A guide to credit card stamp duty?

If you have a credit card in Ireland, you might notice a small yearly charge called stamp duty on your statement. It’s not a bank fee; it’s a government tax. Many people wonder why it appears and who gets the money. Here’s a simple guide to help you understand how stamp duty on credit cards works in Ireland and what it means for you.

What is credit card stamp duty?

Stamp duty on credit cards is a tax that the Irish Government charges on every credit card account where there is an active credit facility. Your bank collects this money and sends it to the Revenue Commissioners (the government body that handles taxes).

The current charge is €30 per credit card account each year. It doesn’t matter how often you use your credit card, if you have an active credit facility, the fee applies.

When is government stamp duty on credit cards charged?

This charge usually appears once a year, at the beginning of January, and covers the previous calendar year.

For example, if you had a credit card at any point during 2026, you’ll see the €30 fee on your January 2027 statement.

If you close your credit card before the end of the year, the stamp duty will still apply. The €30 will be charged in full when you close the account.

When government stamp duty doesn’t apply

There are a few cases where credit card stamp duty is not charged. These exclusions are set by the Irish Government and apply only in specific circumstances.

• Non resident billing address: If your billing address is outside the State for the full tax year (from 1 January to 31 December), no stamp duty is charged.
• Account never activated and closed in the same year: If you open a credit card account, never use it, and close it within the same tax year, no stamp duty is charged.
• Account revoked for the entire year: If your credit card account is revoked for the full year (meaning you cannot use it for goods, services, or to take out cash), no stamp duty is charged.
• You have an account with more than one card attached to it: It will only count as one account, not two meaning you will only pay one stamp duty charge.

Switching credit card providers

If you switch credit card providers, the stamp duty will be charged to the account you close. Your old bank will give you a certificate showing it’s paid. Give this certificate to your new provider so you don’t pay twice for the same year.

Why is the bank involved?

Banks are required by law to collect this tax for the government. They don’t keep any of the money. It’s simply passed on to Revenue.

Key facts to remember

• Amount: €30 per year, per credit card account where there is an active credit facility
• Collected by: Your financial institution, for the Irish Revenue Commissioners
• Charged: At the beginning of January each year for the previous calendar year, or when you close your account
• Avoid double payment: Ask for a certificate if you switch credit card providers

If you’re interested in further information on credit cards, check out our Credit Card myths and facts.

How Avant Money’s Everyday+ Credit Card handles stamp duty

Want €30 back in your pocket every year? The Avant Money Everyday+ Credit Card’s unique offering includes Avant Money paying the stamp duty for you. You will see the stamp duty of €30 charged to the account and refunded on the same day**. See other benefits of this credit card including earning cashback at the grocery store*.

Need help?

If you’re unsure how stamp duty affects your Avant Money Credit Card, our Customer Service team can answer your questions. You can also find official information at revenue.ie.

This small annual charge might seem difficult to understand, but it’s simply a government tax, not a bank fee, and it is paid by every active credit card account in Ireland.

Variable interest rate 20.8%. Typical APR 22.9% (Annual Percentage Rate) Representative example: Assuming a credit limit of €1,500 drawn down in one transaction and repaid over 12 months in equal monthly instalments, total amount payable is €1669.00. The cost of credit is €169.00.

*Cashback applied at selected grocery retailers. Exclusions apply, see Everyday+ Credit Card FAQs. Max cashback is €25 per month 5% cashback valid for first 12 months; 1% thereafter.

**Government stamp duty of €30 will be charged to the account and refunded on the same day.

Lending criteria, terms and conditions apply. Avant Money credit cards are only available to customers over the age of 18 and resident of Republic of Ireland. Rates correct as of 24th March 2026 and are subject to change.

Bankinter S.A., trading as Avant Money, is authorised by the Banco de España in Spain and is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland for consumer protection rules.