Cross Border Bank a/c

vetstu

Just wondering if anyone knows about opening a bank a/c in the north. I live near the border and a northern a/c and credit card would be very handy. Are they allowed or would I need an address up there to get one?
Thanks

babaloushka

You can legitimately have a NI bank account with your own address in ROI. However, it's quite an ordeal to set up and you'll need to make an appointment in advance with the bank, maybe even 2-3 weeks ahead. There will be an interview and documentation required, so check what they want before you go. I had to have one in order to be paid for occasional cross-border work that I do and I remember being asked about this at the interview and why I needed the account.
I opted for a savings type account rather than a current account in the end and I don't have a credit card there - if you have one on your main account here, there's no real need. I suspect that if you are not employed in NI you will find it difficult to get a credit card. I know someone who has been living AND working in a steady job in NI for a year now, saving regularly and paying all bills, but they are still waiting for a credit card to be approved :eek:

vetstu

Thanks for the info babaloushka.