A bandgap current reference circuit includes a bandgap core circuit and an error amplifier. The bandgap core circuit is configured to generate a zero temperature coefficient bandgap current. The bandgap core circuit includes a bipolar transistor. The bipolar transistor is configured to pass a current that is proportional to absolute temperature (PTAT current). The error amplifier is coupled to the bandgap core circuit and includes a bipolar differential input pair. The bipolar differential input pair is configured to ensure that the PTAT current is flowing in the bipolar transistor.