How to Apply for your AIB Student Credit Card

The AIB Student Credit Card is a financial tool designed for students, offering financial flexibility and convenience during their academic journey. It offers a special introductory annual interest variable rate of 3.83% on purchases for the first 12 months after account opening, followed by a standard variable annual interest rate of 14.85%. The card’s Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is 20.5%, and there is no annual bank fee, although a government stamp duty of €30.00 is charged annually per account. Cardholders can benefit from up to 56 days of interest-free credit if they clear their balance in full and on time each month. The card is compatible with mobile payment options like Google Pay and Apple Pay, catering to the fast-paced, digital-centric lifestyle of students.

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Benefits of the AIB Student Credit Card

The AIB Student Visa Card is designed to offer specific benefits that align with the needs and lifestyles of students. It facilitates financial management and provides convenient features to enhance the student experience. Below are some of the key benefits of the AIB Student Visa Card, each followed by a detailed explanation:

1. Special Introductory Interest Rate: For the first 12 months from the account opening, the card offers a special introductory annual interest rate of 3.83% (variable) on purchases. This lower rate can be particularly advantageous for students managing their finances, as it reduces the cost of borrowing during the initial year. This feature is designed to assist students in transitioning to credit card usage while keeping the interest costs manageable.
2. No Annual Bank Fee: There is no annual fee for the AIB Student Visa Card. This is particularly beneficial for students who are often budget-conscious and looking to minimize extra costs. While there is a government stamp duty of €30.00 charged annually per credit card account, the absence of additional annual fees helps reduce the overall cost of maintaining the card.
3. Interest-Free Credit Period: The card offers up to 56 days of interest-free credit, provided the balance is paid in full and on time each month. This feature allows students to manage their cash flow more effectively, as they can make purchases and pay them off within this period without incurring interest charges. It’s an opportunity to build credit and manage short-term expenses without additional costs.
4. Contactless and Mobile Payments: The card supports contactless payments for transactions below €50 and is compatible with mobile payment technologies like Google Pay and Apple Pay. This feature caters to the convenience and speed preferred by students in a digital era, allowing for quick, secure transactions without the need to carry cash.
5. Flexible Repayment Options: The AIB Student Visa Card offers flexible repayment options, allowing cardholders to choose how much they repay each month – from the minimum amount to the full balance. This flexibility aids students in managing their monthly budgets and financial commitments, providing them with control over their credit card payments.
6. Emergency Cash Facility: In emergency situations, if the card is lost or stolen, the cardholder can access an emergency cash facility up to US$5,000.00, subject to available credit. This feature is particularly useful for students who might travel or find themselves in unexpected situations where access to funds is crucial.

Prerequisites to Obtain the AIB Student Credit Card

To be eligible for the AIB Student Visa Card, applicants must be third-level students in full-time education, be an AIB Student Plus account customer, over 18 years old, and have held a bank account for at least three months. 

Required Documentation:

• Proof of Identity: a valid Passport, Driver’s Licence, or EU National Identity Card.
• Proof of Current Permanent Address: Utility Bill or correspondence from a regulated financial institution or government body, no more than 6 months old.
• Personal Public Service Number (PPS) or Tax Reference Number (TRN).

About AIB Financial Institution

Allied Irish Banks (AIB), a prominent player in Irish banking, has a long history in the industry. Established in 1966, AIB was formed by merging three Irish banks: Munster and Leinster Bank Limited, Provincial Bank of Ireland Limited, and Royal Bank of Ireland Limited. AIB has expanded its presence both domestically and internationally, including acquisitions in the United States and Europe. During the 2007 global financial crisis, AIB faced challenges due to its exposure to Irish construction and property sectors. The Irish Government intervened, including capital injections and the establishment of the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) to stabilize the bank. Today, AIB offers a range of services, including personal, business, and corporate banking. Despite facing challenges, AIB remains a cornerstone of the Irish banking sector, contributing to the country’s economic development and financial stability.

Who is this Card for?

AIB is offering the AIB Student Visa Card, a financial tool designed for full-time education students. The card is tailored for individuals aged 18 and above with a bank account for at least three months. It offers features like a special introductory interest rate, no annual fees, and flexible repayment options. The card’s compatibility with contactless and mobile payments aligns with the fast-paced lifestyle of contemporary students, providing a convenient and manageable way for students to manage their finances during their academic pursuits.

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Step by Step to Apply for the AIB Student Credit Card

To apply for the AIB Student Visa Card, you can follow these steps:

1. For Existing AIB Customers with Internet Banking:

• Apply through AIB Internet Banking.
• If you already have an AIB Credit Card and want to change to another one, call 0818 724 725.

1. For Non-AIB Customers or AIB Customers without Internet Banking:

• Call 0818 724 725 for assistance.
• Request a callback from a customer service representative through the ‘Call Me Back’ service on their website.
• Visit your local AIB branch.

Positives and Negatives of the AIB Student Credit Card

Positives

1. Introductory Interest Rate: Lower interest rate of 3.83% (variable) for the first 12 months on purchases.
2. No Annual Bank Fee: Absence of an annual fee for card maintenance, reducing overall costs.
3. Interest-Free Credit: Up to 56 days interest-free credit if the balance is paid in full and on time each month.
4. Contactless and Mobile Payments: Enables modern payment methods like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
5. Emergency Cash Facility: Access to emergency funds if the card is lost or stolen.
6. Flexible Repayments: Options to choose the amount repaid each month.

Negatives

1. Standard Interest Rate: After the first year, the interest rate increases to 14.85% (variable), which can be high for ongoing balances.
2. Eligibility Criteria: Limited to full-time third-level students, which restricts its availability to a specific demographic.
3. International Usage Charges: Additional fees apply for transactions in foreign currencies or use abroad.

How to Activate the AIB Student Credit Card?

To activate your AIB Student Visa Card upon receiving it, you’ll need to perform a Chip & PIN transaction or withdraw cash from an ATM using your card. This initial transaction activates the card, including its contactless payment feature. For more detailed information or assistance, you can refer to the AIB’s Credit and Debit Cards FAQ page.

Fees and Tariffs

The main costs associated with the AIB Student Visa Card include:

• Introductory Interest Rate: 3.83% (variable) for the first 12 months of purchases.
• Standard Interest Rate: After the first 12 months, 14.85% (variable).
• Annual Percentage Rate (APR): 20.5% (variable).
• Annual Government Stamp Duty: €30.00 charged annually per credit card account.

Customer Service

For assistance with the AIB Student Visa Card, you can use the following official channels:

• General Inquiries and Customer Service:

Phone: 0818 724 725 or +353 17712424 (Outside Ireland).

For Lost/Stolen Card: 1800 24 22 27 (within Ireland) or +353 1 269 5022 (from abroad), available 24/7.

• Official Website
• Internet Banking
• Help Centre: For FAQs and support: AIB Help and Guidance

These channels can be used for inquiries about card features, application processes, and troubleshooting.

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