Can I open an Irish bank account without a PPS number?

Not with a traditional regulated bank. You can open a Revolut or N26 account without a PPS number and use it as a bridge. Most Irish employers will pay salary to a Revolut IBAN while you wait for your PPS number and traditional account.

How long does it take to open a bank account in Ireland?

Revolut and N26 open within minutes online. Traditional Irish banks take 3–10 working days once you submit all documents. Some AIB and BOI branches can open accounts the same day if you apply in person with all required documentation.

Will my employer pay salary to a Revolut account?

Most large Irish employers accept any valid IBAN for payroll, including Revolut (LT prefix). Some smaller employers or payroll systems may only accept accounts with an Irish sort code (IE IBAN). Check with your employer's HR or payroll team before your first pay date.

Updated May 2026

Opening a Bank Account in Ireland

There is a catch-22 for new arrivals: banks want a PPS number, but you need a bank account to get paid. Here is how to break the cycle.

By Niall O'Brien · Updated May 2026

1. The catch-22 explained

When you arrive in Ireland, you face a classic bureaucratic loop. Traditional Irish banks require a PPS number before they will open a current account. Getting a PPS number requires proof of an Irish address. And your employer may want a local bank account before they can run payroll.

The solution is a two-stage approach. Open a digital account (Revolut or N26) immediately, use it as a functional bridge account, then open a traditional current account once you have your PPS number and a permanent address.

The good news: most Irish employers — including large multinationals — will pay salary directly to a Revolut IBAN. You will not lose income while sorting out the traditional account.

2. Step 1: open a digital account before you arrive

Open a digital account from your home country before you land. This removes the first obstacle entirely. You arrive in Ireland with a euro IBAN already active.

Revolut — best option for most people

Revolut is widely used in Ireland and accepted by almost all employers for salary. Open the account in minutes using your phone number, email, and a photo of your passport. You receive an Irish or European IBAN (LT prefix). Free plan includes a physical debit card, instant spend notifications, and competitive exchange rates. No PPS number required at any point.

revolut.com →

N26 — good EU alternative

N26 is a German neobank with strong Irish usage. Also requires no PPS number to open. The standard account is free. Provides a IBAN and virtual card immediately, physical card within 5–7 working days. Some features require identity verification via video call.

n26.com →

Revolut is not a regulated Irish bank. It holds an EU banking licence but deposits are not covered by the Irish Deposit Guarantee Scheme (up to €100,000 per depositor). Do not hold large sums in Revolut long-term. Use it as a bridge and transfer your salary to a traditional account once it is open.

3. Step 2: open a traditional Irish current account

Once you have your PPS number and a stable Irish address, apply for a current account with one of the main Irish banks. This gives you access to the Deposit Guarantee Scheme, direct debits for utility bills, and an Irish sort code (which some services still require).

AIB — most widely used

Allied Irish Banks (AIB) has the largest ATM network in Ireland and a strong online banking platform. Apply online or in-branch. Current accounts for new residents are available with standard documentation. Some branches have Irish-language only services in Gaeltacht areas, but English is the norm everywhere else. Monthly fee: €0 if you spend €3 or more per month on your card; otherwise €4.50/month.

Bank of Ireland — largest branch network

Bank of Ireland (BOI) has branches in most towns across Ireland. Offers 365 Online current account, fee-free if you maintain a minimum balance of €3,000 or use the account regularly. Apply online or in-branch. Requires PPS number, photo ID, and proof of address.

PTSB (Permanent TSB) — expat-friendly

PTSB has historically been more flexible than AIB or BOI for new arrivals who do not yet have a long Irish address history. Their Explore Account has no monthly fee. Worth contacting directly if the major banks request documentation you cannot yet provide.

4. Credit unions as an alternative

Irish credit unions are member-owned financial cooperatives with a branch in almost every town. They are regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland and deposits are protected by the Deposit Guarantee Scheme.

Credit unions are often more flexible than traditional banks for new arrivals. They assess applications on a case-by-case basis, and some accept a wider range of proof of address documents (including employer letters and accommodation letters). Most offer current accounts, debit cards, online banking, and personal loans.

Find your local credit union at creditunion.ie. Membership requires you to live or work in the credit union's common bond area (typically a geographic area or employer group).

5. Documents required for each bank

All traditional Irish banks require the following as a minimum:

Government-issued photo ID: passport or national ID card (EU citizens). Driving licence may be accepted for ID purposes in some banks.
PPS number: required by all regulated Irish banks for Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance.
Proof of Irish address: a utility bill, bank statement, or official correspondence at your Irish address dated within the last three months. An employer letter or landlord letter confirming your address is accepted by most banks.
Proof of employment or income: some banks request a recent payslip or employment contract for account opening, though not all require this for a basic current account.

Call the branch before visiting. Requirements vary between branches and change periodically. Calling ahead to confirm which proof of address documents are accepted for non-residents saves a wasted trip.

For a step-by-step guide on the PPS number application, see our PPS, IRP & Revenue guide.

Frequently asked questions

Can I open an Irish bank account without a PPS number?: Not with a traditional regulated bank. You can open a Revolut or N26 account without a PPS number and use it as a bridge. Most Irish employers will pay salary to a Revolut IBAN while you wait for your PPS number and traditional account.
How long does it take to open a bank account in Ireland?: Revolut and N26 open within minutes online. Traditional Irish banks take 3–10 working days once you submit all documents. Some AIB and BOI branches can open accounts the same day if you apply in person with all required documentation.
Will my employer pay salary to a Revolut account?: Most large Irish employers accept any valid IBAN for payroll, including Revolut (LT prefix). Some smaller employers or payroll systems may only accept accounts with an Irish sort code (IE IBAN). Check with your employer's HR or payroll team before your first pay date.