What do you need to open a bank account?

Having a bank account can help you to manage your spending and save money. If you want to open one, there is some information you will be asked to provide.

How can I open a bank account?

Before you open a bank account, there are some things you need to be aware of.

What age do I have to be to open a bank account?

To open a bank account, most banks, online banks and e-money institutions will require you to be at least 18 years of age. However, some of them will allow you to open a basic bank account when you are 14.

If you do not meet the minimum age requirement, you may be able to open an account with the consent of a parent or guardian. To find out if this is an option for you, contact the bank directly.

You must be 16 to open a Credit Union account. If you are under 16, you will need to visit your local credit union with a parent or guardian to open the account.

If you want to open a current account with An Post, you must be 16. However, a parent or guardian can open an account for you if you are younger than this.

As the rules vary, it is a good idea to speak with different financial institutions about your own situation to find how you can open an account.

What information do I need to open an account?

Before you open an account with a financial institution, you usually have to provide proof of your identity and proof of address. If you are not opening an account in person you may need to provide two documents for ID and address.

The following can be accepted as proof of identity:

• A valid passport
• A current Irish driving licence
• A National Age Card
• An identification form with a photograph signed by a member of An Garda Síochána

The following can be accepted as proof of address:

• A recent household bill (such as a gas, electricity or telephone or mobile phone bill)
• A recent car or home insurance policy that shows your address
• A document issued by a government department that shows your address
• A copy of your Tax Credit Certificate (TCC)
• A Statement of Liability (previously P21) from Revenue
• A social insurance document (that shows your address)
• A letter from your employer or licensed employment agency stating that you have recently arrived in Ireland and have started work but cannot yet provide evidence of your Irish address (you will have to provide evidence of your address at a later date)

Can I open an account as a non-resident?

It is possible to open an account as a non-resident. You might need to provide some additional documentation in this situation, so it is a good idea to contact the financial institution for advice.

Can I open an account without proof of address?

If you are living with your family, it is possible that you do not have any utility bills in your own name. To get proof of address, you can contact Revenue and ask them to post you a Statement of Liability.

If you are homeless or living in temporary accommodation, you can use the An Post address point service to set up a bank account. This service allows you to get a personal postal address to access services that may be difficult to access otherwise. You can also use the address to receive post. You can register online for the free address point service. You provide your name, select your local post office, and then your personal address is generated.

Find out more about choosing a bank account.

If you need additional, unbiased advice on how to set up a bank account, you can contact Youth Information Chat:

Need more information, advice or guidance?

We offer information, advice and guidance about the issues that matter to you. Our online Youth Information Chat service is for 16 to 25 year olds and is available Monday to Friday, 4pm to 8pm (excluding Bank Holidays).

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