15 Best Credit Cards Ireland - December 2024
Understanding your spending pattern and the categories of your spending e.g. travel, groceries, petrol etc, is important to managing your spending and cashflow. Taking sometime to review credit card offers and rewards before making a choice is essential to your personal finance. When you use credit cards to make payment, you are not spending money, you are actually borrowing money. Since borrowing money comes at a cost, the choice of credit card you make is important in managing your personal finances. There are so many credit cards out there, but at Coins to Asset we are committed to helping you make the right choice with our review of best credit cards based on features and benefits of the credit card.
If you absolutely need to use a credit card, then pay off your outstanding balance each month. Doing this means that way you incur no interest and spending on credit card is like spending cash. Also it is usually best practise to give priority to paying off credit card debts over investing. Now lets check out best credit cards in the market and see what they have to offer.
Other Credit Cards to Consider: Best 0% Interest Rate Purchases Credit Card || Best Rewards Credit Cards || Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards || Best Cash Back Credit Cards
Best Credit Cards Ireland - Offers and Reviews
Please note that you will find that compared to Best Credit Cards in US, there are less benefits and rewards offered for Credit Card in Ireland. This is because of consumer protection, the European Union have capped consumer credit card transaction fees to 0.3% which means that credit card companies can only charge EU residents lower than 0.3%. Since the maximum revenue that banks or credit card companies can earn from transaction fees is 0.3% they are limited opportunities to offer cashback and other rewards to its consumers. On the other hand for Best Credit Cards in UK, after Brexit, UK do not have to comply with the EU regulation and some UK Credit Card Companies may charge more transaction fees and annual fees in order to offer more benefits and rewards.
Detailed Look at Best Credit Cards In Ireland
Best Credit Card For No Annual Fee
AIB Platinum Visa Card
- Monthly Fee: €0
- Intro Offer: 3.83% variable on purchases and balance transfer for 12 months and Cash back of up to €225
- Interest Rate: 11.84% variable on all purchases
- APR: 17% variable
- Currency Conversion Fee (POS/ATM): 1.75% (Europe) and 2.75% (other region)
- Stamp Duty: €30 annually
- Balance Transfer: 3.83% variable for 12 months
- Additional Card Fee: €0
- Late Payment Fee: €7
- Cash Advance Fee: 1.5%
Currency
EUR
Multi currency
No
Segment
Premium
Scheme
Visa
Co-branded
No
Income Requirement
€40,000
Best Credit Card For Overall Premium
Platinum Advantage Credit Card
- Annual Fee: €76.18
- Intro Offer: 0% on all purchases for first 6 months or balance transfers for 7 months
- Interest Rate: 13.79% variable on all purchases
- APR: 19.6% variable
- Currency Conversion Fee (POS/ATM): 2.25%
- Stamp Duty: €30 annually
- Balance Transfer: 0% on balance transfers for 7 months
- Additional Card Fee: €0
- Late Payment Fee: €7.50
- Cash Advance Fee: 1.5%
Currency
EUR
Multi currency
No
Segment
Premium
Scheme
Mastercard
Co-branded
No
Income Requirement
€16,000
Best Credit Card For Travel Rewards
AER Credit Card
- Annual Fee: €78
- Intro Offer: 0% on all purchases and balance transfers for 7 months
- Interest Rate: 16.12% variable on all purchases
- APR: 22.7% variable
- Currency Conversion Fee (POS/ATM): 2.25%
- Stamp Duty: €30 annually
- Balance Transfer: 27%
- Additional Card Fee: €0
- Late Payment Fee: €7.50
- Cash Advance Fee: 1.5%
Currency
EUR
Multi currency
No
Segment
Standard
Scheme
Mastercard
Co-branded
AER Lingus
Income Requirement
€16,000
Best Credit Card For Students
Student Credit Card
- Monthly Fee: €0
- Intro Offer: 0% on all purchases for first 6 months or balance transfers for 7 months
- Interest Rate: 14.54% variable on all purchases
- APR: 20.2% variable
- Currency Conversion Fee (POS/ATM): 2.25%
- Stamp Duty: €30 annually
- Balance Transfer: 0% on balance transfers for 7 months
- Additional Card Fee: €0
- Late Payment Fee: €7.50
- Cash Advance Fee: 1.5%
Currency
EUR
Multi currency
No
Segment
Student
Scheme
Mastercard
Co-branded
No
Income Requirement
None
Best Credit Cards for Comprehensive Offers and Rewards
Avant Money One Credit Card
- Monthly Fee: €0
- Intro Offer: 0% on purchases for 3 months and balance transfers for 9 months
- Interest Rate: 16.8% variable on all purchases
- APR: 22.9% variable
- Currency Conversion Fee (POS/ATM): 2.65%
- Stamp Duty: €30 annually
- Balance Transfer: 0% on balance transfers for 9months
- Money Transfer: 0% on money transfers for 12months
- Additional Card Fee: €0
- Late Payment Fee: €15.24
- Cash Advance Fee: 1.5%
Currency
EUR
Multi currency
No
Segment
Standard
Scheme
Mastercard
Co-branded
No
Income Requirement
€16,000
Best Credit Card For Sign on and Purchases Cashback
Avant Money Reward + Credit Card
- Monthly Fee: €0
- Intro Offer: €100 Cash back credited to your account. 25% interest refund every month.
- Interest Rate: 16.8% variable on all purchases
- APR: 22.9% variable
- Currency Conversion Fee (POS/ATM): 2.65%
- Stamp Duty: €30 annually
- Balance Transfer: Not applicable
- Money Transfer: Available but no offers
- Additional Card Fee: €0
- Late Payment Fee: €15.24
- Cash Advance Fee: 1.5%
Currency
EUR
Multi currency
No
Segment
Standard
Scheme
Mastercard
Co-branded
No
Income Requirement
Not stated
Best Credit Card For Lowest APR
AIB Click Visa Card
- Monthly Fee: €0
- Intro Offer: Low APR card
- Interest Rate: 9.11% variable
- APR: 13.8% variable
- Currency Conversion Fee (POS/ATM): 1.75% (Europe) and 2.75% (other region)
- Stamp Duty: €30 annually
- Additional Card Fee: €0
- Late Payment Fee: €7
- Cash Advance Fee: 1.5%
Currency
EUR
Multi currency
No
Segment
Standard
Scheme
Visa
Co-branded
No
Income Requirement
€16,000
Best Credit Card For Beginners
Permanent TSB Ice Visa Credit Card
- Monthly Fee: €0
- Intro Offer: 0% interest free on purchases for first 3 months
- Interest Rate: 16.50% variable on all purchases
- APR: 22.53% variable
- Currency Conversion Fee (POS/ATM): 1.75% (Europe) and 3.5% (other region)
- Stamp Duty: €30 annually
- Balance Transfer: 0% fixed interest on balance transfers for first 6 months
- Additional Card Fee: €0
- Late Payment Fee: €7.5
- Cash Advance Fee: 1.5%
Currency
EUR
Multi currency
No
Segment
Standard
Scheme
Visa
Co-branded
No
Income Requirement
Not stated
Best Credit Card For Long Term Value
AIB 'Be' Visa Card
- Monthly Fee: €0
- Intro Offer: 3.83% variable on purchases and balance transfer for 12 months
- Interest Rate: 14.16% variable on all purchases
- APR: 22.9% variable
- Currency Conversion Fee (POS/ATM): 1.75% (Europe) and 2.75% (other region)
- Stamp Duty: €30 annually
- Balance Transfer: 3.83% variable for 12 months
- Additional Card Fee: €0
- Late Payment Fee: €7
- Cash Advance Fee: 1.5%
Currency
EUR
Multi currency
No
Segment
Standard
Scheme
Visa
Co-branded
No
Income Requirement
€16,000
Best Credit Cards For Cobrands With Donations
Affinity Credit Card
- Monthly Fee: €0
- Intro Offer: 2.9% fixed interest rate on balance transfers for 12 months
- Interest Rate: 14.57% variable on all purchases
- APR: 20.2% variable
- Currency Conversion Fee (POS/ATM): 2.25%
- Stamp Duty: €30 annually
- Balance Transfer: 2.9% on balance transfers for 12months
- Additional Card Fee: €0
- Late Payment Fee: €7.50
- Cash Advance Fee: 1.5%
Currency
EUR
Multi currency
No
Segment
Standard
Scheme
Mastercard
Co-branded
Yes
Income Requirement
€16,000
Best Credit Cards For Everyday Spending
Classic Credit Card
- Monthly Fee: €0
- Intro Offer: 0% on all purchases for first 6 months or balance transfers for 7 months
- Interest Rate: 16.12% variable on all purchases
- APR: 22.1% variable
- Currency Conversion Fee (POS/ATM): 2.25%
- Stamp Duty: €30 annually
- Balance Transfer: 0% on balance transfers for 7 months
- Additional Card Fee: €0
- Late Payment Fee: €7.50
- Cash Advance Fee: 1.5%
Currency
EUR
Multi currency
No
Segment
Standard
Scheme
Mastercard
Co-branded
No
Income Requirement
€16,000
Best Credit Card For Balance Transfers
An Post Classic Credit Card
- Monthly Fee: €0
- Intro Offer: 0% fixed interest on balance transfers for first 12 months
- Interest Rate: 16.50% variable on all purchases
- APR: 22.9% variable
- Currency Conversion Fee (POS/ATM): Varied – Uses a mark up
- Stamp Duty: €30 annually
- Balance Transfer: 0% fixed interest on balance transfers for first 12 months
- Money Transfer: Available – 16.8% variable
- Additional Card Fee: €0
- Late Payment Fee: not specified
- Cash Advance Fee: not specified
Currency
EUR
Multi currency
No
Segment
Standard
Scheme
Mastercard
Co-branded
No
Income Requirement
Not stated
Best Credit Card For Long Term Value For Students
AIB Student Visa Card
- Monthly Fee: €0
- Intro Offer: 3.83% variable on purchases only for 12 months
- Interest Rate: 14.85% variable on all purchases
- APR: 20.5% variable
- Currency Conversion Fee (POS/ATM): 1.75% (Europe) and 2.75% (other region)
- Stamp Duty: €30 annually
- Balance Transfer: Not applicable
- Additional Card Fee: €0
- Late Payment Fee: €7
- Cash Advance Fee: 1.5%
Currency
EUR
Multi currency
No
Segment
Student
Scheme
Visa
Co-branded
No
Income Requirement
No
Best Credit Card For Instalment Payment
An Post Flex Credit Card
- Monthly Fee: €0
- Intro Offer: 0% fixed interest on purchases for first 9 months
- Interest Rate: 10.80% or 16.80% variable on all purchases
- APR: 15.07% or 22.9% variable
- Currency Conversion Fee (POS/ATM): Varied – Uses a mark up
- Stamp Duty: €30 annually
- Balance Transfer: not specified
- Money Transfer: Available for free
- Additional Card Fee: €0
- Late Payment Fee: €15.24
- Cash Advance Fee: 1.5% with a minimum charge of €2.50
Currency
EUR
Multi currency
No
Segment
Standard
Scheme
Mastercard
Co-branded
No
Income Requirement
Not stated
Best Credit Card For Cash Back
Revolut Credit Card
- Monthly Fee: €0
- Intro Offer:0% on all purchases and balance transfers for 3 months
- Cash Back: 1% cashback on purchases for the first three months when you spend up to €3,000 (after that, the rate is 0.1%).
- Interest Rate: 13.34% variable on all purchases
- APR: 17.99% variable
- Currency Conversion Fee (POS/ATM): See Terms and Conditions
- Stamp Duty: €30 annually
- Balance Transfer: not specified
- Additional Card Fee: €0
- Late Payment Fee: €10
- Cash Advance Fee: 2%
Currency
EUR
Multi currency
No
Segment
Standard
Scheme
Mastercard
Co-branded
No
Income Requirement
Not stated
What is a Credit Card?
Credit card is a financial product that provides consumers with line of credit to finance immediate expenses and offers repayment options allowing for a flexible management of cash flow. Unlike personal loans which are for large purchases or refinancing, credit cards work better for small day to day expenses. Using Credit cards responsibly is important to building your credit and in managing your personal finances. An understanding of credit cards and how it works will help you use credit card as a tool to build your credit score and to manage your financial situation.
Read more>> What is a credit card?
Before You Choose a Credit Card
Most of us are not aware of how credit cards work, costs of credit card interest on outstanding balances and how credit card compares to other types of lending. Before applying for a credit card, we should be familiar with the different types of credit cards, review the interest rate or APR for the card, how to calculate credit card charges, what features and benefits it has and if it suits your spending attitude.Below are the lists of credit cards in Ireland, UK and US that we have reviewed for you. We will see what credit card rewards are out there such as, cash back, travel benefits, balance transfer options, APR and more they have so that you can make an informed choice. Read our 9 things to know before you choose a credit card and how to use your credit card effectively.
Please note failure to pay minimum balance on your outstanding credit card amount can affect your credit score and ability to get credit in future.
Pros of Credit Cards
- Tool to build credit history and allow for loan approvals in future.
- Easy access to borrowings to finance immediate expenses.
- Flexible repayment option with a minimum payment option.
- Access to credit card rewards & benefits unlike debit cards
- Provides protection as no direct link to a personal bank account.
Cons of Credit Cards
- Risk of large credit card balance outweighs the rewards.
- Frequent emegency spending on piles on credit card debts
- Misused credit cards has a potential to damage your credit score
- Making minimum payments is a terrible decision
- Interests makes large balance month to month very expensive
How to Choose the Right Credit Card
Choose a credit card with a clear value proposition that will solve a need, achieve a goal or suit your lifestyle or personal circumstances
- Determine what type of rewards and benefit the card is offering, is it cash back, airline miles points, hotel points, retailer points and other offers.
- Think about where you spend most of your money on and find a credit card that offers rewards and points that match your spending.
- Choose and take advantage of credit cards that have great introductory offers
- Evaluate the annual fees on the card and weigh it against the rewards to see if it’s suitable and valuable for you.
- Consider if the credit card offers additional perks and benefits.
Different Types of Credit Cards
Balance Transfer Credit Card: Moving an amount you owe on a high interest card over to a card with a low interest or 0% for a specified period of time. See our top picks for best balance transfer credit cards
Student Credit Card: This type of card is designed for students in university (third level education), and they are usually trying to build a credit history and may not have a regular income. The credit limit on student credit card are usually lower. See our best student credit card picks.
Business Credit Card: Credit card designed for business owners and entrepreneurs and comes with perks beneficial to managing and running a business. Check out our picks for best business credit cards.
Rewards Credit Card: Different cards offer different perks and rewards. Rewards can be cash back, travel, airline miles and hotel. Click on the below to see our best picks for each category.
- Best Cash back Credit Card
- Best Cobranded Credit Card
- Best Travel Credit Card
- Best Airline Credit Card
- Best Hotel Credit Card
Low Interest Credit Card: If you carry a balance from month to month, then a low interest credit card may suit you. They usually come with no special rewards. See our best low interest credit card.
Credit Building Credit Cards: Some issuers offer credit cards for people with little to no credit history and start them off on a small credit limit. See our picks for best credit building credit card.
Features to Consider When Choosing a Credit Card
Annual fee: Many cards don’t charge annual fee but those that do charge offer great rewards. Make sure to weigh the annual fee against the rewards to measure its worth to you.
Welcome bonus: Some credit cards offer initial sign up bonus make sure you are comfortable with the requirements and meet in order to take advantage on the bonus.
0% Introductory APR: Some credit cards come with 0% on balance transfers, on purchases or both. Be sure to check how long the offer lasts and which one applies and suits your needs.
Reward categories: Check to see if the card has rewards for categories you spend most, for example supermarket, restaurants, fuel station
Ease of reward redemption: Make sure to understand the redemption process for the rewards and it is suitable for you.
Other benefits: Check to see if there are other benefits that the card offers, like travel insurance, purchase protection, extended warranties that might also suit your needs.
Fees and Charges to Check Out Before Choosing a Credit Card
Annual Fee: For credit cards that charge an annual fee, make sure that it is worth it.
Balance Transfer Fee: Most cards will charge a balance transfer fee to move your balance from one card to another and its typically between 3-5%
Money Transfer Fee: Some issuers will give you an option to transfer funds from your credit card into another bank account. This comes with a fee, typically between 3 -5 %
Cash Advance Fee: Withdrawing cash from your card via an ATM comes with a fee between 1-3%
Over Limit Fee: Going over your credit limit on your card, comes with a penalty. This is an avoidable fee.
Late Payment Fee: Missing your credit card payment due date comes with a penalty that most issuers charge.
Returned Payment Fee: An avoidable fee when you have a direct debit that is returned unpaid.
Foreign Exchange Fee: Some issuers charge an FX fee and some don’t as a card benefit. When you use your card abroad you will most times incur an FX fee which is typically between 2 -4%
Credit Card Perks You Should Take Advantage of
Mastercard holders should be aware of and familiar with perks that all cardholders have access to on Mastercard priceless.
Visa card holders also have access to visa luxury hotel collection.
Perks can be grouped in 5 categories
Lifestyle Choices: Concierge services, online digital assistant
Online Security: Identity theft protection or purchase protection
Social Impact: Eco friendly car, donation to clean water access
Personal Insurance & Protection: Extended warranty, budgeting tools
Travel: Travel insurance, airport lounge access.
Read more on perks and benefits of credit cards
Who are the Main Credit Card Issuers in Ireland?
With the withdrawal of KBC and Ulster Bank from the Irish market there are currently 6 providers of credit cards. The three main banks, Irish post office and 2 challenger banks.
Main Credit Card issuers in Ireland are:
Frequently Asked Questions
Rating Methodology
We look at top issuer sites in Ireland and UK to compile a list of the best credit cards available to you. Our ratings reviews are based on the following criteria:
Interest Rate and APR: Whether there is an intro APR and how long. Compare to other cards what the APR and Interest rates that is offered on purchases and/or balance transfers
Annual fee: Whether or not the credit card charges an annual fee, if there is a charge, we check if the credit card benefits offset or outweigh the annual fee charge.
Rewards: Check if there is cash back available for the credit card and what is the cash back earning rate and is it a flat-rate or does it include bonus spending categories. Which categories cash back is offered in, whether categories are rotating or stagnant.
Welcome Offer: Whether or not a card comes with a welcome offer or sign-up bonus, how easy it is to earn the bonus, and how much cash back you can earn.
Other Perks and Benefits: These include things like purchase protections, travel perks, fuel, hotel, groceries and more.
Other fees: Does the card charge foreign transaction fees, ATM fees, money transfer fees and, if yes, does that limit the card’s overall value.
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.