Getting a bank account is possibly one of the first few things you'd want to do when you reach Ireland. Most banks in Ireland have special Student Bank Accounts. These are loaded with special offers and incentives.
Banks are especially interested in Freshers because they know once a student signs up for a bank account, the chances of them switching are quite slim. It's the kind of inertia we all feel when it comes to financial matters especially as young adults. So it's no surprise that all leading banks have collaborations with major colleges and universities. You will see their pop-up store during the start of new semester where they make the bank account opening process a breeze.
Documents Needed:
1) Passport - Banks will usually need your passport as the ID proof
2) Address Proof - Banks take multiple documents valid as address proof (college letter stating your current address or utility bill)
Of course, they don't expect you to stay in the same place forever. So don't worry about imminent address change in the first few months. Get your college to provide a letter stating that you are a student and that you live in the current address.
Top Banking Options
1) AIB
2) Bank of Ireland
3) Ulster Bank
4) Permanent TSB
5) KBC
6) Revolut
CPCC Ireland does a very handy tool for comparison of the first five accounts. Find the tool here.
Revolut is not a physical bank but a virtual bank which has become popular lately due to the features it offers. I'd recommend getting a free Revolut account just for features additional to your regular bank account. It's not an alternative, but a good addition to aid your banking needs.
Happy Banking!
xx
Ruhie
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