How to Switch Banks in Ireland

The Switching Code

The Central Bank of Ireland operates a Switching Code that all Irish retail banks must follow. Under this code, your new bank coordinates the entire switching process — including transferring direct debits, standing orders, and regular payments to your new account. You do not need to contact each individual company yourself.

The process should be completed within 10 business days of you signing a switching pack with your new bank.

How the process works

• 1

  Open your new account

  Open a new current account at your chosen bank. Make sure it is fully active and you have received your card and IBAN before initiating a switch.

• 2

  Complete a Switching Pack at your new bank

  Ask your new bank for a Switching Pack. This authorises them to request your payment history from your old bank and to transfer direct debits and standing orders to the new account.

• 3

  Your new bank contacts your old bank

  The new bank requests a list of all your direct debits and standing orders from the old bank. These are transferred to your new account. The old bank must cooperate within the timeframes set by the Switching Code.

• 4

  Update your employer and any payments not covered

  Notify your employer of your new IBAN for payroll. Also update any accounts not covered by the switch — some online services, international transfers, or accounts held outside Ireland may need to be updated manually.

• 5

  Close your old account

  Once all transfers have cleared and you have confirmed everything is running through the new account, close the old account. Request written confirmation that the account is closed and that there are no outstanding fees.

What the Switching Code does not cover

The Switching Code covers Irish domestic direct debits and standing orders. It does not automatically transfer international standing orders, some online payment arrangements, or accounts with financial institutions outside Ireland. You will need to update these manually.

Mortgage, loan, or credit card accounts at your old bank are not transferred as part of a current account switch — these remain with the old bank until they are paid off or refinanced separately.

More bank account guides