KBC exiting Ireland

If you check the KBC website they released this notice as they have decided they will pull out of the market even if the sale does not get approval.

I suppose they could just manage the portfolio from one smaller office and operation much like investment funds manage mortgages they've purchased 🤔 obviously not their preferred option but a possibility I guess. They seemed to have offload most if not all non performing mortgages and loans. Managing performing mortgages I'd assume an easier undertaking.

They could possibly sell to someone else but its clear there done with the Irish market and will proceed with closure of personal banking services.

Anyone joined N26 free waiting list?

i did last week and know it can take a while but not sure how long.

heard stories some got account right away!

I don't believe they do, N26 premium has a feature called shared spaces for trusted family members etc but it's not a joint account, I don't know anything about revolut, others might be able to comment.

Shared spaces details below but it's not something I'd have, just a basic free account.

Can that account be opened on line, just curious, I understood it required an appointment, thank you.

Thanks so much, I mentioned this account recently in relation to an article in last Fridays Irish Times, if you scroll back you'll see it. Basically there was reporting about delays getting an appointment. You've obviously been on the Ball 😁.

I assumed it would require an appointment and it does look like a very good account. I've no branch near me but certainly an excellent alternative account.

Thanks again, will be helpful for others to know also 😏

EBS have an excellent reputation it could be people looking for a good app, access to a branch etc

we have a joint acc with ebs

pros:

free banking

cons:

no app

online is crap.

want to open an account that will be two branch visits.

one of the worst implementations of Multi factor authentication ive ever seen requires several log onto to get in at times.

a lot of things will either require a branch visit or a call to there customer service.

When you say free waiting list, what is that exactly, do you mean waiting list to open a free basic account?

I suspect that following the industry event on 5 May they will release more details:

KBC to Commence Current Account Closure Programme for Customers - KBC

Thanks, apparently they do have a "Cardmanager" app but its got a rating 1.4 on google play and on reddit people are, to put it mildly, not impressed. Get what you pay for i suppose, think we'll stay clear.

Leaning towards PTSB now looking at the comparisons on Bonkers.ie There are branches in Bray and Stillorgan which are not that far from here.

For those looking at EBS, just wanted to drops some notes on their apps. There are 2 apps. There is an "EBS Card manager" app, that just allows you to use your card. Then there is an "EBS Authenticator" app, which just gives you codes to log into your account. There is no app to view/ access your accounts or transfer money from your account. You must view your accounts via a browser. They are currently collating the feedback/reviews (mostly bad) about their online/mobile banking and will be looking at fixing it, but there is nothing currently in development.

Another thing to note is that you have to call them for everything. It technically adds a layer of security onto it.

• If you want to add and confirm a new beneficiary/account on your account to send money.
• If you want to activate your card or you get a new one, you've to call them to add it to the app. The card will not work if its not activated on the app.
• If you get a new device and have to reinstall the apps. You will need to call them to get codes, approve access. Codes are then sent BY POST. The apps are tied to your phone, only one device can have the app at any time. So if you get a new device, you've to call them, get the codes sent, then call again to deactivate the old device. Or get the app deactivated and codes sent at the same time, so no access to your account for a period of time.
• If you go on holidays and don't want your card blocked in non-euro countries you will have to call in advance for security reasons. Even if you are going to the UK (This may have changed)

Now, with all the above said, they are good at answering the phone and the support is/has been great. It just all seems unnecessary having to call them about everything, when it can be done in other banking apps. So if mobile banking is important to you, EBS might not be the best option. You just need to weigh up the advantages.

I agree! Been with both, KBC and PTSB. I couldn't stand being with PTSB longer than just a few months! Whenever I called, they get frustrated and give a false information. When asked to clarify they suddenly start giving a contradicting information.

I also had never had any issues with KBC. I particularly loved their chat and long customer service hours. They are also very clear with answered, never leave alone with more questions what I couldn't tell about PTSB.

You can easily avoid some AIB fees by using Google Pay for over 50 Euro transactions (under 50 Euro they are free with a bank card contactless) and for online purchases use Revolut - all these would be free. This would leave only 4.50 Euro quarterly account maintenance plus direct debit and standing order 20c each. This way you'd most likely pay under 50 Euro a year.

BOI is 6 Euro a month so 72 Euro a year.

PTSB is the hardest to compare as they return 10c for each online and bank card transaction. 6 Euro per month, max you can get back is 5 Euro. So that's between 12 and 72 Euro a year.

Credit union

Moved to BofI. Easy enough to do. Only problem was setting up AIB as a payee (credit card) went into a branch and they solved the problem immediately. Just making sure all my DD are working and I'll close KBC by the end of the month.