Current account facilities are available from a range of banks and building societies in Ireland, while savings account facilities are offered by banks, building societies, credit unions and the post office. To open an account you will need to provide a utility bill or other proof of your address in Ireland, along with your passport and details of other or previous bank accounts held.

It is still common practice in Ireland for banks to impose annual or quarterly fees and transaction charges on current accounts. Additionally, a 15% government tax is payable on cheque transactions and an EUR 40 stamp duty on credit cards and EUR 20 on debit cards. Some banks waive their own additional charges if a minimum amount of money is kept in the account.

Many of the banks in Ireland offer telephone banking facilities, and internet banking is available from the Bank of Ireland, AIB, Ulster Bank, Permanent TSB Bank and National Irish Bank (NIB). All the main banks issue the Laser debit card. ATMs are widely available except in rural areas.

The main credit cards are widely accepted in Ireland, although small establishments may only take cash. Most major currencies and travellers cheques are acceptable, and pounds sterling can be exchanged without payment of commission. Exchange facilities are available at banks, bureaux de change and main post offices.

The normal opening hours for banks are from 9.30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday.