Compare Bank of Ireland UK credit cards

Bank of Ireland UK is a subsidiary of Bank of Ireland Group, which was established as an Irish government bank in 1783 and later privatised in 1971. The bank now has an unrivalled network in the UK through its exclusive partnership with the Post Office, which gives it access to an extra 2.7 million customers. Bank of Ireland UK is on the Mastercard network so its cards are accepted in more than 35 million locations worldwide.

Types of Bank of Ireland UK credit cards

Bank of Ireland UK offers four distinct credit cards to its customers, including 0% interest rates on purchases and balance transfers for a set period. If you have an interest in Ulster Rugby or Queen’s University, Bank of Ireland UK offers unique cards which donate a one-off fee as well as a percentage of your monthly spend to them at no extra cost to you.

• Queen’s Affinity credit card

  In 1992, Bank of Ireland UK joined forces with Queen’s University in Belfast to introduce this exclusive affinity credit card. When you become a Queen’s Affinity Card holder, Bank of Ireland UK automatically donates £25 to the university. A percentage of the annual turnover on your card will also be donated to Queen’s to support its continuing scholarship programme. Again, this is at no extra cost to you and the bank does not disclose any of your confidential account details. Other eye-catching features of the card include zero interest on purchases and balance transfers for a set period as well as no annual fee.

  Learn more about 0% purchase credit cards

• Matched credit card

  Designed to fulfil multiple functions, the matched card is an “all rounder”, offering 0% on purchases and balance transfers for a promotional period, without charging an annual fee.
  Learn more about low rate credit cards

• Student credit card

  If you’re at college or university, this card could give you the extra flexibility you need and enable you to build your credit rating. Remember to manage your money so you stay within your credit limit or you will be charged a fee. This card offers a short 0% interest period on balance transfers.
  Learn more about student credit cards

• Sports credit card

  Bank of Ireland UK has teamed up with Ulster Rugby for this unique credit card. Ulster Rugby receives a one-off donation for every approved application as well as further contributions for each retail purchase. Proceeds go towards helping to produce the next generation of Ulster and Ireland stars through the Ulster Rugby Academy, with a portion also dedicated to grass-roots rugby through clubs and schools.

What benefits can I get with a Bank of Ireland UK credit card?

• Online account management. Bank of Ireland UK’s internet banking website lets you check your latest balance, search your statements and apply for new products.
• App. The bank’s “365” app provides you with access to most of its online services, specifically designed for phone and tablet devices.
• Global usage. Bank of Ireland UK uses the Mastercard network, meaning you can use your card in more than 35 million locations worldwide.
• Security. The Bank of Ireland UK online banking and app require a secure browser to help keep your details secure while you’re shopping online. Your name, address and full bank account number will never appear on screen.

Applying for a Bank of Ireland UK credit card

You can apply for a Bank of Ireland UK credit card online in just a few minutes. Simply fill out the online form providing personal information such as name, address, income and work status. You can also apply over the phone.

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for a Bank of Ireland UK credit card, you must be:

• UK resident
• 18 or over
• Have a regular income
• Not be currently declared bankrupt, have county court judgements or be subject to an individual voluntary agreement
• Able to produce six months of bank statements if you do not have a Royal Bank of Ireland current account

Why might you not be approved?

On the whole, if you meet the eligibility requirements but have a history of bad debt or no credit history at all, you may be rejected. Equally if you are in an IVA or have had a CCJ you may not be accepted. If you have ever declared bankruptcy you are also unlikely to receive a card.

Frequently asked questions

• How can I get my money back if I haven’t received what I expected or do not recognise the transaction?

  To dispute a transaction made using your credit card you need to complete a transaction dispute form and send it along with all relevant information requested to the address on the form.

• How is interest calculated?

  Your credit card may have different rates of interest for purchases, balance transfers and cash withdrawals. You will find your interest rates on your statement. Interest is calculated as a percentage on the amount you borrow. The longer it takes you to pay off your balance, the more interest you will have to pay.

• How do I make a balance transfer?

  You can request a balance transfer during the application process. You will need the card details you wish to transfer the funds from including the card number and amount to be transferred. If you have already applied and wish to make a balance transfer you can do this through your online account or you can call customer services and it can be done over the phone.

• How do I manage my account over the phone?

  All you need to access your account over the phone is your credit card. Once you call the bank’s customer services team they will ask you to enter your 16 digit credit card number, your date of birth and your CCV number (the three digits on the back of your card) via the keypad on your phone. Once you’ve entered this information you will be able to access all the services available via the automated service.

• Will I need a credit check?

  Yes, Bank of Ireland credit checks all its applicants. It does this to ensure that your chosen credit card is the right choice for you. The search is recorded by the credit agency used by Bank of Ireland, and it may affect your ability to obtain credit in the short-term. Details of the account will also be given to credit reference agencies, and information about its maintenance (e.g. limit, balances) may be referred to by others.

• What if I get into financial difficulty?

  If you run into problems financially, you can contact Bank of Ireland’s customer service team on 0345 3098 099 for help and advice.