Ireland’s best 0% purchase credit cards

Enjoy zero or discounted interest rates on purchases and spread the cost of spending. Compare the best purchase credit cards in Ireland and save money on interest in minutes.

11 results.
Ordered by purchase rate and period
An Post Money Flex
-
Balance Transfers
0% for 9 months
Purchases
15.7%
Typical APR
Bank of Ireland Platinum Advantage - Purchases
Platinum Advantage - Purchases
-
Balance Transfers
0% for 6 months
Purchases
19.6%
Typical APR
Annual fee of €76.18 applies
Free travel insurance i
Comprehensive multi-trip travel insurance including winter sports when at least 50% of the total trip fare (transportation cost) of your insured journey is paid using your card.
Instalment plan i
Spread your bigger credit card purchases of €250 or more at a great low rate of 6.7% variable (6.9% Annual Percentage Rate).
Bank of Ireland Student
Student
-
Balance Transfers
0% for 6 months
Purchases
20.2%
Typical APR
Free travel insurance i
The Bank of Ireland Student Credit Card offers Free worldwide multi-trip travel insurance feature.
Bank of Ireland Classic - Purchases
Classic - Purchases
-
Balance Transfers
0% for 6 months
Purchases
22.1%
Typical APR
Instalment plan i
Spread your bigger credit card purchases of €250 or more at a great low rate of 6.7% variable (6.9% Annual Percentage Rate).
Bank of Ireland Aer Credit Card - Purchases
Aer Credit Card - Purchases
-
Balance Transfers
0% for 6 months
Purchases
22.7%
Typical APR
Instalment plan i
Spread your bigger credit card purchases of €250 or more at a great low rate of 6.7% variable (6.9% Annual Percentage Rate).
Travel Rewards for €6.50 per month
Revolut Credit Card
Credit Card
0% for 3 months
Balance Transfers
0% for 3 months
Purchases
17.99%
Typical APR
1% Cashback i
Get 1% back on all purchases for the first three months when you spend up to €3,000.
PTSB ICE Visa Credit Card
0% for 6 months
Balance Transfers
0% for 3 months
Purchases
22.53%
Typical APR
Avant Money One Card
One Card
0% for 9 months
Balance Transfers
0% for 3 months
Purchases
22.9%
Typical APR
€150 cashback i
Offer valid from 2nd February 2024. €150 cashback on One Card subject to a balance transfer of at least €1,000 within 90 days of account opening, cashback payable within six months of account opening. Certain transactions are excluded. T&C's apply.
0% on Money Transfers for 12 months
Avantages® loyalty programme i
Over 300 always-on offers. More discounts and less restrictions from 100’s of your favourite top brands. Plus exclusive experiences, customer days, and competitions for you and your family.
AIB Platinum
3.83% for 12 months
Balance Transfers
3.83% for 12 months
Purchases
17.0%
Typical APR
0.5% cashback
AIB Student card
-
Balance Transfers
3.83% for 12 months
Purchases
20.5%
Typical APR
AIB 'be' Visa
3.83% for 12 months
Balance Transfers
3.83% for 12 months
Purchases
22.9%
Typical APR
Typical Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is based on purchases of €1,500 and a credit limit of €1,500 plus annual Government Stamp Duty of €30.

What is a 0% purchase credit card?

It’s a type of credit card that allows you to buy goods and services without paying any interest for a set period.

Once the introductory interest-free credit period ends, you will start to pay the standard variable interest rate that your card provider sets.

How does a 0% purchase credit card save money?

The biggest potential saving is in the amount of interest you’ll pay.

If you choose a card with a 0% introductory rate, you can make purchases without being charged interest, which can be a useful way to spread costs without paying extra.

You will still need to make your credit card provider’s minimum payment each month and should stay within your credit limit to avoid other charges.

You will also need to have a plan for how to pay off your credit card balance once your 0% period ends.

What happens when the introductory rate ends?

When your introductory period ends, you will start to pay interest on your purchases and outstanding balance.

If you’re near the end of your introductory period and haven’t paid off your balance, here’s what you can do to avoid paying the higher rate of interest;

  1. Pay off the remaining balance in full
  2. Increase the monthly repayment to the most you can afford
  3. Transfer the balance to a balance transfer card with a 0% offer

How to choose the best 0% purchase card

Before you compare credit cards, it is worth thinking about what you want to use the card for, e.g. one major purchase or lots of small things and for how long you need credit, e.g. several months or over a year or two.

When you are comparing purchase credit cards, consider these factors:

  • Introductory % rate
  • Length of the introductory rate
  • The standard APR (Annual Percentage Rate)
  • Stamp Duty
  • Annual fees

If you are still unsure which card is best for you, choose the one that gives you the longest period to repay what you borrowed. Our Complete Guide to Credit Cards can also give you tips on borrowing wisely.

Is a 0% rate always the best choice?

Although it is tempting to choose a 0% offer, a low interest rate over 12 months may work out cheaper than a 0% rate over 3 months if you want to spread your purchase spending over a longer period of time.

This is because once your introductory offer ends, the interest rate will revert to the standard variable interest rate, which will be much higher.

Other pros and cons include:

Pros

  • 0% interest can save you money if you repay on time
  • You can transfer high-interest debt from another credit card
  • Good for spreading the cost of larger purchases

Cons

  • The 0% rate can revert to a much higher rate
  • You still have to pay a balance transfer fee
  • You can face a late payment fee if you don’t pay on time

What are the alternatives to 0% purchase cards?

Some credit cards offer a discounted interest rate for an introductory period rather than 0%. These introductory rates can sometimes last longer than the best 0% deals.

Low-interest cards can be a cost-effective option if you need longer to pay back what you have borrowed.

Here’s an example:

Paying for your €1,000 holiday with a ‘0% for 3 months’ will attract no interest for the first 3 months; however, taking 12 months to clear the debt will cost about €45 extra in interest (18% APR). Alternatively, paying with a 4% purchase card over 12 months would mean you pay just €20 in interest.

Another option is choosing a card with an Instalment Plan Option, which allows you to repay a fixed monthly amount at a low interest rate on purchases over €250.

Is a 0% purchase card cheaper than a loan?

It depends on whether you repay your credit card balance in full each month and how much you have borrowed.

If you’re looking to borrow a smaller amount, a credit card could be the cheaper option. That’s because interest rates on personal loans can be higher on smaller sums.

If you need to borrow a much larger amount of money, then a personal loan could work out better, as your credit card limit might not stretch that far.

What about an overdraft?

Similarly, it depends on how you use your credit card and the overdraft arrangements you have with your bank.

You choice also depends on:

  • How much you want to borrow: You can typically get a higher borrowing limit on a credit card.
  • How you want to spend it: Overdrafts are more suitable for cash purchases or cash withdrawals.
  • How quickly you need it: If you have a current account, accessing an overdraft is usually a quicker way to borrow.

How do I calculate monthly interest on my credit card?

Once you come to the end of the introductory offer, you will have to pay interest on your outstanding balance.

The yearly APR is calculated by your credit card provider. You can determine the monthly cost of your credit card by dividing the card’s APR by 12, then multiplying that by your current balance.

For example, if your credit card’s APR is 18%, you can divide it by 12 to get 1.5%. Then, multiply 1.5% by the balance. If your balance is €1,000 for example, you would owe around €15 in interest.

Learn about the best credit card for your needs in our Complete Guide to Credit Cards.

Tell me more

0% Purchase credit card FAQs

What is a credit limit?

Your credit limit is the maximum amount you can spend on your credit card. In effect, the amount the card issuer is prepared to lend you on the card. It will be based on your income, outgoings and credit history. You will only find out your credit limit when your application has been approved.

If you want to find out more about how to increase your credit limit, read our guide on credit limits.

What is the minimum repayment?

A minimum repayment is the minimum amount you must pay towards your monthly credit card balance.

Ideally, you should pay off your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges, but if that is not possible you must make a minimum repayment every month.

If you don’t, you risk paying a penalty, owing extra interest and harming your credit score.

What are other ways to avoid credit card interest?

There are other ways to avoid paying credit card interest, such as:

  • Paying your credit card bill in full every month
  • Consider a personal loan or debt consolidation loan
  • Using a balance transfer credit card
  • Using your savings to pay your debt
Typical Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is based on purchases of €1,500 and a credit limit of €1,500 plus annual Government Stamp Duty of €30. Data valid as of 04/10/2024