The credit cards Ireland has to offer are numerous. Credit cards, not just in Ireland are an extremely popular way to pay for just about everything. Credit card usage in Ireland has grown tremendously since 2000, the number of active credit cards has more than doubled from 1 million in 1997 to 2.3 million by 2007. The Irish Credit Bureau has strengthened the industry even more by creating the biggest credit agency in the country. The Bureau included just about every major financial institution reporting to it, so it is able to offer supremely reliable information. Starting in 2009 the government has placed and annual stamp duty of 30 to be paid by consumers to be able to enjoy the use of credit cards. It is an annual duty that does not have to be paid again as long as the credit card holder doesnt cancel an account to go to another. In order to avoid paying it a second time the individual must obtain a letter form the old credit card company stating that they already paid the duty for the year. This letter needs to be given to the new credit card company so they do not charge the duty again. Some believe this is being done to keep Ireland credit card usage under control. Although the government contends that the measure has been taken to the modern banking infrastructure stronger for all of Ireland's occupants. Most companies offer classic, gold and platinum credit cards to people based on their credit score supplied by the Bureau. Those who make a decent salary or are corporate clients can obtain a card with ease. Many of these banks also offer reward programs to stimulate the usage of their cards such as air miles, travel rewards and cash back. The ability to do banking online has also boost credit card usage. It has allowed people to pay for their regular bills, shop, book accommodations and even buy movie tickets from the comfort of their home computer. Banks have taken measures such as chip and PIN technology in order to protect their clients online. Also they have made secured platform to stop credit card fraud. Some of the major financial institutions credit cards in Ireland are: American Express Bank of Ireland Barclaycard Capital One Citibank Clydesdale Bank Lloyds TSB MBNA Nationwide NatWest Royal Bank of Scotland The Co-operative Bank Ulster Bank Yorkshire Bank These credit cards offer a variety of rewards, perks and benefits such as: Reward cards Cash back cards Air miles cards Charity cards Commercial or business cards Travel cards Student cards Secured credit cards About the Author:
Peter Carville is a freelance article writer who writes for Financial Facts about the current financial news and the credit crunch.