Best Bank of Ireland Credit Cards

Bank of Ireland are known to have a variety of credit cards to cater for different customer type. Including high Networth, low income or mid level income, frequent travellers, students, graduates and entrepreneurs. Their credit cards are known for great rewards — including travel rewards and loyalty programs such as Avios points program. Bank of Ireland also issues co-branded airline and university credit cards.

About Bank of Ireland: Bank of Ireland is one of the largest financial services in Ireland and regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. It provides a broad range of banking and other financial services. Its retail segment provides day to day banking services and financial product including credit cards jto its consumer and business customers. Bank of Ireland also provides financial wellbeing programme tailored to meet its customers individual needs

written by Lynda K Unogu | March 28, 2024

On This Page

List of Bank of Ireland Credit Cards
Compare Bank of Ireland Credit Cards
A Closer Look into Bank of Ireland Credit Cards
Personal Credit Card
Business Credit Card
Other Cards Issued by Bank of Ireland
What are the benefits of Bank of Ireland Credit Cards
What are the credit limits of Bank of Ireland Credit Cards
What are the interest rates on Bank of Ireland Credit Card
How to qualify for Bank of Ireland Credit Card
Frequently Asked Questions

Disclosure

We have compiled these resources without taking into account your personal objectives, circumstances, financial situation or needs. Therefore, before acting on any information contained on this website you should consider the appropriateness of the information having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs, and seek professional advice where appropriate. You can read the full Terms of Use.

List of Bank of Ireland Credit Cards

Personal Credit Cards

Classic Credit Card: Best for Everyday Spending
AER Credit Card: Best for Travel Rewards
Platinum Advantage Card: Best for Overall Premium
Affinity Credit Card: Best for Cobranded with Donations
Student Credit Card: Best for Student Credit Cards

Business Credit Cards

Business Credit Card: Best for Business Expenses
Gold Business Credit Card: Best for Business Trips

Compare Bank of Ireland Credit Cards

Credit Card	Best For	Rewards	Ratings
BOI Classic Credit Card	Everyday Spending	Low cost instalment option Annual fee €0 Intro Offer Interest Rate: 0% fixed interest on purchases for first 6 months or 0% fixed interest on balance transfers for first 7 months Exclusive Offers and Experiences: Access to exclusive experiences, offers and benefits in Ireland or when exploring other destinations abroad through Mastercard Priceless Free Additional Cardholders: Add up to 3 additional cardholders and still pay government stamp duty only once. Foreign transaction fee: No transaction fee when you use your credit card to pay for goods and services on Euro transaction and 2.25% on non euro transaction Application Approval: 24 hours for existing customers of bank of Ireland, for non Bank of Ireland customers it may take longer.	4.1/5 Full review
AER Credit Card	Travel Rewards	Intro Interest Rate offer: AER Credit Card holders can choose from 0% interest on purchases for first 6 months or 0% interest on balance transfers for the first 7 months Fast Pass: You earn 2 fast track and priority boarding passes every reward year. The fast track passes are to be used on Aer Lingus operated flights out of Ireland and at selected airports. Airport Lounge Access: Unmatched access to Aer Lingus own Airport Lounges. They include Airport Lounges at Dublin, Cork and Shannon Airport every Reward Year. Lounge access is only available when flying on an Aer Lingus operated flight. Free Europe Trips: Jet away with 2 return flights to Europe when you spend €5,000 or more on your Aer Credit Card, you get free return fares in any European Aer Lingus ticketed and operated flights to / from Dublin, Cork, Shannon or Belfast. Insurance Protection For Your Travel: Travel happy with your family on a worldwide family multi-trip travel insurance that also includes winter sports.	4.8/5 Full review
BOI Platinum Advantage Card	Overall Premium	Intro Offer Interest Rate: 0% fixed interest on purchases for first 6 months or 0% fixed interest on balance transfers for first 7 months Comprehensive multi-trip travel insurance including winter sports when at least 50% of the total trip fare (transportation cost) of your insured journey is paid using your card. Access to exclusive experiences, offers and benefits in Ireland or when exploring other destinations abroad through Mastercard Priceless Free Additional Cardholders: Add up to 3 additional cardholders and still pay government stamp duty only once. Foreign transaction fees: No transaction fee on Euro transaction and 2.25% on non euro transaction Annual fee: The card charges €76.18 per annum. Considering the rewards and benefits including free travel insurance makes it worth the value	5.0/5 Full review
Affinity Credit Card	Cobranded with Donations	Annual fee: The Bank of Ireland Affinity Credit Card charges €0. Intro Offer Interest Rate: 2.9% fixed interest on balance transfers for first 12 months. College Donations – We make a donation when you become an affinity cardholder, as well as donating an additional payment to your University’s alumni fund for each year your Affinity card is active. Ongoing rewards: Access to exclusive experiences, offers and benefits in Ireland or when exploring other destinations abroad through Mastercard Priceless Free Additional Cardholders: Add up to 3 additional cardholders and still pay government stamp duty only once. Foreign transaction fees: No transaction fee on Euro transaction and 2.25% on non euro transaction	4.2/5 Full review
BOI Student Credit Card	Student Credit Cards	Annual fee: The Bank of Ireland Platinum Card charges €0. Intro Offer Interest Rate: 0% fixed interest on purchases for first 6 months Comprehensive multi-trip travel insurance Free Additional Cardholders: Add up to 3 additional cardholders and still pay government stamp duty only once. Foreign transaction fees: Great for students travelling around Europe. You incur no transaction fee on Euro transaction and 2.25% on non euro transaction Credit Limit: You get up to €1,000 credit limit: In your 1st or 2nd year of full time study you get an immediate credit limit of €600 and up to €1,000 if you’re in third year or above of full time study. Quick Application Approval: Usually next working day provided you have all relevant information and documentation. It may take longer for non bank of Ireland customers.	4.8/5 Full review
BOI Business Credit Card	Business Expenses	Transaction fees: There are no transaction fees when you use your credit card to pay for goods and services Interest-free credit: Enjoy up to 37 days’ interest-free credit on purchases. Comprehensive travel insurance: You and up to 3 colleagues are covered for 90 days of any journey when you pay for at least 50% of your fare with your credit card. Chargeback rights: You are protected when you use your credit card to make purchases in the event of loss or non-receipt of goods or services and in the event of fraud. Card liability waiver insurance: Your business is protected from liability for card misuse by employees	TBD Full review
AIB Platinum Card	Business Trips	Airport Lounges: Enjoy unlimited access to Aer Lingus Lounges, Fast Track and Priority Check in facilities for UK, European and US routes provided by Aer Lingus Transaction fees: There are no transaction fees when you use your credit card to pay for goods and services Interest-free credit: Enjoy up to 37 days’ interest-free credit on purchases. Spend tracking: Tracking your business spending is easier using your detailed monthly cardholder statements. Expense Management: You have access to a new web based transaction management system, which lets you manage all your expenses online.	TBD Full review

A Closer Look into Bank of Ireland Credit Cards

Personal Credit Card

Classic Credit Card: Best for Everyday Spending

What we like about Classic Credit Card: The BOI Classic card is simple and valuable with its interest rate intro offers of 0% on all purchases for first 6 months or balance transfers for 7 months. You have a choice to either take zero interest on purchases or on balance transfers. Pick which ever one suits your needs.
Who should get a Classic Credit Card: Anyone with a credit card debt with high interest or planning to make a large purchase that may want not more than 6 months to pay it off.
Alternatives: Better alternatives are the An Post Classic Credit Card offers 0% fixed interest on balance transfers for first 12 months while An Post Flex Credit Card offers 0% fixed interest on purchases for first 9 months. This is because compared to BOI Classic Credit Card they both offers lengthier interest rate offers on balance transfers and purchases.

Read our full Bank of Ireland Classic Credit Card review

AER Credit Card: Best for Travel Rewards

What we like about AER Credit Card: It has all the features you’d need as a frequent flyer with Aer Lingus. Benefits include lounge passes, 2 free return flights to Europe, insurance protection for you and your family and Avios rewards.
Who should get an AER Credit Card: Both frequent and infrequent travellers who like travel perks with flexible redemption options.
Alternatives: For a business person who travels for work frequently best alternative is Gold Business Credit Card which gives you unlimited access to Aer Lingus Lounges, Priority Check-In & Fast track access to the security channel

Read our full Bank of Ireland AER Credit Card review

Platinum Advantage Card: Best for Overall Premium

What we like about Platinum Advantage Card: its Mastercard premium benefits and comprehensive multi-trip travel insurance with the option of having introductory offer of both 0% interest rate on purchases for 6 months, OR 0% interest rate on balance transfers for 7 months.
Who should get a Platinum Advantage Card: Both infrequent and frequent travellers and lovers of rewards
Alternatives: The AIB Platinum Visa Card has premium benefit with no annual fee. It is a good alternative to the platinum advantage credit card

Read our full Bank of Ireland Platinum Advantage Card review.

Affinity Credit Card: Best for Cobranded with Donations

What we like about Affinity Credit Card: Making donations to your college when you own a cardholder and additional payment of donation every year without affecting your budget. We also like 2.9% fixed interest on balance transfers for first 12 months.

Who should get an Affinity Credit Card: Graduates looking to support their old schools financially without breaking the bank.
Alternatives: The Avant Money One Credit Card has a no annual fee, but offers a 0% on purchases for 3 months and balance transfers for 9 months.

Student Credit Card: Best for Student Credit Cards

What we like about Student Credit Cards: Great student credit card for university and beyond. Very good perks to hold on to keep holding on to the card after graduation. It includes 0% interest rates on all purchases for first 6 months and free travel insurance.
Who should get a Bank of Ireland Student Credit Card: Definitely for student in a university and who will travel from time to time.
Alternatives: The AIB Student Credit Card has no annual fee, and offers a Introductory rate of 3.83% (variable) on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 months. So will be great for students with existing debt balance.

Read our full Bank of Ireland Student Card review.

Business Credit Card

Business Credit Card: Best for Business Expense

What we love about Business Credit Card: We love the comprehensive travel insurance. You get this for up to 3 colleagues are covered for 90 days of any journey when you pay for at least 50% of your fare with your credit card.
Who this card is good for: This credit card will be suitable for SMEs or any business that has business related expenses.
Alternatives: The Gold Business Credit Card is an alternative with its extra features and benefits.

Read our full Business Credit Card review.

Gold Business Credit Card: Best for Business Trips

What we love about Gold Business Credit Card: We love the Aer Lingus Lounges, Priority Check-In & Fast track access to the security channel
Who this card is good for: Frequent business travellers
Alternatives: The Business Credit Card has a lower annual fee.

Read our full Gold Business Credit Card review.

What are the benefits of Bank of Ireland Credit Cards?

Travel Rewards: If you are loyal to Aer Lingus, Bank of Ireland issues credit cards that earn rewards for Aer lingus.

Mastercard Priceless Offers: With a select Bank of Ireland credit cards, you can get access to exclusive experience and offers on Mastercard priceless anytime you use your credit cards

Instalment Payment: You are able to enjoy flexible ways to split large payments with a minimum of EUR 250 or more into equal monthly instalments with a low interest across up to 24 months. This service is is available on the Mastercard instalment service.

What are the credit limits of Bank of Ireland Credit Cards?

The credit limit you get depends on the type of Bank of Ireland credit card you apply for. For example the credit lime on a student credit card differs from a platinum card. Also the credit limit you qualify for ultimately depends on your financial situation, as well as how much credit you have across your other cards. Economic conditions also affect credit limits.

What are the interest rates on Bank of Ireland Credit Card?

Credit Card	Interest Rates	APR
Classic Credit Card	16.12% Variable	22.1% APR variable
AER Credit Card	14%	22.7% APR variable
Platinum Advantage Card	13.79% variable	19.6% variable
Affinity Credit Card	14.57% variable	20.2% variable
Student Credit Card	14.54% variable	20.2% APR variable
Business Credit Card	17.39% variable	n/a
Gold Business Credit Card	17.39% variable	n/a

Bank of Ireland Credit card interest rates are variable, meaning they can change over time.

The interest stated above Interest is charged on cash advances and outstanding balances. Please note that purchase Interest is charged if you don’t pay your credit card in full by your due date.

How to qualify for Bank of Ireland Credit Card?

To apply for a Bank of Ireland credit card you must be 18 years of age or over. BOI has a strict lending criteria for Credit Card applications. Approvals are based on the criteria set out. Once approved for a credit card, terms and conditions will apply. Please ensure you familiarise yourself with these before you take the credit cards.

How we analysed Bank of Ireland Credit Cards?

We reviewed the entire Bank of Ireland credit card portfolio including their business credit cards across the following criteria

Interest rate/APR – We compared the interest rates and APR and other related fees to gives us an indication of the cost and value of the card.
Annual fee – We looked at if the AIB credit cards charged an annual fee and compared the overall value proposition and benefit of the card against the annual fee of the card.
Introductory offers – Checked to see if there were any incentives to get the cards and analysed if offers were worth it.
Rewards – Also reviewed if the AIB Credit Cards had any customer loyalty program included
Perks and benefits – Look out for travel insurance, financial management tools (for the business credit cards), luxury benefits and other extras.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best Bank of Ireland credit card?

Bank of Ireland credit cards are designed around different customer segments. Depending on your financial needs and goals for a credit card, what is best for you may not be what is best for the next person. The answer to this question is that it depends. If you want a credit card for every day use not searching for premium rewards, then Bank of Ireland Classic Credit card may be what you need. If you are an alumni of a university in Ireland and want a credit card that can contribute to your alma mater, then the Affinity Credit card may the best for you.

How long does it take for a BOI credit card to be approved?

Applications for credit cards are usually completed within 24 hours for Bank of Ireland customers. For non customers may take longer.

How do I register for Bank of Ireland credit card reward program?

When you have an AER Credit Card, you have access to travel rewards which you have to redeem. You will need to pre book your fares and fast tracks. In order to do this and also spend your Avios, you’ll need to register as a member of AerClub. Then link your Aer Credit Card and loyalty programme of Aer Lingus to your AerClub profile.

Lynda Unogu MBA IMC (CFA UK) PMP

Lynda holds an MBA from University College Dublin and worked previously in product roles within financial services and technology firms like Mastercard, Citi Bank and JP Morgan. She constantly seeks to apply her expertise in financial services to the field of personal finance with the goal of helping people navigate the complexities of the finance.