A while back, I made the full switch to Revolut for my day-to-day banking — ditched the legacy banks, stopped paying random fees, and embraced the clean, instant world of modern digital banking. Since then, it’s been mostly smooth sailing.
But recently I kept hearing & seeing the ad’s, so bit the bullet signed up to Bunq—another digital bank with some standout features. So, naturally, the question is:
So should I make a full move from Revolut to Bunq? And while we’re at it… how do both stack up against Ireland’s traditional bricks-and-mortar banks?
Let’s get into it.
Digital vs Traditional — Why Make the Switch?
Before we deep-dive into Bunq vs Revolut, it’s worth asking: Why not just use AIB, Bank of Ireland, or Permanent TSB like everyone else did for decades?
Here’s a quick side-by-side to set the scene:
| Feature | Revolut | Bunq Free | Traditional Banks (AIB, BOI, PTSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fees | €0 | €0 | €4–6 + transaction charges |
| Irish IBAN | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (for Irish residents) | ✅ Yes |
| Interest on balance | ✅ Yes (savings account available – balance transfer required) ~1.5% | ✅ Yes (savings account available – balance transfer required) ~2.5% | ✅ Yes (savings account available – balance transfer required) 0.11% |
| Card fees | None | None | €15–30/year for debit cards |
| Google/Apple Pay | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| In-person branches | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| App quality & experience | 🟢 Excellent | 🟢 Excellent | 🔴 Varies, often slow or dated |
| Customer service | 🟡 Chat-based | 🟡 Chat-based | 🟢 In-branch + phone support |
| Overdrafts/Credit | Limited (some tiers) | ❌ Not on free tier | ✅ Yes (with conditions) |
TL;DR: Traditional banks are great if you need cash lodgements, cheque handling, or full credit services. But for the average person managing rent, bills, groceries, and savings—digital banks give more, for less.
Traditional Banking: Still Worth It?
Let’s be fair. Old-school banks offer:
- Physical branches (handy for cash/cheques)
- Personalised loan or mortgage advice
- Established reputation
- Access to full credit products
But they also bring:
- Monthly account maintenance fees
- Charges for ATM use, paper statements, even contactless overuse
- Apps that feel like they were built in 2013
- Very little interest on your money (unless locked in long-term savings)
If you don’t need the in-person service, they’re not offering much value—especially in 2025.
Now Back to Revolut vs Bunq
Revolut: The Irish Digital Default
Since Revolut began offering Irish IBANs, it’s been a no-brainer for many in Ireland. The app is slick, the features are generous—even on the free tier—and nearly everyone you know is on it.
Best bits:
- Irish IBAN (no SEPA headaches)
- Free euro transfers, easy bill splits
- Pockets & savings Vaults
- Currency exchange for travel
- No monthly fees on standard plan
Weak spots:
- No interest on your balance (unless on higher tiers)
- Some features locked behind paywalls
- Customer service is live chat only
Bunq: A Quiet Powerhouse with a Green Twist
Bunq might not be as well known in Ireland, but it’s gaining fans—especially among those who want more control over their money, weekly interest, and a colourful app experience.
Did you know? Irish residents now get an IE IBAN on all Bunq banking plans—including Free!
Bunq Free gives you:
- IE IBAN
- Free virtual card
- Weekly interest (~2.5%)
- Instant notifications
- SEPA transfers & Direct Debits
- A very fun and customisable app
Upgrade to Pro (€9.99/month) if you want:
- Up to 25 IBANs (sub-accounts)
- Multiple physical/virtual cards
- Shared expenses
- Travel perks
So, Should You Switch from Revolut to Bunq?
Stay with Revolut if:
- You’re happy with the features, especially if your friends and family use it
- You want an Irish IBAN and fee-free account
- You travel and need low FX fees
- You’re used to the interface and trust it
Try Bunq if:
- You want interest paid weekly on your main account (yes, even free users!)
- You’re into budgeting, customisation, and even eco-friendly banking
- You’re curious—remember, there’s no fee to try it
- You want a more fun way to manage money (seriously, the app is a vibe)
Or… Use Both? (It’s Not Cheating)
Nothing stops you or me from using Revolut for your spending and social splitting, and Bunq for savings and budgeting & day-to-day banking.
In fact, it might be the best of both worlds—interest from Bunq, and the network effect of Revolut.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Sleep on the New Banks
Traditional Irish banks still have a role—especially for loans, mortgages, and in-person support. But they just can’t match the value or innovation of the new kids on the fintech block.
Revolut is your smooth, confident, every-day workhorse.
Bunq is the artsy, detail-oriented money nerd who also plants trees.
AIB/BOI/PTSB? They’re like that reliable family member who still uses a cheque book, but who’ll lend you a tenner if your card gets declined.
Verdict
If you’re currently using a traditional Irish bank for your banking—switching to Revolut or Bunq will save you money and offer more features.
If you’re already on Revolut—trying Bunq Free won’t cost you a cent, and you might even earn a few euro in interest for your trouble.
Let your money work a little smarter. The choice is yours—but now you’ve got the facts.
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