An Post has launched a new sub-brand called An Post Money as it expands the range of financial products it offers to consumers in Ireland. So what exactly is An Post Money offering, and more importantly, is there good value to be had?
Back in 2017 An Post took its first step into the world of banking with the launch of the An Post Smart Current Account. And while the account isn’t the most competitive in the market, it gave some much needed choice to Irish consumers.
Now An Post has started offering a wider range of banking products such as credit cards, personal loans, and a multi-currency foreign exchange card under its new An Post Money brand, which will be delivered through its network of post offices nationwide and online through anpost.com. And in 2020 An Post even plans to enter the mortgage market too.
So what’s An Post Money offering?
Credit Cards
You can now apply for a credit card with An Post Money, which offers 0% on balance transfers for the first 12 months, making it the best balance transfer deal in the market at present.
After that a rate of 16.8% (22.9% APR) applies to purchases, which although competitive, isn't quite the lowest rate on offer. Check out our credit card comparison tool for the cheapest rates available.
What’s more you can also automatically earn cashback when you use your card with a range of retailers.
These include:
- 5% back on all Lidl transactions of €25 or more
- 8% back on in-store and online spend with Intersport Elverys
- 5% back on all holidays with Sunway
- 5% back on all books bought online with Kennys.ie
- 5% back on all purchases with OutdoorLiving.ie
Personal Loans
An Post Money has partnered with Avantcard to offer personal loans for amounts from €5,000 up to €75,000. And if you apply online you can get approval in minutes.
Once approved the loan funds can be transferred into your account within one business day in some cases.
Rates are as low as 8.5% APR for amounts above €25,000, which is competitive. However the exact rate you'll pay will depend on your financial profile, credit history as well as the amount you borrow.
Be sure to compare all rates across all lenders with our personal loan comparison service before you make any decisions of course.
|
Loan Amount |
APR |
|
€5,000 - €7,499 |
10.9% - 14.3% |
|
€7,500 - €14,999 |
9.9% - 13.5% |
|
€15,000 - €24,999 |
9.5% - 12.9% |
|
€25,000 - €75,000 |
8.5% - 12.5% |
An Post Money Currency Card
The currency card is a contactless, prepaid Mastercard which allows you to top up the card commission-free in 10 currencies. You can load the card with money online or at your local post office and An Post promises that it's cheaper than paying for something with your credit card while abroad. The exchange rates you get are locked in on the date you top up your card, not the day you make the spend, which is a novel feature.
However be warned - as with all prepaid cards you'll be liable for Government stamp duty of up to €5 a year. You'll also be charged an 'inactivity fee' of £2/$3.50 if you don't use the funds on the card for over a year. And if you use the card to withdraw cash you'll be charged £1.50/$2.50 per withdrawal. Yikes!
And if you're a customer of Revolut or N26 this card definitely isn't for you as both these banks offer their own highly competitive foreign exchange fees. For a full rundown on what both these 'digital-only' banks offer you can read our in-depth article on them right here.
Mortgages
An Post Money also plans to enter the mortgage market in 2020. It's yet to announce which bank it'll partner with, but it's likely to be a new, foreign-owned bank which can only be good news for helping to bring down our mortgage rates which are almost the highest in the Eurozone.
Good news for consumers
Anything which increases choice for consumers can only be a good thing. Therefore we're pretty happy at bonkers HQ at the news that An Post is expanding the range of banking products it offers.
A lot of attention will surely focus on An Post's upcoming entry into the mortgage market given the high rates that consumers here pay. However, while increased competition should help drive mortgage rates lower in the longer term, many of the same factors that have lead banks to charge higher rates in Ireland will also apply to An Post.
Also, An Post has given no indication yet that it's seeking to undercut any of the main players in Ireland so it's really a game of 'wait and see' before we can be sure of the impact there'll be on mortgage rates.
