Small Business Start-up Current Account

To open an account, you’ll need to provide the following information and documents:

• Personal details for all directors, partners, or business owners — including full name, home address, date of birth, and contact information.
• Business details, such as the business name, trading address, and registration number (if applicable).
• Financial information about your business — for example, projected turnover or nature of business activity.
• Photo identification for all individuals who will be named on the account.
• Proof of address for all account holders.

Depending on your business type and circumstances, we may request additional information or documentation.

To complete your application, we’ll need documents for identification, proof of address, and (where required) proof of business premises. Here’s what you can use:

1. What can I use as proof of my identity?

You can provide one of the following:

• A valid passport
• A valid UK or Irish driving licence (card)
• An Irish passport card
• An EU national identity card

2. What can I use as proof of my address?

Your proof of address must show your first name (not just an initial) and surname, and must be dated within the last 6 months (unless otherwise stated).

Acceptable documents include:

• A bank, mortgage, or credit card statement
• A household utility bill (gas, electricity, landline — mobile phone bills are not accepted)
• A UK or Irish driving licence (if not used for identity)
• HMRC / Revenue correspondence (e.g., Tax Coding — not P60 or P45)
• Local Authority correspondence (e.g., rates or council tax)
• DWP / benefits agency letters (e.g., pension or allowance notifications)

3. What can I use as proof of my business premises?

To confirm the address of your principal trading premises, you can provide:

• A utility bill showing detailed business use
• A lease agreement
• Government‑issued correspondence (e.g., VAT certificate, DAERA, Rural Payments Agency, Council‑issued Petroleum Licence)
• VAT registration (approved documentation or website link)
• A business bank statement showing the business name
• Financial accounts that clearly show the trading address

Your documents can be certified by:

• Your Bank of Ireland Account Manager
• A member of staff in any Bank of Ireland branch
• A qualified professional, such as your accountant or solicitor

Please note: if certification is carried out by an accountant or solicitor, they may charge a fee for this service.

After you apply:

• We review the information and documents you provide
• We may contact you if we need more details
• If approved, we’ll let you know how to access and use your account

You won’t be able to use the account until the process is complete.

Not all applications are accepted. Approval depends on factors such as your business details, the information you provide, and regulatory requirements.

Yes. You can apply for an overdraft. You should talk to us first so we can see if it suits your cash flow needs. An overdraft is a form of lending and may not be suitable for all businesses. Criteria may apply.

You can reach out to your Account Manager or complete this enquiry form and we’ll be in touch.

No. You can apply for these products without a current account.

You can manage your Business Current Account in a number of ways, depending on how you prefer to bank:

• In branch or at a Post Office – You can carry out selected day‑to‑day transactions at our branches or your local Post Office. Some services may only be available in branch.
• Digital banking and 365 phone – Use our online, mobile and phone banking services to check balances, make payments and manage your account. Availability of services may vary by channel.
• Cards and deposit services – Your free business debit card(s) and Quick Lodge Card(s) can help manage payments and deposits. These services are subject to availability and may have associated charges.

Some additional products, such as credit cards, are optional and subject to application and approval.

• Digital banking and 365 phone – Learn how to get set up on the Banking 365 page.
• Business On Line – Find out how to get started on the Business On Line page.

You’ll receive a paper statement in any month where you’ve made at least one transaction. If there were no transactions in the previous month, a statement won’t be issued.

If you register for Digital banking and 365 phone, you can choose to receive paperless statements instead of paper statements.