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For those looking for a good secured credit card Ireland, know you’re in the right place. Here, we’ll cover all the main cards in this category.
Initially, instead of a cash deposit, Irish financial institutions use starter credit cards or credit-building cards that require proof of a minimum annual income. Therefore, if you fall into these two categories, you’ll have a great chance of getting a secured credit card Ireland.
We will get to know the best secured credit card Ireland in depth, covering their advantages and especially their fees. You will also learn how the Central Credit Register (CCR) affects your financial life, what the mandatory fixed costs are, and most importantly, how to use your credit card correctly with the future in mind. Let’s go.
How important is the Central Credit Register in credit analysis?
The pillar of credit in Ireland is the Central Credit Register (CCR).
This database, operated by the Central Bank of Ireland, tracks all credit agreements (loans, credit cards, etc.) with a value equal to or greater than €500.
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From this, lenders submit data to the CCR monthly, and this information is kept on record for a period of five years.
For any credit application of €2,000 or more, lenders are required to consult the CCR.
Therefore, if you have never had credit in Ireland, the CCR will not have information about you. This is not bad, but it is not good either.
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After all, the credit card becomes the main vehicle through which you can record an impeccable payment history.
A positive history in the CCR, facilitated by the responsible use of your secured credit card Ireland, is a prerequisite for obtaining better credit conditions in the future.
To improve your credit score, you need to pay your debts on time. Over time, your reputation in the credit market will improve, and consequently, you will have better credit conditions.
Detailed Analysis of the Main Credit Cards
The Irish market for credit-building cards (the equivalents of secured credit card Ireland) offers competitive products that differ mainly in annual fees, benefits, and introductory zero-interest offers on purchases or balance transfers.
1. Allied Irish Banks ‘be’ Visa Card – Allied Irish Banks
The AIB ‘be’ Visa is for customers seeking the lowest possible fixed cost while building a credit history.
AIB’s central strategy with this card is customer acquisition based on income, not fees.
The biggest advantage of this card is the Zero (€0.00) Annual Bank Fee, which makes it economical.
However, the annual payment of the Government Tax (Stamp Duty) of €30.00 is mandatory.
To qualify, you must prove a Minimum Income Requirement of an annual salary of €16,000.
It also has the Lowest Fixed Cost in the market, limited only to Stamp Duty.
Its Accessibility is high due to the €16,000 income requirement, ideal for beginners.
Another advantage is the Interest-Free Period of up to 56 days on purchases, encouraging full monthly payment.
Furthermore, the card guarantees contactless payments with Google Pay and Apple Pay support and also offers competitive Introductory Rate Availability on purchases and balance transfers for new customers.
2. Flex Card – An Post Money (Secured Credit Card Ireland)
The An Post Money Flex Card has extended promotional zero-interest offers. It is important to note that this card was voted Best Credit Card in Ireland our consecutive times by Bonkers.ie, a strong indicator of its value.
The Typical Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is variable, ranging between 15.7% and 22.9%+, depending on your credit profile.
Like all Irish cards, there is the mandatory annual fixed cost of the Government Tax (Stamp Duty) of €30.00.
The Flex Card stands out in purchases, offering 0% interest on purchases for 9 months.
In addition, it facilitates money transfers with a low and fixed interest rate of 5.9% for 24 months for funds moved directly to your bank account.
The Exceptional Purchase Term of 9 months interest-free makes it competitive.
3. Platinum Advantage Card – Bank of Ireland (Secured Credit Card Ireland)
The Platinum Advantage Card is for customers seeking significant benefits, such as travel insurance. And, they are willing to pay a higher annual service fee for these additions.
First of all, this card has an Annual Bank Charge of €76.18, justified by the premium benefits.
It is worth noting that there will still be the Government Tax (Stamp Duty), which is the mandatory fixed cost of €30.00. In addition to the Standard Purchase Interest Rate (Variable), which is 13.79%.
The highlight is the Comprehensive Multi-Trip Travel Insurance, which includes winter sports coverage, provided that half the cost of the trip is paid with the card.
You will also have flexible introductory offers, where you choose between 0% interest on purchases for 6 months OR 0% on balance transfers for 7 months.
Account control is 100% digital, done through the intuitive application provided by the bank.
Key Products and Costs Comparison Table
Table 1 summarizes the essential features to help you decide which secured credit card Ireland is best for your needs.
| Card Name (Issuer) | Typical Variable APR (incl. fees) | Annual Bank Fee | Fixed Cost (Stamp Duty) | Introductory Offer Highlight | Minimum Requirement (Salary) |
| Platinum Advantage (Bank of Ireland) | 19.6% | €76.18 | €30.00 | 0% on purchases for 6 months OR 0% on balance transfer for 7 months | Not specified |
| Flex Card (An Post Money) | 15.7% – 22.9%+ | Not specified | €30.00 | 0% on purchases for 9 months (Best in market) | Not specified |
| ‘be’ Visa Card (AIB) | Not specified | Zero (€0.00) | €30.00 | Introductory rates on purchases and transfers (yes) | €16,000 |
Conclusion (Secured Credit Card Ireland)
Credit cards in Ireland offer a clear path to building credit.
Although the secured credit card Ireland model is based more on income than on deposit, its importance as an entry-level card is notable. For many, it is a mechanism that helps protect against fraud and also assists in financial management.
With a complete overview of costs, offers, and the role of the CCR, you are ready to decide which card to apply for.
Here’s a tip! Choose the card that best suits your habits and start building a strong credit history to get better cards in the future.