Compare student credit cards
Compare credit cards for students in Ireland with introductory purchase rates, cashback and other perks.
How do student credit cards work?
They are type of payment card. You can use it to pay for goods and services on credit, which you need to pay back within a specified time frame.
Your card issuer will set a credit limit so you know the maximum you can spend.
- Repayments can be made in monthly instalments to spread the cost of something.
- If you pay off your balance in full each month, you won’t pay any interest charges.
Why get a student credit card?
A student credit card can be a helpful way to budget for unplanned costs while you’re studying.
They are designed for students studying at university or college, so they are slightly different from a normal credit card. Here are some features you can expect to find with a student credit card:
- benefits tailored to student needs, such as travel perks or mobile payments
- low interest introductory rates for purchases and balance transfers
- lower credit limits to keep your spending under control
- different application criteria
Are credit cards free?
No, in Ireland you pay a ‘Government Stamp Duty’ on your credit card account. The rate for credit cards is €30 per year per credit card account. Your card issuer will typically collect Stamp Duty on 1st April in arrears.
Discover more about how credit cards work and how to borrow wisely in our Complete Guide to Credit Cards.
What is the difference between a student credit card and student debit card?
Debit cards
- When you use a debit card, you are using money in your current account from earnings.
- You can only spend what is in your bank account and agreed overdraft.
Credit cards
- When using a credit card, you borrow money from the credit card issuer.
- If you don’t pay it back within the specified time, you will usually be charged interest on your purchases.
Should you get a student credit card?
A student credit card is handy if you can borrow responsibly, but if you don’t use it sensibly or make your repayments on time, you could end up with debt and financial difficulty.
Here’s some pros and cons to consider:
Pros
Cons
How to apply for a student credit card
To apply for a student credit card, you need to prove you are a current full-time student at a third level institution, such as a university, college or an institute of technology.
You also need to:
- be over 18
- have an active student current account
- have a bank account for a minimum amount of time
- provide certified proof of identity, e.g. a valid passport, drivers licence or EU ID Card
- provide certified proof of current address, e.g. utility bill, a letter from a financial institution
- provide your PPSN or TRN
You will be required to have a student current account with the bank that issues your credit card.
Three ways to use your student credit card
- Avoid overspending Only use your card for planned and budgeted items that you know you can afford.
- Read the details: Read any T’s&C’s carefully for things like fees and interest charges or your statement for the payment due date.
- Pay on time: Pay your full balance on time each month, or at least the minimum amount required to avoid being charged interest or penalties.
Learn about the best credit card for your needs in our Complete Guide to Credit Cards.
Student credit card FAQs
What does APR (Annual Percentage Rate) mean?
APR is used to help you understand the cost of borrowing. It’s the official rate used for comparing credit cards and unsecured loans, and is shown as a percentage of the amount you’ve borrowed.
The lower the APR, the cheaper the cost of borrowing should be.
It takes into account the interest rate and additional charges of a credit offer, but not penalties, like late payment fees.
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. In the first year, it is normally around €500.
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