Compare Mortgage Rates from Ulster Bank Against the Market starting at 3.96%

Important Clarification: There are two distinct sides to Ulster Bank, and their status is completely different depending on where you live.

1. Northern Ireland (Active): Ulster Bank is a major "Big Four" high-street bank, fully active and open for business. It is part of the NatWest Group.

2. Republic of Ireland (Exited): Ulster Bank has withdrawn from the Republic of Ireland market. It has closed its branches and sold its loans to other banks (primarily PTSB and AIB).

If you are a borrower in Northern Ireland and wish to review the alternatives to Ulster Bank, you can compare the latest rates available across the market for free below:

1. Ulster Bank (Northern Ireland)

For customers in Belfast, Derry~Londonderry, and across Northern Ireland.

Ulster Bank is one of the leading banks in Northern Ireland. Because it is owned by NatWest Group, it shares the same technology, banking app, and financial strength as NatWest and Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS).

Mortgage Products (NI)

• Residential Mortgages: They offer a full range of fixed and tracker rates for First-Time Buyers and Home Movers.

  • Green Mortgages: Like NatWest, they offer discounted interest rates if you buy an energy-efficient home (EPC A or B).

  • 95% Mortgages: They actively support the government guarantee scheme for low-deposit buyers.

• Buy-to-Let: Available for landlords investing in Northern Ireland.

• Co-Ownership: They are a major lender for the Northern Ireland Co-Ownership scheme (Shared Ownership), helping people get on the ladder who cannot afford a full mortgage.

Pros and Cons (NI)

• Pros:

  • Technology: You get the excellent NatWest-powered banking app, which is widely considered one of the best in the UK for managing payments and mortgage overpayments.

  • Stability: Backed by one of the UK's largest banking groups.

  • Local Presence: Despite branch closures, they still maintain a significant physical network across NI compared to digital-only rivals.

• Cons:

  • Strict Scoring: As a major bank, they rely heavily on automated credit scoring ("computer says no").

  • Customer Service: Call centres can be busy, and much of the support is centralized within the wider NatWest Group, which can sometimes feel impersonal.

2. Ulster Bank (Republic of Ireland)

For customers in Dublin, Cork, Galway, etc.

Status: WITHDRAWAL COMPLETE / RESIDUAL ONLY. Ulster Bank has effectively left the market.

• Mortgages: Your mortgage has likely been sold.

  • Most performing mortgages were transferred to Permanent TSB (PTSB) or AIB.

  • Some non-performing or "tracker" portfolios were sold to investment companies (like Pepper Finance).

• Current Accounts: Branches are closed. If you still have funds in an old Ulster Bank ROI account, you must contact their residual team immediately to reclaim your money.

• New Business: You cannot apply for a loan, mortgage, or account in the Republic of Ireland.

Customer Service and Reviews (Northern Ireland)

• App Rating: The Ulster Bank NI app scores very highly (4.8/5 on App Stores) because it is identical to the NatWest app—fast, secure, and feature-rich.

• Service: Trustpilot reviews are mixed, which is standard for high-street banks. Complaints often focus on branch closures or long hold times on the phone. Positive feedback highlights the ease of digital switching.

How to Apply (Northern Ireland Only)

1. Online: You can get a Decision in Principle (DIP) via the Ulster Bank website in minutes.

2. Branch / Phone: You can book an appointment with a mortgage adviser in a local branch or via video call.

3. Broker (recommended): Ulster Bank NI is available through almost all Northern Ireland mortgage brokers.

Note: If you live in England or Wales, you should apply to NatWest. If you live in Scotland, you should apply to Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS). They are all the same family, but Ulster Bank specifically covers Northern Ireland.

Get started here to begin a free, no-obligation chat with a mortgage broker who understands Ulster Bank’s product range, can compare it against the market for you and offer independent advice about which deal to choose.