Ensuring Access to Banking

Access to a bank account and to credit at a reasonable cost are basic requirements for most people. We aim to make our banking services accessible and affordable for as many people as possible.

Access to branch and ATM services

Our branch and ATM network is the most important access point for many customers. We operate a network of 238 branches throughout Ireland, and our ATM network of 1,263 non-charging ATMs is the second largest in the country.

Access to banking services in rural areas is a key issue particularly for customers with limited transport options. Our mobile banks bring essential banking services to over 15,000 customers in rural communities throughout Ireland.

Access to bank accounts

Basic bank accounts provide essential banking services to those who might find it difficult to open an ordinary current account due to lack of regular income. We are one of the few providers of basic bank accounts in Ireland. Our Step Account offers fee-free transaction banking, automatic wage and social welfare lodgments, bill-pay, direct debits, standing orders and an ATM card - but without overdraft facilities.

For many non-Irish nationals, opening a bank account can be difficult due to language and identity barriers. We have added foreign language specialists to a number of our branches, and have translated our current account brochures and application forms into Polish, Portuguese, Lithuanian and Chinese Mandarin.

Lack of traditional proofs of identity and address can also be a barrier to opening a bank account and to help tackle this, we have extended the range of identity documents we can legally accept under anti-money laundering legislation. We also have a dedicated telephone team in place to support our employees in handling account opening documentation queries.