There are some of the best banks in Ireland for international students that provide all essential banking services. It’s very important to select a bank that will continue to serve you well beyond your student years, ensuring a long-lasting banking relationship. Ireland is one of the most popular destinations for studying abroad. In the year 2023, more than 7000 students went to Ireland to pursue graduate and postgraduate courses. After reaching Ireland, international students shall open a local bank account to manage expenses efficiently. Let’s check and understand all the major features of some of the best banks in Ireland for international students.
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Factors to Consider When Choosing a Bank in Ireland
Choosing the right bank is one of the first crucial steps to settling in smoothly. Before diving into the options, here are some key factors to keep in mind:
- Ease of Account Opening: Some banks simplify the account-opening process for international students, offering flexible document requirements.
- Fees and Maintenance Charges: Look for banks offering low or no student fees. Many Irish banks waive maintenance fees on student accounts.
- Mobile and Internet Banking: Opt for banks with robust mobile apps and online platforms so that you can manage your finances anywhere.
- Student-Specific Benefits: Features such as credit cards, loans, and overdrafts tailored for students can be a big plus.
- Multi-Currency Support: If you plan to receive money from home or travel frequently, ensure the bank offers favourable currency exchange rates and multi-currency options.
Best Banks in Ireland for International Students
Having a local bank account in Ireland helps you to manage the expenses swiftly. One of the most important benefits of a bank account in Ireland is that you can visit the branch directly in case of any issues or grievances. Let’s check the features of some of the best banks in Ireland for international students.
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Bank of Ireland (BOI)
Bank of Ireland is one of the most popular and renowned banks in Ireland, especially among international students. It is a notable financial institution with over 25 branches in Dublin alone. The bank has also established its branches in the campus of major universities so that the students can manage the banking services easily. Check some of the major features of the Bank of Ireland:
- The bank provides attractive student loan options offering up to EUR 5,000 in credit.
- You can purchase with the bank’s MasterCard without any interest for 6 months from the date of account opening
- The bank doesn’t charge any maintenance or transaction fees from the students.
- Bank of Ireland provides multiple payment options like Visa debit cards, contactless payments through cards and phones, mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) etc
- There is no student-specific overdraft imposed on any bank account opened by international students
- You can get student credit cards with varying credit limits and interest rates
Allied Irish Bank (AIB)
Allied Irish Bank is another leading bank in Ireland. It is considered one of the big-4 commercial banks in Ireland. This bank also offers add-on services like health insurance, home insurance, life insurance, vehicle insurance etc. Being one of the best banks for international students, the bank has opened branches in several universities. Check some of the major features of the Allied-Irish Bank:
- The bank offers a EUR 3,000 yearly contribution charge loan to ease college expenses for international students
- The bank has a dedicated scheme for international student bank accounts i.e. Student Plus Account that comes with various benefits.
- There is zero maintenance or transaction fees for the students.
- You can make multiple transactions using the Mobile app and internet banking provided by the bank
- All the first and second-year students will get interest-free overdrafts
Also Read: Confused between bank transfer and remittance? Check this blog and understand the differences between Bank Transfer and Bank Remittance
Permanent TSB
Permanent TSB Group is a renowned personal financial service provider in Ireland. The bank is ideal for students who want to open a bank account in Ireland without paying any maintenance or transaction fees. Check some major features of the bank account in Permanent TSB below:
- The bank allows emergency cash withdrawals from ATMs without a card
- There is zero maintenance or transaction fees
- You can manage all your payments through Visa debit cards, contactless payments, mobile payments (Apple Pay) etc.
- The bank, however, doesn’t provide any student-specific overdraft, student credit card, and student loan options.
Credit Union
International students studying in Ireland can open accounts with Credit Union easily. The Credit Union launched its account opening service in the year 2019. It provides a lot of services like merchant payments, an overdraft facility for medical emergencies etc. Check some major features of Credit Union below:
- It offers a comprehensive, fee-free account option for international students studying in Ireland
- Credit Union provides a contactless Mastercard debit card, online banking, and mobile app.
- The students can get an opportunity for student loans and overdraft facility upon enrollment
- There is no maintenance or transaction fees.
- The account comes with an overdraft available for emergency funds.
Revolut
There are a lot of benefits of opening a bank account with Revolut in Ireland. Revolut is a global neo-bank and finance company headquartered in London. It offers banking services for retail customers including international students. Though it is not considered an ideal choice for students, the bank is believed to be quite suitable for beginners. Check some of the major features of the bank account with Revolut below:
- It has a user-friendly mobile app with spending analytics and savings tools.
- There are zero maintenance or transaction fees (withdraw up to EUR 200 per month free of cost).
- The account comes with free Visa debit cards through which you can make contactless payments
KBC Bank Ireland
KBC is a popular choice for students looking for a bank with modern digital banking solutions. While KBC no longer has a large branch presence in Ireland, its online banking tools are highly rated.
- It is not specifically tailored for students, but general loans are also available.
- There is no maintenance or transaction fees for students.
- Contactless VISA debit cards are provided.
- Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc mobile payments apps allows scope for hassle-free transactions.
HSBC International Student Account
For students who frequently travel or manage finances across borders, HSBC international student account is a great choice. Its international banking options cater to students coming to Ireland from abroad. The bank allows for easy money transfers between HSBC accounts worldwide.
- There are no fees for the first 12 months, charges may apply afterward.
- Contactless VISA card is included.
- Excellent for students with global financial needs as the account offers multi-currency support.
- Supports international transactions and real-time currency conversion.
- Student loans are available with flexible repayment options.
EBS (Educational Building Society)
EBS provides straightforward banking for students with an emphasis on savings accounts. Although not as feature-rich as some others, its simplicity appeals to students focused on basic banking needs.
- There are no maintenance fees on student accounts.
- You are offered with contactless payment options
- Offers competitive interest rates to encourage student saving habits.
N26
N26 is a German-based neobank with a strong presence in Ireland. It’s entirely digital, offering seamless banking experiences for tech-savvy students.
- There is no fees for the basic account; premium accounts available for a monthly charge
- A free Mastercard is provided with the option to upgrade.
- The mobile app has an intuitive interface with features like spending categorization.
- Easy currency exchange for international students.
Irish Nationwide Building Society (INBS)
An Post offers banking services through the Irish postal system, making it accessible and convenient for While Irish Nationwide Building Society (INBS) is traditionally known for its mortgage and savings products, it offers student-friendly financial solutions that cater to international students’ unique needs.
- INBS offers savings accounts with competitive interest rates to help you save efficiently.
- Many accounts for students come with no maintenance or transaction fees.
- The bank also offers small personal loans with low-interest rate.
How to Open an International Student Bank Account In Ireland?
Opening a bank account in Ireland is not a difficult task. You just need to submit the relevant documents and identity proof and the account will be opened. Check the major steps involved in opening a bank account in Ireland as an international student:
- Visit the online portal of the bank where you want to open the account
- Fill and submit the online application form along with the supporting documents
- Wait for the verification process
- The bank will initiate the account opening procedures and you will get the opening kit post-verification
- In case online options are not available, visit the branch of the bank to open the account
Documents Required for Bank Account in Ireland
There are certain documents required for opening a bank account in Ireland. Check the list below:
- Identity card
- Admission letter
- Copy of passport
- Address proof
- Copy of any utility bills like electricity, water, etc
For international students looking to open a bank account in Ireland, it’s essential to understand the requirements and choose a bank accordingly. Some banks offer online accounts, while others may require an in-person visit.
Ensure you have the necessary documentation, including identity proof (passport, driving license, national ID card) and address proof (utility bill, bank statement). Document requirements may vary, so check with your chosen bank.
To know more about the loan application process, the best bank accounts for students, forex and banking experience for global students or international money transfers, reach out to our experts at 1800572126 to help ease your study abroad experience.
FAQs on Best Banks in Ireland for International Students
Popular choices for international students in Ireland include the Bank of Ireland, AIB, and Ulster Bank.
Usually, the banks ask for a passport, proof of address, and a letter of enrollment from your educational institution.
Some banks offer fee-free accounts for students, but it’s essential to check each bank’s specific terms and conditions.
Yes, most Irish banks provide online banking services, allowing international students to manage their accounts conveniently.
Student accounts usually have a validity period tied to your academic enrollment. Once you graduate, the account may transition to a regular account with applicable fees.
Yes, some banks, like AIB and Bank of Ireland, allow students to start the account opening process online before arriving in Ireland.
Yes, banks like AIB and Credit Union provide interest-free or low-interest overdrafts to students, depending on eligibility.
Revolut and N26 are excellent options for students needing multi-currency accounts, offering favorable exchange rates and easy international transactions.
The process usually takes 3-5 business days, depending on the bank and the completeness of your submitted documents.
Yes, banks like AIB and Bank of Ireland offer student loans with competitive rates to cover tuition and living expenses.
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