
Irish credit cards are designed to cater to various needs, from everyday spending to rewards and cashback. Some credit cards offer 0% interest on balance transfers for up to 30 months.
With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right credit card. You can earn up to 4% cashback on certain purchases with some credit cards.
Consider your spending habits and financial goals to select a credit card that suits you best. The AIB Credit Card, for instance, offers a range of benefits, including purchase protection and travel insurance.
Introduction
If you're a credit card user in Ireland, you're likely aware that a tax is charged by the Government each year. This tax is also known as stamp duty.
The tax applies to certain types of cards issued by financial institutions in Ireland. These cards include ATM and debit cards, as well as credit cards and charge cards.
If you hold one of these types of cards, you'll need to pay the annual tax.
Choosing the Right Card
If you're looking for a credit card, consider whether you want a credit card or a charge card. Credit cards allow you to buy goods, services, or cash up to a certain credit limit and pay the credit card company for the total transactions each month.
A charge card, on the other hand, requires you to pay off the balance in full each month, with no interest charged. This can be a good option if you're disciplined about paying your bills on time.
If you decide to switch to a different credit card account, don't worry - you won't have to pay stamp duty again for that year. Your card issuer will give you a letter of closure, and you can transfer this letter to your new card issuer to avoid the extra charge.
Which Provider Offers the Longest 0% Purchases Period?
Choosing the right credit card can be a daunting task, but one thing to consider is the 0% purchases period. An Post Flex credit card offers 0% purchases for 9 months, which is a significant advantage for those who need to make large purchases.
This period is a great opportunity to spread the cost of a big purchase over several months without incurring interest charges. Bank Of Ireland's Platinum Advantage, Classic, and Aer Credit Cards offer 0% for 6 months purchases, which is still a decent option, but it can't compete with the 9-month period offered by An Post Flex credit card.
Student
As a student, you're likely looking for a credit card that suits your budget and lifestyle. The Bank of Ireland Student Credit Card has a credit limit of up to €1,000, which can be a big help when you're on a tight budget.
You can get approved for this card in just 24 hours, which is a huge advantage if you need access to credit quickly. With no annual account fee, you can save money on unnecessary charges.
One of the best features of this card is the 0% introductory offers, which can give you some breathing room when making big purchases. If you're planning to buy something big, like a laptop or a tablet, this card could be a great option.
Here are some key features of the Bank of Ireland Student Credit Card at a glance:
- Up to €1,000 credit limit
- No annual account fee
- 0% introductory offers
- Get approved in 24 hours
- Free travel insurance
- Emergency Cash Service
Card Features and Pricing
Let's take a look at the card features and pricing of Irish credit cards.
Aer Lingus credit cards offer a rewards program that gives you 1.5 points for every euro spent on flights with Aer Lingus.
The AIB Credit Card has an annual fee of €48, but it offers a 0% interest rate for the first 6 months.
The Bank of Ireland Credit Card has a minimum credit limit of €1,000, which is relatively high compared to other credit cards in Ireland.
Provider Pricing
In Ireland, most credit card providers don't charge an account fee for your credit card. However, some premium cards may come with an annual or monthly account fee.
The government also imposes a 'Government Stamp Duty' on credit card accounts, which is currently set at €30 per year per credit card account. This fee is a mandatory charge for all credit card providers in Ireland.
Balance Transfer
Balance transfer is a smart move if you're struggling with high-interest debt. It involves switching an existing card balance to a lower rate or 0% interest balance transfer card to clear your debts more quickly.
You'll usually need to pay a balance transfer fee, so it's essential to weigh the savings against the cost.
Platinum
The Platinum credit card is a great option for those looking for a low-interest rate card. It's available to both new and existing Bank of Ireland customers.
You'll pay an annual fee of €76.18, but this card offers a standard interest rate of 13.79% variable. This is a relatively low rate compared to other credit cards.
One of the benefits of the Platinum card is that it has no transaction fees. This means you won't be charged extra for making purchases or transfers.
If you do need to make a large purchase, the Platinum card offers instalment plan options. This can help spread the cost over time, making it more manageable.
The card also comes with some great features, including worldwide travel insurance. This can provide peace of mind when you're traveling abroad.
Here are some key facts about the Platinum card:
- 0% introductory offers
- No transaction fees
- Instalment plan options
- Get approved in 24 hours
- Our lowest interest rate card
- Worldwide travel insurance
If you're considering applying for the Platinum card, keep in mind that the total amount repayable for a €5,000 purchase over 12 months would be €5,479.71. This includes the initial purchase and a total cost of credit of €479.71.
Application and Repayment
To apply for an Irish credit card, you'll need to meet the lender's eligibility criteria, which can vary depending on the provider.
You can expect to receive your credit card bill every month, showing the balance you owe. Make sure to pay it on time to avoid any late fees.
If possible, aim to pay off your card in full each month to avoid interest charges and save money in the long run.
Application Process
To apply for a credit card, you can start by checking your eligibility with your bank or another provider. This may involve providing a few details to assess the likelihood of being accepted.
You'll need to provide personal information, including your PPSN and evidence of your identity, to proceed with the full application. This is a standard requirement for most lenders.
The lender will also check your personal credit history, which involves a search on the Central Credit Register (CCR) and leaves a footprint on your credit file. Be aware that this is a mandatory step in the application process.
For more information on the application process and to compare credit card offers, visit our Credit Cards page.
Make Repayments
Making repayments is a crucial part of managing your finances. You'll receive your credit card bill every month, and it's essential to pay it on time.
To avoid late fees and penalties, make sure to pay your credit card bill by the due date. If possible, aim to pay off your card in full each month.
Aer
The Aer Credit Card has a monthly fee of €6.50.
This fee is charged every month, making it a total of €78 per year.
Popular Providers
In Ireland, there are six credit card providers to choose from. Allied Irish Bank (AIB) is one of them, offering a range of credit cards with varying APRs, including the Aer Credit Card at 26.6% and the Classic Credit Card at 22.1%.
The Bank of Ireland offers a wide selection of credit cards, including the Aer Credit Card, Classic Credit Card, Platinum Credit Card, Affinity Credit Card, and Student Credit Card. These cards have varying APRs, with the Aer Credit Card at 26.6% and the Student Credit Card at 20.2%.
KBC Bank, on the other hand, offers a single credit card option with a relatively low APR of 18.25%. This card also comes with a 1% cashback offer when buying groceries or shopping online.
Representative Examples

To get a free return fare on Aer Lingus, you need to spend at least €5,000 within a Reward Year on the Aer Credit Card, excluding certain transactions.
Free return fares are available for any European Aer Lingus ticketed and operated flights to or from Dublin, Cork, Shannon, or Belfast.
A minimum of two seats per flight will be available, except during restricted periods.
You can access Aer Lingus operated lounges at Dublin, Cork, Shannon, and Belfast Airports every Reward Year.
The Aer Credit Card offers 0% fixed interest for the first 6 months on purchases, and 7 months on balance transfers from the date of account opening.
How Many Providers in Ireland?
If you're looking to get a credit card in Ireland, you've got a solid six options to choose from.
There are six credit card providers in Ireland, which is a relatively small number compared to other countries.
The providers include Allied Irish Bank (AIB), An Post, Avant Money, Bank of Ireland, PTSB, and Revolut.
Here are the six providers listed out for your reference:
- Allied Irish Bank (AIB)
- An Post
- Avant Money
- Bank of Ireland
- PTSB
- Revolut
Bank of Ireland
Bank of Ireland offers a wide selection of credit cards, including the Aer, Classic, Platinum, Affinity, and Student Credit Cards. Their cards are tailored for various purposes, such as daily use, traveling, and student-related expenses.
The Bank of Ireland's credit cards have varying APRs: Aer at 26.6%, Classic at 22.1%, Platinum at 19.6%, Affinity at 20.2%, and Student at 20.2%. This means you can choose a card that suits your spending habits and budget.
One of the benefits of their credit cards is that all of them, except for the Affinity card, offer 0% fixed interest for balance transfers during the first seven months. This can be a great way to save money on interest charges.
Their salary requirements start at €16,000 for the Aer, Classic, and Affinity credit cards, making them more accessible to a wider range of people.
Here are some of the benefits of banking with Bank of Ireland:
- Application approval as soon as 24 hours
- 56 days of interest-free credit
- Wide selection of credit cards
- Has mobile app
6. KBC Bank

KBC Bank is a solid option for those looking for a credit card with a low APR rate. Their APR rate of 18.25% is one of the lowest around.
Their credit card, the KBC Credit Card, offers a pretty standard 56-day interest-free period when you pay on time and in full. You can also earn 1% cashback when you buy groceries or shop online, which is a nice bonus.
You can choose from three payment schemes: 12, 18, or 24 months, which gives you flexibility in how you manage your payments. Plus, you can pay via mobile app, cheque, credit transfer, direct debit, or standing order, making it easy to find a payment method that works for you.
The KBC Credit Card is a Mastercard partner, which means you can use it in 36 million locations worldwide. Their rewards program, Priceless Ireland, offers exclusive offers and discounts, both in Ireland and abroad.
Here are some key features of the KBC Credit Card:
Overall, KBC Bank's credit card offers a range of benefits and features that make it a worthwhile option for those in the market for a new credit card.
Allied Banks
Allied Irish Banks (AIB) offers a range of credit cards with varying interest rates. The AIB CLICK Visa Card has a variable APR of 13.8%, while the AIB ‘be’ Visa has a variable APR of 22.9%. The AIB Platinum Visa Card has a variable APR of 17.9%, and the AIB Student Visa Card has a variable APR of 20.5%.
Their credit cards are free from annual bank fees, and you get 56 days of interest-free credit if you pay in full and on time each month. You can choose to pay between the minimum amount (3% or €6.35, whichever is greater) and the full outstanding balance.
All their credit cards support contactless payments such as Google Pay and Apple Pay. This is a convenient feature that many users will appreciate.
If you lose your card abroad, AIB offers emergency cash services. They'll assist you at their Emergency Cash Advance Facilities, and you should be able to claim the money within 48 hours in most countries.
You can manage your account online via their website or mobile app, making it easy to keep track of your finances. However, the AIB CLICK card can only be applied for online, which might be a bit inconvenient for some users.
Here's a summary of AIB's credit cards:
Comparison and Reviews
If you're looking for a credit card with a long balance transfer period, the An Post Classic credit card is worth considering, with a 12-month balance transfer period.
This can give you plenty of time to pay off your balance without incurring interest charges.
Compare Ireland's Best
The An Post Classic credit Card has a 12-month balance transfer period. This can be a huge help if you're looking to pay off debt without incurring extra interest.
Some credit cards in Ireland offer a 0% interest rate for purchases, balance transfers, and money transfers. The One card, for example, offers 0% interest for purchases during the first three months, 0% interest for balance transfers during the first nine months, and 0% interest for money transfers during the first 12 months.
Their APR depends on your current credit history, but it's usually around 22.9%, which is quite standard among companies. This is something to keep in mind when applying for a credit card.
The One card allows you to add up to three people with no extra charge. This can be a great feature if you're thinking of adding family members to your card.
You'll only know your credit limit after your application has been approved. However, you can apply for an increased limit with no fee if you think the limit's a bit tight.
Compare Loans with Loanitt
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You can review charges from Ireland's main financial providers.
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Here are some key features of our loan comparison service:
- Compare loan features and balance transfer options.
- Review charges from Ireland's main financial providers.
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Sources
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