Bank of Ireland is rolling out a redesigned customer mobile application beginning with Android devices, alongside a major expansion of accessibility measures across its branch network. The upgrades include neuro-inclusive accreditations for 37 branches, biometric security controls, and new communication tools for customers experiencing difficulty.
Bank of Ireland customers are preparing for a system-wide shift as the financial institution rolls out a newly designed mobile application in the coming weeks.
App Redesign Brings Biometrics and Parental Controls
The upcoming digital platform is engineered to make everyday banking simpler, faster and easier
for everyday users. Security upgrades allow customers to utilize fingerprint and facial recognition biometrics not only for sign-in, but also to approve payments, add digital wallet cards, view their PINs, and register new payees. Account oversight receives a significant visual upgrade through larger balance displays, continuous transaction scrolling, and persistent daily running totals.
Privacy features now include adjustable font sizes, a dedicated dark mode, and balance-blurring tools alongside immediate card-freezing capabilities. Furthermore, parents and guardians gain comprehensive authority over smart start accounts. The application provides full visibility of transactions, and can transfer money in, receive spend alerts, and freeze their child’s card at any time. Group chief operating officer Ciarán Coyle noted that the existing channel handles roughly 30 million logins each month.
Branch Upgrades Target Neuro-Inclusive Accreditation
Beyond the digital space, physical branches are undergoing substantial remodeling. Bank of Ireland has secured neuro-inclusive accreditation for 37 locations—including Donegal town, Ballyshannon, and Killybegs—following assessments by auticon, the world’s largest autistic-majority IT consultancy and social enterprise. These evaluations judged consistency, accessibility, capability, and confidence to foster calmer environments for neurodivergent clients.
Staff members across these accredited branches undergo targeted training to ensure consistent support.
Speak Easy Cards Debut Across the National Network
Complementing the renovated physical spaces, all 168 bank branches are receiving new communication tools. Bank of Ireland stands as the first bank in the Republic to introduce Speak Easy communication cards. These aids feature straightforward images, colors, and common phrases to assist individuals managing banking inquiries, such as checking a balance or reporting a lost debit card.
These physical interventions integrate with existing accessibility resources, which feature high-contrast ATM screens equipped with earphone sockets for audio guidance, SignVideo interpretation options, the Irish Text Relay Service, and alternative document formats including Braille and large print. The network also maintains active participation in the JAM Card and Hidden Disabilities Sunflower initiatives.
“The launch of Speak Easy Cards, alongside our neuroinclusive branch spaces, is another important step in our ambition to be a truly inclusive and accessible bank. We want every customer to feel supported in managing their financial needs, and initiatives like these can help build confidence and make banking easier for everyone.”
Jane Kealy, Director of Group Customer Outcomes at Bank of Ireland, via Donegal News
Digital Strategy Meets Physical Modernization
By simultaneously overhauling its most heavily trafficked digital channel and physical branch architecture, Bank of Ireland is attempting to address two distinct customer demands: frictionless mobile functionality and reliable physical infrastructure for vulnerable users. While digital users gain biometric workflows and parental account visibility, branch visitors encounter accredited sensory adjustments and standardized communication aids.
The dual rollout highlights a multi-year strategy spanning both software development and real estate modification. How quickly the remaining 44 branch accreditations materialize ahead of the 2027 target will test the institution’s operational capacity as digital updates reach Android and iOS users.
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