Bank of Ireland launches online application service for Sole Traders
‘We will continue to explore ways to deliver innovative services throughout our business’
Bank of Ireland has launched a fully digital application service for Sole Trader current accounts, the first bank in Ireland to offer an online application system for business customers. Sole traders can now apply for a business account through a fully digital and paperless process or they can visit one of Bank of Ireland’s 250 branches nationwide.
The launch of the online Sole Trader application service is part of Bank of Ireland’s strategy to simplify and digitise account opening, and it follows the launch of its fully digital solution for customers to open a personal current account.
Discussing the new Sole Trader solution, Sean L’Estrange, Head of Current Accounts at Bank Ireland said: “We have transformed how customers can apply for a current account for both personal and business use. Customers can now apply for their business current account anytime, anywhere, with the option of applying fully online or visiting their local branch. A high proportion of sole traders in Ireland open an account with Bank of Ireland and they are busy individuals who need a service which is convenient and efficient. User-friendly digital solutions help to deliver a quality customer experience and enable consumers to conduct their banking at a time and location that works for them. We will continue to explore ways to deliver innovative services throughout our business.”
The new Sole Trader online application is designed to be quick and user-friendly. Applicants simply select their preferred business current account and respond to a number of business and regulatory questions. New customers are sent a link to upload identification documents digitally and for existing Bank of Ireland customers, the Bank can use debit card details to match and verify the information.
Bank of Ireland is leading the digital agenda for sole traders and entrepreneurs, having recently launched a new Business Start-Up Package which, among other features, provides a suite of free online services including a webpage, dotcom domain address, website hosting and business listing on GoldenPages.ie.