Bank on us every day for the right help and support

Money is woven into the fabric of everything we do. From the moment we wake up to the moment we go to bed, our finances touch every aspect of daily life: the roof over our heads, the food we buy, the bills that keep the lights and heating on.

Finances shape our big life moments too, a first home, a wedding, a new car and the quiet, everyday ones in between. The contactless tap for a coffee, the transfer to family or friends, the holiday savings fund and more.

That is why access to everyday banking products and services matters. For everyone.

But life doesn’t always go to plan. Circumstances change, challenges arise and there are times when any one of us may need a little more support. Whether that’s because of a disability, an illness or an unexpected life event. In those moments, what matters most is knowing that help is there and it is easy to find.

Support for every customer

That’s why Bank of Ireland has created the Extra Help Centre, a dedicated online resource bringing together everything customers, families and carers need to understand the support available to help them with their banking.

All Bank of Ireland branches are wheelchair accessible and fitted with a hearing loop for hearing aid users. We are also installing fully accessible ATMs in every branch, with touchscreens, braille and an option to plug into an earphone socket so customers can be guided through their transaction by voice assistance.

Every branch is both Sunflower Hidden Disability and JAM card friendly, meaning colleagues are trained to recognise when a customer may need a little extra time or support and to respond with care.

We are working towards making our website accessible to everyone, regardless of technology or ability, with content that is relevant, clear, and easy to understand. Customers can also use Signly to translate key pages into sign language.

In the right hands

For deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired customers, Relay UK ensures that picking up the phone is never a barrier. The service is accessible via textphone or by downloading the app to a smartphone, tablet or PC.

When you call using Relay UK, a Relay assistant will type back to you what our colleague is saying and you can respond by speaking or typing. Our Call Centre can also use the Relay UK service when receiving and making calls.

SignVideo is a sign language interpretation service that will connect you to a qualified BSL interpreter who will be able to relay your conversation.

The letters, statements and documents we send matter too. Which is why customers can request communications in braille, large print, on coloured paper or in audio format, so information can always be accessed with ease.

The fact is, we all need help at some point in our lives. When that moment comes, we want every customer and everyone who supports them to feel that they are in the right hands.

For more information on these and other services, visit the Bank of Ireland UK Accessibility Support page.