What is your favourite Irish bank/credit union and why?
I will soon be looking for an Irish bank account that is similar to my Canadian one. In particular, an account with no holds, preferably one that offers a master card/visa that works as debit card, smartphone app, e-transfers...
Irish people LOVE credit unions for savings, but for day to day banking needs they are not as efficient as banks. They are still very much catching up in terms of ATM access, online banking etc. for savings though, and small loans, then be sure to open an account with your local CU.
Regarding banks, there a few big ones (AIB, BOI, PTSB...). This site, http://www.consumerhelp.ie/, is invaluable in helping choose a bank. It'll help you get a good idea of what's on offer, and what their various rates are.
Excellent. Thanks very much.
I heard some banks were refusing accounts to US citizens because of FATCA?
I ended up using Bank of Ireland, as it was the only bank that didn't require official mall as proof of address. They accepted my rental agreement.
@dorzak - that's not something I've encountered. My US wife had no issues opening two Irish accounts. However, you must disclose citizenship, which in turn is shared with the US system in some cases. Also, US citizens must report holdings of over $10k in foreign accounts.
@seph - that's very useful info for people looking for a quick turnaround on opening a bank account. I'm sure it could speed things up by as many as 4-6 weeks. Thx!
Hi do you have to first move to ireland before you can open an irish bank account? how long does that take because im retired and have my pensions payed into my uk account, this is all new to me lol, just need to sort what comes first, the move or opening an irish bank account and how when i live in the uk
I'm pretty sure you must move to Ireland first, as banks require an Irish address in order to set up an account.
Bigjo
You will have to move over first to meet the criteria, even for Credit Unions these days. Its not a problem I still have a UK account registered at my Daughters that handles some standing order commitments there.
Check what your bank (UK) charges for ATM withdrawals in € and work the best way of sorting that. My Halifax account was great when it charged £0.50 per transaction but it now charges a set fee + a % which makes it terrible for transfers.
You will also have to sort out the pension payments once you have opened an Irish account.
Thankyou for that information on banking in ireland just trying to get as much info i can, all countries work differently, thankyou again,