Ireland’s best reward credit cards
Compare the best rewards credit cards in Ireland using our comparison. Earn cashback, discounts and travel perks when you spend on your credit card.
What are reward cards?
They’re credit cards that offer rewards or extra perks for spending on your card. Some reward cards are free, but you’ll have to pay a fee for others.
The types of rewards you could get include:
How do cashback cards work?
Cashback reward cards give you back a percentage of what you spend on your card.
For example, if you choose a card with 1% cashback and spend €10,000, you would get €100 paid back to your account. This may be credited to your card monthly or yearly.
Most card providers will pay cashback for online shopping, retail and entertainment spending, but not travel costs, gambling or household bills.
Do you get cashback on everything you buy?
There are often exclusions, but cashback payable depends on the rewards card provider, so it’s a good idea to check the terms and conditions.
Purchase transactions eligible for cashback include:
Purchase transactions that normally don’t qualify for cashback include:
What is Avios?
Avios is the reward currency of Aer Club, the loyalty programme of Aer Lingus. Here’s how they work:
- Avios are earned and collected by taking flights and booking hotels and car hire.
- They can be redeemed to use on Reward Flights or hotel stays and car hire.
- For every €1 you spend using the Aer Credit Card on Aer Lingus products or services you will collect 1 Avios.
You can find out more on Aer Club.
How do I redeem my rewards ?
How you redeem your rewards depends on the type of reward and the credit card provider, but typically;
- Cashback payable will usually show on your credit card statement and be automatically credited
- Avios can be redeemed by linking your Aer Credit Card with AerClub
- Special discounts and exclusive experience redemptions will be explained by your card provider
Is there a limit on cashback earnings?
Yes, there is usually a cap on how much you can earn, but the maximum value of cashback depends on the credit card provider. It’s typically around €10-15 per month, but the AIB Platinum card offers up to €225 per year.
You can check your cashback balance online or on your credit card app.
Which credit card offers the best rewards?
It depends on your lifestyle and how you use your card.
If you like to shop and spend, a rewards credit card with a decent cashback percentage is ideal; however, if you’re a frequent flyer, it could be worth a monthly fee to earn travel perks and collect Avios.
| Type of reward | Best if you… | Cards on offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cashback | Enjoy shopping & spending | Avant Money Reward+, AIB Platinum, Revolut* | |
| Exclusive offers | Enjoy luxuries & special perks | AIB Platinum, Revolut** | |
| Welcome bonus | Want a cash incentive | Avant Money Reward+ | |
| Travel perks | Love travelling & fly frequently | Bank of Ireland Aer Credit Card |
*Up to €3,000. T&Cs apply. **Reward amounts may vary and are subject to availability.
Can I apply for more than one credit card?
Yes, you can, but you will have to pay €30 stamp duty on each account so you need to weigh up whether it’s worth it.
So you don’t pay more then you need to, you should:
Are reward credit cards worth it?
If you pay off your balance in full and on time each month and spend enough, you can earn some attractive perks or extra cash with a rewards credit card.
However, if you don’t settle your credit card bill each month, you’ll pay interest on your purchases, which is often more than the cashback you have earned.
The best way to benefit from a rewards scheme is to find a card that suits your spending habits and lifestyle. Here’s some pros and cons to help you decide:
Pros
Cons
Should you pay a fee for a reward card?
It depends on whether you think the benefits outweigh the costs. If you’re sure you would save money by paying a monthly fee for various perks and rewards, then it could be worthwhile.
The Aer Credit Card, aimed at frequent travellers, is the only rewards credit card with a monthly fee.
For this, you’ll get all the benefits of a credit card, plus travel rewards worth over €267, including two free return fares to Europe and worldwide travel insurance for you and your family.
Five ways to use your reward card
- For everyday expenses: instead of using cash or debit cards, pay for everyday expenses with your reward card to maximise rewards and cash back.
- Only for rewards: use it purely for rewards, not to cover the cost of large purchases. If you need to borrow, a 0% purchase card is better.
- Don’t overspend: it can be tempting to hike spending to reap more rewards, but keep your spending to a normal level to maximise savings.
- Choose the right type: ensure the type of reward card you choose suits your lifestyle and always check minimum spend terms or point values.
- Don’t use it to withdraw cash: you’ll be charged fees and/or interest, so reserve cash withdrawals for your debit card.
Learn about the best credit card for your needs in our Complete Guide to Credit Cards.
Credit card rewards FAQs
Can I get a rewards card if I'm a student?
No, if you are a student it’s unlikely you will qualify for a regular rewards credit card because you’ll need to provide proof of income.
Many student credit cards offer their own rewards and discounts, designed for students. You can find the best one by using our student credit card comparison tool.
Can I get a rewards card with bad credit?
Different lenders have their own criteria for approving credit and some are more stringent than others.
When you apply for a credit card, the card issuer will access the Central Credit Register Credit to inspect your credit history. Your card issuer will use the credit report to assess your application before making a decision. They will also consider your income and outgoings, such as salary, rent and utilities.
If you have a history of unpaid loans, late payments or a poor credit score, it will make it more difficult to get a rewards credit card. If you want to find out how to access your credit report, read our guide How to check your credit record.