Ireland credit cards are a popular mode of transaction. They are used to make payments at all branded retail stores, hotels, restaurants and gas stations. Ireland credit cards allow the flexibility to make online or phone transactions as well.
Ireland Credit Cards Industry
Ireland credit cards usage has seen tremendous growth since 2000. As per data available from the Irish Banking Federation:
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The number of credit cards more than doubled in a decade from one million in 1997 to 2.3 millions in 2007.
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The number of credit card transactions increased from 59 million in 2000 to 114 million in 2006.
To further strengthen the credit industry, the Irish Credit Bureau was established as the biggest credit-referring agency in the country. The bureau has almost every leading financial institution under its banner to offer comprehensive reference data.
American Express has a range of credit cards for Irish customers. MasterCard has the MasterCard Europe / Maestro products and Visa Inc offers the Visa/Electron range. Diners Club credit cards are also available.
Ireland Credit Cards Issuing Partners
Major financial institutions that offer Ireland credit cards are:
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American Express
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Bank of Ireland
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Barclaycard
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Capital One
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Citibank
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Clydesdale Bank
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Lloyds TSB
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MBNA
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Nationwide
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NatWest
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Royal Bank of Scotland
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The Co-operative Bank
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Ulster Bank
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Yorkshire Bank
Irish banks offer credit cards to all eligible individuals with a salaried account and to high-profile business clients. However, interested individuals can apply for a credit card with the above mentioned banks. Credit card applications can be filled online or by visiting respective branches.
Ireland Credit Cards: Types
Various Ireland credit cards are available to meet individual financial needs of different consumer groups. Credit card types are largely divided among classic or standard cards, gold cards and platinum cards. Titanium cards are based on an addition to this chain. Based on discreet benefits, Ireland credit cards can be divided into the following categories:
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Reward cards
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Cash back cards
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Air miles cards
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Charity cards
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Commercial or business cards
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Travel cards
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Student cards
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Secured credit cards
Most banks offer low interest rate or balance transfer credit cards to grow the introductory level market.