Ireland's Department of Finance has published the Consumer Sentiment Banking Survey 2025, its annual tracking survey of consumers’ experiences and perceptions of the retail banking sector. Results were broadly in line with 2024, with reported satisfaction with main providers increasing and fintech usage continuing to rise, while switching rates remained low across key products. Based on face-to-face interviews with a nationally representative sample of 1,511 adults conducted between 13 June and 19 July 2025, overall satisfaction with respondents’ main financial provider rose to 89% from 86% in 2024, with around 3% dissatisfied. The survey found 66% of consumers use more than one financial service provider, 43% use fintech providers at least occasionally (almost exclusively Revolut) and 3% use Revolut as their main current account; 34% use credit unions at least occasionally. Switching in the past five years was reported at 8% for mortgage holders, 5% for current accounts, 4% for savings accounts and 3% for credit cards, with approximately half of switches attributed to recent exits from the domestic retail banking market; among current-account switchers, 76% were satisfied with the switching process and 10% were not. The findings also pointed to steady cash preference (22%) alongside higher preference for contactless smartphone payments (27%), higher online banking usage among current account holders (88%), and increased awareness of consumer support bodies including the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (64%), the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (52%), the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (50%) and the Insolvency Service of Ireland (37%).
Department of Finance (Ireland) 2025-10-02
Ireland's Department of Finance publishes Consumer Sentiment Banking Survey 2025 showing 89% satisfaction and higher fintech use
Ireland's Department of Finance released the Consumer Sentiment Banking Survey 2025, showing increased satisfaction with financial providers at 89%, up from 86% in 2024, and rising fintech usage, particularly Revolut. Despite low switching rates across key products, the survey highlighted a steady preference for cash and a higher inclination towards contactless smartphone payments. Awareness of consumer support bodies also increased, with notable recognition of the Money Advice and Budgeting Service and the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.