Opening a Basic bank account

Double post !

You raise an interesting question and an impression given recently is these were a new thing, they are not and have been available for quite some time, not mention of how difficult it is to open one.

But to your point. No is the blunt answer, you "must not have an existing current account in the state" is my understanding.

The exceptions are only in relation to a Domestic abuse situations where someone has no control over an existing account. I'd have to assume evidence of this situation would be required.

You also have to to prove you have a low or limited income and the Free banking is only fir a defined period and reviewed after 12 months I believe.

Whilst I'm not doubting discretion at perhaps a local level , technically these accounts are very difficult to open with strict T&C's applicable and only 3 banks currently offer them.

Yes, I told them I was moving from Ulsterbank, I made the appointment two weeks ago and met with one of the staff at the branch yestreday. I explained that I needed two current accounts and he set them up there and then. App verification is done via a portal in the branch. I also explained that I'll be needing savings accounts and they can be set up via the app. The staff member mentioned that they are starting to see a steady stream of UB customers coming in. I just needed ID and a utility bill.

Precisely, are people mixing up a Basic Current account and a Standard Current account 🤔

Can I assume you opened 2 standard current accounts and Not 2 Basic Current accounts as is bring discussed by OP 🤔 There is very specific eligibility criteria set out in order to open a Basic Current account ( These accounts aimed at low income & vulnerable, customers that do not have access to an existing current account in Ireland),

Just in relation to the Citizen information link, this needs to be clarified as it is not dealing with the decision of a bank to leave the irish market, its dealing with a scenario if a customers bank inform them they are closing their current account, this coukd be for a host of reasons. The link even lists UB and KBC as offering a basic current account, they do do not and have not for quite some time.

This said, Technically by its Decision to leave the Market, it does mean people have to shop around.

My sense is if a person can prove they are on a low income (this will likely require proof) has been notified of their banks closure (UB has started sending out letters, KBC have not) they could make a case to a new bank to open a basic current account. As these accounts are quite specific, I assume it would require a face face application as opposed to an online application.

Sorry to jump in, am I reading correct that if I have a current account with - say - Bank of Ireland, then I cannot open a current account then with say AIB