Can you transfer money from a credit card?
Money transfer credit cards can be a fast and flexible way to borrow money for unexpected costs or cash shortfalls. Here’s what you need to know about money transfer credit cards and where to get one in Ireland.
What is a money transfer credit card?
It’s a credit card that allows you to borrow money and transfer it directly into your bank account.
You may have to pay interest on the money borrowed and there could be a fee for the transaction but money transfer credit cards in Ireland don’t charge for the transfer.
The credit card issuer may set a minimum money transfer amount and limit transfers to a proportion of your credit limit.
How do money transfer credit cards work?
To organise your money transfer, you must call your card issuer to arrange the transaction.
You’ll need to provide your BIC and IBAN to your card issuer and all transfers will be subject to credit approval.
There’s usually a minimum amount you can transfer, for example, €100 and a maximum, which is often up to 95% of your credit limit.
It can take 1-2 business days for funds to reach your bank account.
Is interest charged on money transfers?
You may find a card with a 0% or low introductory rate, but the interest rate on money transfers is typically based on the standard variable rate applied to your account.
If you repay your balance in full before your next statement, you won’t have to pay interest on the money transfer.
If you can’t repay in full, you’ll need to pay at least your minimum monthly repayment on time each month to avoid penalties.
Be aware that you could forfeit any promotional rates if you don’t make a minimum payment or stay within your credit limit.
When to use your money transfer credit card
Money transfers with your credit card can be one of the cheapest ways of covering a shortfall or paying off a short term, high-cost debt, but the facility needs to be used wisely.
Money transfers are worth considering when:
Where to get a money transfer credit card
Only two credit card providers in Ireland offer a money transfer facility with their credit cards. These are:
- Avant Money
- An Post
Some offer promotional rates, but terms and conditions apply so check before you apply for a card or need to transfer money into your account.
You can compare cards with our free and simple credit card comparison tool.
Are there any disadvantages to money transfer cards?
There are many borrowing options when money is short, for example, taking a personal loan or using your overdraft, which all have pros and cons. Money transfer cards can offer many benefits but also some pitfalls.
Here’s a look at the pros and cons of using a money transfer credit card.
Pros
Cons
Find the best money transfer cards
Here’s a couple of tips to help you find the best money transfer credit card:
Money transfer credit cards FAQs
Will a money transfer affect my credit rating?
Transferring money from your credit card affects your credit rating in the same way as other credit card borrowing.
If you miss a repayment or regularly make late payments it may leave a mark on your credit record and negatively affect your credit score.
What is a balance transfer card?
A balance transfer card allows you to move your outstanding credit card balance to a new credit card. They are usually offered with a promotional discount for a set number of months.
A 0% balance transfer can make your existing credit card debt cheaper and easier to manage by reducing how much interest you pay.
Is a money transfer the same as withdrawing cash on my credit card?
No, taking a cash advance on your credit card via an ATM often works out an expensive way to access funds from your credit card because you are charged a percentage of the withdrawal every time you make one, plus interest on your balance.
A money transfer from your credit card is often fee-free in Ireland and you only pay interest on the amount borrowed at the rate set by your card issuer.
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