Bank cards

What are the different types of bank cards?

In Ireland you can use several types of bank cards, including debit, credit, prepaid, ATM, lodgement cards and newer digital options such as virtual cards, disposable online payment cards and cards designed for children and teenagers.

Each card type works differently, with its own features, fees and stamp duty rules. This page explains how they differ so you can understand which card suits your needs. For fee comparisons, use the CCPC Current account comparison tool to help you make an informed choice.

What is a debit card?

When you open a current account, you’ll receive a debit card. You can use it to:

• Pay for goods and services
• Make payments online or by phone
• Withdraw money from ATMs
• Lodge cash or cheques via self-service machines
• Set up recurring payments (e.g. streaming, bin charges, gym)

Most Irish banks issue debit cards, which can be used worldwide. You can also use contactless payments for transactions up to €50. However, if you use a digital wallet, there is no set spending limit for contactless payments – though some retailers may still apply their own limits.

Money is deducted immediately but may take two to three days to appear on your bank statement. This is true for all debit cards, not just virtual ones. Only spend what’s in your account. If you use an overdraft, you’ll pay interest on the amount you borrow. Compare fees using the CCPC Current account comparison tool.

What options do you have for debit cards today?

Alongside standard debit cards, many banks now let you have more than one debit card linked to the same account. This can be useful for joint account holders or for managing different types of spending.

Most main Irish banks do not charge a fee for issuing or holding a debit card itself, though they may charge other account maintenance or transaction fees. Always check your bank’s schedule of fees for details on any charges that may apply to your account or card usage.

Digital/virtual debit cards

Increasingly, banks and digital providers also offer digital/virtual debit cards along with traditional plastic ones. These cards are securely stored within your banking app, which you add to your smartphone. This means your card details are protected by your phone’s security features (such as fingerprint, face recognition or PIN), making them a safe and convenient option for online and contactless payments.

Digital banks/fintech

Digital banks/fintechs offer digital or virtual debit cards, which are free as part of their standard current account plans. If you would like a physical card, there may be a small fee for them to send it out to you.

Digital or virtual debit cards are stored securely in your banking app. You can use them for online shopping or add them to your digital wallet for contactless payments in shops.

You do not need a fintech account to use a digital wallet. Most traditional Irish banks also support digital wallets and provide digital versions of their debit cards. As long as your bank supports digital wallets, you can add your regular debit card for contactless payments.

These newer types of debit card offer greater flexibility and protection, especially for online and contactless payments. Visit our page on digital banks/fintechs for more. 

Disposable virtual cards

Some providers offer single-use card details that refresh after each transaction, giving you extra security for online shopping.

What debit card options are available for children and teenagers?

Several banks and digital providers offer debit cards designed for children and teenagers. They are designed to help children and teenagers learn about money management in a safe, supervised way.

These cards are usually linked to a parent or guardian’s account, giving adults control and oversight. Most major Irish banks offer youth or teen accounts with debit cards. Digital banks also provide flexible options for young people.

Key features of kids’ debit cards:

• Parental controls for monitoring and setting spending limits
• Instant notifications for every transaction
• Usable online, in shops and for contactless payments
• A practical way to introduce children to digital banking and safe spending habits

How does a credit card work?

With a credit card, the money you spend is a loan from your credit card provider. An interest rate will be charged if your bill is not paid in full before the due date (i.e., it is paid after the ‘interest-free period’).

Be aware that most credit card providers don’t offer an interest-free period for cash withdrawals so you will be charged interest from the date you withdraw the cash.

Your credit card provider sets the maximum limit you can spend on your card (listed on your statement), which you can spend either straight away or gradually over time. The minimum repayment is the smallest amount you must pay each month to avoid penalties but paying only this will cost you more in interest. Learn more on our credit cards page.

What is a prepaid card?

A prepaid card is a payment card that is not linked to a bank account. Instead, you load money onto the card before you spend. Depending on the type of prepaid card, you can top it up in a shop, online, by debit card or by bank transfer. Note that not all prepaid cards are accepted everywhere, especially abroad.

Key features of prepaid cards:

• You can only spend the amount loaded onto the card – there is no overdraft facility.
• Prepaid gift cards are available for giving to others.
• Prepaid foreign exchange cards are useful for travel.
• You may need to provide proof of identity and address when applying.

Who might use a prepaid card?

• People who cannot get a credit card or do not want one
• Anyone who prefers not to use their credit card online
• Those who do not have a current account

Prepaid cards can be a flexible option for managing spending or shopping online but always check the fees and charges before you apply.

There are a number of fees and charges with prepaid cards. Some of these include:

• Purchase fee when you buy the card
• Top-up fee
• Monthly service fee
• Transaction fee
• ATM withdrawal fee

Fees and charges for prepaid cards can be higher than fees and charges for similar transactions using debit cards, so make sure to check these carefully before getting one.

What is a lodgement card?

Some providers offer lodgement cards that allow you to lodge cash and cheques to your current account using self-service machines in the bank. These are common for businesses that have multiple employees making lodgements on their behalf.

What stamp duty applies to bank cards?

ATM withdrawals

Government stamp duty of €0.12 per transaction is applied to ATM withdrawals. The maximum annual fee is €2.50 for ATM cards and €5.00 for combined (ATM and debit) cards. Stamp duty is collected in arrears, so stamp duty is charged on 31 December for the previous year.

Credit cards

Stamp duty for credit cards is €30 per year. From January 2024 onwards, this charge is applied in January for the previous calendar year, replacing the previous practice of charging in April for the prior 12 months. For more information, visit Revenue.ie.