Credit card support

What do I need to discuss my credit card?

To help us find your credit card account as quickly as we can when you call us, please have the following to hand:

• Your 16-digit credit card number – you’ll find that on the front or back of your credit card

Your questions answered

Missed repayments

• What happens if I miss a credit card repayment?

  If you clear your balance on time and in full each month you will not be charged any interest.

  If the full balance is not repaid by the payment due date shown on your Statement, or you miss a repayment, interest is charged on the unpaid balance from the date the transaction was debited to the Account, as shown on your Statement, until full repayment is credited to the Account.

  If you do not meet the repayments on your credit agreement, your account will go into arrears. This may affect your credit rating, which may limit your ability to access credit in the future.

• Who can I speak with if I’m in difficulty making repayments to my credit card account?

  If you’re having difficulty making the required repayments on your Bank of Ireland credit card, or feel you will not be able to meet your repayments, please call us on 0818 866 555 (+353 1 488 3037), 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. We’re here to help.

• How can I make a payment towards my credit card arrears?

  There are three ways to pay your credit card bill:

  1.Online

  To pay online, log in to 365 online or the 365 mobile app. Select your credit card account and tap ‘Pay now’. All payments take 24 hours (excluding non-working days) to reach your credit card account.

  If you want to make a payment to your euro credit card from another bank or non-euro account, add the following payee details and make a payment to this account:

  • BIC: BOFIIE2D
  • IBAN: IE46BOFI90153899943016
  • Reference: Payment may be returned if the FULL card number is not included which appears on either the front or the back of your credit card.

  See How to add a payee for more details. Payment times from other banks may vary due to transfer cut-off times. Please refer to the sending bank for this information.

  2.Direct debit

  You can take the worry out of paying your bill on time by setting up a direct debit for one of the following:

  • the monthly minimum of amount, 2.5%
  • a fixed percentage of the outstanding balance
  • the entire outstanding amount

  Complete and return the direct debit mandate form to the address on the form or call us 9am to 5pm on 0818 251 251 Monday to Friday.

  3.Cash

  You can pay by cash in any of our branches using a lodgement ATM. Cash payments made in our branches will be added to your credit card account on the same day.

  Please always allow enough time for your credit card to receive your payment by the due date on your statement.

  Make once off payments. You’ll find information on how to do this on the back of your credit card statement.

• Are there any fees and charges relating to credit card arrears?

  • Late payment fee: This fee is charged if you do not pay at least the minimum repayment by the due date
  • Over limit fee: If you spend more than your credit limit during a billing period, you will have to pay an extra fee. Also, if you try to use your card after going over the limit, it may not work.

  Find full details by clicking find out more on credit card fees and charges.

• Who is responsible if my credit card goes into arrears?

  The main cardholder remains solely liable for all charges, interest and fees incurred on the account including those of additional cardholders.

General queries

• How do I use my credit card responsibly?

  Here are some dos and don’ts to help you use your card responsibly:

  Do:

  • Pay off your balance in full each month to avoid paying interest.
  • Check your statements and set up a direct debit to avoid missed repayments.
  • Review available repayment options before making large purchases (€250 or more). Using a credit card instalment plan or taking out a loan may be more cost effective.
  • Know your card’s features, benefits, fees, and charges. Look for introductory offers if switching providers.
  • Check for reward programs or specific benefits with your card.

  Don’t:

  • Use minimum payments. They may seem convenient but will cause interest to build up quickly.
  • Miss repayments. Missing repayments adds charges to your account and can impact your credit profile and ability to borrow money in the future.
  • Withdraw cash with your credit card unless absolutely necessary. Most banks charge interest from the first day.
  • Overspend. Be mindful of your limit and consider if it’s aligned to your needs. If you feel your credit limit is too high, contact your bank to reduce it.

• How often do I get my Credit Card bill?

  Your credit card is billed monthly on 365 online, the 365 mobile app, or by post.

  Please note: There is an annual government stamp duty fee that applies to all credit cards. The current rate is €30. We collect this on behalf of the government once a year.

• How can I increase the minimum payment amount to my credit card?

  To increase your minimum payments to your credit card, you can:

  • Set up or update your credit card direct debit to any of the following options:10%, 20%, 50%, 100%.
  • Speak to a member of our credit card services team on 0818 251 251 (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday) for available loan options that you can use to pay off and close your credit card.

• What is APR?

  The Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is the annual rate of interest charged on a credit card. It includes all costs associated with the credit card over a year like the interest rate, government stamp duty, and any other fees applicable to the credit card.

• What is my credit card limit?

  Your current credit card limit is stated clearly on all credit card statements and related correspondence. Any balance excesses over the agreed limit, however small, should be avoided.

Direct Debits

• How do I setup a direct debit to my credit card?

  To set up a direct debit to pay your credit card balance complete and return the direct debit mandate form to the address on the form or call our credit card services team on 0818 251 251 (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday) and a member of the team will be happy to help you.

• How do I change the direct debit to my credit card?

  To change your direct debit, call our credit card services team on 0818 251 251 (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday) and a member of the team will be happy to help you.

  Please note: Paying off a smaller percentage of the your credit card balance or only making a minimum payment, will mean it may take you longer and cost you more to repay the debt.

The Central Credit Register (CCR)

• What is the Central Credit Register (CCR)?

  The CCR is a national database of customer and credit agreement information. It is operated by the Central Bank of Ireland under the Credit Reporting Act 2013. All lenders, including Bank of Ireland, must send customers’ personal and credit information to the CCR every month for existing credit cards of €500 or more. Banks and other financial institutions have access to reports of arrears, repossessions, restructure events and arrangements to deal with arrears. A report containing any of these things, could have a negative effect on your credit rating, making it more difficult for you to borrow from us or other lenders in the future. For example, you may have difficulty getting a loan or other credit.

• Will the Bank of Ireland report my missed credit card repayment to the Central Credit Register (CCR)?

  By law, Bank of Ireland must report arrears to the CCR or to another credit reference agency (if appropriate), on a monthly basis. Remember, if your account falls into arrears it may affect your credit rating and limit your ability to access credit in the future.

Support and advice

• Who can I contact if I have questions or need support with credit card arrears?

  If you’re experiencing any financial difficulties, missed repayments or are worried about your ability to make your credit card repayments now and in the future, call our credit card customer support team on 0818 866 555 (+353 1 488 3037), 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Remember, the sooner you reach out to us, the sooner we can work together to find a possible solution for you.

  You can also get free, independent, and confidential advice from the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) at mabs.ie or by calling 0818 07 2000.

• Can I get independent advice about my credit card repayment difficulties?

  Yes. Here are some independent financial advisory organisations you can contact:

  Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS)

  MABS is a free, confidential, and independent service for people in financial difficulty.

  • Phone: 0818 07 2000, 9am to 8pm, Monday to Friday
  • Website: mabs.ie
  • Email: helpline@mabs.ie

  Insolvency Service of Ireland (ISI)

  The ISI is an independent government organisation with a range of solutions to problem debt. It has a regulated network of qualified professionals that can help you get back on track.

  • Phone: 01 764 4200 or text GETHELP to 50015.
  • Website: backontrack.ie

  Citizens Information Board

  The Citizens Information Board is a national agency that provides information and advice on social services. They also run the Money Advice and Budgeting Service.

  • Website: citizensinformationboard.ie

  Central Bank of Ireland

  The Central Bank’s website provides independent information on financial products.

  • Phone: 01 224 5800
  • Website: centralbank.ie

  Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC)

  The CCPC provides information on financial products.

  • Phone: 01 402 5555
  • Website: ccpc.ie/consumers

  Department of Social Protection

  This website provides information relating to Jobseeker’s Allowance, Mortgage Interest Supplement and other state benefits you may be entitled to.

  • Website: mywelfare.ie

  Office of the Revenue Commissioners

  The Office of the Revenue Commissioners’ website provides information on all tax credits and benefits you may be entitled to.

  • Website: revenue.ie