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The Ulster Bank Credit Card review 2023
Keep your interest rate low and avoid fees when you use your card on holiday.
If you don't plan to carry a balance from month to month, the imaginatively named Ulster Bank Credit Card is a handy option to carry both at home and abroad, with low rates, no annual fee and no fees for foreign transactions (currencies will be converted at Mastercard's standard rates).
Finder rating: ★★★★★
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 12.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 12.9% APR (variable).
12.9%
Representative APR
0%
Balance transfer fee
0%
Foreign transaction charge
£0
Account fee
Details
| Issuer | Ulster Bank |
|---|---|
| Network | Mastercard |
| Annual/monthly fees | £0 |
| Balance transfers | 12.9% |
| Balance transfer fee | 0% |
| Purchases | 12.9% |
| Purchases interest-free period | Up to 56 days |
| Money transfers | 26.9% |
| Cash advances | 26.9% |
| Maximum credit limit | Subject to status |
| Additional cards available | 3 |
| Minimum Age | 18 |
|---|---|
| Minimum income | £10,000 |
| Residency | UK residents |
| Availability | Available to new customers |
| Annual/monthly fees | £0 |
|---|---|
| Balance transfer fee | 0% |
| Money transfer fee | 0% |
| Foreign usage charge (EU) | 0% |
| Foreign usage charge (rest of world) | 0% |
| Cash advance fee | 3% (min. £3) |
| Late payment fee | £12 |
| Duplicate statement fee | £0 |
| Additional card fee | £0 |
| Dormancy fee | £0 |
Review by
Chris Lilly
chris.lilly@finder.comChris Lilly is a publisher at finder.com. He's a specialist in personal finance, from day-to-day banking to investing to borrowing, and is passionate about helping UK consumers make informed decisions about their money. In his spare time Chris likes forcing his kids to exercise more.
Expert review
A very respectable option for people who don’t really want to have to think about their credit card, this deal is all about versatility and value over the long run.
You won’t find any headline-grabbing introductory 0% deals here, which is great if you don’t want the hassle of having to remember to switch cards after an introductory offer expires. Instead, this card comes with ongoing low rates on both purchases and balance transfers. However, they’re not fixed, so if the Bank of England base rate changes, or if Ulster Bank simply decides to restructure its credit cards, your rate could change. If you clear your balance in full each month, you’ll also benefit from up to 56 days of 0% interest on your purchases (this doesn’t apply to cash advances).
If you’re transferring a balance or anticipating a large upcoming expenditure (or both), there are undoubtedly cheaper deals out there, at least in the short term. Similarly, there are more rewarding options available for those who spend on their credit card frequently but don’t carry a balance from month to month. This card might appeal most to existing Ulster Bank customers seeking simplicity and flexibility, who anticipate using their card abroad.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Avoid currency conversion charges when spending abroad
- No annual fee
Cons
- Minimum annual income requirement of £10,000
- Applicants with low credit scores are unlikely to be eligible
How does it compare?
Ulster Bank's card
1 - 1 of 1
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Table: sorted by representative APR, promoted deals first
Approval for any credit card will depend on your status. The representative APRs shown represent 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.
Repayment options
You can make manual repayments through Ulster Bank's app by logging in to your online banking or over the phone (0800 046 6486). Alternatively, you may wish to set up a direct debit.
A direct debit protects you from forgetting to make a repayment and either damaging your credit score, getting hit with a penalty fee (£12) 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
If you've compared cards and want to apply, completing the secure online application form takes about 10 minutes. Before you apply, check that you meet the eligibility requirements and have the information and documents you'll need to make the process as straightforward as possible.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to receive the card?
You'll know whether or not your application has been approved within 5 minutes of submission. As long as it's approved, Ulster Bank states your shiny new card will be with you in 5-7 working days.
Do I need to be an existing Ulster Bank customer?
No, and if you have card debt elsewhere, you may decide to apply for a balance transfer.
Will I pay fees on cash withdrawals overseas?
Yes. While Ulster Bank doesn't charge a fee for non-sterling transactions using this card, withdrawing cash abroad will incur a fee, (and the ATM owner may add its own fee on top too). Find out more about using a credit card overseas.
How do I change my credit card limit?
You can do this through internet banking by selecting "Cards" from the main menu. In the "Manage your personal credit card" section select "Manage your credit card limit". Add your annual income, requested credit limit and the last 5 digits of your card. Finally, select "submit". Alternatively, you can call a customer advisor (0800 046 6486).
Finder credit card ratings
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★★★★★ — Good
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★★★★★ — Poor
Our experts score low rate credit cards to determine their value against similar products on the market. We look at a number of important factors, like exactly how low the low rate is, any perks/benefits, plus the potential costs involved with running the card both in the short and longer term.
You can read more about our scoring criteria on our credit card methodology page.
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