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?
Reward credit cards give you extra benefits for spending on your card, such as cashback, points, or travel perks.
Some reward cards are free, while others charge a monthly or annual fee in exchange for additional benefits.
The types of rewards you could get include:
Rewards credit cards, what to expect
Rewards credit cards in Ireland can offer useful perks, but they work best when you understand their limits.
Compared to some other countries, rewards tend to be more modest, and the real value depends on how you use your card.
- Cashback cards are usually the simplest option, offering a small percentage back on everyday spending.
- Points and travel rewards can suit frequent travellers, but they often come with restrictions, spending thresholds or fees.
To get the most from a rewards card, it’s important to pay off your balance in full each month.
If you carry a balance and pay interest, the cost can quickly outweigh the value of any rewards you earn.
Types of reward credit cards explained
Cashback credit cards
Earn money back on everyday spending like shopping, dining and entertainment. Cashback cards are simple to use and easy to track.
Rewards & points cards
Collect points, perks or exclusive offers when you spend on your card. Best suited to people who like extra benefits over simple cashback.
Travel & Avios credit cards
Earn travel rewards such as Avios or airline perks when you spend. These cards can suit frequent flyers willing to pay a fee for extras.
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, dining and entertainment spending, but not travel costs, gambling or household bills.
Do you get cashback on everything you buy?
Not usually. There are often exclusions, and what items are eligible for cashback depends on the rewards card provider.
Cashback is commonly paid on:
Purchase transactions that normally don’t qualify for cashback include:
It’s always worth checking the card’s terms and conditions so you know exactly what spending earns cashback.
How reward cards actually earn value
The value you get from a rewards credit card depends on how you use it and how the rewards are structured.
Key things to keep in mind:
- Earn rates: Most cards offer a small percentage or points per € spent.
- Caps: Cashback and points are often capped monthly or yearly.
- Exclusions: As mentioned, some spending, such as travel, bills or gambling, may not earn rewards.
- Expiry rules: Points or rewards may expire if not used within a set timeframe.
- Interest costs: If you don’t clear your balance each month, interest charged at the card’s APR (Annual Percentage Rate) can quickly outweigh the value of any rewards earned.
Rewards cards work best when you pay off your balance in full and on time.
Travel and airline rewards in Ireland
Travel and airline rewards credit cards are more limited in Ireland than in some other countries.
They tend to suit people who:
- Fly regularly with the same airline
- Can make use of Avios, free flights or travel perks
- Are comfortable paying a fee for added benefits
For many people, a cashback card offers more predictable value than airline rewards. Travel cards usually work best if you already travel frequently and can fully use the perks on offer.
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 on an eligible Aer credit card.
- 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.
Typically:
- Cashback is shown on your credit card statement and is automatically credited to your account.
- Avios can be redeemed by linking your Aer Credit Card to your Aer Club account.
- Special offers or experiences (such as discounts or perks) are managed directly by the card provider and explained in their terms.
- You can usually track your rewards online or through your credit card app.
Is there a limit on cashback earnings?
Yes. Most cashback credit cards place a cap on how much you can earn.
The maximum cashback available depends on the card provider and the offer. In many cases, cashback is capped at around €10–€15 per month, though some cards offer higher limits.
For example, the AIB Platinum card allows you to earn up to €225 per year, while the Avant Money Everyday+ card offers up to €300 cashback in the first year.
You can usually check how much cashback you’ve earned online or through your credit card app.
Cashback vs points, which offers better value?
The better option depends on how much you spend and how you use your card. For example:
If you prefer simple, guaranteed savings, cashback cards are often easier to get value from. Points and travel rewards can offer more value, but only if you use them fully.
Which credit card offers the best value?
It depends on your lifestyle, how much you spend 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+, Avant Money Everyday+, AIB Platinum | |
| Exclusive offers | Enjoy luxuries, special perks and discounts | AIB Platinum, Revolut | |
| Welcome bonus | Want a cash incentive | Avant Money Reward+ | |
| Travel perks | Love travelling & fly frequently | Bank of Ireland Aer Credit Card, Revolut |
Here’s some real-world examples so you can see each type in play:
Spending example
Cashback in real life
If you spend around €1,200 a month on groceries, petrol, dining and online shopping:
- 1% cashback returns about €12 per month
- Over a year, that adds up to roughly €144
- Cashback is credited automatically to your card
This suits people whose spending is mostly on everyday purchases.
Offers & perks example
Real-world perks you might use
Many rewards cards include partner offers on dining, shopping or entertainment:
- 15% off a restaurant bill of €80 saves around €12
- 10% off a €150 retail purchase saves about €15
- A seasonal cinema or entertainment credit worth €10
These perks add value if you regularly use the offers available.
Travel example
Avios in real life
If you spend €10,000 a year on your card and take one or two Aer Lingus trips:
- Earn Avios from everyday card spending
- Collect additional Avios from flights you take
- Enough Avios for a return trip within Europe
This works best for frequent flyers who redeem Avios each year.
Can I apply for more than one credit card?
Yes, you can hold more than one credit card at the same time, but it’s important to weigh up the costs.
In Ireland, a €30 government stamp duty applies to each active credit card account* every year.
This means holding multiple cards can add up, even if you don’t use them often.
To avoid paying more than you need to:
*Avant Money cover the cost of government stamp duty on the Everyday+ card, saving you €30 each year.
Are reward credit cards worth it?
Reward credit cards can be worthwhile if you pay off your balance in full and on time each month and spend enough to benefit from the rewards.
However, if you carry a balance and pay interest on your purchases, the cost can quickly outweigh any cashback or perks you earn.
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
When a rewards credit card might not suit you
A rewards credit card won’t be the right choice for everyone. It may not suit you if:
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.
Some reward cards charge a monthly or annual fee in return for benefits like travel perks, insurance or bonus rewards. These cards can make sense if you’re confident you’ll use the extras regularly.
Currently, 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
- Use it for everyday spending: Groceries, dining and shopping are often the best way to earn rewards.
- Pay it off in full: Clearing your balance monthly avoids interest wiping out your rewards.
- Don’t overspend: Rewards should reflect your normal spending, not encourage extra purchases.
- Choose the right type: Cashback, perks or travel rewards should match your lifestyle.
- Avoid cash withdrawals: These usually incur fees and don’t earn rewards.
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.
What’s the difference between cashback and points credit cards?
Cashback cards return a percentage of your spending as money, while points cards reward you with points or perks that can be redeemed for flights, discounts or experiences.
Are travel rewards credit cards worth it in Ireland?
They can be, but usually only for frequent flyers who can redeem rewards regularly. For occasional travellers, cashback cards often offer better value.
Do reward credit cards have higher APRs?
Yes, reward cards often have higher APRs (Annual Percentage Rate) than basic cards, which is why they work best if you pay off your balance in full each month.