Switching your business account in Ireland

Snapshot

Ireland has a defined process for moving a current account, the Code of Conduct on the Switching of Payment Accounts 2016, and it is available for many business current accounts. Under the code the new bank completes the switch within ten working days of the chosen switch date, moving your standing orders and direct debits and transferring the balance. Very large or complex accounts may need a tailored process instead.

Is there a switching code?: Yes, the Code of Conduct on the Switching of Payment Accounts 2016, available for many business current accounts, as of 12 May 2026.
Timeline: The old bank acts within seven working days of the chosen date, and the new bank completes the switch within ten working days.
What moves: Standing orders and direct debits move to the new account, and the balance is transferred.
What to watch: Tell customers and suppliers the new details, and check whether a very large account qualifies for the code.

Fees and features as of 12 May 2026Last reviewed 12 May 2026

General information, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Verify current terms and eligibility with the provider before applying.

Ireland has a defined switching process, the Code of Conduct on the Switching of Payment Accounts 2016, and it is available for many business current accounts. You pick a switch date, the old bank takes the agreed steps within seven working days, and the new bank completes the switch within ten working days, moving your standing orders and direct debits and transferring the balance. The main task that stays with you is telling the customers and suppliers who pay you the new account details. Details below are shown as of 12 May 2026.

How switching works in Ireland

The Switching Code gives both banks a fixed set of steps and a timeline. You choose a switch date with the new bank and authorise the move. The old bank then provides the list of your standing orders and direct debits and takes its steps within seven working days of the chosen commencement date, while the new bank sets up those payments on the new account and completes the switch within ten working days. The balance is moved so it is available in the new account from the switch date. The process is designed so regular payments continue with minimal disruption. As of 12 May 2026.

What moves and what stays with you

The code moves your standing orders and direct debits to the new account and transfers the balance, and the new bank contacts the originators of your direct debits. What stays with you is letting anyone who pays into the account, such as customers, know the new details, and updating the account information held by payroll, card terminals, online checkouts and accounting software. Checking these reduces the chance of a missed or returned payment after the switch. As of 12 May 2026

What to check before you switch

Whether your account qualifies for the Switching Code, since it is aimed at consumers and smaller businesses and a very large or complex account may need a tailored process.
Any service you rely on that references the old account details, such as a payment terminal, an online checkout or a lending facility.
The fees and features of the new account against the old one, read from each provider fee schedule, so the switch is worth making.

Compare business accounts available in Ireland

These providers accept business customers in Ireland, which can help you compare before you switch. Fees and eligibility shown as of 12 May 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.

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Questions about switching in Ireland

Is there a switching code for business accounts in Ireland?

Yes. The Code of Conduct on the Switching of Payment Accounts 2016 sets out a process for moving a current account, and it is available for many business current accounts. Under the code the new bank completes the switch within ten working days of the chosen switch date, as of 12 May 2026. Confirm that your account is covered with the bank. This is general information, not advice.

How long does it take to switch a business account in Ireland?

Under the Switching Code the old bank takes the agreed steps within seven working days of the chosen commencement date, and the new bank completes the switch within ten working days of that date, as of 12 May 2026. Any balance is available in the new account from that point. Timing can vary, so confirm with both banks.

What moves across when I switch a business account in Ireland?

The Switching Code moves your standing orders and direct debits to the new account and transfers the balance. You should still tell customers and suppliers who pay you the new account details, and check any payments that reference the old account, as of 12 May 2026. Verify the steps with both banks.

Can every business use the Switching Code in Ireland?

The Switching Code is aimed at consumers and smaller businesses, and very large or complex accounts may fall outside it or need a tailored process. Check whether your account qualifies before you start, as of 12 May 2026. Confirm eligibility with the bank.

Fees, features, and eligibility change and vary by region. This page was last reviewed on 12 May 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.