A very respectable option for people who don't really want to have to think about their credit card, this deal is all about versatility and value over the long run.
You won't find any headline-grabbing introductory 0% deals here, which is great if you don't want the hassle of having to remember to switch cards after an introductory offer expires. Instead, this card comes with ongoing low rates on both purchases and balance transfers. However, they're not fixed, so if the Bank of England base rate changes, or if Ulster Bank simply decides to restructure its credit cards, your rate could change. If you clear your balance in full each month, you'll also benefit from up to 56 days of 0% interest on your purchases (this doesn't apply to cash advances).
If you're transferring a balance or anticipating a large upcoming expenditure (or both), there are undoubtedly cheaper deals out there, at least in the short term. Similarly, there are more rewarding options available for those who spend on their credit card frequently but don't carry a balance from month to month. This card might appeal most to existing Ulster Bank customers seeking simplicity and flexibility, who anticipate using their card abroad.
If you don't plan to carry a balance from month to month, the imaginatively named Ulster Bank Credit Card is a handy option to carry both at home and abroad, with low rates, no annual fee and no fees for foreign transactions (currencies will be converted at Mastercard's standard rates).
| Issuer | Ulster Bank |
| Network | Mastercard |
| Representative APR | 12.9% APR (variable) |
| Annual/monthly fees | £0 |
| Purchases | 12.9% |
| Purchases interest-free period (days) | 56 |
| Balance transfers | 12.9% |
| Potential costs | 4.6 ★★★★★ |
| Doing its job | 5.0 ★★★★★ |
| Extras | 3.3 ★★★★★ |
| Overall Finder Score | 4.7 ★★★★★ |
| Minimum monthly payment | 1% or £5 (whichever is greater) or the total of any interest, default fees and charges, 1/12th of annual fee plus 1% of the outstanding balance or double the amount of that month's interest and any default charges, plus any instalment plan fee(s), plus £1. |
| Annual/monthly fees | £0 |
| Balance transfer fee | 0% |
| Money transfer fee | 0% |
| Foreign usage charge (EU) | 0% |
| Foreign usage charge (rest of world) | 0% |
| Cash advance fee | 3% (min. £3) |
| Late payment fee | £12 |
| Duplicate statement fee | £3 |
| Exceeding limit fee | £12 |
| Additional card fee | £0 |
| Dormancy fee | £0 |
| Minimum Age | 18 |
| Minimum income | £10,000 |
| Residency | UK residents |
| Availability | Available to new customers |
The Ulster Bank Credit Card is issued on the Mastercard network, so it's accepted at more than 50 million merchant locations across more than 210 countries and territories.
To make comparing even easier we came up with the Finder Score. Costs, perks and suitability across 120+ cards are all weighted and scaled to produce a score out of 10. The higher the score the better the card – simple.
Read the full methodologyTo make comparing even easier we came up with the Finder Score. Costs, perks and suitability across 120+ cards are all weighted and scaled to produce a score out of 10. The higher the score the better the card – simple.
Read the full methodologyApproval for any credit card depends on your status. The representative APRs shown represent the interest rate offered to most successful applicants. Depending on your personal circumstances, the APR you're offered may be higher, or you may not be offered credit at all. Fees and rates are subject to change without notice. It's always wise to check the terms of any deal before you borrow. Most of the data in Finder's comparison tables is provided by Moneyfacts.
To make comparing even easier we came up with the Finder Score. Costs, perks and suitability across 120+ cards are all weighted and scaled to produce a score out of 10. The higher the score the better the card – simple.
Read the full methodologyYou can make manual repayments through Ulster Bank's app by logging in to your online banking or over the phone (0800 046 6486). Alternatively, you may wish to set up a direct debit.
A direct debit protects you from forgetting to make a repayment and either damaging your credit score, getting hit with a penalty fee (£12) or losing any promotional rates as a result.
You can arrange a direct debit for repayments when you apply for the credit card. The table below shows the options available.
| Minimum amount | |
|---|---|
| Fixed amount | |
| Fixed percentage | |
| Full amount |
If you've compared cards and want to apply, completing the secure online application form takes about 10 minutes. Before you apply, check that you meet the eligibility requirements and have the information and documents you'll need to make the process as straightforward as possible.
You'll know whether or not your application has been approved within 5 minutes of submission. As long as it's approved, Ulster Bank states your shiny new card will be with you in 5-7 working days.
No, and if you have card debt elsewhere, you may decide to apply for a balance transfer.
Yes. While Ulster Bank doesn't charge a fee for non-sterling transactions using this card, withdrawing cash abroad will incur a fee, (and the ATM owner may add its own fee on top too). Find out more about using a credit card overseas.
You can do this through internet banking by selecting "Cards" from the main menu. In the "Manage your personal credit card" section select "Manage your credit card limit". Add your annual income, requested credit limit and the last 5 digits of your card. Finally, select "submit". Alternatively, you can call a customer advisor ().
Our experts score low rate credit cards to determine their value against similar products on the market. We look at a number of important factors, like exactly how low the low rate is, any perks/benefits, plus the potential costs involved with running the card both in the short and longer term.
You can read more about our scoring criteria on our credit card methodology page.