Best 0% Interest Rate Purchases Credit Cards in Ireland - April 2024
The best 0% interest rate purchases credit card can help you make large purchases and avoid interest rate for up to 3 months or longer. 0% interest rate credit card saves you money during the offer period. It is highly recommended that you pay off purchases debts off during the interest free period to gain full benefits of these cards. If you carry a large balance on your card from month to month – after the offer period the standard interest rate applies which would become costly for you. You might be better off with a credit card with a low interest rate and APR on the long run.
Best 0% Interest Rate Purchases Credit Cards in Ireland
- Bank of Ireland Platinum Advantage Card – Best for Overall Premium
- Bank of Ireland AER Credit Card – Best For Travel Rewards
- Bank of Ireland Student Credit Card – Best Student Credit Card
- Avant Money One Card – Best All in One Card
- PTSB Ice Visa Credit Card – Best Starter Credit card
- Bank of Ireland Classic Credit Card – Best for Everyday Spending
- An Post Flex Credit Card – Best for Instalment Payment
- Revolut Credit Card – Best Cash Back Credit Card
Compare the Best 0% Interest Rate Purchases Credit Card
| Credit Card | Rating | Fee | Our Pick For | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5.0/5 |
€76.18 |
Best Overall Premium |
|
|
|
4.8/5 |
€78 |
Best For Travel Rewards |
|
|
|
4.8/5 |
€0 |
Best Student Credit Card |
|
|
|
4.6/5 |
€0 |
Best For 0% Intro on Purchases, Balance & Money Transfers |
|
|
|
4.4/5 |
€0 |
Best Starter Credit Card |
|
|
|
4.1/5 |
€0 |
Best For Everyday Spending |
|
|
|
3.8/5 |
€0 |
Best For Instalment Payment |
|
|
|
3.8/5 |
€0 |
Best for Cash Back |
|
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
Credit Card Details
- 3 additional cardholders for free and no extra government stamp duty
- Emergency cash service if your card is lost or stolen abroad
- Up to 56 days free credit If you clear your balance in full and on time each month.
- Cash advance
- Enjoy Mastercard priceless exclusive offers and experiences
What We Like
Pros
- 0% balance transfer for 7 months
- Free travel insurance
- Enjoy exclusive offers and experiences at Mastercard priceles.com
Cons
- Higher income requirement
- Has annual fees
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
Credit Card Details
- 2 return flights to Europe on reaching €5000 spend on AER Credit Card. Excl taxes, fees and charges.
- 2 Fast track and priority boarding pass
- 2 Lounge passes
- Worldwide multi trip travel insurance
- Up to 56 days free credit if you pay your balance in full every month
- Low-cost instalment plan option
- Collect 1 Avios for every €1 you spend with Aer Lingus
- Collect 1 Avios for every €4 you spend on other transactions.
What We Like
Pros
- Attractive balance transfer option
- Enjoy great travel rewards
- Instalment option of 6.7% variable
- No limit on Avios points collection
Cons
- Has a monthly fee
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
Credit Card Details
- Up to €1000 credit limit
- Up to 56 days free credit
- Cash advance
- Free travel insurance
- Avail of the credit card up to 2 years after graduation
What We Like
Pros
- No annual fee
- Travel Insurance
- No Income requirement
- Enjoy Mastercard Priceless.com offers and discounts
Cons
- No balance transfer option
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 balance 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
Credit Card Details
- 0% money transfers for 12 months
- 0% balance transfers for 9 months
- Interest free purchases for 3 months
- Up to 56 days interest free on purchases
- Up to 3 additional cardholders at no extra cost
- Enjoy advantages loyalty program offers and discounts
What We Like
Pros
- 0% balance transfer option
- Advantages Loyalty Program
- No annual fees
Cons
- May require good or excellent credit score
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
Credit Card Details
- Additional card for free for family member over the age of 18 years.
- Up to 56 days free credit
- Cash advance of up to 22.46% variable
- Secure Online Shopping
- Access your monthly credit card statement online
What We Like
Pros
- 0%interest free for up to 6 months
- 0% balance transfer for up to 6 months
Cons
- No loyalty program
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
Credit Card Details
- 3 additional cardholders free with no extra stamp duty charge
- Up to 56 days interest free credit if balance is paid up in full
- Cash advance
- Free comprehensive multi trip travel insurance
- Enjoy Mastercard priceless exclusive offers and experiences
What We Like
Pros
- Attractive balance transfer option
- Exclusive offers and experiences on priceless.com
- Instalment plan payment at 6.7% variable
- No annual fees
Cons
- Good credit required
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
Credit Card Details
- Up to 3 additional cardholders for free
- Up to 56 days free credit if you pay balance in full
- Free interest purchases for 9 months
- Money transfer option available at 16.8% variable
- Priceless.com loyalty program access
What We Like
Pros
- Interest free purchases for 9 months
- Loyalty program via mastercard priceless.com
- No annual fee
Cons
- No interest free balance transfer option
Best Credit Card For Cash Back
Revolut Flex 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
Credit Card Details
- Autopay Settlement and Budget Limits: The Revolut Supper app enables you to get notified about upcoming payments on your credit card account, or settle your balance automatically with Autopay. You are able to manage your spending and apply budget limits.
- Security features: Revolut provides a disposable virtual credit cards for one-off purchases as an extra protection. You can freeze and unfreeze your card any time in-app.
- Luxury and Shiny Card.
What We Like
Pros:
- 0% interest on purchases and balance transfers for 3 months from account opening
- 1% Cashback for up to 3 months when you spend up to €3,000 (after that, the rate is 0.1%).
- APR 17.99% with a variable interest of 13.34%
- No annual fee
- Credit limit up to €10,000
Cons:
- Complex fee structure
- No Additional Credit Card
- No loyalty and rewards program available
What You Need to Know About 0% Interest Rates Purchases Credit Card?
A 0% purchase credit card would normally charge no interest for a set period of time when you make new purchases. During this introductory offer period, all the credit card repayments you make will go towards debt payoff only and not towards interest.
The benefit of a 0% purchase credit card is that during the offer period, purchases you make are interest free so long as you pay off the debt before the end of the offer period and there are no charges.
Pros and Cons of 0% Interest Rates Purchases Credit Card
Pros:
- Low monthly payment since interest is not included
- Interest free debt if you payoff within interest free period
- Savings opportunity.
- Opportunity to improve for credit history.
Cons:
- Offer period is not for long
- Some cards may charge a fee.
- If you miss your payment during the offer period, you may lose it.
When a 0% Interest Rate Purchases Credit Card is Suitable?
If you decide to purchase an item for €1500 and can afford to pay back €250 a month, then you need a 0% interest rate purchase credit card for at least 6 months. This type of credit card is ideal for financing large purchases, such as a new car or holiday. As long as you make payments each month to pay off the balance before the intro period ends so you can avoid interest charges. The golden rule is to repay your debt within the interest-free period.
When a 0% Interest Rate Purchases Credit Card is not Suitable?
The 0% interest rate purchases credit card may not be the most suitable choice for everyone. If you are often late on your payments, or don’t always plan to clear off your credit card balance in the soonest possible period, then this card will not do you any good.
Tips for Choosing a 0% interest Rate Purchases Credit Card
- Length of the introductory period: If you need 9 months to pay off your debt then a 6 month intro offer will not be the best choice
- Fees: Many credit cards in Ireland don’t charge an annual fee and some offer a 0% Interest rate but some may charge a fee. It is best you check and understand all the fees that applies on the card as it all adds up to the overall cost.
- Other Rewards after the Intro Offer Period: Understand the value of the card after the offer period ends. If there are no other rewards or benefit after the offer ends, the card may not be suitable for you long term.
- Interest Rates after the Intro offer period: Make sure you understand the interest rate of the card after the offer period ends and compare with other cards.
Credit Card News: Lack of Understanding of Credit Card Charges
ICLU Survey on Credit Card Spending in Ireland
Over half of Irish consumers own a credit card, however 66% do not know how much interest they pay
65% of those surveyed will use their monthly income to clear their balance each month.
18% will make only the minimum payment each month, while 9% are frequently unable to cover the minimum charge.
These are concerning statistics and it can only be implied that credit card companies don’t do a lot to educate consumers about their financial products.
The ICLU carried out a survey of 1,000 people found that half of them have a credit card. But 66pc of the respondents admitted they do not know how much interest they pay. Despite not understanding how credit cards work, some 58pc of respondents said they use their credit cards for monthly ad-hoc purchases. More than half of those surveyed think adults in Ireland are too reliant on credit cards to pay for goods.
Did anyone tell you to pay off your credit card balance at the end of each month? A large number of credit card users don’t pay off their monthly balance each month and were not educated on this aspect on the long term repercussion on not clearing up your monthly balance and the impact of building up a balance each month.
Are you aware of credit card charges? Most are not aware of their credit card interest rate and those that aware barely know what it is and some even assume their interest rate is 5%. According to CCPC – Competition and Consumer Protection Commission credit card interest rates ranges between 14% and 22%. It is important to know what rate you are charges and other hidden charges. Read our website to gain more knowledge on how credit card works and in addition before you apply for a credit card go the CCPC website.
Review Methodology
Coins to Asset reviews credit card across many the factors. We analysed popular 14 credit cards available in Ireland to come up with the best cards for you. We looked at fees, interest rates, rewards and cash backs including the ease of redeeming the rewards. We also considered the monetary value of the benefits and perks and the overall value add of the card to the cardholder. Part of our review includes ease of credit card application, the simple reward structure, attractiveness of the features, and whether the card suits everyday use or best reserved for specific purchases. We give star ratings serve as a general guide of our comparison but it is only a consideration when you are choosing a credit card not a rule. Learn how Coins to Asset Rates Credit Cards.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will a 0% Interest Rate Card Start to Charge Interest?
You start getting charged interest at the end of the interest free period. This is also called introductory offer period or promotional period. The cardinal rule of 0% interest rate credit card is pay off your outstanding balance before the offer period ends. That way you don't pay more or build up balances.
What is the longest 0% interest rate purchases credit card?
An Post Flex Credit Card has the longest 0% interest rate purchases on credit cards in Ireland. It offers zero interest free on purchases for 9 months.
How do credit card interest rate work?
Credit card interest rate is calculated on a daily basis and billed each month, that is it is advised you pay off your credit balance each month to avoid an interest charge.
So when you leave an outstanding balance each month, the card company will multiply the outstanding balance each day by the daily interest rate which is the APT divided by 365. The amount is then added to what you owe.
- Hidden credit card charges: New survey shows how customers are unaware of level interest they pay on them. Independent.ie Accessed on 24 Nov 2023
- Competition and consumer protection commission report on credit cards. CCPC.ie Accessed on 02 Dec 2023
- Two thirds of Irish credit card users unaware of their credit card interest rate level. creditunion.ie Accessed on 02 Dec 2023
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.
