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If you’re looking for the best airline miles credit card Ireland to enhance your travel experience, you’ve come to the right place.
The search for the ideal airline miles credit card Ireland requires a careful analysis of card costs, not just mile benefits. Unlike larger markets, such as the UK or the United States, where competition generates very high sign-up bonuses, the Irish scenario focuses more on cashback or lower-fee cards.
In this article, we will explore in detail the three most relevant options for those seeking an airline miles credit card Ireland or an equivalent rewards alternative. You will be able to compare everything relevant that these cards offer, making it easy to choose yours.
Detailed Comparison of Airline Miles Credit Card Ireland
The following analysis details the three most interesting options for accumulating rewards and miles in Ireland. Let’s see.
Bank of Ireland Aer Credit Card
The Bank of Ireland Aer Credit Card is the leading airline miles credit card Ireland on the market, a result of an exclusive partnership with Aer Lingus, and is designed for those who wish to accumulate Avios.
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Its fixed costs are high, starting with a Government Stamp Duty of €30.00 and a fixed annual bank fee of €78.00 (charged in installments of €6.50), totaling €108.00 per year.
More importantly, the Typical APR (Variable) is 22.7%, the highest among premium options, making this card expensive for those who do not pay the full balance each month.
In terms of rewards, the card offers an accumulation rate of 4 Avios for every €1.00 spent on direct Aer Lingus transactions.
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However, for all other daily purchases, the rate drops dramatically to 1 Avios for every €4.00 spent.
The attractive and greatest potential benefit is the Annual Flight Bonus. You get two Return Reward Flights to Europe.
Furthermore, to obtain this bonus, the cardholder must achieve a minimum annual spend of €5,000.00 with the card.
Remember that taxes, fees, and charges related to reward flights must be paid separately.
In addition, the card includes Worldwide Multi-Trip Travel Insurance, along with two annual VIP Lounge Access Passes and two passes for Priority Boarding and Fast Track on Aer Lingus flights.
AIB Platinum Visa Card
Although not an airline miles credit card Ireland focused on air miles, the AIB Platinum establishes itself as the best alternative for financial security.
Firstly, you will have a Typical APR of 17%. This is the lowest rate among the main premium reward options in Ireland.
The advantage is that AIB does not charge an annual bank fee for this card, limiting the total annual fixed cost to just €30.00 (the Government Stamp Duty).
The card offers an interest-free credit period of up to 56 days on purchases if the balance is paid in full before the due date.
The focus of this card is cashback, receiving on spending, credited monthly after the cardholder exceeds €5,000.00 in annual spending, with a maximum reward of €225.00. The real value of this card lies in its non-air luxury benefits and low maintenance cost.
Using it, you will have access to the Visa Luxury Hotel Collection Service, getting automatic room upgrade (subject to availability). Complimentary daily breakfast for the cardholder and a guest, a daily credit of USD 25.00 for food or beverages, and the option of late checkout until 3 PM.
Revolut Credit Card
The Revolut Credit Card Ireland represents the right option for those seeking flexibility instead of a traditional airline miles credit card Ireland.
With a Typical APR (Variable) of 17.99%, it is more friendly than the BOI Aer Credit Card. Its fixed cost is minimal, just the Government Stamp Duty of €30.00, as there is no setup or monthly fee associated with the credit card itself. Although fees may apply depending on the Revolut plan subscribed.
The reward structure operates via RevPoints, which are a flexible currency that can be converted into air miles, including Avios, serving as a bridge to the air rewards ecosystem.
The accumulation rate of up to RevPoints per €1.00 spent for Ultra plan holders is higher for general spending than the base rate of 1 Avios per €4.00 of the direct miles competitor.
The card also facilitates financial management, offering 0% interest on purchases and balance transfers for the first 3 months and allowing transactions above €50.00 to be parceled into flexible terms of 3, 6, 9, or 12 months.
Comparative Table of Rewards, Fees, and Annual Costs
| Card | Issuer | Typical APR (Variable) | Fixed Annual Bank Fee | Total Annual Fixed Cost | Main Accumulation |
| Bank of Ireland Aer Credit Card | Bank of Ireland | 22,% | € 78,00 (€ 6,50/month) | € 108,00 | Avios (1 per € 4,00 spent base) |
| AIB Platinum Visa Card | Allied Irish Banks (AIB) | 17,0% | € 0,00 | € 30,00 | Cashback (05% after € 5,000,00) |
| Revolut Credit Card | Revolut | 17,99% | € 0,00 (Plan Dependent) | € 30,00 (Excludes plan cost) | RevPoints (Up to 1.5 per € 1,00) |
Conclusion (Airline miles credit card Ireland)
Choosing the right airline miles credit card Ireland lies in balancing annual cost, APR, and the real value of travel benefits.
Initially, the Bank of Ireland Aer Credit Card is the choice for dedicated miles accumulators who prioritize Avios.
In contrast, the AIB Platinum Visa Card and the Revolut Credit Card offer safer paths. The AIB, with its 17% APR and zero annual bank fee, is excellent for those who value financial security and luxury benefits.
The Revolut, on the other hand, represents disruption, offering an effective bridge to Avios with a low initial cost and an APR of just 17.99%.
Think carefully about your debt payment profile. If you pay the balance in full every month, the Aer Card is the correct option.
On the other hand, if you usually carry a balance, the AIB Platinum, with its lower APR, will keep more money in your pocket. Do not limit yourself only to the name “airlines”; evaluate the cost and flexibility of the points.