If you visit Ireland, you will likely carry your credit cards and cash in the local currency.
Besides making payments simple and safer, you do not have to worry about where to convert your cash.
With the many card issuers available, finding the best credit card in Ireland can be confusing.
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What Are The Most Accepted Credit Cards In Ireland?
While various credit card issuers are acceptable in Ireland, Visa and MasterCard are the most popular. Nevertheless, you can still use an American Express or Discover credit card in some outlets. Still, they are fewer today compared to previous years.
A few Irish ATMs will accept cash withdrawals if you still travel with the latter.
Look out for the ATMs from Ireland’s largest banks, Bank of Ireland, Allied Irish Bank, or Barclays Bank Ireland. Most locations will have logo stickers for all the cards you can use.
Otherwise, you can withdraw money using your Visa or MasterCard credit card from any ATM, including private ones.
Foreign transactions attract a fee, so checking with your bank before traveling is advisable.
Popular Credit Cards You Can Use In Ireland
Using credit cards when you travel to Ireland can lead to high charges and bank fees.
To control your expenditure, consider getting those that attract lower fees while providing suitable travel benefits.
Some of the best credit cards you can use in Ireland include the following.
Bank of America Travel Rewards
The main benefit of using a Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card is it does not have an annual fee.
In addition, it does not charge users foreign transaction fees. Besides, you will also earn points for every transaction you make that you can redeem in restaurants or for travel.
Capital One Venture Rewards
While the Capital One Venture credit card has a yearly fee of $95, it has numerous benefits.
As a cardholder, you will earn unlimited travel miles on purchases, including access to airport lounges under the Capital One package.
You will also not pay foreign transaction fees when using it in Ireland.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
Like the Capital One Venture Rewards card, a Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card has an annual fee of $95. However, you will not pay foreign transaction fees while using it in Ireland.
In terms of rewards, you will earn points for all travel expenses and dining payments. You also have free access to Dash Pass, a food delivery service in various locations worldwide.
Citi Premier Card
Like the previous two credit cards, Citi Premier Cards have an annual fee of $95.
You will, however, not need to worry about paying foreign transaction charges as there are none. The only fees that apply are 5% for balance transfer.
As for benefits, you will earn points when you spend on air travel, accommodation in hotels, dining, and grocery stores.
First-time cardholders also get an initial bonus of $600 if one spends over $4000 within three months.
American Express Gold
The American Express Gold card is referred to as a premier mode of payment due to its high annual fees of $250.
For all that steep payment, you get scores of rewards and benefits.
Apart from zero foreign transaction fees, you will earn points for flights, baggage insurance, and a 24-hour emergency hotline. They also offer insurance for car rental damage or loss.
Is Using American Dollars Possible In Ireland?
It’s not possible to use US dollars in Ireland. The Republic of Ireland in Europe uses Euros, while Northern Ireland uses Pounds.
As a visitor, ensure you convert all your dollars before travel or at the airport to simplify your payments.
Carrying cards provides safety and convenience for cashless transactions, especially when making high-value transactions.
Charges To Use Your Credit Card Abroad
Although travelers prefer to use credit cards to make reservations and purchases, these transactions attract various fees.
Some of the charges you will incur include:
- ATM cash advance charges. Credit card issuers usually charge their clients a fee to withdraw cash from ATMs. Whether you withdraw locally or in a foreign country, you will still pay this fee.
- Private ATM fees. Despite Irish banks not charging users to make ATM withdrawals, some independent machines may have a charge.
- Dynamic Currency Conversion. Establishments, commonly called merchants, may request you to pay in dollars or pounds. If you agree to use DCC, it may cost you more than Euros, the local currency.
- Foreign exchange fees. Most credit card issuers charge an average of 3% for every foreign transaction. Even so, the percentage can be lower depending on your card type. Ensure you contact your bank for confirmation before traveling.
Plan your trip – Traveling Ireland On A Budget
Pros Of Using A Credit Card In Ireland
Credit cards are perfect for larger transactions, unlike debit cards with a limit, which depends on the money in your account.
You can make all your travel bookings, including flights, hotel, and excursions. Shopping for souvenirs or gifts for loved ones back home is also easier with a credit card.
Some of the common pros of using a credit card while traveling abroad are:
- Some credit card issuers offer travel insurance and cash rewards to their users
- There are no charges to convert currencies
- The cards have chip and pin protection
- You may get complimentary travel insurance from some cards
- Purchases have an interest-free period
Cons Of Using A Credit Card In Ireland
Before using your credit card in Ireland, it is best to check and compare all the benefits you can get from various issuers.
Ensure you get one that meets all your future travel needs, not just a one-off.
Besides attracting high transaction fees to withdraw cash, there are several cons of using a credit card abroad.
These include:
- The interest rate on ATM withdrawals is quite high
- Credit cards issuers charge an annual fee
- Charges to use the card in a foreign country may differ
- Chances of finding ATMs that accept Amex or Discover cards in Ireland are low
Read Next – Is Ireland Expensive to Visit?
Conclusion
While having a credit card in Ireland is ideal for purchases and bookings, it can be costly. Most issuers charge a cash advance fee plus interest to make ATM withdrawals.
This can be high compared to debit cards. Cash is far more convenient, but in smaller amounts to prevent theft or overspending.
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