Lower your credit card APR and save money

At Bank of Ireland, we’re committed to helping you make informed financial decisions. If you don’t pay off your credit card in full each month, you may pay high interest charges. Switching to a lower APR credit card could save you money.


What Are Your Options?

If you’re currently on Standard Advantage, Personal or Gold Advantage credit card, the interest rate on your card is higher than the rates on our other credit cards. We offer two credit cards with no annual fees* and with lower APRs compared to your current card:

*Government Stamp Duty of €30 applies to all credit cards.

Standard Advantage credit card

Interest rates and APR comparison table

CardStandard interest rateTypical APRCash advance rate

Standard Advantage

(No longer offered)

18.11%24.5%21.36%

Classic

(Current offering)

16.12%22.1%21.36%

Affinity

(Current offering)

14.57%20.2%18.33%

Representative example of Standard Advantage card purchase at standard interest rate of 18.11% variable. Typical Annual Percentage Rate (APR) of 24.5% variable including annual Government Stamp Duty of €30. Assuming purchase of €1,500 repaid in equal instalments over a 12-month period. The total amount repayable by customer is €1,677.18 which includes initial purchase of €1,500 and a total cost of credit of €177.18.



Representative example of Classic credit card purchase at standard interest rate of 16.12% variable. Typical Annual Percentage Rate (APR) of 22.1% variable including annual Government Stamp Duty of €30. Assuming purchase of €1,500 repaid in equal instalments over a 12-month period. The total amount repayable by customer is €1,661.01 which includes initial purchase of €1,500 and a total cost of credit of €161.01.



Representative example of Affinity credit card purchase at standard interest rate of 14.57% variable. Typical Annual Percentage Rate (APR) of 20.2% variable including annual Government Stamp Duty of €30. Assuming purchase of €1,500 repaid in equal instalments over a 12-month period. The total amount repayable by customer is €1,648.38 which includes initial purchase of €1,500 and a total cost of credit of €148.38.


Gold Advantage credit card

Interest rates and APR comparison table

CardStandard interest rateTypical APRCash advance rate

Gold Advantage

(No longer offered)

16.21%22.2%21.36%

Classic

(Current offering)

16.12%22.1%21.36%

Affinity

(Current offering)

14.57%20.2%18.33%

Representative example of Gold Advantage card purchase at standard interest rate of 16.21% variable. Typical Annual Percentage Rate (APR) of 22.2% variable including annual Government Stamp Duty of €30. Assuming purchase of €1,500 repaid in equal instalments over a 12-month period. The total amount repayable by customer is €1,661.70 which includes initial purchase of €1,500 and a total cost of credit of €161.70.



Representative example of Classic credit card purchase at standard interest rate of 16.12% variable. Typical Annual Percentage Rate (APR) of 22.1% variable including annual Government Stamp Duty of €30. Assuming purchase of €1,500 repaid in equal instalments over a 12-month period. The total amount repayable by customer is €1,661.01 which includes initial purchase of €1,500 and a total cost of credit of €161.01.



Representative example of Affinity credit card purchase at standard interest rate of 14.57% variable. Typical Annual Percentage Rate (APR) of 20.2% variable including annual Government Stamp Duty of €30. Assuming purchase of €1,500 repaid in equal instalments over a 12-month period. The total amount repayable by customer is €1,648.38 which includes initial purchase of €1,500 and a total cost of credit of €148.38.


Personal credit card

Interest rates and APR comparison table

CardStandard interest rateTypical APRCash advance rate

Personal

(No longer offered)

19.10%25.7%21.36%

Classic

(Current offering)

16.12%22.1%21.36%

Affinity

(Current offering)

14.57%20.2%18.33%

Representative example of Personal card purchase at standard interest rate of 19.10% variable. Typical Annual Percentage Rate (APR) of 25.7% variable including annual Government Stamp Duty of €30. Assuming purchase of €1,500 repaid in equal instalments over a 12-month period. The total amount repayable by customer is €1,685.60 which includes initial purchase of €1,500 and a total cost of credit of €185.60.



Representative example of Classic credit card purchase at standard interest rate of 16.12% variable. Typical Annual Percentage Rate (APR) of 22.1% variable including annual Government Stamp Duty of €30. Assuming purchase of €1,500 repaid in equal instalments over a 12-month period. The total amount repayable by customer is €1,661.01 which includes initial purchase of €1,500 and a total cost of credit of €161.01.



Representative example of Affinity credit card purchase at standard interest rate of 14.57% variable. Typical Annual Percentage Rate (APR) of 20.2% variable including annual Government Stamp Duty of €30. Assuming purchase of €1,500 repaid in equal instalments over a 12-month period. The total amount repayable by customer is €1,648.38 which includes initial purchase of €1,500 and a total cost of credit of €148.38.



 

How to switch your credit card

Switching is quick and easy. Choose the card you want to switch to then select ‘Change Credit Card’ on the application form.

Alternatively, you can call us on 0818 210 325 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).

FAQs


  • Do I need to pay off my balance in order to switch?

    No. Your existing balance will carry over to the new card.


  • Will my existing card stop working after I submit my application to switch?

    No. Your current card will keep working until you receive and activate your new card. However, you may not be able to complete some online transactions until you receive you new (physical) card.


  • Can I go back to my old card if I change my mind?

    No, if you are changing from a card that is no longer offered please note that once the card is switched it will not be possible to revert to the card you previously had. However, if you are not happy with your chosen card, you can request to change to any card from our existing offering.


  • How long it will take for my new card to arrive?

    After you have submitted your request to switch, it should take about 10 days for your new card to arrive.


  • Will I be able to use my digital wallets as normal while I’m switching cards?

    Yes. Digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) will continue to work as usual and you will be able to use them as normal for online purchases (as long as Apple/Google pay is available at the checkout). You will not need to make any updates to the wallet, after you get your new card.


  • Do I need to make any updates to 365 online?

    Your new card details will automatically update on your 365 online profile. However you will need to update the payee section.


  • Will my card number change after I switch?

    Yes. Your new credit card will have a new credit card number. Once you receive your credit card, you will have to activate it. We will explain how to do this, when we send your credit card. If your credit card is registered with a payment provider, like PayPal or Amazon, you will need to update your credit card details with them before you can use it to make purchases.


  • What will remain unchanged?

    Your credit limit, PIN, payment due date and transaction history will remain unchanged. If you have a direct debit set up to pay your card, it will continue to pay as normal.


  • Do I need to make any changes to recurring payments?

    Any recurring payments from your credit card, like Netflix, should automatically transfer to your new credit card. However, sometimes Mastercard or the service providers do not update your credit card details, so we recommend contacting them directly.


  • Will switching affect my credit score?

    No. Switching your credit card will not affect your Central Credit Register (CCR) record.


  • Need extra help or facing financial challenges?

    We believe banking should be accessible to everyone. If you or someone you know needs support with day-to-day banking, financial difficulties or other challenges, our Extra Help Hub is here for you.

    • Visit our Extra Help Hub by searching ‘Bank of Ireland extra help’ online.
    • Text ‘extra help’ to 50365 or call 1800 946 146 (option 1) for assistance.
    • For services like Braille, large print, audio formats, or other languages, visit a branch or call us.

    We are here to help – please don’t hesitate to reach out. Go to Financial Wellbeing for more information.


  • Understanding how interest is charged on your credit card

    • If you withdraw cash using your credit card, interest is charged at the cash advance rate until it is repaid.
    • If you make a purchase and don’t pay the full amount by the due date, interest is charged at the purchase rate on the remaining balance.
    • The Annual Percentage Rate (APR) reflects the total yearly cost of borrowing, including interest and fees like Government Stamp Duty (€30).
    • To avoid paying interest on purchases, always clear your full balance by the due date.

    For responsible credit card use, visit boi.com/responsibleuse.