Raisin Ireland Review 2026: Access EU Savings Rates
From SmartSaver.ie, Ireland's independent comparison site. Prices and rates in this guide are checked daily.
Raisin gives Irish savers access to higher EU bank rates. Up to 2.80% on fixed terms. Is it safe? How does it work?
By SmartSaver Team | Published 1 January 2026 | Updated 8 July 2026 | 5 min read
Topics: raisin ireland, raisin review, eu savings rates, fixed term savings
Raisin is a marketplace connecting Irish savers with EU banks offering higher rates. Here's how it works and whether it's right for you.
Raisin at a Glance
| Feature | Detail | |---------|--------| | Best Rate | Up to 2.80% (1-year fixed) | | Type | Marketplace (not a bank) | | Minimum | €500-€5,000 depending on bank | | Protection | Home country guarantee per bank | | DIRT | Not deducted (self-assess) |
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How Raisin Works
Raisin isn't a bank. It's a platform connecting you with EU partner banks:
Your money is held by the partner bank, protected by that bank's country guarantee.
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Current Raisin Rates (January 2026)
Instant Access
| Bank | Rate | Minimum | Country | |------|------|---------|---------| | TF Bank | 2.17% | None | Sweden | | Nordax Bank | 2.07% | None | Sweden |
1-Year Fixed
| Bank | Rate | Minimum | Country | |------|------|---------|---------| | Aareal Bank | 2.80% | €1,000 | Germany | | Hamburg Commercial | 2.80% | €5,000 | Germany | | Collector | 2.75% | €500 | Sweden |
2-Year Fixed
| Bank | Rate | Minimum | Country | |------|------|---------|---------| | Rietumu Bank | 2.81% | €5,000 | Latvia | | Collector | 2.69% | €500 | Sweden |
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Is Raisin Safe?
Yes, but understand the structure:
Partner Banks
Each bank is separately protected by its home country deposit guarantee (€100,000). This is the same protection level as Irish banks.
| Bank | Country | Guarantee | |------|---------|-----------| | Aareal Bank | Germany | German DGS | | TF Bank | Sweden | Swedish DGS | | Collector | Sweden | Swedish DGS | | Rietumu Bank | Latvia | Latvian DGS |
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DIRT Tax on Raisin
Important: Raisin does NOT deduct DIRT at source.
You must:
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Raisin vs Alternatives
Raisin vs Bunq
| Factor | Raisin (1-year fixed) | Bunq | |--------|----------------------|------| | Rate | 2.80% | 2.01% | | After DIRT | 1.65% | 1.19% | | Access | Locked 1 year | Instant | | DIRT handling | Self-assess | Automatic |
Raisin wins on rate if you can lock money.
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Pros and Cons
Pros
- Higher rates than Irish banks
- Access to multiple EU banks
- €100,000 protection per bank
- Good for diversification
Cons
- DIRT not deducted (self-assessment required)
- Money locked for term
- Some banks have high minimums
- Extra admin vs traditional bank
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Verdict
Rating: 3.5/5
Raisin offers genuinely higher rates, but the self-assessment requirement and fixed terms limit appeal. Best for organised savers seeking maximum returns on money they won't need.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Raisin safe for Irish savers?
Yes. Raisin is a German fintech regulated by BaFin. The banks you deposit with are protected by their country's deposit guarantee scheme (up to €100,000). Raisin has operated since 2012 with no issues.
Do I have to pay tax on Raisin savings?
Yes. Irish residents must declare interest from Raisin accounts and pay DIRT (33%) themselves. It's not auto-deducted like Irish banks. Raisin provides annual statements for tax filing.
What is the minimum deposit for Raisin accounts?
Most Raisin accounts require €500-€5,000 minimum deposits, higher than typical Irish accounts. Check individual account requirements before applying.
Can I access my money early from Raisin fixed-term accounts?
Most fixed-term accounts don't allow early withdrawal. Choose notice accounts (1-6 months) if you might need access. Always read the terms before committing to fixed-term products.
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Last updated: January 2026---