🇮🇪 Irish credit cards compared

Compare Credit Cards in Ireland

See how AIB, Bank of Ireland, An Post Money, Permanent TSB and credit unions compare on APR, fees, and rewards.

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Providers

Credit card providers in Ireland

Ireland has a smaller credit card market than the UK, but there are meaningful differences in APR, fees, and features across providers.

AIB

Wide range

Wide range of Visa and Mastercard options including standard, platinum, and rewards cards. One of the most widely held cards in Ireland.

Bank of Ireland

Cashback options

Classic and rewards cards with cashback options. Competitive on annual fees for existing current account holders.

Permanent TSB

Standard and gold

Standard and gold card options. Worth comparing if you already hold a PTSB current account.

An Post Money

Low APR

Known for lower APR options and balance transfer offers. A strong option for anyone carrying a balance month to month.

Credit Unions

Lowest rates

Often the lowest APR available in Ireland. Membership is required, but for existing members this is frequently the cheapest option.

Revolut / N26

Digital banks

Digital-first card products. Good for travel spending and fee-free foreign transactions. Less suited to traditional credit use.

How to compare

What actually matters when comparing credit cards

APR (Annual Percentage Rate)

The yearly cost of borrowing if you carry a balance. Standard purchase APR in Ireland typically ranges from 19% to 27%. On a €2,000 balance, the difference between a 19% and 27% APR card is roughly €160 per year. If you regularly carry a balance, APR is the most important factor to compare.

Annual fee

Some cards charge an annual or monthly fee regardless of how much you spend. If you pay your balance in full each month and rarely use credit, a no-fee card is almost always the better choice. Cards with fees sometimes offset the cost through rewards or a lower APR.

Balance transfer rate

A balance transfer lets you move existing credit card debt to a new card, often at 0% interest for an introductory period. This can significantly reduce the cost of carrying debt. Transfer fees of 1–3% typically apply, and the standard APR kicks in when the introductory period ends.

Rewards and cashback

Some Irish credit cards offer points, cashback, or travel rewards on spending. These are most valuable if you pay your balance in full every month. If you carry a balance, the interest cost will outweigh any rewards earned in almost every case.

Foreign transaction fees

Most traditional Irish credit cards charge 1.5–3% on spending outside the eurozone. If you travel frequently or buy from non-euro websites, a card with no foreign transaction fees (such as digital bank options) can save a meaningful amount each year.

Worth knowing: A rewards card that charges 24% APR will cost you far more in interest than any rewards you earn if you carry a balance. Rewards are only valuable when you pay in full each month.

How to choose the right credit card in Ireland

The right credit card depends on how you actually use credit. Most people fall into one of two categories: those who pay their balance in full each month, and those who carry a balance.

If you pay in full every month, interest rate is largely irrelevant. The factors that matter are the annual fee (ideally zero), any rewards or cashback on spending, and whether the card has foreign transaction fees if you travel.

If you regularly carry a balance, APR is the single most important factor. The interest cost on an unpaid balance at 24% APR will outweigh any rewards or benefits the card offers. In this case, the lowest APR card you qualify for is almost always the best choice, regardless of features.

Balance transfer cards are worth considering for anyone with existing credit card debt. Moving a balance to a 0% introductory offer can save a significant amount in interest, provided you pay down the balance before the promotional period ends.

How Sortd compares credit cards

  • Compares APR, annual fee, and balance transfer rates across major Irish providers.
  • Filters by what matters to you: lowest rate, no annual fee, or best rewards.
  • Shows your current card alongside alternatives so you can see clearly where you could save.
  • Monitors your card and alerts you if a meaningfully better option becomes available.
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Common questions

Which credit card has the lowest interest rate in Ireland?+
The lowest APR credit cards in Ireland are typically from credit unions and An Post Money. Standard purchase APR across Irish cards ranges from around 19% to 27%. The best rate available to you depends on your credit profile and whether you are an existing member of a credit union.
What is APR and why does it matter?+
APR (Annual Percentage Rate) is the yearly cost of borrowing on your credit card if you carry a balance. On a €2,000 balance at 22% APR, you pay roughly €440 per year in interest. Even a few percentage points difference adds up significantly over time. If you pay your balance in full each month, APR is less relevant than the annual fee and any rewards.
Are there credit cards with no annual fee in Ireland?+
Yes. Several Irish credit cards carry no annual fee, including options from AIB, Bank of Ireland, and An Post Money. Cards with no annual fee may have a slightly higher APR or fewer rewards. For anyone who pays their balance in full each month, a no-fee card is usually the most cost-effective choice.
How does a balance transfer credit card work in Ireland?+
A balance transfer moves existing credit card debt to a new card, often at 0% interest for an introductory period of 6–12 months. A transfer fee of 1–3% of the amount moved typically applies. After the introductory period ends, the standard APR applies to any remaining balance. It is most useful for people with existing credit card debt who want to reduce the interest they pay.
What credit cards are available in Ireland?+
The main credit card providers in Ireland are AIB, Bank of Ireland, Permanent TSB, An Post Money, and credit unions. Revolut and N26 also offer card products that function similarly to credit cards for everyday spending. Each provider has different APRs, fees, and reward structures.
Should I choose a credit card based on rewards or APR?+
It depends on how you use credit. If you pay your balance in full every month, rewards and no annual fee are the most relevant factors. If you carry a balance, APR will cost you far more than any rewards you earn. For most people who carry a balance, the lowest APR card is the right choice regardless of rewards.

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