Best Regular Saver Accounts Ireland 2026 (Maximise Your 3%)

Regular saver accounts offer the highest headline rates in Ireland—up to 3%. But they come with strict rules. Here's how to make the most of them.

How Regular Savers Work

Unlike instant access accounts, regular savers have conditions:

Key limitation: The 3% only applies to money you deposit each month—not to lump sums you already have.

Best Regular Saver Accounts 2026

AIB Online Saver

Rate: 3.00% Maximum: €1,000/month (€12,000 total) Term: 12 months

How It Works

1. Open via AIB app or online banking
2. Set up standing order for €10-€1,000/month
3. Interest paid at end of 12 months
4. Account closes after 12 months, money moves to current account

The Fine Print

• Must be existing AIB customer
• One withdrawal allowed (but account closes)
• Rate applies to maximum €12,000 over 12 months
• After 12 months, rate drops to standard (0.25%)

Real Returns

Saving €1,000/month for 12 months:

• Total saved: €12,000
• Average balance over year: ~€6,500
• Interest earned: ~€195 (gross)
• After DIRT: ~€115

Effective rate on money saved: ~1.6% (because money isn't in for full year)

Bank of Ireland Supersaver

Rate: 3.00% (Year 1), 2.00% (Year 2+) Maximum: €2,500/month (€30,000/year) Term: Ongoing

How It Works

1. Open online or in branch
2. Save €5-€2,500/month
3. Interest calculated daily, paid annually
4. No fixed term—continues indefinitely

The Fine Print

• Rate drops to 2% after first year
• Maximum balance €30,000
• Two withdrawals allowed per year without losing rate
• Available to existing BOI customers

Why BOI Might Be Better Than AIB

• Higher limit: €2,500/month vs €1,000/month
• No fixed term: Continues after 12 months
• Withdrawals allowed: Two per year without penalty

Real Returns (Year 1)

Saving €2,500/month for 12 months:

• Total saved: €30,000
• Interest earned (Year 1): ~€487 gross
• After DIRT: ~€288

EBS Family Savings

Rate: 3.00% Maximum: €1,000/month Term: 12 months

How It Works

1. Open online at EBS
2. Save €50-€1,000/month
3. Interest paid monthly
4. After 12 months, moves to standard rate

The Fine Print

• Must commit to 12-month term
• Penalty for early withdrawal
• Rate only guaranteed for first 12 months
• No lump sum deposits

PTSB Regular Saver

Rate: 2.50% Maximum: €1,000/month (up to €50,000 total) Term: Ongoing

How It Works

1. Open online or in branch
2. Save €25-€1,000/month
3. 21 days notice for withdrawals
4. Rate applies up to €50,000

The Fine Print

• 21-day notice period for withdrawals
• Rate drops to 0.01% on balance over €50,000
• Lower rate than AIB/BOI but higher limits

State Savings Instalment Savings

Rate: 0.98% (tax-free) Maximum: €1,000/month Term: 6 years

How It Works

1. Open at any post office
2. Save €25-€1,000/month for minimum 12 months
3. Must hold for 6 years for full rate
4. Interest paid at maturity

The Fine Print

• Must hold for 6 years or rate drops to 0.05%
• Tax-free (no DIRT)
• Government-guaranteed
• Can be cashed early (with penalty)

Tax Equivalent

0.98% tax-free = 1.66% taxed rate

Verdict: Only worthwhile if you'll definitely hold 6 years and want government guarantee.

Strategy: Maximise Regular Saver Returns

The Multi-Account Approach

Open regular savers at multiple banks to maximise high-rate deposits:

If you can save €4,500/month, use all three.

The Lump Sum + Regular Saver Combo

Most people have both existing savings and monthly income:

Best approach:

1. Lump sum: Put in Bunq/Trade Republic (2%)
2. Monthly savings: Put in Regular saver (3%)

Example:

• €30,000 existing savings: Put in Bunq (2.01%)
• €1,000/month new savings: Put in AIB Regular Saver (3%)

Common Mistakes

Mistake 1: Putting Lump Sum in Regular Saver

Regular savers don't accept lump sums. You can only deposit monthly.

Fix: Put lump sum in Bunq (2.01%), use regular saver for new savings.

Mistake 2: Missing a Month

Most regular savers require consistent monthly deposits. Missing a month may close the account or reduce your rate.

Fix: Set up standing order on payday.

Mistake 3: Forgetting After 12 Months

AIB and EBS accounts end after 12 months. Your money moves to a low-rate account.

Fix: Set calendar reminder for month 11. Move money or open new account.

Mistake 4: Leaving Money After Term Ends

After the initial term, rates usually drop significantly (from 3% to 0.25%).

Fix: At end of term, move to Bunq/Trade Republic or open new regular saver.

Regular Saver vs Instant Access

When Regular Saver Is Better

• You're building savings from monthly income
• You can commit €100+ per month
• You won't need to withdraw early
• You want the highest rate (3%)

When Instant Access Is Better

• You have a lump sum already
• You might need the money unexpectedly
• You can't commit to monthly deposits
• You want flexibility

The Maths

Scenario: You have €10,000 and can save €500/month

Option A: All in AIB Regular Saver

• €10,000 stays in current account (0% rate)
• €500/month in regular saver (3%)
• Year-end: ~€16,000 total, earned ~€150

Option B: Split approach

• €10,000 in Bunq (2.01%) = €201/year
• €500/month in AIB regular saver (3%) = ~€97/year
• Year-end: ~€16,000 total, earned ~€298

Option B earns ~€150 more.

Setting Up Your Regular Saver

AIB Online Saver Setup

1. Log into AIB app/online banking
2. Go to "Open new account"
3. Select "Online Saver"
4. Set monthly amount (€10-€1,000)
5. Set standing order date
6. Confirm and start saving

BOI Supersaver Setup

1. Log into BOI app/online banking
2. Go to "Savings accounts"
3. Select "Supersaver Regular Savings"
4. Set monthly amount (€5-€2,500)
5. Agree to terms
6. Set up standing order

Tips for Success

• Pay yourself first: Set standing order for day after payday
• Start small if needed: Even €100/month earns 3%
• Set reminders: Month 11 reminder for account review
• Don't touch it: Withdrawals usually close the account

Summary

Key strategy:

1. Put existing savings in Bunq (2.01% instant access)
2. Put monthly savings in regular saver (3%)
3. Review after 12 months—move or renew

Last updated: January 2026

Related Guides

• Best Savings Accounts Ireland
• Best Lump Sum Savings
• AIB Savings Review
• DIRT Tax Explained