Longest 0% purchases card
Flex
-
Balance Transfers
0% for 9 months
Purchases
15.7%
Typical APR
Instalment plani
On transactions over €250, pay over 12 months at an even lower interest rate of just 8.6% APR. The instalment plan is only available with limited merchants wherever you see the Mastercard instalment symbol.
*0% interest on purchases does not apply if you use the instalment plan.
Why we like this card
This is currently Ireland’s longest 0% purchase rate deal. With nine months to pay off your purchases with no interest, it’s hard to fault the Flex credit card from An Post.
Once your introductory period is up you can continue to make great savings with their low rate 8.6% APR (Annual Percentage Rate) Instalment Plan on purchases over €250.
Also, benefit from fee-free transfers so you can transfer money from your credit card to your current account when needed. The purchase interest rate will apply to money transfers.
Pros
- You’ll get a lengthy 9 months with 0% interest on purchases
- An instalment option for larger purchases with a low rate
- Fee-free money transfers from your credit card to your current account
Cons
- Instalment plan rates are lower at other banks
The bottom line
It’s the best 0% purchase card offer in Ireland, with a long 0% interest period and fee-free money transfers for flexible spending.
Best 0% purchase card for everyday spending
Classic - Purchases
-
Balance Transfers
0% for 6 months
Purchases
Instalment plani
Spread your bigger credit card purchases of €250 or more at a great low rate of6.7% variable(6.9% Annual Percentage Rate).
Why we like this card
Whether you’re shopping online, paying bills or planning to make a big purchase, the Classic Credit Card from the Bank of Ireland is a great card to make those interest free purchases.
This card has one of the longest 0% periods and lowest APR (Annual Percentage Rate), so you'll pay less for your credit when your interest-free period is up.
If you need to make a large purchase of €250 or more after your interest free period has ended, the Instalment Plan lets you transfer your credit card purchase onto a rate of 6.7% variable (6.9% APR) and pay off the debt in monthly instalments.
Simply phone your bank before your next monthly payment is due and let them know which item you want to pay on an instalment plan.
Pros
- You’ll get 6 months to shop without paying interest
- Make quick and safe contactless payments with Apple or Google Pay
- There’s a low interest instalment option for larger purchases
- As a MasterCard customer you’ll get exclusive offers and travel perks.
Cons
- You’ll have to choose between the 0% balance transfer and 0% purchase offer
The bottom line
It’s the perfect spending partner for everyday purchases and life’s little luxuries.
Best all around 0% purchase card
One Card
0% for 9 months
Balance Transfers
0% for 3 months
Purchases
22.9%
Typical APR
0% on Money Transfers for 12 months
Advantages® Loyalty Programi
Over 300 always-on offers. More discounts and less restrictions from 100’s of your favourite top brands. Plus exclusive experiences, customer days, and competitions for you and your family.
Why we like this card
The Avant Money One Card not only offers 0% on purchases for 3 months, you’ll get a 0% balance transfer period of 9 months and a 0% money transfer for any purpose.
You’ll also earn rewards on your spending through the Avant Avantages® loyalty programme, giving you discounts and rewards at hundreds of Ireland’s top brands.
The 0% money transfer could allow you to transfer money to your current account to pay for purchases, interest-free for 12 months, a bit like a 0% loan.
If you want to clear your debt on another credit card, the 0% balance transfer card will allow you to transfer the debt and pay 0% interest on it for 9 months.
Find out more about balance and money transfers onIreland’s best 0% balance transfer cards.
Pros
- You’ll get 0% purchases for 3 months
- Benefit from 0% money transfer for 12 months
- Reduce your debts with 0% balance transfer for 9 months
- Enjoy the Avantages® loyalty programme for access to over 300 offers
Cons
- It’s got one of the highest annual percentage rates (APRs) once the discount ends
- You’ll need to arrange the transfers between accounts yourself
- You’ll need to complete transactions within the first 90 days to avail of the offers
The bottom line
A great all-rounder for purchases and managing existing debt. It’s the ideal option for those confident with credit.
Best 0% purchase card for travel
Platinum Advantage - Purchases
-
Balance Transfers
0% for 6 months
Purchases
19.6%
Typical APR
Free travel insurance
Instalment plani
Spread your bigger credit card purchases of €250 or more at a great low rate of6.7% variable(6.9% Annual Percentage Rate).
Annual fee of €76.18 applies
Why we like this card
Not only does the Platinum Credit Card have one of the longest 0% interest rate periods, but it also has one of the lowest APRs of all the 0% credit cards we viewed and a great travel perk for frequent flyers.
If you’re planning to make big purchases, the long 0% interest period and subsequent low APR means your credit goes further for longer.
The free multi-trip travel insurance is a handy benefit too. You’ll get comprehensive travel cover including winter sports every time you use your card to pay for at least half of your trip abroad.
Pros
- It’s got one of the longest interest-free purchase period in Ireland
- Benefit from a low APR once your introductory period ends
- Spread the cost of large purchases at a low rate with an Instalment Plan
- Enjoy free travel insurance
Cons
- You’ll need to earn €40,000 per year to qualify
- There’s an annual charge of €76.18
The bottom line
A great credit card for big spenders who want to keep their credit balance small.
Your guide to 0% purchase cards
Get a credit card with a 0% rate, and spread the cost of purchases without paying interest.
Get the most from your 0% purchase card
Interest-free credit cards are also known as 0% purchase cards. They allow you to go shopping or spend on entertainment and services without paying any interest for a limited period. The 0% usually lasts between one and 12 months.
Once the introductory interest-free period ends, you’ll start to pay the standard variable interest rate and your monthly repayments will rise.
You will have to make the minimum monthly payment each month so check what this will be and make sure you can afford to meet at least the minimum payment, before spending on your card.
To get the most from your 0% purchase card, make sure you pay off what you have borrowed before the introductory period ends so you don’t end up paying the higher rate of interest on the outstanding balance.
Your card in action
If you spend €1,000 on your credit card with an APR of 20% and you pay back €90 per month it would take 13 months and cost you an extra€115in interest, but with an introductory rate of 0% APR for 6 months (reverting to 20% APR thereafter) it would take 12 months to pay off the balance and cost you€25.
How to pick the best 0% purchase card
Although it’s tempting just to take out a credit card with your bank, it often pays to shop around to see what other providers have to offer.
After weighing up the features, you may find that one card is better suited to your spending habits, so before you pick a card think about:
- What are you most likely to use the card on - shopping, services or paying bills?
- Will you use it to make one major purchase or many small purchases over time?
- Can you afford to pay off the balance when the discount ends?
So, if you shop frequently and pay off your balance in full most months a purchase card with cashback may be best.
However, if you’re making a large purchase and are unlikely to settle the balance by the time the 0% offer ends, a card with a long introductory period and a low APR may be better.
Compare these features when picking an interest-free card:
- Introductory interest rate- this is a discounted rate set for a fixed time, usually 0%. This means you’ll pay no interest on purchases during the introductory offer period which is between one and six months in Ireland.
- Typical APR- this is the official rate used for comparing credit cards and loans and includes the standard rate of interest plus other costs associated with your credit such as Government Stamp Duty or annual fees.
- Standard variable interest rate- this is the interest rate your card returns to after the interest-free period ends. It’s the rate you’ll pay on all purchases once the introductory period ends.
- Bank charges- you’ll have to pay fees for things like late payment, cash advances or missed payments. Some rewards cards also charge an annual fee, so check the small print before applying because it’s often hidden away.
- Rewards and cashback- for frequent shoppers cards with cashback, travel rewards or exclusive discounts are popular but you may have to pay an annual fee and there can be hidden catches. If you don’t use your card often or travel frequently they’re probably not worth it.
- Salary requirements- most cards require you to have a salary of at least €16,000 per year with some requiring up to €40,000. Student credit cards don’t have salary requirements.
Features you’ll get with your 0% credit card
These features often come as standard with your credit card:
- No transaction fees when you pay for goods and services in Ireland
- Fraud protection andsecure online shopping
- Contactless payments on your mobile with Apple and Google Pay
- 56 days interest free credit when you pay off your balance in full each month
- Low cost instalment plans with low interest for large purchases
- Free additional cardholders, often up to 3 extra people
Is there a spending limit on a credit card?
Yes, you’ll be given a credit limit. Your credit limit is the maximum amount you can borrow on your credit card at any one time.
For example, if your credit limit is €5,000 you can owe up to that amount on your card at any time before incurring extra charges.
When you apply for a credit card you may get an indication of your credit limit eligibility but you won’t necessarily get the amount you requested. You’ll only find out your actual credit limit when your application has been approved.
How is your credit limit calculated?
When you apply for a credit card, yourcredit historywill be checked to work out what your credit limit should be and the interest rate once the 0% rate has ended.
Credit limits are also based on other factors including:
- Income and outgoings, like salary and rent
- Existing credit commitments, like loans or other credit cards
- Past credit performance
Check your credit report for your financial history and repayment records and learn more about how banks and card issuers use yourcredit reportto set your credit limit and interest rate.
0% purchase card alternatives
If you need to borrow money to make a big purchase or to cover times when you are short of cash, like the end of the month or towards Christmas a line of credit can often come in handy. Here’s a couple of other options worth exploring.
Loans
A loan is worth considering if you want to make a one-off, large purchase like a car or holiday. You can usually borrow between €1000 and €25,000 and make monthly repayments at a fixed interest rate over an agreed period.
The lowest interest loans in Ireland are typically around 7% APR, but for an up-to-datefull comparison of loansin Ireland visit Switcher.ie.
The advantage of a loan is that interest and monthly payments are fixed at the start of the loan, but you won’t get a 0% introductory period, and you’ll have less flexibility and control over your repayments
Overdrafts
An overdraft lets you withdraw money or pay bills from your current account even if your balance is zero. It is a form of short term credit that your bank may authorise so you can deal with temporary cash shortfalls.
It’s not a good idea to rely on your overdraft for credit even if it’s agreed upon because interest rates are typically over 12% and you will also have to pay a fee.
Visit Switcher.ie if you want to know more aboutcurrent accountsand overdraft fees.
Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL)
Buy Now Pay Later helps you spread the cost of borrowing and is increasingly being offered as a way to pay for goods and services online.
It works by allowing you to split the cost of purchases into smaller payments without paying interest. Credit decisions are usually instant, and you can complete payment for your shopping as you would with a debit card, credit card or Paypal.
The advantage of BNPL is that if you pay for your purchases within the agreed time, you can spread the costs without paying extra interest; however, if you don’t clear the credit on time, you may be stumped with late fees and high interest rates on the remaining balance.
Which is best?
If you pay off your balance within the 0% interest period on a credit card, then a card is the cheapest and most flexible way to get credit, plus you could benefit from cashback and rewards.
How to apply for a 0% purchase card
To qualify for a 0% purchase card in Ireland you may have to complete an eligibility check before you apply. This can be a helpful step because it gives you a clue about what your credit limit could be and the likelihood of approval.
For the full application, you’ll need to provide personal and financial information, including your PPSN. The card issuer is required by law to obtain evidence of your credit history from theCentral Credit Register.
To get approved you’ll need to fulfil the bank’s lending criteria and have a good credit history. Lending criteria will differ between banks, but most will require that you are:
- over 18 years of age
- a permanent resident of the Republic of Ireland
- earning over €16,000 per year
This month’s 0% credit cards deals at a glance
Before you go ahead and apply, it’s worth shopping around to see what’s on offer. Here’s the latest deals ranked by discount period.
| Introductory Interest Rate | Typical APR | |
|---|---|---|
| An Post Flex credit card | 0% for 9 Months | 15.7% |
| Bank of Ireland Platinum Advantage | 0% for 6 Months | 19.6% |
| Bank of Ireland Classic | 0% for 6 Months | 22.1% |
| Bank of Ireland Aer Credit Card | 0% for 6 Months | 26.6% |
| Permanent TSB ICE Visa Credit Card | 0% for 3 Months | 22.53% |
| Avant Money One Card | 0% for 3 Months | 22.9% |
0% purchase card FAQs
Can I withdraw cash on my 0% purchase card?
Yes, but avoid using your credit card for cash withdrawals if you can, as they won’t be eligible for the 0% rate. You’ll have to pay a withdrawal charge and get charged a daily interest fee.
What happens if I can't make my repayments?
If you can’t keep up with your minimum monthly repayments or exceed the credit limit on your card, you could risk losing the 0% rate and revert to the standard interest rate. This will make your monthly payments more expensive.
What is the minimum repayment?
It’s the minimum amount you must pay towards your credit card balance each month.
Ideally, you should pay off your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges, but if that’s not possible you must make a minimum repayment every month.
If you don’t, you risk paying a penalty, owing extra interest and harming your credit score.
Can I get more than one 0% credit card?
Yes, if you have a good credit history, there is no reason why you can’t have more than one credit card. In fact, some people will have one credit card to help them clear their outstanding balances and one to shop with that has cashback or rewards.
However, you’ll need to pay the Government Stamp Duty of €30 on each credit card account you hold.
If you have a poor credit score, it will be harder to get more credit because the card issuer will access theCentral Credit Register Creditto assess your credit history.
What does Typical APR mean?
The annual percentage rate (APR) is the official rate used for comparing credit cards and other types of credit like mortgages and loans. The APR takes into account the standard interest rate and additional charges like the Government Stamp Duty, but not penalties, like late payment fees.
The lower the APR, the cheaper the cost of borrowing should be. A Typical APR is an average rate offered to the majority of borrowers.
FAQs
How hard is it to get a zero percent credit card? ›
Introductory no-interest credit cards typically require good credit (scores 670 to 739) or excellent credit (scores 740 and greater). If your score falls in the fair and average credit range (580 to 669) or bad credit range (below 669), you may have trouble qualifying for a 0% APR card.
What credit card is most accepted in Ireland? ›Opt for a Mastercard or Visa.
They're the most-widely accepted cards and Ireland is no exception, though you can't still use your American Express cards in some locations.
A lower interest rate can ensure you pay less in interest over time, so it's worth asking. You may even be able to qualify for a 0 percent APR on a credit card for a limited time, although you'll typically need good or excellent credit to qualify for that type of offer.
Does discover work in Ireland? ›CREDIT CARDS
Visa, MasterCard and American Express are widely accepted. Diners Club card is accepted at a limited number of establishments. Discover is generally not accepted in Ireland.
Credit scoring models don't consider the interest rate on your loan or credit card when calculating your scores. As a result, having a 0% APR (or 99% APR for that matter) won't directly impact your scores. However, the amount of interest that accrues on your loan could indirectly impact your scores in several ways.
Does not paying off a 0 credit card hurt your credit? ›The bottom line
Keeping a balance on your card from one month to the next could increase your credit utilization ratio and negatively impact your credit score. So, as always, the sooner you can pay off your balance, the better.
The survey found that 51% of Irish adults own credit cards. More than half of those surveyed think adults in Ireland are too reliant on credit cards to pay for goods.
What is a high credit score in Ireland? ›A good credit score in Ireland is a high one. The highest credit score you could get in Ireland was 581, this meant that you are one of the lowest risks to lenders and you were highly likely to repay on time. The lowest credit score you could get is 224.
What credit card has the lowest APR rate in Ireland? ›- 15.7% An Post Money Flex (Mastercard)
- 17% AIB Platinum (Visa) (Min €40k Salary)
- 17.99% Revolut.
- 19.6% BOI Platinum Advantage (Mastercard) (Min €40k Salary)
- 22.1% BOI Classic (Mastercard)
- 22.53% PTSB Ice (Visa)
- 22.9% Avant Money.
- 22.9% AIB be (Mastercard or Visa)
It's generally recommended that you have two to three credit card accounts at a time, in addition to other types of credit. Remember that your total available credit and your debt to credit ratio can impact your credit scores. If you have more than three credit cards, it may be hard to keep track of monthly payments.
How many credit cards should you have? ›
Credit bureaus suggest that five or more accounts — which can be a mix of cards and loans — is a reasonable number to build toward over time. Having very few accounts can make it hard for scoring models to render a score for you.
What is the max you should ever owe on a credit card? ›It's your credit card debt ratio. In general, you never want your minimum credit card payments to exceed 10 percent of your net income.
Is Capital One accepted in Ireland? ›Take your Capital One and use it for large purchases and those purchases for which you want the added protection that credit cards can offer. It's the best cc you can have in Ireland due to the fact that Cap One absorbs the 1% fee imposed by M/C and doesn't pass on any currency conversion charges to you.
Can you get Amex in Ireland? ›The main credit cards in Ireland accepted are Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.
Can Americans use ATMs in Ireland? ›All US issued Visa Debit cards and Mastercard Debit cards should work in ATMs in Ireland. All US issued Visa Debit cards and Mastercard Debit cards can be used to spend in stores in Ireland.
Will paying off your entire credit card balance in full every month hurt your score? ›Paying off your credit card balance every month may not improve your credit score alone, but it's one factor that can help you improve your score. There are several factors that companies use to calculate your credit score, including comparing how much credit you're using to how much credit you have available.
Should I pay off my credit card in full or leave a small balance? ›It's a good idea to pay off your credit card balance in full whenever you're able. Carrying a monthly credit card balance can cost you in interest and increase your credit utilization rate, which is one factor used to calculate your credit scores.
Do credit card companies like when you carry a balance? ›Yes, credit card companies do like it when you pay in full each month. In fact, they consider it a sign of creditworthiness and active use of your credit card. Carrying a balance month-to-month increases your debt through interest charges and can hurt your credit score if your balance is over 30% of your credit limit.
Why did my credit score drop 40 points after paying off debt? ›Paying off debt can lower your credit score when: It changes your credit utilization ratio. It lowers average credit account age. You have fewer kinds of credit accounts.
Why did my credit score drop 100 points after paying off a car? ›Lenders like to see a mix of both installment loans and revolving credit on your credit portfolio. So if you pay off a car loan and don't have any other installment loans, you might actually see that your credit score dropped because you now have only revolving debt.
Why is my credit score going down if I pay everything on time? ›
Similarly, if you pay off a credit card debt and close the account entirely, your scores could drop. This is because your total available credit is lowered when you close a line of credit, which could result in a higher credit utilization ratio.
Is Ireland credit card friendly? ›Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted throughout the island of Ireland; American Express is accepted in some places but not all. Credit cards can be used for purchases and also to withdraw cash from ATMs (although this usually is accompanied by a fee).
How much debt does the average Irish person have? ›At over €44,000 for every person in the country, Ireland has one the highest per capita debt burdens in the world.
What is the average debt in Ireland? ›Ireland's public debt increased to €226bn last year and now stands at €44,000 for every person in the country, one of the highest per capita debt burdens in the world.
How long are you blacklisted for in Ireland? ›It is operated by the Central Bank of Ireland. The Central Credit Register started to record loans from 30 June 2017. It keeps a record for 5 years after the last payment for a loan is made.
How to get 900 credit score? ›- Maintain a consistent payment history. ...
- Monitor your credit score regularly. ...
- Keep old accounts open and use them sporadically. ...
- Report your on-time rent and utility payments. ...
- Increase your credit limit when possible. ...
- Avoid maxing out your credit cards. ...
- Balance your credit utilization.
- Checking your credit report regularly: to ensure it has no mistakes and is showing any new payments you've made.
- Reporting any errors to your lender: so your report can be updated. ...
- Clearing any arrears: and then making all future payments in full and on time.
- AIB. AIB provide full personal and business banking services and offer a range of credit cards for all needs, including the low interest CLICK Visa Card, 'be' Visa, Platinum Visa Card, and the AIB Student Card. ...
- An Post Money. ...
- Avant Money. ...
- Bank of Ireland. ...
- Permanent TSB. ...
- Revolut.
Is there an interest rate cap on high cost credit? The Consumer Credit (Amendment) Act 2022 introduced an interest rate cap on high cost credit agreements as follows: 1% per week simple interest on fixed rate loans, up to a maximum of 48%, 2.83% nominal interest on the outstanding balance per month on running accounts.
Can you get 0% APR with 750 credit score? ›The exact credit score you might need to qualify for a 0% APR loan varies depending on your situation. Many lenders require a minimum score of at least 700. Others require excellent credit scores, such as 720, 750, or even 800.
Is it better to close a credit card or leave it open with a zero balance? ›
In general, it's better to leave your credit cards open with a zero balance instead of canceling them. This is true even if they aren't being used as open credit cards allow you to maintain a lower overall credit utilization ratio and will allow your credit history to stay on your report for longer.
Does cancelling a card hurt credit? ›A credit card can be canceled without harming your credit score. To avoid damage to your credit score, paying down credit card balances first (not just the one you're canceling) is key. Closing a charge card won't affect your credit history (history is a factor in your overall credit score).
How many credit cards should I have for 800 credit score? ›Consumers with 800+ credit scores have an average of 8.3 open accounts. High credit score consumers have an average of 8.3 open accounts — similar to the 7.9 we found in 2021.
Is 7 credit cards a lot? ›There is no universal number of credit cards that is “too many.” Your credit score won't tank once you hit a certain number. In reality, the point of “too many” credit cards is when you're losing money on annual fees or having trouble keeping up with bills — and that varies from person to person.
How many credit cards does average American have? ›Americans carry 4 credit cards on average. Here's how many you should have, according the experts. Managing multiple cards isn't for everyone. Credit cards often get a bad rap for having high interest rates and leading to unmanageable debt.
How much credit cards does the average person have? ›An Experian report shows that, on average, people have three different credit card accounts. Roughly 191 million American adults have at least one credit card account, half of all Americans have at least two cards and 13% have at least five cards. There's no right number for how many cards you should have.
What is the credit limit for 50000 salary? ›What will be my credit limit for a salary of ₹50,000? Typically, your credit limit is 2 or 3 times of your current salary. So, if your salary is ₹50,000, you can expect your credit limit to be anywhere between ₹1 lakh and ₹1.5 lakh.
What is a realistic credit limit? ›A good credit limit is above $30,000, as that is the average credit card limit, according to Experian. To get a credit limit this high, you typically need an excellent credit score, a high income and little to no existing debt.
Is $5000 in credit card debt a lot? ›About 52% of Americans owe $2,500 or less on their credit cards. If you're looking at $5,000 or higher, you should really get motivated to knock out that debt quickly. The sooner you do, the less money you'll lose to interest.
Does Discover work in Ireland? ›CREDIT CARDS
Visa, MasterCard and American Express are widely accepted. Diners Club card is accepted at a limited number of establishments. Discover is generally not accepted in Ireland.
How much cash do I need in Ireland? ›
We recommend bringing a small amount of cash in euros to Ireland with you. Around €300 euro should be more than enough to get you through your first days in Dublin.
Do I need cash in Ireland? ›Ireland's main currency is the Euro. Because most places you visit will be able to take your credit or debit cards, you don't need to take much cash.
Why is Amex not widely accepted in Europe? ›In many places in Europe, for example, stores and restaurants prefer not to accept Amex payments because of higher merchant charges. That means that, especially in cheaper stores and family businesses, your card might not be accepted.
Which Amex is best for overseas? ›The best credit card for international travel depends on your travel goals and habits. If you want a card packed with luxury benefits, a great loyalty program and you don't mind paying a $695 annual fee (see rates and fees), the Amex Platinum card is the best choice.
What credit score do I need for a zero percent credit card? ›0% APR cards require good to excellent credit
This means you'll need a FICO credit score of at least 670 or a VantageScore credit score of at least 661. If you have very good or excellent credit, which means a FICO score of at least 799 or a VantageScore of at least 781, you'll be even more likely to be accepted.
There is no minimum credit score needed for a credit card. Even borrowers with poor credit (a score of 300) or no credit card at all can qualify for some credit cards. However, options for bad-credit borrowers are limited and usually come with a high annual percentage rate (APR) and fees.
How many 0 percent credit cards can you have? ›There's no official limit on how many credit cards you're allowed to have at once — at least, not technically — whether they're of the 0% interest variety or not. In reality, each lender has its own limits on how much credit they will extend to any individual.
Is there such thing as a 0% credit card? ›Zero-interest credit cards, or 0 percent intro APR credit cards, allow cardholders to make payments with no interest on purchases, balance transfers or both for a predetermined period of time.