Ireland’s best loan rates
We help you compare the best online loans in Ireland for low cost borrowing. Use our loan calculator to discover Ireland’s lowest interest rates.
Home improvement loans
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Guide
Your complete guide to loans in Ireland
Loans can provide a financial lifeline but borrowing can be costly. Discover all you need to know about loans in Ireland and find out how to get the best rates.
- Part 1 How loans work
- Part 2 Types of loans
- Part 3 Where to get a loan
- Part 4 Choosing the right loan
- Part 5 Applying for a loan
- Part 6 Loan repayment calculator
Our expert says
A personal loan can provide a financial helping hand for life’s big purchases.
Loans are a cost-effective way to fund home improvements, purchase a new car or cover unexpected costs. They allow you to pay upfront for the things you need and spread the cost of repayments. If you manage your money well and make repayments on time, an unsecured loan is an ideal way to borrow and stay within your budget.
Our advice is always shop around to compare interest rates and total costs. A loan calculator is a handy way to work out what you can afford to borrow and repay monthly. When you find a great loan deal don’t be tempted to borrow more than you need and repay it as soon as possible.
The best loans have a low APR (Annual Percentage Rate) and are flexible, so you can pay it back on your own terms and keep interest costs low.
Eoin Clarke
Latest Update
Loans roundup
Personal, home and car loans surge in first quarter of 2023
04/08/2023: Home improvement loans, personal loans and car loans reached record highs in the first quarter of 2023.
The report, released by the Banking and Payments Federation (BPFI), revealed the number of personal loans rose by 27.8% vs 2022.
Car loans rose by 27.4% and home improvement loans rose by 28.7% - meaning overall lending hit €481m.
The BPFI said these are the highest values reached since the data series began in 2020.
Low-cost retrofit loan scheme on way for Irish homes
14/07/2023: The European Investment Bank has approved a €1.8bn loan package for Irish home energy upgrades.
The funds will support cheap loans to Irish households for energy upgrades like insulation and sustainable home heating. The Residential Retrofit Loan Scheme was supposed to launch last year, but was delayed.
The scheme will provide cut-price loans of up to €50,000, with predicted rates of 3-3.5%, to help Irish households upgrade their homes to a BER rating of B2 or more.
Loan calculator
Our personal loan calculator can help you work out your monthly repayments and interest in just a few clicks. See how much your online loan costs from Ireland’s leading lenders.
We can help you compare:
- Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
- Total repayment costs
- Monthly repayments
- Loan repayment terms
Our borrowing tips
Whether you’re planning a kitchen refit or buying a new car, a loan can boost your finances and help you turn goals into reality. Here’s how to borrow wisely and stay in control of loan costs.
Shop around and compare loan costs
Use a personal loans comparison or broker to help you shop around for the best rates. Compare the APR, total loan costs for the term and monthly repayments. Check out any other benefits offered such as payment holidays or flexible terms.
Only borrow what you can afford
Think carefully about how much you need to borrow. If you can pay for something with savings, then use your savings first. Keep your loan to the minimum and don’t be tempted to borrow more than you need. If you’re using the loan for a big purchase use as much cash upfront as you can afford.
Keep your loan term as short as possible
The more quickly you can pay back your loan, the less interest you’ll pay in total. A shorter loan term will increase monthly payments and a longer term will reduce them.
To find the sweet spot, use a loan calculator to determine how much you can afford to repay in the shortest time period.
Beware hidden costs and fees
Some lenders will charge you for early repayment, but more lenders are now offering flexible payment terms which means you can repay early without penalty. Banks will also charge for late or missed payments, so make sure you check the T&Cs and know what extra fees could be incurred during the loan period. Opt for a flexible loan if possible and watch out for any loan set-up fees hidden in the fine print.
Clean up your credit record
Before you apply for a loan, check your credit record is up to date and in good shape. Our guide How to check your credit record tells you how to check and boost your credit rating so you can be confident of loan approval. A good credit rating increases your chances of loan approval and a favourable interest rate. A bad credit rating means you may face difficulty getting a loan.
What you need to know
What does APR mean?
It’s short for Annual Percentage Rate (APR) and shows the annual loan costs. It includes lender fees and interest and helps people compare loan costs fairly.
What is the repayment term?
It’s the length of time you borrow money. Unsecured loans are offered for between one and 10 years and many lenders allow you to choose the term.
Fixed or variable rate loan?
A fixed rate means interest and monthly repayments stay the same over the loan term. A variable rate means your repayments may differ based on the interest rate.
What is a credit record?
Lenders use your credit record to help them decide whether you’re creditworthy. Your credit rating is based on your borrowing and repayment history.