Are there any Irish banks in the US?

Ireland and the US have close historical ties, with many Irish citizens choosing to live in the US - either for a short while or for a more permanent move. If you’re considering moving to the US, or if you’re a frequent visitor there, it might make sense for you to have an account you can use to hold and manage US dollars, to cut the costs of international spending. So what are your options if you’re looking for Irish banking services in America?

While there are several Irish banks with US operations, these are usually reserved for corporate or enterprise customers - large businesses, rather than personal customers and SMEs.

As an option, you may want to check out multi-currency accounts from providers like Wise. You'll be able hold USD and EUR side by side, convert, spend, send and exchange with the mid-market rate.

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Are there any Irish banks in the USA?

So - are there any Bank of Ireland branches in America? Or maybe you’re interested in AIB or other popular Irish banks.

Looking to transfer your Irish account to the US when you move makes a lot of sense, but unfortunately it may not be an option unless you are looking for an account for your large business.

While Bank of Ireland does have branches and operations in America for example, they offer business services only. And the flow works the other way too - Bank of America has services in Ireland, but only for enterprises and institutions.¹

Here’s a quick run down of the Irish banks you may see represented in the US, and what they do. Naturally, as things can change frequently, do check with your preferred Irish bank to see if they can offer you US services before you move home.

Bank of Ireland

Bank of Ireland has banking and treasury services for large businesses in the US.² This covers things like investing in the US from Ireland, and property and corporate acquisitions. Personal account services are not available.

If you happen to be a Bank of Ireland customer looking to invest in the US, the bank also offers New York office space to help you facilitate client meetings.

AIB

AIB lists a US entity in New York online⁴, but this option is no longer available for US customers. AIB sold its stakes in many overseas divisions in 2010, and then delisted from the NYSE in 2011⁵. If you want US account services now, you’ll need to pick an alternative.

Danske Bank

Finally, Danske Bank. While not an Irish bank, it's a bank operating in Ireland, and it’s also present in the US⁶. In Ireland, Danske Bank offers only business and corporate services - and the same goes in the US.⁷

What are the best US banks for Irish citizens?

The chances are that you’ll struggle to move your current Irish bank account over to a US branch of the same bank. However, you could choose to open an account with a US bank if you’d prefer.

US banks often offer accounts to non-residents, but the terms and conditions here are pretty strict.

Bank of America, for example, offers support for new US residents - such as people who are moving to the US to work or study.⁸ However, you’ll need a US address to be eligible for an account⁹, so this isn’t something you’ll likely be able to set up before you move, or if you’re a frequent visitor to the US but not planning a relocation.

Chase USA has a similar policy. Non-residents can open an account, but one of the 2 pieces of ID you show to get set up must include your US address¹⁰ - no use if you’re not yet living in the country.

So what next? If you’re a new arrival to the US and don’t have a proof of local address yet, if you’re still planning your move, or if you are a tourist who heads off to the US frequently, you probably can’t open an account with a US bank. But specialist providers like Wise can help. More on that coming right up next.

Wise Account: Manage your money between Ireland and the USA

If you need a way to manage your money in USD, banks aren’t your only option.

Check out the Wise Account to hold and manage USD and EUR side by side, along with 40+ other currencies and the Wise card for seamless spending and withdrawals.

Open a Wise account online to convert, spend, send and exchange USD with the mid-market rate, and low transparent fees.

Your account also comes with USD account details, and local details for 8+ other currencies, allowing you to receive payments to your account in USD, EUR, GBP and more like a local.

Wise isn’t a bank, but a payment institution. However, the tools provided through the Wise Account and card do offer a flexible, low cost way to send, spend, hold, receive or exchange foreign currencies including USD and EUR.

That includes making international payments to and from the US, receiving money in foreign currencies to your account, card spending with no foreign transaction fees, and getting instant currency conversion when you need it.

The Wise Account doesn't have opening or ongoing fees to keep your account, so you only pay for the services you use.

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How to open a USA bank account as an Irish citizen

Let’s finish up with a step by step guide to opening a US bank account as an Irish citizen. You’re likely to find you need to attend a branch in person, and present your paperwork which must include proof of a US address, even if you’re applying as a non-resident.

The documents needed can usually include 2 pieces of ID, proof of your home address in Ireland, and proof of your US address. ID documents can include your passport as a primary ID, and a driving license, debit card or retail credit card as a secondary ID. Proof of address is usually a utility bill or other official letter showing your name and address.

Once you have your paperwork sorted, here’s how to open a USA bank account as an Irish citizen:

1. Compare the accounts you prefer, and check you’re eligible for them on the bank website
2. Make an appointment to visit the bank you prefer to open your account
3. Gather your documents and visit the branch to set up your account
4. A member of the team will take you through the paperwork and check your documents
5. You may need to pay a minimum opening deposit to activate your account

Ultimately, if you’re moving to the US for the long term, or if you have a US residential address, opening an account there shouldn’t pose too much of an issue. You may not be able to move your Irish bank account to the US, but you can get a new account with a US bank instead.

And if you’ve not got US documents yet, or if you want to keep euros and dollars in the same account, check out Wise instead for low cost international account and card services which use the mid-market rate.

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