- 77% of Irish consumers have savings accounts, compared with just 3% who invest;
- Findings come ahead of introduction of new Investment Account next year, designed to make investing simpler and more accessible;
- Strong satisfaction with financial providers, with 87% of consumers satisfied with their main provider;
- Established retail banks remain at the heart of Irish banking, with 86% of consumers identifying AIB, Bank of Ireland or PTSB as their main provider
- Survey highlights changing consumer habits, including the use of digital banking, fintech services and artificial intelligence
The Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, Simon Harris, has today published the 2026 Consumer Sentiment Banking Survey, providing important insights into how consumers in Ireland use and experience banking and financial services.
The survey highlights a significant difference between saving and investing, with 77% of respondents holding a savings account, compared with just 3% who report having an investment account.
The findings come ahead of the introduction by the Tánaiste next year of a new Investment Account, which is intended to make investing simpler and more accessible for consumers.
The survey also points to the continuing evolution of Ireland’s retail banking market, including the growing use of financial technology providers.
Almost half of consumers (48%) now report holding an account with Revolut, up from 43% in 2025. While Revolut continues to be used mainly for money transfers, 6% of respondents now identify it as their main financial account, compared with 3% last year.
Traditional retail banks continue to account for the majority of consumers’ main banking relationships, with 86% identifying AIB, Bank of Ireland or PTSB as their main provider.
The survey also provides an insight into the emerging role of artificial intelligence in financial services.
Some 21% of respondents say they have used AI to obtain information or advice about financial products and services, with notable generational differences in attitudes towards its use and trust.
Overall satisfaction with main financial providers remains high at 87%, compared with 89% in 2025, while dissatisfaction remains low at 4%.
The annual survey was undertaken by Ipsos Behaviour and Attitudes (B&A) on behalf of the Department of Finance and involved face-to-face interviews with more than 1,500 people.
Commenting on the findings, the Tánaiste said:
“The Consumer Sentiment Banking Survey provides an important insight into how people across Ireland use banking and financial services, and how their needs and preferences are changing.
“It is encouraging that overall satisfaction with financial providers remains high. At the same time, the findings highlight important developments in how consumers manage their money, access financial services and make financial decisions.
“The survey exposes a striking gap: 77% of consumers have a savings account, yet just 3% say they have an investment account. We are a nation of savers, but far too few people see investing as an option open to them.
“For many, investing feels too complicated, too expensive or simply out of reach. I want to change that. People should not need substantial savings or specialist knowledge just to consider putting money aside for their longer-term future.
“That is the purpose of the new Investment Account, which we will introduce from July next year. With no minimum contribution and a tax-free threshold of €50,000, it is designed to make investing simpler and more accessible, including for people who want to start small.
“This is not about telling everyone to invest. There are risks, and people need clear information to understand them. It is about breaking down unnecessary barriers and giving more people the confidence and opportunity to make the financial choices that are right for them.”
On the wider survey’s findings the Tánaiste said:
“This Survey highlights the ongoing, and emerging, trends in the retail banking sector.
“The preference, for instance, of consumers to pay for in-store purchases by cash remains relatively steady at 21%, but those who prefer to pay by contactless smartphone has risen to 35%, up from 27% in 2025, whilst those who prefer using cards is falling.
“This trend is mainly driven by younger people and how they choose to shop.
“Another interesting finding is that one in five have used Artificial Intelligence to obtain information or advice regarding financial products and services. Again, it is interesting to note that a consumer’s age profile seems to be a big factor in both AI usage, and trust.
“The results of the 2026 Consumer Sentiment Banking Survey help to provide an insight into these developments from the consumer’s perspective. They also help to inform policies that underpin the robust consumer protection framework in place in Ireland for consumers of financial services.”
