Ulster Bank no longer offers personal loans to new customers in the Republic of Ireland. The bank has withdrawn from the market: its remaining branches closed permanently on 21 April 2023, and it stopped taking on new customers well before that.
If you searched for an Ulster Bank personal loan in the Republic, there is no application to make — the product no longer exists here. This page explains what happened, where existing customers and loan books went, and which lenders you can turn to now.
This is not a case of a hard credit policy or a temporary pause. Ulster Bank’s parent, NatWest Group, decided to exit the Republic of Ireland entirely, and that decision has been carried out. Understanding it helps you avoid chasing a product that is gone and move straight to lenders that are still open.
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The guides below explain how borrowing actually works here. Start with:What Happened to Ulster Bank
Ulster Bank operated for decades as a retail bank in the Republic of Ireland through Ulster Bank Ireland DAC, part of NatWest Group. NatWest announced a phased withdrawal from the Republic, after which the bank stopped opening new accounts and began winding down its business.
On 21 April 2023, the last of its branches in the Republic closed for good, ending its high-street presence.
Because the bank was leaving, it was no longer meaningful for it to take on new borrowers. New personal loans, mortgages and accounts were closed off during the wind-down, and customers were given time and support to move elsewhere.
Where the Customers and Loan Books Went
Ulster Bank did not simply vanish; its business was transferred as part of the exit. Key moves included:
- Its tracker and linked mortgage portfolio was acquired by AIB, following clearance from the Irish competition authority.
- A block of branch locations and business moved to Permanent TSB, with a number of former Ulster Bank branches reopening under the Permanent TSB name.
- Many current accounts were moved by customers to Permanent TSB, AIB or Bank of Ireland during the wind-down.
So if you are a former Ulster Bank customer, the natural successors in the Irish market are the banks that absorbed parts of its business. For new borrowing, those same banks — and other authorised lenders — are where to look.
A Note on Northern Ireland
It is worth being precise: this page is about the Republic of Ireland. The Ulster Bank name continues to operate in Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom and a separate market with its own rules and products. The withdrawal described here applies to the Republic.
If you are in Northern Ireland, your situation is different, and you should check directly with the relevant NatWest Group services.
Where Consumers Actually Borrow in the Republic of Ireland
For a personal loan in the Republic today, use lenders that are authorised and open to new customers, with clearly published terms. The main options include:
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The guides below explain how borrowing actually works here. Start with:- AIB — a large retail bank that took on part of Ulster Bank’s mortgage book and lends directly to consumers.
- Permanent TSB — the bank that absorbed a number of former Ulster Bank branches and lends to individuals nationwide.
- Bank of Ireland — a full-service retail bank with personal loan products.
- Credit unions — community lenders that offer personal loans to their members.
These are all active, authorised lenders. Compare the total cost of credit, the APR and the repayment term before you commit, and borrow only what your budget can comfortably absorb.
What to Have Ready When You Apply to a New Lender
Switching to a new lender is straightforward if you prepare the basics. A regulated Irish lender will typically ask for:
- Photo ID, such as a passport or driving licence.
- Proof of address, such as a recent utility bill.
- Your PPS number.
- Proof of income, usually recent payslips, plus bank statements.
In Ireland the Central Credit Register, run by the Central Bank, records loans of €500 or more. Any borrowing you still hold — including from the Ulster Bank wind-down — can be visible to a new lender when you apply.
How to Check Whether a Lender Is Legitimate
Before you share personal details, confirm the lender is authorised. Two official resources help:
- The Central Bank of Ireland keeps a public register of regulated firms; a lender that is not listed is a warning sign.
- The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) offers independent money guidance and comparison tools for consumers.
A genuine retail lender shows clear pricing, an APR and a cooling-off period. Be especially wary of any site still promising “Ulster Bank personal loans” to new customers in the Republic — that product has been withdrawn.
If You Still Have an Ulster Bank Product
Some customers may still have a loan or mortgage that originated with Ulster Bank and was transferred to another provider. If that applies to you, the important thing is to know who now services your account, so you keep paying the right party and receive correct statements.
Check any letters you received during the wind-down, and if in doubt, contact the acquiring bank named in that correspondence. Keeping up with repayments protects your standing on the Central Credit Register, which lenders consult for future applications.
For new borrowing, treat Ulster Bank in the Republic as closed and start fresh with one of the authorised lenders above. There is no benefit in searching for a product that the bank no longer offers here.
How the Withdrawal Changed the Irish Banking Market
Ulster Bank’s exit, alongside the earlier departure of another lender, reduced the number of retail banks operating in the Republic of Ireland. For consumers, that made switching accounts and comparing loan offers more important than ever, because there are simply fewer high-street names to choose from.
The flip side is that the banks and credit unions that remain have been competing for customers who moved during the transition.
If you were an Ulster Bank customer, treat the change as a prompt to shop around: compare the APR and total cost of credit across AIB, Bank of Ireland, Permanent TSB and your local credit union before settling on a new lender for any future borrowing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still get an Ulster Bank personal loan in the Republic of Ireland?
No. Ulster Bank has withdrawn from the Republic and closed its branches; it does not take on new personal loan customers here.
When did Ulster Bank close in the Republic of Ireland?
Its remaining branches in the Republic closed permanently on 21 April 2023, as part of NatWest Group’s phased withdrawal from the market.
Who took over Ulster Bank’s loans and accounts?
AIB acquired its tracker and linked mortgage portfolio, a number of branches moved to Permanent TSB, and many current accounts were transferred by customers to Permanent TSB, AIB or Bank of Ireland.
Where should I borrow now?
Use active, authorised lenders such as AIB, Permanent TSB, Bank of Ireland or a local credit union, and compare the total cost before deciding.
Does Ulster Bank still exist anywhere?
The Ulster Bank name continues in Northern Ireland, which is a separate UK market. This page concerns the Republic of Ireland, where the bank has withdrawn.
Sources and Editorial Note
Official reference: NatWest Group (Ulster Bank’s parent). Regulatory references: Central Bank of Ireland and the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.
Editorial note: This article is informational and does not recommend or arrange credit. It was rewritten to correct an earlier version that presented Ulster Bank as an active personal-loan option in the Republic of Ireland, which it is no longer.
Details of account transfers can vary by customer; always confirm your own situation with the relevant provider and check current terms before borrowing. This page carries no affiliate link or paid placement.
