Ireland’s best balance transfer credit cards
Compare the top balance transfer offers in Ireland using our comparison. Find the best balance transfer deal in minutes and save hundreds of euro in interest.
What is a balance transfer card?
It’s a credit card that lets you move an existing balance from one provider to another, usually to take advantage of a lower or 0% introductory interest rate.
Most balance transfer cards in Ireland offer 0% interest for up to 12 months, meaning you won’t pay any interest on the transferred amount during the promotional period.
This can make existing credit card debt much cheaper and help you pay it off faster, as more of your repayment goes towards clearing the balance rather than interest.
Why consider a balance transfer?
A balance transfer can be one of the quickest ways to reduce the cost of existing credit card debt.
Moving your balance to a card with a 0% introductory rate gives you a period where no interest is charged, making it easier to focus on clearing what you owe within a set timeframe.
It’s especially useful if you’re paying a high APR (Annual Percentage Rate) on your current card or if your previous promotional rate has expired.
A balance transfer can also help you consolidate your repayments and make managing your debt simpler.
How much money could you save?
Moving your credit card balance using a 0% balance transfer deal could save you hundreds of euros and help you pay off what you owe faster.
Exactly how much you’ll save depends on:
Here’s an example:
If you owed €2,000 on a credit card with an APR (Annual Percentage Rate) of 22.9% and you move it to a 0% balance transfer offer for 12 months with no fee, you would save €232 in interest if you cleared the existing credit card balance in full, by the end of the 0% period.
How do balance transfers work?
Once you’re approved for a balance transfer credit card, you can move your outstanding credit card balance from your old provider to your new one.
This allows the transferred amount to benefit from the new card’s lower or 0% introductory rate.
Here’s how the process typically works:
After the introductory period ends, the standard variable interest rate - the card’s APR (Annual Percentage Rate) - will apply to any remaining balance.
To keep your promotional rate, you must make your minimum monthly repayment on time and stay within your credit limit.
Steps to complete a balance transfer
Here’s a quick overview of how a balance transfer works:
- Apply for a balance-transfer card with a lower or 0% rate.
- Get approval and confirm the card has enough credit to cover the transfer.
- Check for a transfer fee and factor this into your savings calculation.
- Request the balance transfer; often by phone (depending on the provider).
- Provider transfers the balance - usually within a few working days.
- Repay the balance during the 0% period and keep up minimum monthly payments to retain the promo rate.
- Close your old credit card account after the transfer (if you don’t need it).
How much can you balance transfer?
This will depend on the credit limit you are given on your new credit card.
Most providers allow you to transfer up to 90–95% of your available credit limit. This means your approved limit must be high enough to cover the balance you want to move.
How long does a balance transfer take?
This varies depending on the credit card provider, but once your request has been submitted, most transfers are processed within 3–7 working days.
Your new provider will confirm when the transfer is complete, but it’s important to keep making payments to your old card until the balance is cleared.
What happens after the balance transfer period ends?
At the end of your balance transfer period, you will be charged interest at your card’s standard APR (Annual Percentage Rate) on any outstanding balance.
To avoid paying interest, you’ll need to clear your balance in full before the promotional rate expires.
How many balance transfers can you make?
There’s no fixed limit to the number of balance transfers you can make, as long as the total amount stays within your available credit limit.
However, each new credit card application is subject to the provider’s lending criteria, and you’ll need to consider the €30 government stamp duty charge for every active card you keep open.
What is a money transfer?
Money transfers are similar to balance transfers, but instead of paying off another credit card you instead transfer funds directly to your bank account.
Money transfers can be a cost-effective alternative to using your overdraft or taking out a personal loan, but the overall cost will depend on a range of factors including:
When a balance transfer might not suit you
A balance transfer won’t be the right choice for everyone. It may not suit you if:
If a balance transfer isn’t the right fit, consider comparing other card types - like purchases or reward cards - to find an option that works better for you.
How to choose the best balance transfer card
The best balance transfer card is the one that will save you the most money, but here are the most important factors to consider:
In most cases, the length of the interest-free balance transfer period is the most important factor because it’ll give you more time to pay off your borrowing. Bottom line, look for the best promotional rates with a long introductory period.
Balance transfer cards FAQ
Can I transfer a balance between any two credit cards?
Not always. Some providers only accept transfers from specific banks or card types, and many won’t accept transfers from fintech cards. Check the card’s terms before applying.
Do balance transfers affect my credit score?
A balance transfer itself won’t damage your credit score, but applying for a new card may result in a hard search on your credit report. Missing payments or staying close to your credit limit can negatively affect your score.
How long do I keep the 0% balance transfer rate?
You keep the promotional rate for the full introductory period as long as you make your minimum repayments on time and stay within your credit limit. After this period ends, the card’s standard APR (Annual Percentage Rate) applies to any remaining balance.
Do I need to close my old credit card after the transfer?
No, your old card won’t close automatically. After the balance is cleared, it stays open until you choose to close it. Remember that you’ll pay €30 government stamp duty each year for every active credit card you keep open.
Can I transfer a balance to Revolut or other fintech cards?
Some fintech cards don’t accept incoming balance transfers, and some providers don’t allow transfers to them either. Always check eligibility rules for both the sending and receiving cards before applying.
Learn about the best credit card for your needs in our Complete Guide to Credit Cards.