The 6 Best Credit Card Companies in Ireland

With so many cards on the market, where do you begin to look? Well, this article is all you need since we did the hard work for you to present you with the best credit card companies in Ireland!

We researched extensively and put together a list of our top picks along with our unbiased reviews.

We even noted their pros and cons and answered some FAQs at the very end. So let’s get to it!

How much does it cost to get a credit card?

As they say, with great power comes great responsibility. The same rings true with the tiny plastic card that’ll soon be in your wallet.

There isn’t a singular flat fee that companies charge for credit cards. This is because they charge you interest, most commonly referred to as the annual percentage rate (APR).

Written in percentage form, APR tells you how much you will pay yearly for borrowing money. The calculation of the APR includes your credit card’s interest rate and additional fees from the bank, if any.

These additional charges may include annual fees and cash advances, to name a few.

So, your overall bill is going to depend on your interest rate, the amount you borrowed, plus the additional fees.

This rate usually ranges from 13% to 23% depending on the company. Hence, we recommend shopping around first to get a good look at your options before settling down.

Each month, you may pay in full or in increments before your due date. The latter involves paying in staggered amounts.

We recommend paying off the balance in full each month. This will reduce the interest you need to pay in the long run as well as the chances of getting into debt.

But most of all, this will help you maintain a good credit score. Some companies also offer perks and rewards to diligent payers.

All said, we still strongly suggest you read through the fine print, do your research, and consult with one of their agents to ensure that you completely understand your financial responsibilities.

The Best Credit Cards in Ireland

We want to ensure that you get the best deal out there. Hence, we created a unique list of criteria to help us decide which companies to include.

To give you a better idea of our selection process, let’s do a quick breakdown of our criteria:

Rates – We took a look at credit card companies with the lowest borrowing rates to ensure that you can save more money in the long run.

APR – To save you the most money while you spend, we took a look at their APR. The lower the APR, the cheaper the cost of borrowing should be.

Additional fees – We took a look at whether companies charge additional fees for money and balance. Ideally, we’d want zero fees for at least a couple of months.

Quality of services – To get the most out of your spending, we took a look at the quality of their services—from the variety of their cards, spending limit to perks.

Variety – To ensure that they have a wide variety of options to choose from, we took a look at the kinds of credit card options available at each company.

Limit –  Even though you might not be spending it all, we think it’s best to have some room left over. Hence, we considered their imposed caps.

Perks – We took a look at the variety of extras that you can enjoy by using your credit cards such as discounts, rewards, and points.

Payment options – We considered how flexible their payment schemes are as well as if there are any additional fees that you should be aware of.

Customer support – Considering the fact that we’re talking about money, we looked at how easy it was to contact them. Although 24/7 on-call support is ideal, chat assistance is also a plus.

1. Bunq

CRITERIA	RATING
RATES	★★★★☆ (4/5)
APR	★★★★☆ (4/5)
ADDITIONAL FEES	★★★★☆ (4/5)
QUALITY OF SERVICES	★★★★★ (5/5)
VARIETY	★★★★☆ (4/5)
LIMIT	★★★★☆ (4/5)
PERKS	★★★★☆ (4/5)
PAYMENT OPTIONS	★★★★☆ (4/5)
CUSTOMER SUPPORT	★★★★★ (5/5)

Easy Savings
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Bunq offers a versatile and convenient credit card option as part of its suite of financial products. The Bunq Easy Card can be obtained in less than five minutes and added to Apple Pay or Google Pay for instant use. This credit card is designed to provide users with a hassle-free payment solution that integrates seamlessly with Bunq’s mobile banking app.

A significant advantage of the Bunq credit card is its lack of hidden fees. Users benefit from transparent pricing, with no foreign exchange fees or annual fees, making it an attractive option for frequent travelers. The card also offers real-time notifications and spending insights, helping users stay on top of their finances and manage their spending effectively.

Another benefit is the environmental impact of using the Bunq credit card. For every transaction made, Bunq plants trees in partnership with veritree, contributing to global reforestation efforts. This unique feature allows users to make a positive environmental impact simply by using their credit card, aligning with Bunq’s commitment to sustainability.

However, there are some cons to consider. The Bunq credit card does not offer a traditional credit line, meaning users need to pre-load funds onto the card, which might be inconvenient for some. Additionally, while the lack of fees is a significant benefit, the monthly cost of maintaining a Bunq account may offset this advantage. Furthermore, as with all Bunq services, the credit card is managed entirely through the app, which requires reliable internet access.

In summary, the Bunq credit card provides a transparent, fee-free payment solution that integrates seamlessly with Bunq’s mobile banking app. Its environmental benefits and ease of use make it a compelling choice, despite the need to pre-load funds and the reliance on internet connectivity.

2. An Post Money

CRITERIA	RATING
RATES	★★★☆☆ (3/5)
APR	★★★☆☆ (3/5)
ADDITIONAL FEES	★★★★☆ (4/5)
QUALITY OF SERVICES	★★★☆☆ (3/5)
VARIETY	★★☆☆☆ (2/5)
LIMIT	★★★★☆ (4/5)
PERKS	★★★★☆ (4/5)
PAYMENT OPTIONS	★★★☆☆ (3/5)
CUSTOMER SUPPORT	★★★★☆ (4/5)

An Post Money is an award-winning firm that offers a wide variety of payment services through credit cards and loans.

They offer two kinds of cards: Classic and Flex. Both have pretty reasonable APRs at 22.9% and 15.7% respectively.

Their annual interest rate, however, will only be disclosed in your monthly statement.

Did we mention that you also get 56 days of interest-free credit? This applies to both cards when you pay on time and in full.

The biggest difference between the two cards is that Flex has installment plans. This means that you can repay purchases above €250 in 12 equal payments plus their respective interest amounts at 8.6% APR, much lower than the regular APR.

Oh, and another important feature of their cards worth mentioning is that they are accepted globally. It’s convenient that you can use your card wherever you see the Mastercard sign.

Hence, we think this makes them a good option if you’re a frequent traveler. This way, you won’t have to worry about lacking money in a foreign country.

Adding to this list of advantages—you can add up to three people with no extra charge! So if you’re thinking of adding family members to your card, this is worth checking out.

One thing that you have to look out for, though, is that you’ll only know your credit limit after your application has been approved. However, the good thing is if you think the limit’s a bit tight, you can apply for an increased limit with no fee.

We also wanted to highlight that they have an app that allows you to check all your info whenever. This is definitely a plus in our book!

We appreciate their easy online application process that you can do on their website. But if you’d rather do it old school, they have over 900 post offices across Ireland that you can visit.

On top of that, they’re open daily and as late as 6PM from Mondays through Saturdays. So we don’t think getting in touch with them will be an issue.

3. Allied Irish Banks

CRITERIA	RATING
RATES	★★★★☆ (4/5)
APR	★★★★☆ (4/5)
ADDITIONAL FEES	★★★★☆ (4/5)
QUALITY OF SERVICES	★★★☆☆ (3/5)
VARIETY	★★★★☆ (4/5)
LIMIT	★★★★☆ (4/5)
PERKS	★★☆☆☆ (2/5)
PAYMENT OPTIONS	★★★★☆ (4/5)
CUSTOMER SUPPORT	★★★★☆ (4/5)

Allied Irish Banks (AIB) offers four kinds of credit cards: AIB CLICK Visa Card, AIB ‘be’ Visa, AIB Platinum Visa Card, and AIB Student Visa Card.

They also have quite reasonable APRs: CLICK with 13.8% (variable), ‘be’ with 22.9% (variable), Platinum with 17.9% (variable), and Student with 20.5% (variable).

It’s also worth noting that all the cards are free from the annual bank fee. They all also have 56 days of interest-free credit, too, if you pay in full and on time each month.

What we like the most is their flexible payment scheme that applies to all cards. You can choose anywhere between the minimum amount (3% or €6.35, whichever is greater) to the full outstanding balance.

Here’s a bonus: their cards support contactless payments such as Google Pay and Apple Pay! We think this little extra will be very much appreciated by their users and surely go a long way.

However, we think it’s definitely a bummer that only their Platinum card is eligible for cashback awards.

On a brighter note, they offer emergency cash services should you lose your card abroad. 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.

Do note that this will be subject to availability and additional charges may apply. So try your best not to lose your card.

We appreciate that their online services are pretty seamless. Aside from applications, you can even manage your account online via their website or mobile app.

Keep in mind that you can only apply for their CLICK card online. We think this is a bit strange and quite inconvenient since all their other cards support online applications.

If you’re in need of any assistance, they have 170+ offices across Ireland. On top of that, they’re open daily.

4. Bank of Ireland

CRITERIA	RATING
RATES	★★★☆☆ (3/5)
APR	★★★☆☆ (3/5)
ADDITIONAL FEES	★★★★☆ (4/5)
QUALITY OF SERVICES	★★★★☆ (4/5)
VARIETY	★★★★☆ (4/5)
LIMIT	★★★★☆ (4/5)
PERKS	★★★★☆ (4/5)
PAYMENT OPTIONS	★★★☆☆ (3/5)
CUSTOMER SUPPORT	★★★★☆ (4/5)

One of the oldest financial institutions in the country, the Bank of Ireland offers an array of products and services such as insurance, loans, mortgages, and credit cards.

They have a wide selection of credit cards with varying APRs: Aer at 26.6%, Classic at 22.1%, Platinum at 19.6%, Affinity at 20.2%, and Student at 20.2%.

We appreciate that their cards are tailored for various purposes—daily use, traveling, and even student-related expenses. So, whichever kind of spender you are, there’s a card suitable for you.

All their cards, except for Affinity, have 0% fixed interest for balance transfers during the first seven months. We think this is quite a short period of time since most companies offer at least 12 months.

All their cards are also eligible for up to 56 days of interest-free purchases. However, this is quite common with most companies anyway.

On a brighter note, we appreciate the fact that their salary requirements start at €16,000 for Aer, Classic, and Affinity. We think this makes their card more accessible.

What caught our eye was that your application can get approved as soon as 24 hours. But make sure that all your requirements are complete first.

Unfortunately, they have relatively short business hours and are closed on weekends. Hence, it may be tricky to pay them a visit.

Nonetheless, their website has a ton of useful resources that you can use. They even have a self-service page where you can find relevant application forms.

5. Avant Money

CRITERIA	RATING
RATES	★★★☆☆ (3/5)
APR	★★★★☆ (4/5)
ADDITIONAL FEES	★★★★☆ (4/5)
QUALITY OF SERVICES	★★★☆☆ (3/5)
VARIETY	★★★☆☆ (3/5)
LIMIT	★★★★☆ (4/5)
PERKS	★★★★☆ (4/5)
PAYMENT OPTIONS	★★★☆☆ (3/5)
CUSTOMER SUPPORT	★★★★☆ (4/5)

Avant Money has been providing credit services since 1997. They were even recently awarded the best rewards programme in Ireland.

Their Avantages Loyalty Programme is surely one for the books. They offer discounts from a number of brands, exclusive experiences, and access to 300+ offers for you to enjoy.

They offer 2 kinds of cards: One and Reward+. You can access both cards on the Avant Money app or website.

On top of that, both entitle you to 56 days interest-free credit if you pay in full and on time monthly.

You can also add three additional cardholders for free. They’ll receive their own card and PIN as well as share your credit limit.

Some of the One card’s introductory perks include 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.

Meanwhile, their Rewards+ card grants you up to 25% interest refund every month on the interest charged per transaction that’s in your monthly statement.

Their APR depends on your current credit history. However, it’s usually around 22.9%, which is quite standard among companies.

If you aren’t sure about your eligibility status, they have an eligibility checker on their website. This’ll check your eligibility and potential credit limit.

6. KBC Bank

CRITERIA	RATING
RATES	★★★☆☆ (3/5)
APR	★★★★☆ (4/5)
ADDITIONAL FEES	★★★★☆ (4/5)
QUALITY OF SERVICES	★★★☆☆ (3/5)
VARIETY	★★☆☆☆ (2/5)
LIMIT	★★★★☆ (4/5)
PERKS	★★★★☆ (4/5)
PAYMENT OPTIONS	★★★★☆ (4/5)
CUSTOMER SUPPORT	★★★★☆ (4/5)

Although KBC Bank only offers one type of credit card, we think that their pretty low APR rate of 18.25% makes up for it.

Aside from the usual interest-free 56 days when you pay on time and in full, you can also earn 1% cashback when you buy groceries or shop online.

Speaking of shopping, payments are pretty convenient with their Digital Wallet. They support contactless payment even for purchases below €50.

We also appreciate the flexibility of their payment schemes. You can spread payments across 12, 18, or 24 months on top of paying a lower interest rate for transactions over €500.

Plus, you can choose to pay via mobile app, cheque, credit transfer, direct debit, or standing order. We appreciate the options, as you can choose what best fits your financial state.

If your credit limit isn’t working out for you, you can request for a higher limit. However, they don’t say if they charge a fee for this.

What’s worth highlighting is that they’re a Mastercard partner. This means that you can use your KBC credit card in 36 million locations worldwide.

Their rewards, Priceless Ireland, are also worth checking out. Here, they have exclusive offers, from special discounts to priority bookings both in Ireland and abroad that you can enjoy.

What’s more is that you can add up to four cardholders to your account. We think this is great if you want to give the rest of your family a card but want to share just one account.

FAQs About Credit Cards?

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And there you have it, folks—the best credit card companies in Ireland! We hope we were able to help you choose the right place to get the card that best suits your lifestyle.

Do you have any credit card companies in mind that you think deserve a spot on our list? Let us know and we’ll take a look!

Say, if you’re on the hunt for other financial products, check out our recommendations:

• Best banks in Ireland for private banking
• Best savings accounts in Ireland

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