look for as an expat in Ireland
PPS Number -- You need a PPS (Personal Public Service) Number to open a bank account with AIB or Bank of Ireland. You can apply at your local Intreo Centre. Digital banks like Revolut and N26 do not require a PPS Number.
Irish IBAN (IE) -- Employers require an Irish IBAN for salary payments. AIB and Bank of Ireland provide IE IBANs. Revolut recently started offering Irish IBANs as well. N26 provides a DE IBAN, Wise a BE IBAN.
Limited banking competition -- With only two major traditional banks remaining, Ireland has less competition than other European markets. This makes digital banks especially valuable for keeping fees low.
Contactless payments -- Ireland is one of the most contactless-friendly countries in Europe. All banks listed support Apple Pay and Google Pay. Contactless limits have been raised to 50 EUR per transaction.
Proof of address -- Traditional Irish banks require proof of address (utility bill, bank statement). New arrivals can sometimes use an employer letter. Revolut and N26 have more flexible requirements.
Calculate your Ireland salary first
Know exactly how much you take home after income tax, USC, and PRSI before deciding how to manage your money.