KBC exiting Ireland

I had a KBC credit card only (no current account or mortgage) so I tried using the BOI app today to see if I could view my balance etc - seems you have to have a current account with BOI to use the app. I phoned their support line and while they were plesant to talk to they did not know what to do nor could they tell me what the balance was so not off to a great start with BOI so far. It's not the front line staff's fault but those managing this transition that should have trained them better or provided a list of FAQ's for them to refer to. Did anyone else find a way to get around this problem as there must be others in same boat as me? Hopefully the lad I spoke to will call me back with a solution but the spidey sense is tingling based on past dealings with customer support teams - the hairs on my arms still stand up if somebody days "EIR" to me :)

I had only a CC with KBC and it took two calls to get the app setup last week the first took 30mins with the agent telling me it wasn't possible despite me having a letter saying I could do it, they claimed it was wrong so I gave up and called back the next agent had the app working in 5 minutes!! I had similar problems activating the card itself wasted 30mins on the phone, then went to the branch and wasted more time before calling the call centre again and the agent had it sorted in 5 minutes! There seems to be 2 call centres in action their normal one and an overseas one that has been hired to assist with the move of KBC accounts. The overseas is useless very nice to speak to and tripping over themselves to help to but can't or don't know how.

Anyone know if topping up Revolut with the CC is treated as a cash advance? I know it technically is but with KBC they never charged any fees for doing it, it was handy at times! They just treated it as a normal card transaction

I can confirm that the BOI app works in case of CC only. Their approach is PITA, the KBC app works offline if you want to use the codes for logging into your account on desktop, the other one is shouting for internet all the time.

The other thing should be wary of android version on your phone. As a fan of older phones, my version is not always up to date. While KBC is happy with android 7, BOI needs no. 8, there is a BOI app which shows in the play store for older OS but it's obsolete, won't work.

It's a stupid way of forcing you to use a newer phone. They should have a warning or a notification that you need Oreo, Nougat is no good anymore.

All in all, life is a great director, I left BOI 10 years ago because they've lost their love for their customers, now back to square one again! And I had a UB account too. Major headache to reshuffle my banking!

I had a quick look, Seve: you can put down your KBC account onto the form before transfer date or you'll have your new number by 23rd. Transfer will happen between 17-20th Feb.

EDIT: the blackout is going to happen from 17th 3pm til' 20th 9am for savings accounts.

Would my direct debit date with BOI for my mortgage be the same date as KBC? So far they seem later than KBC.

Is it still necessary to actually go into one of the KBC Hubs to close any remaining current accounts or can it be done via the app? Most Hubs are closing next Friday, 10th March.

They updated the app before with an option to close but that's gone now. You don't need to close your C/A. If you just leave it empty they will close it after the deadline automatically. That's what I'm going to do.

Agree. I was with PTSB for just a month. That's right, a month was how long I could stay with them as everything is backwards with them. Call to add a card to Google Wallet, no finger print on login, they also did a mistake with by booking time - emailed me with a wrong date and when I showed up, even though they admitted, they couldn't help me at that time I have got the time booked for. Maybe I wasn't lucky, but the service is definitely isn't worth 6 Euro a month. BOI is slightly better. I like AIB, however, they should improve their app and reduce the charges. I absolutely loved KBC: long customer service opening hours comparing to the lazy Irish banks, very accurate customer service (maybe good training is being provided), branches were open for longer hours than the lazy Irish banks', app was great... EBS and Revolut/N26 is what I would recommend to people now to avoid charges. EBS is crap, but free, so instantly expectations are low which. Their strong side is that a customer service is quick to answer and very good providing any information. A bit slow, extremely outdated, but free. Irish banks who charge for a current account should definitely invest more into IT and close some branches, the remaining branches should work longer hours, staff could do shifts.

An Post, AIB, BOI and Avant has it. The only one PTSB from the Irish banks doesn't. And, obviously, EBS, who doesn't even have an actual app to use online banking. I think you should try other European banks to compare and see how Irish banks (and not just that, but also many other things in Ireland, such as, education, health systems, infrastructure, public transport, plastic deposit scheme etc etc, are so behind!).

Yup, nimbys are everywhere. People still using cheques and cash... What else a branch is for I have no idea. I think, the third of all the BOI and AIB branches could be easily closed. Most of things should be done online these days, including the video calls for mortgage meetings, investment etc... Cheques can be posted with a registered post or lodged at some ATMs. Don't need these costly bank branches. It's inefficient to keep that many of them.

Anyone know what happens if someone tries to make a payment to the card of a now closed down account, does it bounce back to them or what happens? I was with Ulster not KBC but would imagine its the same for both

nice one thanks for the info

Nothing, if you don't close it KBC will after the closure date they sent you. I'll be leaving it open just in case.

The last direct debit from my account finished last month but I'll leave the account open just incase there's something I forgot. Just got a refund from revenue & my refund went to revolut but my wife's went to the KBC account.

Sorry for dragging up an old thread but hoping someone can help. I'm after getting a refund for a purchase made on Amazon/Klarna to my KBC credit card. Obviously this card is now closed but Klarna say they cannot refund to anywhere other than the original card and tbh didn't seem to understand what I meant. Waiting on a response from KBC but in the meantime does anyone know what might happen? Cheers

Interesting to know, thanks.