General questions

How many branches are closing?

Beginning in October 2021, we will be closing 88 branches in the Republic of Ireland and 15 in Northern Ireland.

Why are branches closing?

The way that our customers bank with us is changing.

Over the past 3 years, the number of customers visiting the branches that will be closing dropped by 60%.

At the same time, the numbers of customers using digital banking increased by 33%.

These changes are being made so that we have a branch network that meets the demands of our customers today and into the future, while continuing to expand and improve our digital services.

At the same time, we’re protecting local access to over-the-counter banking, for those who prefer it, through our new arrangement with An Post.

What are the closing locations and the nearest branches?

The document below lists the branches that are closing, the date of closure and the Bank of Ireland branches that are nearest to each branch that is closing:

When will branches close?

We will start closing branches from October 2021. Impacted customers of the branches that are closing have received a letter or email with more information.

Do I have to do anything right now?

No, there is no immediate change to your day-to-day banking or to any of your products e.g. accounts, loans, mortgages etc. that you have with us. Your branch will continue as normal until October.

Will you get in touch with me before my branch closes?

Impacted customers of the branches that are closing have received a letter or email.

The letter or email had the following information in it:

• Informed you that the branch will be closing and the proposed date of closure
• Informed you of the branch your account(s) will be transferred to and provided details on how to continue to access your account(s).

Why are so many branches closing?

Our branch network has remained largely unchanged since 2012.

But the way people bank is changing, and customers are using branches less each year. And that’s why we’ve announced these changes.

These changes are being made so that we have a branch network that meets the demands of our customers today and into the future, while continuing to expand and improve our digital services.

When we close the 88 locations in the Republic of Ireland we will still have a nationwide presence of 169 branches, with multiple locations in every county in Ireland.

In addition, our customers will have access to the An Post network of more than 900 local post offices.

Together, that means Bank of Ireland customers will have more than 1,000 places to bank.

I don’t use the internet or have a smartphone and can’t easily travel to another branch – what can I do?

The Bank of Ireland branches that will close have a post office, on average, 500 metres away. So there will still be a suitable location where you can do your day-to-day banking very close to the branch. Please visit the ‘Changes to our Branch Network’ section on the Service Changes page here

When will I be able to bank at An Post?

Banking at An Post is now live across all An Post Offices.

Where can I get more information?

Please visit the Service Changes page for more information.

Day-to-day banking

Which branch will my account move to when my existing branch closes?

We are working with customers to minimise the impact of branch closures, and customers are able to do their banking at any of our branches, nationwide. You can find all our branches, here.

We have written to impacted customers to let them know which branch their account(s) will be transferred to. The average distance to a local post office from a closing branch will be approximately 500 metres.

Will I keep my account number(s) and sort code?

Yes, you will keep your existing account number, sort code and IBAN.

Can I still use my debit card and cheque book?

Yes, you will still be able to use your debit card and cheque book.

How do I check my card limit?

You can check your card limit by asking a staff member in a Bank of Ireland branch.

Will my standing orders and direct debits continue as normal?

Yes, any direct debits and standing orders set up on your account(s) will remain in place.

Will my login details for digital and phone banking stay the same?

Yes, your PINs and passwords for 365 phone and online services will not change.

Will ATMs still work outside branches that close?

ATM services will no longer be provided at the majority of branches which are closing.

A small number will be retained where there is no other ATM, locally and no community will be left without access to a cash service.

So, where can I find a lodgement ATM after my branch closes?

Lodging and withdrawing cash, cheques and coin will be available in post offices across the country. These services make up 96% of the services conducted in our branches.

Bank of Ireland will still have 169 branches, nationwide, so there will be extensive access to lodgement ATMs.

Do I need to transfer my account to an alternative branch?

There is no requirement to transfer to an alternative branch, you can do your banking at any Bank of Ireland branch, regardless of where your account is held. You will keep your existing account number, sort code and IBAN. You can also bank over the phone, on the internet and using our mobile banking app.

So, where can I find a Bank of Ireland lodgement ATM after my branch closes?

Bank of Ireland lodgement ATMs will be available in the remaining 169 Bank of Ireland branches nationwide.

Mortgages

What will happen to my mortgage application after my branch closes?

We will continue to assess your mortgage application as normal.

Is my mortgage Approval In Principle still valid?

Yes, your mortgage Approval In Principle remains valid until the six month period ends when you can apply to renew it.

I’m just about to draw down my mortgage to buy a home – how does this affect me?

The changes will have no impact on you drawing down your mortgage.

What will happen to my loan application after my branch closes?

We will continue to assess your loan application as normal.

Who can I talk to about my banking needs?

Please call us on 0818 365 365.

Our branches are open if you need to visit the branch.

And many services and applications can be done online. For example, you can open a current account online in six minutes. You can apply for your first mortgage and complete the mortgage process all the way to drawdown entirely online. You can also order foreign currency online.

We also have mobile advisors who can meet you, virtually, or at your home or your workplace (restrictions apply due to Covid-19) providing a range of services.

Banking at your nearest Bank of Ireland branch

How can I find my nearest Bank of Ireland branch?

You can find your nearest branch here.

What are the opening hours for my nearest Bank of Ireland branch?

Select a branch from our branch locator to find out the opening hours.

What can I do at my nearest Bank of Ireland branch?

The branch locator gives details of the services available at each branch.

Banking at An Post

Why is Bank of Ireland partnering with An Post?

Bank of Ireland’s arrangement with An Post provides a wider service to our customers through the extensive network of post offices nationwide.

Bank of Ireland customers can now do their everyday banking at over 900 local post offices.

An Post will also offer our customers greater flexibility as post offices typically have longer opening hours.

What services will An Post provide to Bank of Ireland customers?

Our arrangement with An Post ensures a range of banking services will be available for our customers in locations where a branch is closing.

Lodgement and withdrawal of cash, cheque and coin will be available in post offices across the country. These services make up 96% of the services conducted in our branches today.

To put this in perspective, 80% of our closing branches do not offer a counter service today. This means that they do not provide a coin service and lodgement and withdrawals are only available through LATMs.

Customers will also have longer opening hours in the post office to do their banking. Branch opening hours vary, but post offices are typically open from 9am to 5.30pm, Monday – Friday, and on Saturdays from 9am to 1pm. For further information on Banking at An Post click here.

Where is my nearest post office?

You can find your nearest post office, here.

When will these services be available in An Post?

Banking at An Post is now available across all post offices.

Business banking

What are my options for meeting with an advisor to discuss:

– Business loan
– Business overdraft
– Asset finance
– Insurance finance
– Invoice discounting

We will still have a nationwide presence of 169 branches, with multiple locations in every county in Ireland, at the end of 2021.

Business Loans & Overdrafts

If you are unable to make it to a branch to talk to a business adviser, many types of applications can now be done online.

Business customers can apply for a business loan or business overdraft online, up to €120,000, here or by calling 0818 210 614.

There is a national team of business specialists in every county to support applications over €120,000.

Asset and Insurance Finance

For asset finance options for hire purchase leasing and insurance premium finance queries, find out more here or call 0818 210 615.

We have a dedicated mobile sales team who can engage with you at a time that suits.

Invoice discounting

For information on Invoice Discounting please click here or email: CF@boi.com

I currently have a Business Relationship Manager, will there be any change?

If you are currently managed by a Business Relationship Manager this will not change.

I am just about to draw down a business loan, how will this affect me?

There will be no impact to any existing facilities.