AIB

From the other reviews on here I am glad that I never had to open, and then close, an AIB bank account during my time in Dublin (then again, I don’t think I would even be allowed to open one here due to crazy laws).
But I have stopped by this particular branch (not my local one but I’ve been on this particular main shopping street many a time) quick a few times to check on the, at-​the-​time, current currency conversion rates and possibly do some USD to EUR exchanges.
Long lines and then being told about silly rules on not taking USD100 bills made me a little miffed (–1 star).

AIB drives me mad. I only use them for their online facility. I used this branch for about a year and always had a wait of at least 10 minutes in the queue for every service, even when I was closing my account.
Had to re-​open with AIB in Kilmallock, Co. Limerick, for work. The staff here were amazingly accommodating, I thought they had turned a corner, then I came back to the Lucan branch and was back to m 10 minute plus waiting times.
I will avoid using AIB in anyway but online from now on.

AIB Bank parece ser el banco mas grande de Irlanda. La rama de Grafton Street es muy centrico y tiene muchos cajeros automaticos dentro y fuera ! Util para los turistas.

Completely agree with Annie — same problem, went to apply for a credit card for a joint account… and they gave us a credit card for what? 500 yoyos… between us!!! eh what??? ridiculous… got the same spiel as poor Annie… we will monitor you for the next six months… and sure if you want to increase your limit so badly, you can always put money in your c/​c a/c…wow eureka… how come I didnt thing of that… oh wait its cos its a credit card…
nit-​wits i shall call them for now…
* ok rant over! *

I am in the process of closing my account. I cannot wait to have AIB out of my life.
This is not a personal attack on the branch workers because like Donna commented, they are great. I always have had pleasant experiences with them.
The problem is AIB is too big and ugly now. The simple facts are:
* Customer for 11 years.
* As a student worked some summers for them.
* Repaid any loans I had with them on time.
* Debt free.
* Have a job.
Applied for a credit card. Denied. Why?
«Well Annie (I loathe it when strangers think that we are cool enough to be on first name terms) it’s because of your banking history.»
«Well Tom, what the hell are you smoking? I have a perfect record.»
«Yeah well we will have to wait another 6 months once we are happy with you incomings.»
«I have always had incomings Tom.»
«Well Annie I just am not comfortable giving you a card.»
«Well Tom are you comfortable with losing a loyal customer.»
«Of course not Annie.»
«You don’t sound too bothered Tom. Is it because I am not 50 million in debt and colluding with politicians?»
«Now Annie don’t be like that.»
«No Tom, screw you, I’m closing my account.»
And the current bank I am dealing with are wonderful and have the smarts to see that I will make them money unlike AIB. Joke.

I disagree with Aoife on this one — I hate this branch. The queues are always ridiculously long, both for the ATMs outside and for the tellers at the desk inside. It’s not their fault really though, as they seem as heavily staffed as they can be, there are seldom any desks left unattended.
On the plus side, they have a telly with SKy News playing constantly, so you can catch up on your current affairs whilst waiting in the queue.

Banks aren’t really all that popular these days. Wonder why that would be then… However regardless of their crimes (ahem alleged), they are a necessary evil though for the majority of working citizens.
Perched in such a central location, this AIB is naturally a busy one but there seems to be a large, efficient staff to cope with the demand. The queues are not unbearable, even at lunchtime. There is a swift deposit facility and ATMs both inside and outside the branch. AIB provides phone and internet banking and are quick to act on swiped or lost credit card incidents. Definitely a convenient location for south-​side shoppers, students and worker bees.