AIB has suspended the planned introduction of maintenance and transactions fees for customers who keep a minimum balance of €2,500 in their current accounts every quarter.

AIB said customers who had received letters from the bank can disregard the changes to fees and charges advised.

In a statement today, the bank said it had revised and updated its measures and supports to help customers through Covid-19.

From today, AIB, EBS and Haven customers can apply online to access a three month payment break on home mortgage, personal and SME loans if their employment status has been hit by the spreading virus.

AIB also said that for its SME customers, it is providing working capital support and the rescheduling of loan payments for impacted customers.

The lender also said it continues to waive contactless payment fees. This also applies to Apple Pay, Google Pay and Fitbit Pay Contactless transactions, which are not subject to the contactless payment limit of €30 in most merchants.

AIB said it is working with the industry to increase this limit to €50 for Contactless Card transactions which is expected to become effective over the coming weeks.

AIB and EBS branches remain open customers, except for those locations on campuses that closed following advice from the health authorities.



The bank also said that priority banking time is allocated for its older and more vulnerable customers from 10am until 11am each morning.

It said it was maintaining physical distancing in its branches and increased cleaning operations of branches, self-service machines and ATMs in line with HSE recommendations.

AIB's chief executive Colin Hunt said the bank recognises the extraordinary pressure on families, individuals, businesses and communities as a result of the sudden disruption of the Covid-19 pandemic.

"All AIB's staff and systems are focussed on supporting our customers and economy through this unprecedented crisis. To that end we have in place a range of robust measures designed to buttress customers against the enormous challenges now facing us," Mr Hunt said.

He stressed that anyone experiencing difficulties should contact the bank as early as possible.

