Startups in Ireland usually want a low cost account opened quickly, cards with controls, accounting links, and room to grow into lending. Revolut Business suits founders who want a fast online account, while AIB and Bank of Ireland offer start up business current accounts that waive transaction and maintenance fees for an initial period and add lending and a relationship manager. As of 13 March 2026.
Suits Startups best
Depends on plan. Revolut Business for a fast low cost account, AIB or Bank of Ireland for a fee free start up period and lending. As of 13 March 2026.
Typical monthly fee
From a Revolut Business Free plan with limits, to fees waived for a start up period at the main banks, then standard charges. As of 13 March 2026.
Account holder
A registered company banks in the company name. A sole trader can use a personal name account. As of 13 March 2026.
Providers that fit
Several. At least three providers serve startups in Ireland.
Fees and features as of 13 March 2026Last reviewed 13 March 2026
General information, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Verify current terms and eligibility with the provider before applying.
Startups in Ireland want to open an account quickly and keep costs low while they find traction, then grow into features such as cards with controls, multi currency and lending. The features that matter most early on are fast onboarding, a low or no monthly fee, accounting links, and a fee free start up period where a bank offers one. Revolut Business suits founders who want a fast online account, while AIB and Bank of Ireland offer start up business current accounts that waive transaction and maintenance fees for an initial period and add lending and a relationship manager. Fees and features below are shown as of 13 March 2026, so confirm current terms with the provider.
What Startups in Ireland need from a business account
An early stage company values speed and low cost, then adds features as it grows. A registered company must bank in the company name, so onboarding asks for company documents and checks on directors and beneficial owners, while a sole trader can start with a personal name account. The useful features are quick onboarding, a low or no monthly fee, cards with spend controls, accounting links for corporation tax and VAT, and a path to lending. The two main banks reward early stage businesses with a fee free start up period, which can offset their standard charges in the first years. Many founders open a digital account first for speed, then add a bank relationship when they need credit.
R
Revolut Business
Fast online onboarding, Irish IBANs, cards with spend controls, multi currency and accounting links. Provided by Revolut Bank UAB. A Free plan carries no monthly fee with limits, and paid plans add allowances.
Best for
A fast low cost account
Monthly fee
Free plan from no monthly fee, paid plans above with higher allowances
Offers a Business Start up Current Account that waives maintenance and transaction fees for the first two years, excluding cash handling fees, with lending, branches and a relationship manager. Standard charges apply after the start up period.
Best for
A fee free start up period
Monthly fee
Maintenance and transaction fees waived for two years, then standard charges, see the bank's fee schedule
Offers a start up business current account that waives transaction and maintenance fees for an initial period, with lending, branches and a relationship manager. Fees are charged on a quarterly basis per the schedule once the start up period ends.
Best for
A fee free start up period and lending
Monthly fee
Fees waived for an initial period, then standard charges, see the bank's fee schedule
It depends on your plan. Revolut Business suits startups that want a low cost account opened quickly online, while AIB and Bank of Ireland offer start up business current accounts that waive transaction and maintenance fees for an initial period and add lending and a relationship manager. Compare features and verify current terms with the provider. This is general information, not advice. As of 13 March 2026.
Do Irish banks waive fees for startups?
Yes for a period. AIB offers a Business Start up Current Account that waives maintenance and transaction fees for the first two years, excluding cash handling fees, and Bank of Ireland waives transaction and maintenance fees on its start up business current account for an initial period. The exact terms and the cash handling treatment vary, so confirm with the bank. As of 13 March 2026.
How fast can a startup open an account in Ireland?
Digital providers such as Revolut Business can often open an account within days once documents and identity checks are complete, while traditional banks can take longer because of company onboarding and compliance steps. Timing depends on your structure and how quickly you supply documents. Confirm the current process with the provider. As of 13 March 2026.
What does a startup need to open a company account?
A registered company needs an account in the company name. Expect the certificate of incorporation, the constitution, the company number, proof of the registered office, and identity and address checks for directors and beneficial owners. A sole trader can use a personal name account. Confirm the current list with the provider. As of 13 March 2026.
Fees, features, and eligibility change and vary by region. This page was last reviewed on 13 March 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.