Grow your wealth with an Investment Savings plan
Our expert advisors will help you find the best plan to put your money to work
Understanding Investment Savings
Learn what a long-term investment savings plan is and see if it’s right for your needs.
What they are
A powerful tool for long-term wealth growth (3+ years)
Exposed to diverse markets (stocks, bond, property)
Professionally managed, actively traded portfolios
Risk is diversified across multiple asset classes and investments
Potential to outpace inflation significantly over time
What they are not
A risk-free place for emergency cash
Guaranteed capital
Fixed interest rate earners, like a deposit
Free from potential market volatility
Vehicles for short-term savings or instant access to your cash
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Compare the best investment savings options from a leading provider in Ireland.
How to start an investment savings account
bonkers.ie makes it incredibly easy to find the best investment savings plans in Ireland for 2026.
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What you need to get started
Your financial details
Your savings or investment goals
The amount you’d like to invest
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Things to consider
Type of account
Growth
Tax
Risk appetite
Time
Reviewing
Cooling off period
This is known as the cooling off period. Check the terms and conditions for information on potential fees.
EXPERT TIP
Investing for your future
Irish households have over €170 billion on deposit with Irish banks right now. But with inflation and a tax of 33% on any gains you make, much of this money is actually losing its value in real terms.
So if you already have a 'rainy day' fund in place, consider investing some of your extra savings. This will give your money a much better chance to grow and outpace inflation over time, and help you to achieve your long-term goals.
Daragh Cassidy
Consumer Expert at
As featured on
Your questions, answered
Is my money guaranteed?
No, with investment savings plans, your capital is not guaranteed. Unlike a state-backed deposit account where savings up to €100,000 are protected, the value of an investment fund can go down as well as up. You may get back less than you invested. This is the trade-off for the potential of higher returns.
Can I withdraw my money at any time?
Yes, most modern investment savings plans are 'open-ended,' meaning you can withdraw your money whenever you like. However, you should be aware of 'early encashment charges' which may apply if you withdraw within the first 3 years. It is best to treat these funds as long-term commitments rather than quick-access accounts.
Do I have to pay tax on my profits?
Yes. Investment plans provided by life assurance companies in Ireland are subject to Exit Tax. This is currently charged at 38% on any profit you make. This is deducted automatically by the life company when you cash out or every eight years (deemed disposal), so you do not usually need to file a tax return for it.
What happens if I stop my monthly contributions?
Most plans are flexible. If you lose your job or have unexpected expenses, you can usually take a 'payment holiday' or stop your contributions entirely without penalty. Your existing pot of money will remain invested and continue to grow (or fall) with the market until you are ready to resume payments.
Can I switch funds after I start?
Yes, most providers allow you to switch between funds. For example, as you get closer to your goal date (like retirement or buying a house), you might want to move your money from a high-risk equity fund to a lower-risk cash or bond fund to protect your gains.
What is the difference between saving and investing?
Saving is setting money aside in a bank account or with a digital bank. The interest rate may be low but you can access the funds quickly. Investment savings involves buying assets like stocks or property through a managed fund and likely will generate higher returns, but it does come with the risk that the investment value could go down.
How much money do I need to start?
You can start investing with bonkers.ie from €250 per month with a regular savings plan, or make a minimum lump sum investment of €5,000.
Are there any fees with investment savings plans?
Yes, providers usually charge management fees and sometimes entry or exit fees. Management charges cover costs for running the investment and are taken directly from your fund. It's always a good idea to check exactly what fees apply before you start, as they can impact your returns over time. Your bonkers.ie advisor will guide you through.
Can I have more than one investment savings plan?
Absolutely. You can open more than one investment savings plan if you want to save towards several goals at once, such as education, home purchase, or retirement. Just be mindful of how much you can afford to contribute monthly to avoid overstretching your budget.
Do I need to be an investment expert to open a plan?
Not at all. Most investment savings plans are designed for people without in-depth investment knowledge. Providers often offer a range of fund options based on your risk level and goals, and your adviser or provider can guide you through the choices available to help find what suits you best.
WARNING: The provision of this service does not require licensing, registration, or authorisation by the Central Bank of Ireland, and as a result is not covered by Central Bank ofIreland rules designed to protect consumers or by a statutory compensation scheme.