EC argues for access to basic bank accounts for all citizens

The European Commission wants access to a basic, affordable bank account for every citizen.

In Ireland, up to 100,000 people over the age of 21 do not have access to a basic bank payment account, while about 30 million people across the EU have no bank account at all.

The Commission estimates that about one fifth of those have requested one, but were refused.

It is calling for everyone to be granted access to at least a payment account at a reasonable charge, regardless of their country of residence or their financial circumstances.