Approval for any credit card will depend on your status. The APR shown represents the interest rate offered to most successful applicants. Depending on your personal circumstances the APR you're offered may be higher, or you may not be offered credit at all. Fees and rates are subject to change without notice. It's always wise to check the terms of any deal before you borrow.
Bank of Ireland UK Student Mastercard review January 2020
Last updated:
Enjoy financial flexibility and convenience plus an introductory 3-month 0% period.
Finder rating: ★★★★★
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 17.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 17.9% APR (variable).
17.9%
Representative APR
£0
Account fee
3 months
0% interest on purchases
Details
| Issuer | Bank of Ireland UK |
|---|---|
| Network | Mastercard |
| Annual/monthly fees | £0 |
| Min. credit limit | £0 |
| Max credit limit | Subject to status: £350 |
| Credit limit note | Subject to status |
| Purchases | 0% for 3 months reverting to 17.9% |
| Purchases interest-free period (days) | 56 |
Expert review
Review by
Chris Lilly
chris.lilly@finder.comChris Lilly is a publisher at finder.com. He's a specialist in credit-based products including business and personal loans, mortgages and credit cards, and is passionate about helping UK consumers make informed decisions about their borrowing. In his spare time Chris likes forcing his kids to exercise more.
Expert review
Student cards don’t usually come with fantastic interest rates (due in part to the limited credit histories of most applicants), but they do tend to come with interest-free days each billing cycle. This particular card comes with up to 56 of them, but what does that really mean?
Well, when you use your card to make purchases over a month (subject to the credit limit that you’ve been given), you’ll then receive your statement with a date before which you must make at least a minimum payment towards the outstanding balance. However, provided you clear the full balance (rather than making a part-payment towards the debt), you won’t pay any interest at all on your purchases. As such, a purchase made right at the start of the billing cycle could remain interest-free for as much as 56 days.
Rather confusingly, this card also comes with an introductory 3-month 0% period on purchases. This is a one-off promotion that runs from the date on which you open the account. If you’re anticipating a hefty expenditure, then this deal could let you spread the cost. Just bear in mind that if you don’t clear the balance within the 3 months, your debt will start to accrue interest at the card’s standard rate.
The Bank of Ireland UK Student Mastercard could be a useful tool to help you take control of your finances while studying. Used carefully, it can also help kick-start a positive credit history – standing you in good stead for future borrowing requirements.
This card is on the Mastercard network, so it’s accepted in more than 40 million locations worldwide, and you’ll be able to enjoy access to Priceless Cities experiences.
How does this card compare with other student cards on the market?
Table: sorted by representative APR, promoted deals first
Updated January 29th, 2020
Repayment options
When it comes to repayments, you can make manual repayments online or over the phone (0800 085 0444), or alternatively set up a direct debit. A direct debit is a great idea because it protects you from forgetting to make a repayment and either damaging your credit score, getting hit with a penalty fee or losing any promotional rates as a result. You can arrange a direct debit for repayments when you apply for the credit card. The table below shows the options available.
Choose from the following direct debit options for your monthly repayments:
| Minimum amount | Fixed amount | Fixed percentage | Full amount |
|---|---|---|---|
How to apply for the Bank of Ireland UK Student Mastercard
If you have compared cards and want to apply, completing the secure online application form takes about 15 minutes. Before you apply, check that you meet the eligibility requirements and have the information and documents you will need to make the process as straightforward as possible.
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Our team evaluates credit cards to determine their value against similar products on the market.
We look at the how good the card is for its designated purpose – spending abroad, clearing debt, earning air miles etc. – how costly it is to use day-to-day and whether it offers much in the way of extras.
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