Before you start

Passport
PPS number, in practice
Proof of Irish address for the traditional banks

Step-by-step

1
Open a digital account before or on arrival
Revolut and N26 operate under EU passporting and can generally be opened without an Irish utility bill. Revolut in particular is close to universal in Ireland for peer-to-peer payments.
Mobile appWho: YouSame day
2
Assemble proof of address for a traditional bank
A tenancy agreement, a utility bill or an official letter from Revenue or the Department of Social Protection. Banks vary on what they accept — ask before booking an appointment.
In personWho: You
3
Open a current account with a pillar bank
AIB, Bank of Ireland or PTSB. All three have city-centre branches in Cork and some allow the process to start online with in-branch verification.
In personWho: You
4
Provide your PPS number
Banks require it for tax reporting and it is effectively expected for account opening.
In personWho: You
5
Set up direct debits for rent and utilities
Irish landlords and utilities generally expect SEPA direct debits from an Irish IBAN.
Mobile appWho: You

Documents you’ll need

Passport
PPS number
Proof of Irish address
Employment contract or letter, sometimes requested

Things most newcomers don’t know

The proof-of-address requirement is circular, and a digital account is how you break it.

You need an address for a bank account, and landlords want an Irish bank account and Irish references. Open a Revolut or N26 account before you fly, use it for the deposit, and convert to a pillar bank once the tenancy agreement exists.

Source: community-reported, near-universal experience

Revolut functions as social infrastructure in Ireland.

Splitting bills, paying friends and even some small traders runs through it to an unusual degree. It is not a stopgap — most residents keep it permanently alongside a bank account.

Source: community-reported

The market has fewer players than you expect.

Ulster Bank and KBC both exited the Irish retail market, so the choice is narrower and switching offers thinner than in comparable European countries. Do not plan around a bank that has left.

Source: Competition and Consumer Protection Commission — managing your money

Ask what counts as proof of address before you queue.

Acceptable documents vary between banks and even between branches. A five-minute call saves an appointment spent being turned away over a document type.

Source: community-reported

Common mistakes to avoid

Assuming you can open a pillar-bank account on arrival without an Irish address.
Not opening a digital account before you fly, when it would have solved the deposit problem.
Bringing a proof-of-address document the specific bank does not accept.
Planning around Ulster Bank or KBC, which no longer serve Irish retail customers.

Some of this may be out of date. Spotted something inaccurate? Help us keep it right for the next newcomer.