Switch to Bank of Ireland

• Easy steps to switching your personal bank accounts
• Frequently asked questions
• Overdrafts
• Credit Cards
• Savings
• Useful tips
• Contact our dedicated customer welcome team

Step 1: Come and talk to us

Let us know you want to switch accounts and when you want to do this. A member of staff at your local branch will help you choose the right package and take you through the application to open your new bank account(s).

Step 2: Choose the services that are right for you

Consider which current account fee option you would like. Our staff will be happy to advise you to ensure you get the best value. To make your banking experience even more convenient we can also set you up for phone and online banking.

Step 3: Let your old bank know your plans

Complete an 'account switch' form (this can be found in our switch pack "Switching your personal bank accounts made easy" available from any Bank of Ireland branch).

The 'account switch form' offers you the option to:

• Close your existing account (s) and transfer your balance and all of your active standing orders/direct debits to your new bank
• Only transfer all of your active standing orders and direct debits from your old bank account(s) to your new bank account(s), while leaving your existing account(s) open

A staff member will be happy to help you to complete the form, but please remember to choose the option you require by ticking either A or B and to include the preferred date you want us to send your switch request to your old bank.

Our customer switch team will be in contact with you to help schedule this date. We will also send the completed switch form to your existing branch or bank on your behalf.

Step 4: If appropriate, let people know you are switching

To ensure that payments you receive are lodged to the correct account(s):

• Inform your employer of your new bank account details
• Re-direct any other regular payments into your new account(s) e.g. child benefits or share dividends etc.

You will find two sample letters at the back of the booklet "Switching your personal bank accounts made easy" that will help you with this. This way you can be certain that any payments you receive will be lodged into your new account(s).

Our switch team will be in contact with you to discuss these payments and will forward the payroll letter on to your employer.

Step 5: Ensure that bills or savings still get paid on time

Most of us have direct debits set up to pay our telephone, electricity or gas bills. We will inform these companies (the direct debit originators) of your new account details on your behalf. Your direct debit originators will change your account details immediately after they receive them and will present the next direct debit, when due, on your new account*.

You will receive a list of any existing standing orders or direct debits from your old bank. Check these immediately and let us know if there are any changes you want to make to your standing orders, or if you want to cancel any direct debits.

* This timeframe only applies to switching current, savings or deposit accounts, where advance notice of withdrawal or guarantees or other obligations are not required.

Step 6: Ensure you have sufficient funds in both your new and old account(s)

During the switching period, you should ensure there are sufficient funds in both your new and old account(s), to cover any standing orders, direct debits, cheques, ATM or Laser/debit card transactions, plus any fees, charges or interest that may be due on either account.

Step 7: If you have opted to close your old bank account(s)

Any cheques presented on your old account(s) will not be forwarded to your new bank account(s) after the account(s) has closed. They will be returned to the presenting bank unpaid, marked "Account Closed" or "Account Switched" or "Account Transferred". Your old bank may subsequently be obliged to pay cheques you have issued under the Cheque Guarantee Scheme (provided they are within the rules of the Scheme, including the €130 upper limit) and these particular cheques will be passed to your new bank and charged to your new account(s).

Therefore, you should check your cheque stubs against your old bank account(s) to identify any cheques that have not yet been presented for payment. We recommend that you contact the payees of these cheques in order to make other arrangements to pay them and that you retrieve these old cheques from the payees.

Step 8: Tidy up your wallet

If you have opted to close your old account(s), you should return your old ATM/Laser card(s) to your old bank as soon as you receive your new bank card(s). Return any unused cheques to your old bank, as you will be due a refund of Government stamp duty.

How long will it take?

Moving your account(s) takes less time than you might think. Your new account(s) and all services can be fully active within 10 working days*. A further 7 working days will ensure your direct debits and standing orders have been transferred**. If you have requested your old bank to close your account(s), the balance will be transferred and the old account(s) will be closed during the same 7 working days**.

* This timeframe only applies to switching current, savings or deposit accounts, where advance notice of withdrawal or guarantees or other obligations are not required. ** Your new and old bank will aim to meet these deadlines but in exceptional circumstances delays may arise which are outside the control of either bank.

Do I need identification?

ID documentation must be obtained from all customers opening new accounts. This should include both proof of "true name" and "current permanent address" (utility bill etc). Simply phone us before calling in and we can clarify this for you.

We also recommend that you bring in your employment / staff number so that we can arrange for your salary to be transferred to your Bank of Ireland account

Will I be required to sign anything?

Our staff will take you through the application for your new account(s). All other forms needed to complete the switch are at the back of the switch pack. Each will require your signature. Remember if your account(s) is in joint names we will need everyone's signature to switch.

What steps do I have to take to ensure my account is switched to Bank of Ireland?

The most important thing is to select an appropriate date to commence the switch at a time when there is low activity on your account. Our customer switch team will be in contact with you to help select this date.

I don't know what the full list of standing orders and direct debits are on my account. Do I have to get them from my bank and do I have to contact the companies I have direct debits with?

No, as part of the switching process your old bank will advise any direct debit originators of your new account details. They will send a complete list of your standing orders and direct debits to you. We will also receive a copy of this list.

It will take approximately 10 working days to set up your new Bank of Ireland account. Please remember that it is not possible to set up standing orders or direct debits on deposit accounts

Can I organise the switch over the phone?

Unfortunately not, you will need to call into your local Bank of Ireland branch. A member of branch staff will be happy to talk you through the account switching process and to answer any questions you may have.

I have a current account with Bank of Ireland but I haven't used it for some time.

When you call into your branch they will be able to advise you as to whether this account is still active. If it is not active your branch will advise you of what steps you need to take to reactivate IT. When you visit the branch you should bring along proof of identify e.g. your passport and a utility bill as we may need to verify your identify.

You will also need to bring your employment/staff number so that we can arrange for your salary to be transferred to your Bank of Ireland account.

Please note - If you currently have an overdraft facility on your account, the account must be in credit in order to process as part of the switching code. If you wish to apply for an overdraft facility please advise our branch staff and they will put through an application but 6 months bank statements will be required.

What happens to my existing account?

The 'account switch form' offers you two options. You can:

1. Close your existing account(s) and transfer your balance and all of your active standing orders and direct debits to your new bank
2. Only transfer all of your active standing orders and direct debits from your old bank account to your new bank account(s), while leaving your existing account(s) open
Bank of Ireland will inform your existing bank that you want to switch. Once they know you are switching they will send us a list of all your current active standing orders and direct debits (you will get a copy of this too).

If you have chosen to close your old account(s), your old bank will then close it on your behalf. Remember, if you have an overdraft this must be cleared before you switch. Make sure you leave enough to cover any interest or fees as well as any standing orders, direct debits, cheques, ATM or Laser/debit card transactions that may be due. If your account(s) is in credit, this amount will simply be transferred automatically.

If you have opted to keep your old account(s) open, it will continue to operate in accordance with the terms and conditions of that account.

What else can I expect?

You will receive a copy of our 'Welcome Pack' and our Personal Fees and Charges brochure (PDF Doc, 252kb). These include an outline of all the services we offer, together with details of our current account fee choices open to you.

You may also use this opportunity to consider making payments online or by phone. This can save you time and money. Our telephone and online services give you the confidence and flexibility to take care of your banking needs when it suits you.

If you are switching your current account(s) you can request your old bank to provide you with statement(s) of your account(s) for the previous twelve months. Where such statement(s) is not available electronically, your bank will provide one paper copy per account, free of charge.

Can I set up new standing orders and direct debits on my old bank account after the existing standing orders and direct debits have been moved to my new bank account?

Yes you can, provided the old account allows new standing orders and direct debits to be set up. You may find that, for certain companies, a new direct debit cannot be set up in their favour for two months after the switch date, if a previous direct debit in their favour was transferred to a new bank. Should this arise, please talk to the company in question for options to address this issue.

Standing Order:

A Standing Order is an automatic payment of a fixed regular amount from your account, for example, a payment to a savings or loan account.

Direct Debit:

A Direct Debit is an automatic way of paying regular bills where the amount can vary from one bill to another, for example, telephone, gas, electricity, mortgage repayment, insurance premium.

Direct Debit Originator:

An Originator is a company or organisation that is authorised by you to collect direct debits directly from your bank account. Typically originators will be utilities such as electricity, gas and telephone companies and also includes financial institutions, clubs and associations.

How do I open an account with Bank of Ireland?

Under Money Laundering Legislation, all financial institutions are now obliged to obtain identification for all new account applicants.

You will need the following documents to open a bank account

• A current valid passport or driving licence and
• A recent household bill such as a telephone, electricity, gas or a an original financial institution statement that is dated within the last 6 months.

In addition to this you will need to fill out the personal account application form in one of our branches.

What do I need to switch my existing overdraft over to Bank of Ireland?

Unfortunately, you cannot transfer an overdraft over to Bank of Ireland as part of the switching process. Your old current account must be in credit for the switch to proceed. If it is overdrawn your old bank will cancel the switch. However you can apply for an overdraft on your new Bank of Ireland current account. To assist with this application we will require 6 months bank statements from your old bank.

How can I switch my credit card to Bank of Ireland?

You can apply online, over the phone at 1890 365 100 or in branch.

What do I require to switch to a Bank of Ireland credit card?

• Most recent 6 months current account bank statements
• Most recent credit card statements (previous 6 months)
• Anti-Money Laundering documentation to prove your identity such as passport/drivers licence and proof of address e.g. utility bill

Where can I find out more about Bank of Ireland's range of credit cards?

We have the right card for you

• More choice
• More control
• Extra convenience

We have designed our credit cards to give you the flexibility and value you expect from us. You will get highly competitive interest rates, immediate access to your money and you get the opportunity to choose and manage your cards in a way that will suit your lifestyle and meet your requirements. See our full range of cards here

How long does it take to switch cards?

We will endeavour to provide you with a credit card as quickly as possible. Sometimes we may need to ask you for additional documentation during your application which can add some time but on average you should have your card within 7 to 10 working days

Can I set up additional cards if I switch?

Yes on your application form you will see a field to set up one additional cardholder at no extra cost, make sure you complete this field and the additional card will issue when your card is approved. If you require more than one additional cardholder you can add these to your account at no extra charge once your account is set up by calling 1890 251 251.

I currently pay my credit card with a direct debit, can I do this with my new Bank of Ireland card?

That is no problem, this is part of the application form so just make sure you select direct debit and complete the details in your application

Will I pay a second Government Stamp Duty fee when I transfer to my new Bank of Ireland card?

No, you will only pay one Government Stamp Duty fee. When you are switching your credit card to Bank of Ireland you will receive a letter from your existing provider highlighting that you have already paid Government Stamp Duty. Once you receive this letter you should forward it to Bank of Ireland and we will ensure that Government Stamp Duty is not charged for this year on your account.

When I switch to a Bank of Ireland can you guarantee that I will receive a credit card?

Unfortunately we can't. We need to review each credit card application on its own merits. If you wish to apply for a credit card please complete the application form available in branch or online.

Can I use the switch form to move a deposit lump sum to Bank of Ireland?

Yes, simply fill out the switch form at your Bank of Ireland branch - quoting the relevant account details (existing & new). Customers must be satisfied that funds at their 'old bank' are available for immediate withdrawal/transfer (e.g. are in an instant access type of account).

Can I use the switch form to move my regular savings activity to a new Bank of Ireland account?

Unfortunately this is not possible as your existing regular savings account may have materially different terms, condition and limits associated with it. The switch form is only used to switch a lump sum from one institution to another.

For future regular savings, simply open a regular savings account at your local Bank of Ireland branch - and set up your new direct debit details accordingly.

Do you have a single account that can manage both regular savings and lump sums?

Yes, our Dualsaver account can hold regular savings and lump sums. However, this account does mandate that you continue to save regularly each month.

In this particular case, you could use the switch form to move your existing lump sum balance (up to €20,000) to the Dualsaver account. Any future direct debit regular savings are set up as normal - you will need to set up a new direct debit feed into this account. A member of staff in your local branch will be able to assist you with this.

What will I require to switch my savings account?

We will need to verify your identify and proof of address documentation so you should bring the following documents to your branch

• A valid passport or driving licence and
• An original household bill such as a telephone, electricity, gas or an original financial institution statement that is dated within the last 6 months and
• Your payslip, P60 or PAYE Notice of Tax Credits as proof of your PPSN or Tax Reference Number.

• Tell us the date you want us to send your switch request to your old bank. You should select a date in the month to begin the switch when there is least activity on your account(s). This means you should avoid 'pay day' or the date when your mortgage, or direct debits or standing orders are paid out.
• Always ensure that there are enough funds available in both your old and new accounts during the switching period, particularly if you have requested your old bank to close your account(s), as there may be fees and charges due on it. If you have opted to keep your old account(s) open, please remember, that both your new and old accounts may be liable for bank charges. Both accounts will be liable for any Government Duty on ATM/Laser cards or chequebooks used with them.
• Take note of your standing orders and direct debit dates so payments are not missed in the switching process.
• If you choose to close your old account(s), avoid using your old chequebooks and bank cards after you receive your new ones. Return the old cheque books and bank cards to your old bank and you will receive a refund of Government Stamp Duty on the unused cheques.