Centralised Account Opening Q&As

General Central Account Opening Q&As

How long will it take to open my account?

Once we have everything we need from you it will take approximately five business days to open your account.
How long will the process take?

You can use your account soon after you have proved your identity and provided your signature in a branch. We will let you know when the account is ready to use.
I have not received a DocuSign envelope?

We will send the DocuSign application form to the email address you gave to us in the enquiry form. If you have not received your email please check your junk/spam emails. If you have not received the DocuSign within 24 hours, please apply again.
I have received my online application form but have not received the text in order to access the application form. What can I do?

It may be because the mobile number you gave us is incorrect. You will need to send the form again.
I am already a customer with AIB, can I open my account online?

Yes, you can open your account online. You will still need to come in to a branch to prove your identity and provide your signature.
Which account should I pick?

Your DocuSign will contain a choice of all business current accounts you can open which we believe suit your needs (based on the information you have provided us). You’ll see the ‘Key Features, Benefits & Restrictions’ for all accounts at the start of the application form to allow you to choose which account you would like to open.

The DocuSign document will contain further information for each of these accounts and you can also refer to our website if you need more information to make your decision.
What is a Trading Name?

A trading name is a name you can use for your business that is different to your own name. A trading name must be registered with the Companies Registration Office (CRO) before it can be used by your business. Not every sole trader or company has a trading name, so if you do not have one you can leave this box blank.

If you do have a trading name you can attach & submit your certificate of trading name with your application within the DocuSign system.
What is the purpose of the account?

What will the account be used for? Our business current accounts are ideal for business trading. Other potential uses could be Investments.
What is the Source of Income (the source of the money you are putting in the account)?

Where will the money come from? Some examples are trading income, rental or investment income or client funds.
What is estimated annual turnover of the account?

How much money will be going through the account over the next year? If you are unsure of the exact amount you can make a best estimate, or base it on the turnover of the previous year if you expect it to be similar (if applicable).
What is the Country where Established?

Where is your business set up? This is the country where your business is located.
What is Country where Operating/Trading?

What countries are you actively operating from or trading with. You may trade with & operate from a number of countries so multiple options are available here.
Products and services

Statements: You can choose how often the statements are sent and the date of the first statement. If it is not possible for operational reasons to issue you with a statement on this date, we will issue you with a statement on this date in the next month/quarter/year.

You can also get details of your transactions through our online channels and you can get bank statements through AIB Internet Banking. You can also contact us to ask for a statement (we may charge a fee for this).

Chequebook: If you require a chequebook you can select the size of the chequebook you need. You may not require a chequebook. As a reminder, if you wish you can use AIB Internet Banking and iBusiness Banking to make payments.

Lodgement requirements: You can request a lodgement book for making paper lodgements over the counter, or you can request lodgement cards for making lodgements at a self-service machine.

This is ideal if you have employees required to make lodgements on your behalf.

You will also be able to lodge using your Business Debit Card.
I can’t submit my form

If you are having difficulty submitting your form it may be because some information is missing. Please check the form again.
I don’t want to open my current account on the website. Can I open it in a branch?

Yes you can open your account in one of our branches. https://aib.ie/branchlocator
I have a bank account with another financial institute in the Republic of Ireland, is it possible to move this account to AIB?

You can switch your account to us. Here’s how to do it: https://aib.ie/business/business-accounts/switch-your-current-account
One or other of us need some extra help opening an account. Who do we call?

We have a team ready to help. You can contact them on 0818 227 056 9:00 to 17:00 Monday to Friday.

Sole Trader Central Account Opening Q&As

Who can apply to open a sole trader current account using the AIB website?

Any customer who is over the age of 18 can apply for a Sole Trader Current Account through our website.
What is the process for opening an account using the AIB website?
1. The first step is tell us what type of account suits you.
2. Then we will email you an electronic application form (DocuSign) to the email address you give us.
3. You will receive a unique code to the mobile number you give us. Use this code to access the DocuSign application form.
4. Complete and sign the DocuSign application form and send it back to us.
5. We will then open your account within five business days.
6. You’ll know it’s done when we email you with the next steps, which is for you to give proof of ID, address and a sample signature in a branch. You have eight business days to do this. Once you prove your identity in branch and provide your signature, then your account is ready to use.

Partnership Central Account Opening Q&As

Who can apply to open a partnership current account through our website?
- The partnerships can have a maximum of two partners
- The partnership must be directly owned by these partners
- Both partners must be over the age of 18
- Not open to LLP or Limited Partnerships
What is the process for opening a Partnership current account through our website?
1. The first step is to tell us what type of account suits you.
2. Then give us the contact details of both partners under ‘Partner 1’, and ‘Partner 2’
3. Then we will email Partner 1 an electronic application form (DocuSign)
4. They will receive a unique code to the mobile number they gave us. This code accesses the DocuSign application form.
5. They will complete and sign the DocuSign application form.
6. The form will then be emailed to Partner 2, who will log in using a unique code we send to their mobile. Partner 2 will verify all information in the application before signing and sending it back to us.
7. We will then open your account within five business days.
8. You’ll know it’s done when we email you with the next steps, which is for you both to give proof of ID, address and a sample signature in a branch. This doesn’t have to be the same branch, or at the same time. You have eight business days to do this.
9. Once you prove your identity in branch and provide your signature, then your account is ready to use.
I haven’t received my online application form yet, the other applicant has received an email. When will I receive mine?

The application form is sent to the first person. When they have filled it in, it goes to the second person named on the account, then we will open the account for you.
The other applicant lives in a different place to me, do we have to go in to branch together?

No, you can go in to any branch you want.
I want to open an account on my own as well as a partnership account. Can I do this?

You can open a personal account on your own through our mobile app.

If you wish to open a sole trader account, you can complete the sole trader online enquiry form.
I do not agree with the account type the other applicant has chosen, can I change it?

If you do not agree with the account selected or any other information in the application you can decline to sign. You’ll need to start a new application
It looks like the bank emailed me looking for information to open a partnership current account. Is this a legitimate email?

If you or another applicant has enquired about opening an account, then yes, we will email you looking for the details we need.
I want to open a partnership account with more than two people on the account, can I open it through this process?

To open an account with more than two people, you will need to apply in one of our branches. https://aib.ie/branchlocator
I never applied to open a Partnership account, what do I do with the application form?

If you did not enquire about opening an account please ignore the email you have received.
I was not given a debit card on my Partnership account, how can I order one?

Depending on what you chose for who can sign for the account, you may not get a debit card. If you have chosen ‘Any one’ to sign you can order a debit card.
I would like Phone and Internet Banking on my Partnership account

You can register for Phone and Internet Banking when you come in to branch with your identity documents. If you have chosen ‘Any one’ to sign as your signing instruction, you will be able to use Phone & Internet banking. If you have chosen ‘All’ to sign, iBusiness Banking may be more suitable. Find out more at https://aib.ie/business/business-login/business-banking-online

Company Central Account Opening Q&As

Who can apply to open a company current account through our website?
Any Limited Company (LTD), Designated Activity Company (DAC), or Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG):
- with up to 5 directors
- wholly and directly owned by these directors
- registered and trading in ROI
- using a person (not a company) as the company secretary
How do we open a company current account through AIB’s website?
1. The first step is to tell us what type of account suits you.
2. Then give us the contact details of three recipients, the first will be the administrator. Both the second or third recipient can also be the administrator. In that case they will receive the DocuSign form twice.
  1. First recipient: Administrator - The administrator is the person who completes the DocuSign application form. They need to (i) complete all details in the form and (ii) download and complete the specimen signature form and reattach it to the DocuSign.
  2. Second recipient: Director 1 - When the administrator has completed the DocuSign form, it will be sent to Director 1 to review the content, accept the Ts & Cs and sign. This person must be a director of the company.
  3. Third recipient: Director 2 or company secretary - When Director 1 has signed the DocuSign form, it will be sent to Director 2 or the company secretary to review the content, accept the Ts and Cs and sign. This person must be a director or secretary of the company.
3. Then we will email the administrator an electronic application form to be completed using DocuSign.
4. The administrator will receive a unique code to the mobile number they gave us. This code accesses the DocuSign application form.
5. They will complete the DocuSign application form. They will also download the specimen signature form, gather the signatures and attach the specimen signature form to the DocuSign.
6. The form will then be emailed to Director 1, who will log in using a unique code we send to their mobile. Director 1 will verify all information in the application before accepting and digitally signing.
7. The form will then be emailed to Director 2 or the Company Secretary, who will log in using a unique code we send to their mobile. Director 2 or the Company Secretary will verify all information in the application before accepting and digitally signing and sending it back to us.
8. We will then check the application and email you within five business days with the next steps.
9. Next Steps: Where the application for the account is approved, the following steps will need to be completed. These do not need to be completed in the same branch or at the same time.
  1. For companies with one director: the director who signs and a company signatory need to give proof of ID and address in one of our branches. The director and the company signatory can be the same person.
  2. For companies with more than one director: Both directors who sign and any company signatory need to give proof of ID and address in one of our branches. A director and company signatory can be the same person. If the form is signed by a director and company secretary instead of two directors, the director who signs and any other director need to give proof of ID and address in one of our branches.
10. Once you prove your identity in branch, we will do one final check of everything which can take up to 10 business days.
I haven’t received my online application form yet, but the other applicant has received an email. When will I receive mine?

The application form is sent to the administrator. When they have filled it in, it goes to the second person followed by the third.
The other director lives in a different place to me, do we have to go in to branch together?

No, you can go into any branch you want.
I want to open an account on my own as well as a company account. Can I do this?

You can open a personal account on your own through our mobile app.

If you wish to open a sole trader account, you can complete the sole trader online enquiry form.
I do not agree with the account type the Administrator has chosen, can I change it?

If you do not agree with the account selected or any other information in the application, you can decline to sign. You’ll need to start a new application.
It looks like the bank emailed me looking for information to open a company current account. Is this a legitimate email?

If you or another applicant has enquired about opening an account, then yes, we will email you looking for the details we need. The email will contain a link to a DocuSign business account application form which you will use a one-time access code to enter. This code will be sent to the mobile number provided in the enquiry form.
I want to open a company account with more than five directors on the account, can I open it through this process?

To open an account with more than five directors, you will need to apply in one of our branches. https://aib.ie/branchlocator
My company is not owned by the Directors, can I open it through this process?

To open an account not owned by the directors, you will need to apply in one of our branches. https://aib.ie/branchlocator
I never applied to open a company account, what do I do with the application form?

If you did not enquire about opening an account, please ignore the email you have received.
I was not given a debit card on my company account; how can I order one?

Depending on what you chose for who can sign for the account, you may not get a debit card. With this process, only the two people who sign the form can order a debit card at the start. If you have chosen ‘Any one’ to sign you can order a debit card for either of these people, providing they are also named as signatories on the account.
I want to order debit cards for other signatories on the account, how can I order one?

With this process, only the two people who sign the form can order a debit card at the start. If you want to order debit cards for other signatories on the account, you can complete this form and bring it to your local branch.

debit-card-for-business-customers-application-form.pdf (aib.ie)
I would like Phone and Internet Banking on my Company Account.
AIB offers two choices of online banking for companies:
1. Single User Internet banking: Useful if only one person needs to use internet banking and your signing instructions are ‘Any one’ to sign.
2. iBusinessBanking: A multi-user service.
Complete the form below to find the product most suitable for your business.

Business Banking Online (aib.ie)
What is FATCA & CRS?

These are ‘Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act’ (FATCA) and ‘Common Reporting Standard’ (CRS)

We need this information under Irish tax law. AIB is unable to offer taxation advice, but If you are unsure how to complete this section you should speak to your professional tax advisor or refer to our entity classification guide.

Tax Information Reporting (aib.ie)
What is a Mandate and Specimen Signature Form?
On the mandate you tell us what the signing instructions you want on the account are and who you want to be a signatory.

Signing instructions can be
- ‘Any One’ meaning any of the signatories on the account can sign on their own.
- ‘Any Two’ meaning any two of the signatories must sign together
- ‘All’ meaning all signatories must sign together
- ‘Other’ you can specify what instructions you want here. Eg. ‘Any one’ under €1000, ‘Any Two’ above this amount.
The specimen signature form is downloaded from the DocuSign application form and needs to be signed by all the signatories listed on the mandate. We will use this form to check signed instructions on the account in the future.