AIB Launches AI-Powered Banking App with New Digital Features, Introduces €6 Monthly Fee

Dublin: AIB has unveiled a redesigned mobile banking app featuring an AI-powered chatbot and a range of new digital tools aimed at making banking simpler, faster and more transparent. Alongside the upgrade, the bank has confirmed the introduction of a €6 monthly account fee for eligible customers.

The revamped app includes an AI chatbot that allows customers to check account information, receive answers to common banking queries and navigate banking services more efficiently. AIB said the platform has been redesigned in response to customer feedback, with a focus on improved accuracy, usability and a more intuitive experience.

The launch follows significant criticism earlier this year after AIB’s Android banking app suffered a major outage in January, leaving thousands of customers unable to access their accounts for nearly 12 hours.

Smarter spending insights and stronger security

The updated app introduces enhanced spending analysis, displaying merchant logos and map locations alongside card transactions, making it easier for customers to identify purchases and monitor their spending.

Security has also been strengthened through the introduction of passkey authentication, allowing customers to log in using biometric methods such as fingerprint or facial recognition instead of traditional passwords. The bank says the move will improve protection against password theft and online fraud.

According to AIB, around 90% of personal loans are now applied for and approved through its mobile app. The bank also revealed that more than 100,000 new savings accounts were opened digitally over the past year.

Some digital banking features still unavailable

Despite the upgrade, AIB acknowledged that several features commonly offered by digital-first banks such as Revolut, Monzo and Bunq will not be included. These include:

• Single-use virtual cards

• eSIM services

• Multi-currency accounts

• Cryptocurrency deposit facilities

€400 million invested in customer experience

AIB said it has invested €400 million in improving customer services, including upgrading ATM technology and installing new PIN pads across its 170 branches nationwide. However, the bank did not disclose the cost of developing the new mobile app.

Geraldine Casey, Head of Retail Banking at AIB, said the bank remains committed to offering customers a choice in how they bank.

“Digital banking is not everyone’s preferred option. Customers should be able to bank in the way that suits them best, whether that’s through the app or by visiting a branch,” she said.

Fee increase draws attention

The introduction of the €6 monthly fee has prompted questions from some customers, particularly as competition from digital-only banks continues to intensify.

AIB maintains that the fee is not intended as a revenue-raising measure, noting that more than 40% of its customers currently pay no banking fees. Instead, the bank says the charge is designed to support continued investment in the enhanced services customers have requested.

With Ireland’s digital banking market becoming increasingly competitive, customer reaction to both the new AI-powered features and the revised fee structure will be closely watched in the months ahead.

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