Prices correct as of 6 July 2026, scraped directly from AIB and Bank of Ireland.
| AIB | Bank of Ireland | |
|---|---|---|
| Best instant access | 0.25% AER | 0.1% AER |
| Best fixed term | 2.26% AER (24 mo) | 2.24% AER (18 mo) |
| Deposit guarantee | Irish DGS | Irish DGS |
| Provider type | Traditional Bank | Traditional Bank |
| Products listed | 10 | 8 |
Our verdict
Ireland's two pillar banks pay strikingly similar rates — headline regular-saver rates around 3% with tight monthly caps, and near-zero on instant-access lump sums. The honest verdict is that neither wins: for a lump sum, both are among the worst-paying homes in the market, and the real decision is a regular saver at either versus moving the lump sum to a neobank or fixed-term paying multiples more. If you're choosing purely between these two, the live rates below show the current edge — it's usually marginal.
Frequently asked questions
Who pays a better rate, AIB or Bank of Ireland?
AIB currently has the higher best rate — 3.02% vs 3% AER. Rates are scraped daily from both providers.
Are AIB and Bank of Ireland savings protected?
Yes — AIB deposits are covered by the Irish DGS and Bank of Ireland by the Irish DGS, each up to €100,000 per person.
What about DIRT tax?
Irish banks deduct 33% DIRT at source. EU neobanks generally do not — you declare interest to Revenue yourself. The comparison rates shown are gross AER.