Who pays a better rate, AIB or Bank of Ireland?
AIB currently has the higher best rate: 3.02% vs 3% AER. Rates are checked daily with both providers.
AIB vs Bank of Ireland: Which Is Better in Ireland? August 2026
SmartSaver.ie's head-to-head comparison of AIB and Bank of Ireland. The numbers below come from SmartSaver.ie's daily price checks (as of 2026-08-17).
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.
Best for each use case
- Regular saver: See live table. Both near 3% with caps. Compare current terms
- Lump sums: Neither. Both pay near zero. See our best instant-access rates
- Branch access: Tie. Nationwide branches for both
AIB vs Bank of Ireland: the numbers
| Measure | 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 |
Frequently asked questions
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.