Tánaiste reveals key insights from banking survey
The 2026 Consumer Sentiment Banking Survey presents fresh data on how Irish consumers interact with financial services, highlighting a clear divide between saving and investing habits. The findings also reveal growing use of fintech and AI, shaping the future of retail banking in Ireland.
Source:
Gov.ie / MerrionStreet
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⏱️ 2 min read
The Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, Simon Harris, has released the 2026 Consumer Sentiment Banking Survey, offering valuable perspectives on how people in Ireland engage with banking, saving, and investment products. The survey, conducted by Ipsos Behaviour and Attitudes on behalf of the Department of Finance, interviewed over 1,500 adults across the country to gather comprehensive insights.
Among the key findings is a stark contrast between saving and investing behaviours: while 77% of respondents hold a savings account, a mere 3% possess an investment account. This gap has prompted the Tánaiste to announce a new Investment Account, set to launch in July 2027, designed to simplify investing with no minimum contributions and a tax-free threshold of €50,000. The initiative aims to make investing more accessible and less daunting for the public.
The survey also illustrates the evolving retail banking landscape in Ireland. Nearly half (48%) of consumers now have accounts with fintech provider Revolut, up from 43% the previous year, with a small but growing number using it as their main financial account. Traditional banks such as AIB, Bank of Ireland, and PTSB continue to dominate as primary providers for 86% of consumers. Additionally, 21% of respondents have utilised artificial intelligence to seek financial advice, with notable generational differences in its acceptance and trust. Overall satisfaction with financial providers remains high at 87%, underscoring consumer confidence amid ongoing changes.
Among the key findings is a stark contrast between saving and investing behaviours: while 77% of respondents hold a savings account, a mere 3% possess an investment account. This gap has prompted the Tánaiste to announce a new Investment Account, set to launch in July 2027, designed to simplify investing with no minimum contributions and a tax-free threshold of €50,000. The initiative aims to make investing more accessible and less daunting for the public.
The survey also illustrates the evolving retail banking landscape in Ireland. Nearly half (48%) of consumers now have accounts with fintech provider Revolut, up from 43% the previous year, with a small but growing number using it as their main financial account. Traditional banks such as AIB, Bank of Ireland, and PTSB continue to dominate as primary providers for 86% of consumers. Additionally, 21% of respondents have utilised artificial intelligence to seek financial advice, with notable generational differences in its acceptance and trust. Overall satisfaction with financial providers remains high at 87%, underscoring consumer confidence amid ongoing changes.
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