Choosing the right credit card can significantly impact your financial health, offering benefits like rewards, cash back, and low-interest rates. For residents of Ireland, finding the best credit cards involves considering factors like annual fees, interest rates, rewards programs, and additional perks. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top 10 credit cards in Ireland for 2024, helping you make an informed decision that aligns with your spending habits and financial goals.

Best Credit Cards in Ireland: Your Ultimate Guide for 2024

Why Choose the Right Credit Card?

Selecting the right credit card is crucial for several reasons:

Financial Benefits: Different cards offer varying rewards, cash back, and introductory offers.
Cost Efficiency: Choosing a card with low fees and favorable interest rates can save money.
Credit Building: Responsible use of credit cards can positively impact your credit score.

Best Credit Cards in Ireland in a Nutshell

Credit Card	Annual Fees	Interest Rate	Rewards
Bank of Ireland Platinum	€120	13.5% APR	1 point per €1 spent
AIB Platinum	€50	13.6% APR	1 point per €1 spent
The Ulster Bank Credit Card	€0	12.9% APR	No foreign transaction fees
Bank of Ireland Aer Credit Card	€78	14% APR	Travel Rewards Free Travel Insurance
Permanent TSB ICE Visa Credit Card	€30	16.5% APR	0% interest introductory offer
American Express Platinum	€550	Variable	1.5 points per €1 spent
Avant Money One Card / Rewards+ Card	€0	16.8% APR	€150 cashback based on spends or balance transfer

Best Credit Cards in Ireland in a Nutshell

This table provides a clear comparison of each credit card’s features, helping you to quickly assess their pros and cons based on your personal preferences and needs.

Best Credit Cards in Ireland in 2024

Here’s a detailed look at the top 10 credit cards in Ireland, highlighting their features, benefits, and why they might be the right choice for you.

1. Bank of Ireland Platinum Credit Card

Overview: The Bank of Ireland Platinum Credit Card is designed for those who want a premium card experience with excellent rewards and benefits.

Key Features:

Annual Fee: €120
Interest Rate: 13.5% APR
Rewards: Earn 1 point per €1 spent, redeemable for travel, merchandise, or vouchers.
Travel Insurance: Complimentary travel insurance for trips up to 90 days.
Additional Perks: Access to exclusive events and discounts.

Pros:

High rewards earning potential.
Comprehensive travel insurance coverage.
Access to premium benefits and offers.

Cons:

Higher annual fee compared to other cards.
Interest rate could be high for those carrying a balance.

Why It’s Great: Ideal for frequent travelers and those who want to earn significant rewards on their spending.

How to apply?

Go to this link to apply https://personalbanking.bankofireland.com/borrow/credit-cards/platinum-advantage-card/features-benefits/

Current offers (July 2024)

INTRODUCTORY OFFER

0%fixed interest on purchases for first 6 months

0%fixed interest on balance transfers for first 7 months

2. AIB Platinum Credit Card

Overview: The AIB Platinum Credit Card is designed for those seeking a balance between rewards, travel benefits, and lower fees.

Key Features:

Annual Fee: €50
Interest Rate: 13.6% APR
Rewards: Earn 1 point per €1 spent, with points redeemable for a wide range of rewards.
Travel Insurance: Up to €10 million in travel insurance cover.
Additional Perks: Purchase protection and extended warranty.

Pros:

Lower annual fee with robust rewards program.
Comprehensive travel insurance.
Purchase protection benefits.

Cons:

Rewards redemption options may be limited.
Higher interest rate if carrying a balance.

Why It’s Great: Offers a good balance of rewards and benefits with a manageable annual fee.

How to Apply?

Existing AIB Customers can log in to Internet Banking to apply – https://onlinebanking.aib.ie/inet/roi/login.htm

Non-AIB Customers or AIB Customers without Internet Banking can:

Call AIB on 0818 724 725 or

Request ‘Call Me Back‘ from a customer service representative; or

Drop into an AIB Bank local branch.

Visit the link to get more details on how to apply – https://aib.ie/our-products/credit-cards/platinum-visa-card

Current Offers (July 2024)

Special introductory annual interest rate of 3.83% (variable) on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 months from account opening (Fees, Charges and Important Information). At the end of those 12 months the annual interest rates revert back to the standard rate applicable at that time. The balance transfer offer applies to balances transferred from store cards or non-AIB cards. The total sum of balance transfers must not exceed €5,000.
Annual interest rate of 11.84% (variable)
Annual Percentage Rate (APR) 17.0% (variable)
Representative Example: Assuming a credit limit on your card of €1,500, you used your full limit to make a single card purchase immediately after receiving your card, and you repaid in equal monthly payments over 12 months at an interest rate of 11.84% variable, (Representative 17.0% APR variable), the total amount you will pay back is €1596.20 which includes Government stamp duty charge of €30.00. Interest charged would be €96.20.
No annual bank fee
(Government stamp duty of €30.00 is charged annually per credit card account). Other fees and charges may apply (Fees, Charges and Important Information).
Up to 56 days interest free credit
If you clear your balance in full and on time each month, you can avoid paying interest.
Second Platinum Card Free
You can have one additional cardholder added to your AIB Credit Card provided that the cardholder is a family member (defined as parent, spouse, partner, sibling or child over 16 years) who normally resides at your address.

3. The Ulster Bank Credit Card

Overview: The Ulster Bank Credit Card is perfect for those who prefer international spending and for those who needs a card to help with everyday spending

Key Features:

Annual Fee: €0
Low Interest Rate: 12.9% p.a
No foreign transaction fees
Low interest rates and fees

Pros:

No annual fee.
No foreign transaction fees

Cons:

Lower credit limit
No additional travel benefits or insurance.

Why It’s Great: Ideal for those who want a no-fee card with straightforward cash back rewards.

How to Apply?

Go to the link for The Ulster Bank Credit Card and click apply – https://www.ulsterbank.co.uk/credit-cards/the-ulster-bank-credit-card.html

Ongoing Offers(July 2024)

No offers at the time of posting

4. Bank of Ireland Aer Credit Card

Overview: Bank of Ireland and Aer Lingus have teamed up to bring a new kind of credit card with travel benefits. One that turns your spend into amazing travel rewards. Let the adventures begin!.

Key Features:

Annual Fee: €78
Interest Rate: 14% APR
Rewards: Avios
Travel Insurance: Up to €5 million in travel insurance.

Pros:

Travel Rewards
Free Travel Insurance

Cons:

Reward rate is lower compared to other cards.
Higher interest rate if carrying a balance.

Why It’s Great: Suitable for those who want a reliable card with travel benefits

How to Apply?

Apply online and read more from the link – https://personalbanking.bankofireland.com/borrow/credit-cards/aer-credit-card/travel-rewards/ or call on 0818 200 412 – Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm or visit your local branch.

Ongoing Offers(July 2024)

2 Free Return Fares
2 Lounge Passes
Worldwide Travel Insurance

5. Permanent TSB ICE Visa Credit Card

Overview: The Permanent TSB ICE visa credit card is a versatile credit card offering 0% interest on balance transfers and 0% interest on new purchases for first 6 months and 3 months respectively.

Key Features:

Annual Fee: €30
Interest Rate: 16.5% APR
Additional Perks: Purchase protection and fraud alerts.

Pros:

After the first 3 months, enjoy interest-free credit for up to 56 days.
A second card for a family member for free (once they’re over 18).
Protection against fraud when shopping online with Verified by Visa.
No day-to-day transaction fees when you use your card to make purchases (fees will apply for the use of the card for the purposes of obtaining cash or cash substitute and non-euro transactions).
Acceptance worldwide wherever you see the Visa logo.
Freedom to choose your own monthly repayment amount (min 2.5% of your balance each month or €5, whichever is greater).
Flexibility to choose a monthly payment date for a time that suits you.

Cons:

Points redemption options might not be extensive.
Higher interest rate after offer period

See also Irish Euro: Ireland’s Currency

Why It’s Great: A solid choice for those who want a credit card without much hassle and with good introductory offers.

How to Apply?

Existing PTSB customer can apply in-app

If you are registered for Open24 Online Banking, you can:

Log into the PTSB App.
Select “Credit Card Application” and follow the instructions to submit your application.

If you are already a PTSB customer you can also call on 0818 210 591 or +353 1 215 1352 and complete your application over the phone.

You can also make an appointment to pop into any of PTSB bank branches and submit your application with one of our team. Call on 0818 50 24 24, Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays) 9am – 5pm and 10am – 2pm Saturday and Sunday, to make an appointment.

6. American Express Platinum Card

Overview: The American Express Platinum Card is a premium card offering extensive travel and lifestyle benefits.

Key Features:

Annual Fee: €550
Interest Rate: Variable (depends on usage and repayment).
Rewards: 1.5 points per €1 spent, redeemable for flights, hotel stays, and more.
Travel Benefits: Extensive travel insurance, airport lounge access, concierge services, medical assistance, car rental benefits, trip cancellation benefits
Additional Perks: Exclusive events, partner flight and hotel programmes, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, Avis President’s Club, Cruise benefits, purchase protection, and premium customer service.

Pros:

High rewards earning potential.
Excellent travel benefits and exclusive perks.
Comprehensive lounge access and concierge services.

Cons:

High annual fee.
Not suitable for those seeking low-cost options.

Why It’s Great: Perfect for those seeking a high-end card with luxury benefits and travel perks.

How to Apply?

Go to amercanexpress.com or this link directly to start your application – https://www.americanexpress.com/icc/cards/the-platinum-international-currency-card.html?inav=icc_menu_platinum_card

7. Avant Money One Card / Rewards+ Card

Overview: The Avant Money’s One Card / Rewards+ credit card is a credit card that comes with Ireland’s most comprehensive introductory offers, active from day one.

Key Features:

€150 credited to your account on balance transfer of €1000 or spending €500 in first 3 months for One Card and Rewards+ Card respectively
0% money transfers for 12 months
0% balance transfers for 9 months
0% purchases for 3 months
16.8% standard interest rate for purchases, transfers and cash withdrawals
25% Interest Refund for Rewards+ Card

Pros:

€150 cashback
€0 annual fee
25% Interest Refund

Cons:

Limited rewards and benefits compared to premium cards
No travel benefits

Why It’s Great: Ideal for those who want a low-cost card with great introductory benefits.

How to apply?

Visit https://www.avantmoney.ie/credit-cards

Ongoing Offers

€150 cashback

Irish Euro : Our Pick

Avantmoney Rewards+ Credit Card

Reason : Initial reward of €150 cashback and €0 annual fees are very appealing

Conclusion

Choosing the right credit card in Ireland involves evaluating your spending habits, financial goals, and the benefits that matter most to you. Whether you’re looking for travel rewards, cash back, or premium benefits, this guide provides a comprehensive overview of the top credit cards available in 2024. By comparing these options, you can find a card that aligns with your needs and helps you maximize your financial benefits.