Credit Card FAQs
What is Mastercard Identity Check?
Mastercard Identity Check™ helps verify that your purchases are indeed yours. In the event of uncertainty, you may be asked to authenticate your identity via our mobile app, a one-time passcode that we'll send to your phone via SMS or by answering your security questions.
See here for more information.
Will I be able to service my credit card online and over the phone?
Yes, you can service your card online at my.avantmoney.ie and on our mobile app. Find out more here.
How do I activate my card?
Once you’ve received your new Avant Money credit card, you need to activate it online at my.avantmoney.ie. To do this, you will need your card or account number and credit limit details.
How do I make a complaint?
If you have a complaint we want to hear from you. Please call us on 0818 409 511* or write to us at Customer Advocate Manager, PO Box 25, Carrick-on-Shannon. Co. Leitrim.
For more information on our complaints process please click here.
*Calls charged at national rates, cost may vary depending on your telecoms provider.
How do I enrol for My Avant Money
You will need the following information to enrol in My Avant Money:
Your credit card OR account details.
A main cardholder or authorised user can enrol using their credit card details. A main cardholder can also enrol using the account number. If using your credit limit, you'll find this on your card mailer or recent statement.
You will also need to enter some important details about you and your card, along with creating a username and password. Once you start the enrolment process, you will be prompted along the way with all of the information you need to access your account.
When you log in for the first time you will be prompted to enter a one-time passcode that will be sent by SMS to the mobile phone number on your account.
If you have more than one Avant Money credit card account you will need to set up a profile for each one.
To stay secure, please choose login details which are easy to remember but difficult to guess and never give them to anyone else.
I've forgotten my password, what do I do?
If you've forgotten your login details, it's easy to reset them if you click on the 'Forgot Password' link on the login page and follow the instructions. You'll be asked to provide some information about you and your account, choose a new password and then you will be able to access your account or set up the mobile app.
I've forgotten my username, what do I do?
If you have forgotten your username you will need to contact us to complete some security questions. You can call our Customer Service team on 0818 409 511, 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 2pm on Saturday, excluding Bank Holidays.
Can I enrol if I am an additional cardholder?
Yes, additional authorised card users can enrol onto My Avant Money. This must be completed using the additional cardholders credit card details and not the account number.
What do I do if I am in financial difficulty?
The first thing to do is understand your financial situation by reviewing your financial circumstances, for example with the free budget planner located on the It’s Your Money website. Secondly, check if you have insurance (such as payment protection insurance) and, if you do, check your policy to see if you can make a claim. Thirdly, if you do have concerns, you can print, complete and return our Income and Expenditure to:
Po Box 25
Carrick on Shannon
Co. Leitrim
You can call us with the details of your incomings and outgoings on 0818 211 784 to discuss the options available to you or you can contact MABS for assistance.
Money Advice and Budgeting Service
www.mabs.ie
Lo Call: 1890 283 438
Do I need to enrol in My Avant Money to use the mobile app?
Yes, you will need to have an My Avant Money username and password in order to first register for the mobile app.
What services are available on My Avant Money?
Click here, to see the available services available on My Avant Money.
What is a digital wallet?
A digital wallet simply holds digital versions of your credit cards on your smart device, such as a smartphone or tablet. As with contactless card payments, you can make purchases in a shop by holding your smart phone over a compatible card reader (point of sale machine). You can also use a digital wallet app while shopping on your device.
How do I choose a card in my digital wallet to make a payment with?
The first card you add to Google Pay becomes your default payment card and will remain so unless you change it.
To change your default card, or to make a payment using another card, simply select the preferred card within the Google Pay app settings and tap 'Set as default card’.
What happens if I replace or upgrade a smart device on which I use a digital wallet?
If you replace or upgrade your device, you will need to add your card(s) to Google Pay again.
Please ensure that you remove your card(s) from any device before selling, exchanging, or disposing of it. You should also remove your card if you temporarily pass your device to someone else; for example, if you pass it to be repaired.
You can remove a card from Google Pay at any time. Select the card within the Google Pay app, and tap 'Remove card'. You can also go to Android Device Manager to remotely erase all the data in the device, including your card(s).
What should I do if my smart device, which I have my digital wallet on, is lost or stolen?
If your device is lost or stolen, please contact us immediately on 1800 28 62 62 (freephone in the Republic of Ireland) or +353 71 959 4040 outside of the Republic of Ireland. Available 24 hours 7 days a week.
We recommend that you also register for and use Android Device Manager. This will allow you to find, lock and delete details on your phone if it is lost or stolen. You can enter ‘Find my Device’ on Google.com to locate your device.
Where will the one-time passcode code be sent when adding my cards to a digital wallet?
The one-time passcode will be sent to either the primary cardholder or the additional cardholder via text message based on the phone number registered with Avant Money for the associated card.
Why is the one-time passcode required to add my Avant Money card to my digital wallet?
To ensure the security of your card, we send a one-time passcode by text message to your registered number. You will verify your identity by entering this code in the appropriate field. This is a security code and should not be shared. Avant Money staff will never ask you for this code
How many times can I request a new One Time Passcode?
You can request a new One Time Passcode a maximum of three times. After this, you will need to be verified by calling the customer service number provided on the screen.
Is Google Pay safe to use?
Yes. When you shop at a retailer, Google Pay doesn't send your actual credit card number with your payment. Instead, a virtual account number is used to represent your account information – so your card details stay safe.
When you use Google Pay for the first time, we may send you a security code to use to confirm that you want to add your credit card to your Google Pay Wallet. You should never give that code to anyone else regardless of who they say they are or why they say they need it.
If my card is lost or stolen, can I still use Google Pay on my device?
Once reported to Avant Money as lost or stolen, your card details will be automatically updated. You can continue to use Google Pay on your device whilst your new card is sent to you.
What if I am having problems with my Google Pay payment?
There could be a number of reasons for this:
- There may be insufficient funds or credit limit available to make the transaction
- The payment is over €50 - Some retailers may not support Google Pay transactions above €50 on their terminals.
- The retailer does not accept Contactless payments - Not all retailers accept contactless payments yet. Please use another payment method such as your Avant Money credit card with Chip and PIN authorisation.
- You haven’t established a data network or Wi-Fi connection for a while - Mobile data or Wi-Fi connection is required after 30 transactions Your phone is not Near Field Communication (NFC)-capable, or the NFC function is turned off - NFC is the chip on your phone that allows contactless communication with the point of sale.
What are the fees and charges associated with Google Pay?
In-Store & In-App: No Avant Money credit card transaction fees apply. Cross border handling fees apply to non-Euro Google Pay transactions, in the same way as they do to any non-Euro credit card transaction.
- For more information on Cross border handling fees please refer to the back of your credit card statements.
Mobile network provider charges may apply depending on your data plan.
Do I need mobile data or Wi-Fi connection to use Google Pay?
You may require mobile data or Wi-Fi connection to make Google Pay transactions in-store. You will need mobile data or Wi-Fi connection to add a card to Google Pay, to replenish security settings and after a device restart. You will need mobile data or Wi-Fi connection to receive the transaction notification.
How do I use Apple Pay?
Pay with iPhone with Touch ID
Hold the Touch ID and hold your iPhone near contactless reader until you see Done and a checkmark
Pay with iPhone with Face ID
• Double-click the side button, glance at iPhone to authenticate with Face ID or enter your passcode.
• Hold the top of iPhone near contactless reader until you see Done and a checkmark.
Pay with Apple Watch
• Double-click the side button and hold the display of your Apple Watch near the contactless reader.
• Wait until you feel tap.
Pay in-app
With your iPhone, iPad and Mac, you can use Apple Pay to make purchases in-app where you see the Apple Pay symbol
• Tap the 'Buy with Apple Pay' or 'Apple Pay' button or choose Apple Pay as your payment method.
• Follow the on-screen instructions.
• Confirm the payment. When your payment is successful, you'll see Done and a checkmark on the screen.
Do I need mobile data or WiFi connection to use Apple Pay?
Mobile data or Wi-Fi connection is not required for making transactions while using Apple Pay. You will need a mobile data or Wi-Fi to add a card to your Apple Wallet and to receive transaction notifications.
Are there Fees and charges for Apple Pay?
There are no fees or charges for using Apple Pay.
However, cross border handling fees apply to non-Euro Apple Pay transactions, in the same way as they do to any non-Euro credit card transaction.
For more information on Cross border handling fees please refer to the back of your credit card statement.
Mobile network provider charges may apply depending on your data plan.
Is Apple Pay safe to use?
Yes, Apple Pay uses the security features built into your Apple device to help keep your purchases private and secure.
All transactions require Face ID, Touch ID or your passcode on your iPhone, iPad or Mac, and a double click on your Apple Watch. These features are designed so only you can make purchases with Apple Pay.
Your actual card number is never stored on your device or Apple servers. And when you pay, your card number is never shared by Apple with merchants, keeping these details hidden and offering an additional level of protection against fraud.
If my card is lost or stolen, can I still use Apple Pay?
Once reported to Avant Money as lost or stolen, your card details will be automatically updated, and you can continue to use Apple Pay on your device whilst your new card is sent to you.
How do I remove a card from Apple Pay?
From your Apple Wallet
1. Go to pass details
2. Tap ‘Info’ tab
3. Tap ‘Remove Card’
From 'Settings'
1. Open 'Settings'
2. Tap ‘Wallet & Apple Pay’
3. Tap the card to be removed
4. Tap ‘Remove Card’
From ‘Find my iPhone’ through iCloud
1. Go to ‘Find my iPhone’
2. Select the device under ‘My Devices’
3. Select ‘Remove’ on the card that you wish to remove
From iCloud
1. Open 'Settings'
2. Select ‘My Devices’
3. Select the device under ‘My Devices’
4. Select ‘Remove’ on the card that you wish to remove
What happens when I replace my Apple device?
If you replace or upgrade your Apple device, you will need to add your card(s) to Apple Pay again.
Please ensure that you remove your card(s) from any device before selling, exchanging, or disposing of it. You should also remove your card if you temporarily provide your device to someone else; for example, if you need it repaired.
You can remove a card from Apple Pay at any time. Tap on the credit card you'd like to delete and then tap on ‘Remove Card’.
What is the difference between an Apple Pay and Contactless payments?
Apple Pay enables Contactless transactions on your Apple device instead of your physical card.
While Contactless payments on your physical credit card are subject to a €50 threshold per transaction, Apple Pay will allow transactions over €50*, provided the available balance or credit limit exists. You also need to authorise every transaction with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.
*Apple Pay transactions above €50 may not be supported on some retailer terminals.
Why am I having problems making a payment?
There could be a number of reasons for this:
• There may be insufficient funds or credit limit available to make the transaction
• The payment is over €50. Some retailers may not support Apple Pay transactions above €50 on their terminals.
• The retailer does not accept contactless payments. Not all retailers accept contactless payments yet. Please use another payment method such as your credit card with Chip and PIN authorisation.
• If you do any of the following on your device, all cards in the Wallet will be deleted:
1. Sign out of iCloud
2. Remove passcode/Touch ID/Face ID
3. iTunes full restore
4. Erase all content & settings
What should I do if my Apple device, which I have my Apple Wallet on, is lost or stolen?
If your device is lost or stolen, please contact us immediately on 1800 28 62 62 (freephone in the Republic of Ireland) or +353 71 959 4040 outside of the Republic of Ireland. Available 24 hours 7 days a week.
We recommend that you also register for and use Find My iPhone. This will allow you to find, lock and delete details on your iPhone if it is lost or stolen
How many times can I request a new One Time Passcode?
You can request a new One Time Passcode a maximum of three times. After this, you will need to be verified by calling the customer service number provided on your Apple device screen.
Where will the one time passcode code be sent when adding my cards to my Apple Wallet?
The one-time passcode will be sent to either the primary cardholder or the additional cardholder via text message based on the phone number registered with Avant Money for the associated card.
Why is the one-time passcode required to add my Avant Money credit card to my Apple Wallet?
To ensure the security of your card, we send a one-time passcode by text message to your registered number. You will verify your identity by entering this code in the appropriate field. This is a security code and should not be shared with anyone. Avant Money staff will never ask you for this code.
I don’t recognise a transaction on my account, what should I do?
If a transaction is showing on your statement that you believe is incorrect, please check if any additional cardholders on your account have carried out the transaction.
View your transaction details on your account at My Avant Money or in the mobile app. This will give you the date of the transaction, the card used and the merchant details.
If you still do not recognise the transaction, please contact our Customer Service Team. They are available on
0818 409 511 from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 2pm on Saturday, excluding Bank Holidays.
Please try to notify us within 30 days of the statement date so we can help you obtain a refund.
What do I do if a company goes into Administration/Liquidation?
You should first contact the merchant and/or the company’s administrator, if possible by telephone, or visit their web site for up to date information. If you are unable to resolve your query directly with them you can call our Customer Service team for additional assistance. They are available on 0818 409 511 from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 2pm on Saturday, excluding Bank Holidays.
Can you cancel a purchase/transaction on my account?
We cannot cancel a transaction after it has been made so you will need to contact the retailer directly to cancel the transaction or request a refund. However, If you are unable to resolve your query directly with them you can call our Customer Service team for additional assistance. They are available on 0818 409 511 from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 2pm on Saturday, excluding Bank Holidays.
How do I cancel a subscription transaction?
If you’ve previously authorised a merchant to charge regular amounts to your account (e.g. annual subscriptions or insurances) but want to cancel future payments, you must notify the merchant directly. If you are unable to resolve your query directly with them you can call our Customer Service team for additional assistance. They are available on 0818 409 511 from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 2pm on Saturday, excluding Bank Holidays.
What happens if my cards are used fraudulently?
If your credit card is used without your knowledge or consent, or goes missing, please call our 24 hour Lost & Stolen Team on this freephone number 1800 286 262 or +353 71 95 94040 from abroad. They will block your card immediately, investigate any unrecognised transactions and assist you in obtaining a refund through the Mastercard or VISA chargeback process if possible.
What do I do if I pay for goods or a service with my credit card but don’t receive them?
You should first contact the merchant by email or telephone. If you are unable to resolve your query directly with them you can call our Customer Service team for additional assistance on 0818 409 511, 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 2pm on Saturday, excluding Bank Holidays. They will help you get a refund through the Mastercard or VISA chargeback process.
Why have I been charged retail interest?
Retail interest is charged on all transactions, handling fees and default charges starting on the date that they are posted or applied to your account and ending on the date that you pay the total account balance in full.
You will not be charged interest on the card purchases shown on your current statement, if you pay off the total account balance shown on that current statement by the payment due date shown on that statement, provided you have also paid off the total account balance shown on the previous month’s statement by the payment due date shown on that statement.
We calculate retail interest each day so the earlier you make the payment, the less retail interest you will have to pay.
Other transactions such as cash withdrawals and gambling will accrue interest daily.
Interest will appear as a “finance charge” on your statement.
Are there any other fees and charges?
Yes, fees and charges apply to Avant Money credit card customers under the following circumstances:
Late fee: There will be a fee of €15.24 each time your minimum payment has not reach your account in cleared funds by the date that payment is due.
Over limit fee: A fee of €12.70 will be charged and applied once on any monthly statement if, and when, you are over your credit limit at any time during that statement period.
Cash handling fee: A charge of 1.5% (minimum €2.50, no maximum) is applied to your account when you make cash transactions. A cash transaction is considered to be any transaction resulting in the provision of cash or a cash substitute from your account by using a card or card number issued under your account, including foreign currency, travellers’ cheques, postal orders, gambling transactions and any electronic transfers of cash which are not money transfers.
Foreign exchange commission: A fee of 2.65% of the value of each foreign exchange transaction will be charged by us if you make any transaction in a currency other than Euro.
To see the total percentage mark-up applied to foreign exchange transactions within the European Economic Area (EEA), please click here.
Government stamp duty: Each year the government charges a tax (stamp duty) on all cards issued by financial institutions. This charge is applicable to each unique card/account you have in your own name. This stamp duty may change on a yearly basis depending on the annual budget.
Historically, the Irish Government charged an annual €30 stamp duty on credit cards on the 1st April, and was charged in arrears for the preceding year.
This charging date will now change, going forward, to 31st December where you may be charged for the full preceding calendar year. This change comes into effect on 31st December 2023 in line with the calendar year.
However, to facilitate this change and the shorter charging period this year (2nd April to 31st December 2023), Government Stamp Duty of €22.50 may be deducted from your credit card account(s) on 3rd January 2024, if eligible.
If you have closed your account during this billing period, you may be charged €22.50 upon closure of your account.
From 1st January 2024 to 31st December 2024, the new billing period will commence where you will be charged €30 from January 2025.
If you require any further information on the Government Stamp Duty, all relevant legislation can be located on the www.revenue.ie website
Payments at the post office: If you have to make a payment over the counter at a post office a processing fee of €1.09 will apply.
Insurance Intermediary: Avantcard DAC is an insurance intermediary for the Payment Protection Insurance cover provided by AXA, (AXA France VIE S.A. & AXA France IARD S.A.), on Avant Money credit cards. Avantcard DAC retains a commission of 50% of the total insurance premium paid by a customer.
When will I receive my statement?
Your statement will be posted to you once a month unless you have selected eStatements. For these, we will send a notification via email on a monthly basis to let you know that your eStatement is ready to view online. You can change your statement delivery method any time in the Settings menu of your My Avant Money account.
Your statement will inform you of the minimum payment amount and the date it is due. In certain circumstances, we can amend the statement so your payment date falls at an alternative time of the month. If you would like to discuss your statement with us please call our team on 0818 409 511.
Why are some months showing as "not available" on my statement menu?
You will see this message on the statement menu when a statement has yet to be generated for that month. This message can also appear if there was no balance on your account at that time.
How is my minimum payment calculated?
The minimum payment is what you must pay by the due date shown on your statement each month. This amount is calculated as follows:
If your statement balance is €25 or less, it will be the total amount of the balance shown.
If your statement balance is more than €25, your minimum payment will be the greater amount of either: €25 or 1% of your statement balance before any default charges, processing fees, foreign currency fees and interest (to which we'll then add an amount equal to the default charges, processing fees, foreign currency fees and interest). Your minimum payment will not exceed the balance shown on your statement.
I'm not receiving my statement email notification, what should I do?
If you are not receiving email notifications, we suggest you check that the email address we hold for you is correct. You can do this by logging into your My Avant Money account in your settings menu or in the Mobile app under 'View profile' within the More menu.
Occasionally when you are using a business email account, the firewall may be blocking the email being delivered. Check your 'junk/spam' inbox and if the email is located there then add the email to your safe list.
If the problem persists, call our team on 0818 409 511 and we’ll help to sort this out for you.
How can I pay my credit card and how long does the payment take to reach my account?
Making payments on time is an important part of managing your credit card and shows you can manage your finances responsibly. You will find the minimum payment amount you need to pay and the date the payment is due either on your statement or online.
There are a number of ways you can make payments to your account:
Payments directly from your current account To pay online in your My Avant Money or the mobile app, by telephone banking or standing order via your bank account provider you will need the details below
Our BIC which is CITIIE2X
Our IBAN IE90CITI99005117683012
Your 16 digit credit card account number which begins with 245. This is different to your card number and must exclude any '000' if displayed at the start of the account number. You will find this number on your statement. Using any other information as a reference will result in your payment being returned.
Payments via the Post Office You will need to bring your payment (cash or debit card) along with your giro slip (at the bottom of your statement) or credit card to the post office. You should allow 3 business days for the payment to reach your account
There is a processing fee for all payments to your account made over the counter at the post office of €1.09. No interest will be charged on this fee
Payments directly to us You can make debit card payments any time in your My Avant Money account or by using the Avant Money mobile app. Payments made before 4.00pm on business days will be credited to your credit card account the next business day. Payments made after 4.00pm or on weekends and Bank Holidays will be credited to your account in 2 business days.
You can also pay with your VISA or Mastercard debit card over the phone, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by calling us on 0818 409 511 and selecting the “make a payment” option from the menu.
Business days exclude weekends and bank holidays
Please note that payments made over the phone are limited to 1 payment per day (maximum payment of €500) up to a maximum of 3 payments in a 30-day period. Customers can make unlimited payments, up to €10,000 per day per account, online at My Avant Money and on our mobile app options and unlimited payments with unlimited value using bank transfer and the post office (subject to any limits on your personal bank account).
How to set up or amend direct debit details (Credit Card)
The easiest way to set up or amend your direct debit is by using our credit card online direct debit mandate provided by our third-party partner, DocuSign.
DocuSign is a company that provides corporations and individuals with electronic services in document management. It allows people to put their digital signatures on documents, such as contracts and agreements, using its secure technology. Entities that use DocuSign's services can authenticate entities, individuals, documents, and workflow, along with user identity management electronically. For more information, please read Privacy Notice | DocuSign.
Once you have completed the form you will receive a confirmation email with the document attached.
Please note the following:
- It can take some time for your new direct debit to be active and ready to take payments from your bank account. In the meantime, you may need to make an additional payment if your direct debit isn’t set up in time for your payment due date.
- If you have multiple accounts with us, you must fill in a direct debit mandate for each account.
- Direct debits cannot be set up from a savings account.
- If you are setting up the direct debit from a joint account and both signatures are required, you must download the credit card printable direct debit mandate, print it, have both parties sign the mandate, and return it to us by post.
- If you do not wish to fill the form out electronically, you can download the credit card printable direct debit mandate, sign it, and post it back to us.
- You cannot set up a fixed direct debit, you must pay either the full monthly balance or the minimum monthly balance that is due.
Can I make payments online?
You can make debit card payments any time in your My Avant Money account or by using the Avant Money mobile app. Payments made before 4.00pm on business days will be credited to your credit card account the next business day. Payments made after 4.00pm or on weekends and Bank Holidays will be credited to your account in 2 business days.
You can also pay with your VISA or Mastercard debit card over the phone, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by calling us on 0818 409 511 and selecting the “make a payment” option from the menu.
Business days exclude weekends and bank holidays.
When will my direct debit leave my current account?
Your direct debit payment will be credited to your credit card account on your payment due date or if on a Sunday or Bank Holiday it will be credited the previous business day, and will be debited from your bank account on either the same or the next business day.
To find out when your next payment will be debited from your bank, please refer to your latest credit card statement online.
Direct debit payments will appear on your bank account statement with the name, ‘Avant Money’.
Please note: If you have any additional payments or credits posted on your account at the time we send the instruction to your bank (normally 7 working days in advance), we will reduce your Direct Debit amount to prevent the Direct Debit plus those credits from collecting more than the balance as shown on your latest statement.
What happens if I forget to make a payment?
A late payment fee will be charged to your account if at least the minimum payment shown on your statement has not been credited to your account by the payment due date shown on that statement. You can check when your next payment is due by logging into your My Avant Money account or by logging into the Avant Money mobile app.
When choosing a payment method, please ensure you know how long it takes for the payment to reach your account - if your payment due date is soon, you should select a quicker payment method. If you forget to make a payment you should make one as soon as possible to bring your account up to date.
Can I change my PIN?
Yes, you can change your PIN to one that you will be able to recall easily without the need to store it anywhere. You can go to the following ATMs in Ireland: Ulster Bank, AIB and Bank of Ireland. It is best to avoid numbers that would be easy to guess such as your date of birth or a common sequence like 9999.
How do I get a copy of my PIN?
You can request a copy of your PIN online in your My Avant Money account or by calling our Customer Service Team on 0818 409 511 between 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday, 8am and 2pm on Saturdays, excluding Bank Holidays.
How do I unlock my PIN?
You can request a copy of your PIN online or by calling our Customer Service Team on 0818 409 511 between 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday, 8am and 2pm on Saturdays, excluding Bank Holidays.
My card is not working, how do I order a new one?
You can order a replacement card online in your My Avant Money account under the Services menu. However, if your card has been lost or stolen or the name on the card has changed please call our Customer Service Team on 0818 409 511 as they will need to order a new card for you.
How can I report my card lost or stolen?
You can report a lost/stolen card 24/7 by calling on this freephone number 1800 286 262 or +353 71 95 94040 if you are abroad.
How long does it take for a new card to arrive?
Once ordered, a replacement card will take 5-7 working days to arrive.
What do I need to know about using my credit card abroad?
Before you travel:
There’s no need to withdraw large amounts of euro or foreign currency when you can use your credit card in almost every country around the world for both shopping and withdrawing cash at local ATMs.
It is useful for us to know in advance that you are going to be abroad so we know to expect some international transactions and can minimise any inconvenience when using your card - let us know by adding a travel notice to your card via My Avant Money or calling us on 0818 409 511.
Ensure that you have our overseas number +353 71 9594040 written down and saved on your mobile phone - we’ll be here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week if you need our help in the event your card is lost or stolen, no matter where in the world you are. It is also useful to keep a copy of all your important phone numbers in your hotel room.
While you’re away:
- Your PIN
- Be careful with your PIN, never give it to anyone for any reason
- At an ATM, be aware of your surroundings and use an ATM that is in a busy location
- Remember to always shield your PIN
- Check the amount you are paying at the retailer’s terminal before entering your PIN
Your card
- Keep your cards with you rather than packing them in your suitcase and don’t leave your card unattended either in your hotel room or when using it in shops or restaurants
- Always ask for a receipt.
- Make sure that all of your valuables are concealed, especially in cars or on the beach
Mastercard and VISA have ATM locators on their website, so you will never be too far away from some extra cash.
You’re fraud protected if your credit card is used without your knowledge or consent, please call us on freephone number 1800 286 262 or +353 71 95 94040 from abroad and we will block your card and investigate any potential fraud transactions.
It’s important you contact us immediately if you think your card has been lost or stolen or if you notice any unusual transactions on your account. We will be here to answer your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If anyone fraudulently spends on your credit card, or you didn’t receive the goods or services you paid for, we’ll help you get a refund under the Mastercard or VISA chargeback scheme.
Are there charges for using my card abroad?
Outside the Eurozone, a foreign currency fee of 2.65% applies on all transactions.
The foreign currency fee will be displayed on your monthly statement.
A cash handling fee of 1.5% (minimum €2.50, no maximum) is applied to your account when you make a cash transaction.
What do I need to know about fraudulent emails (Phishing)?
Fraudsters engage in this activity where they attempt to impersonate your bank, credit card provider, utility company or other entity and ask you to respond by going to a dummy login page where you are requested to enter personal information which can then be used to make fraudulent transactions on your bank or credit card account. The name given to this type of fraud is Phishing.
Phishing e-mails may pretend to come from government departments such as the Revenue Commissioner, as well as banks, credit card companies and online shops.
They may sound convincing or contain realistic-looking logos and official-sounding text. They may even carry a warning about Phishing.
Remember: We will never email and ask you to enter your credit card number, login details or any personal information. If you are in doubt, always delete emails of this nature.
By responding to such e-mails or going to the website address on the email and entering your information, you are giving the fraudsters all the information they need to use your credit card to make transactions which may then appear on your monthly statement. Please bear in mind that we will always do everything in our power to help you if there are transactions on your account that are not yours.
Extra checks you can make are:
The address used by a counterfeit site may be very similar to our genuine website addresses. Look closely for spelling differences or the use of symbols, e.g. www.avant-money.ie or www.aventmoney.ie
Hidden addresses - rest your cursor over a link in an email (but don't click on it) and a box will pop up showing you the link destination - do you recognise it as a legitimate address? If not it could suggest that the sender has something to hide.
What do I need to know about fraudulent phone calls (Vishing)?
Fraudsters don't only strike online. There has been an increase in hoax phone calls with callers claiming to be bank employees or from large technology companies asking for personal details.
If the caller claims to be one of our employees and you have reason to doubt their identity, hang up and, if possible, use a different phone and dial the telephone number at the back of your credit card to check if we have tried to call you.
Example:
A phone scam that is quite common today is where the caller will claim to be technical support staff from a computer software company. They will usually tell you that they have noticed from their records that you need to have your computer urgently updated, along with a list of dangerous sounding outcomes if you do not – such as a new virus is likely to corrupt your device.
These calls can take 2 directions, both of which can lead to fraud on your account:
They may ask for remote access to your computer to install a virus which will allow then to obtain your personal details.
They may ask you for your credit card details for a payment to “fix” your computer. This may also include a request to give them your card number, expiry, 3 digit CVC number from the back of your card and even your 3D Secure password – this could allow them to either take a payment directly from your card or use your details to order large cash payments via payment channels like the Western Union.
What is "skimming"?
Skimming is the theft of credit card information used in a legitimate transaction. The fraudster can use a small electronic device (skimmer) to swipe and store credit card numbers. Instances of skimming have been reported where the fraudster has put a device or group of devices illicitly installed on an ATM. More recently made ATMs now often run a picture of what the slot and keypad are supposed to look like as a background, so you can identify if there are any foreign devices attached.
What happens if my cards are used fraudulently?
If your credit card is used without your knowledge or consent, or goes missing, please call our 24 hour Lost & Stolen Team on this freephone number 1800 286 262 or +353 71 95 94040 from abroad. They will block your card immediately, investigate any unrecognised transactions and help you get a refund through the Mastercard or VISA chargeback process.
What are the qualifying criteria for €150 Cashback?
How much do I need to spend to qualify?
You need to spend €500 in qualifying transactions in each of the first three months following account opening. Month 1 will commence on the date that your account is opened and conclude on the same date the following month.
What transactions are excluded?
Cash transactions, gambling activity and cryptocurrency purchases are not eligible, meaning that any spend of this nature will not count towards the €500 threshold. Any amounts automatically debited from your account including interest, charges, government stamp duty and fees are also not eligible. A full list of excluded transactions are available here.
Are Balance Transfers and Money Transfers eligible?
Yes, Balance Transfers and Money Transfers count as eligible purchases.
What happens if qualifying purchases are refunded?
We will deduct the refunded amount in the statement period that the original purchase was made, reducing your qualifying spend in that period.
When will the €150 be credited to my account?
If you have sufficient qualifying spend we will credit the €150 reward to your account within 6 months of account opening.
Will the €150 credit reduce my minimum payment due?
No, your monthly minimum payment will still be calculated in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.
Anything else I should know?
Yes. You must continue to make at least your minimum payment by the date advised on your statement to receive your €150 reward. If we suspend, block or cancel your card, due to the non-payment of a balance outstanding for more than 60 days, you will not be eligible.
Where can I see how much Interest Refund I have earned?
Your rewards will be displayed on your credit card statement as “Interest Refund Reward”.
Is there a limit to the amount of rewards I can earn?
Yes. The maximum reward in any monthly statement is €24 for Interest Refund.
Can Avant Money suspend my rewards?
Yes. You must continue to make at least your minimum payment by the date advised on your statement to continue to receive Cashback rewards. If we suspend, block or cancel your card, due to the non-payment of a balance outstanding for more than 60 days, you will cease to be eligible for the rewards programme.
What is Interest Refund?
If you use your card regularly and don’t always pay off the full balance outstanding on your card you will be charged retail interest.
With the Interest Refund reward you will earn 25% of the Retail Interest charged on your previous monthly statement. The reward is paid as a credit to your card account and can then be used for whatever you like. The maximum monthly reward is €24
Note: Interest paid on cash withdrawals is not included in the Interest Refund reward. You cannot use your Interest Refund to pay your minimum monthly repayment as advised on your monthly statement.
When will I get my Interest Refund rewards?
Your Interest Refund will be paid into your credit card account a month in arrears. For example, 25% of the Retail Interest from your January statement will be credited to your account in your February statement.
Can I use the rewards to pay my bill?
No. Rewards are applied to your account as a credit and cannot be used to pay off your bill or for settling your minimum payment.
Should I choose Avant Money One card or Avant Money Reward+?
Which card you choose is entirely up to you depending on how you manage your credit card. If you have a balance from your current card which you want to bring to your new Avant Money credit card, then the longer promotional rate for balance transfers on Avant Money One card might be your preferred option. If you believe that you are unlikely to pay off the full balance on your retail spending every month and therefore occasionally you will have to pay retail interest then Avant Money Reward+ might be the better option for you.
Is there a monthly or annual service fee on credit cards?
No. There is no account management or service fees on Avant Money credit cards. Government stamp duty: each year the government charges a tax (stamp duty) on credit cards. This charge is applicable to each unique card/account held in your name. This stamp duty may change on a yearly basis depending on the amount agreed by the government in the annual budget.
Can I mix and match the offers from Avant Money One card and Avant Money Reward+?
No. There is no option to combine the offers and features of different cards.
What is the 1.25% Cashback Reward? (Accounts opened before 19 Jan 2022)
The Cashback option was removed from Reward+ on 19 Jan 2022, customers who have the Cashback reward receive 1.25% paid on shopping and entertainment spend, including online, shopping for groceries, department stores, clothes & shoe shops, chemists, hardware, electrical, petrol stations, restaurants, concert tickets and public houses.
Any spend on travel, gambling or services aren’t covered by Cashback; such as holidays, car hire, public transport, flights, hotels, online betting, book makers, healthcare, electricity, water and gas charges. See table below for further details;
All merchants choose how their business is classified for spend on credit cards; if they classify their business as travel or services we do not include them for Cashback rewards, for example a restaurant in a hotel, which is classified as accommodation, will not be eligible for rewards.
Full list of qualifying transaction here.
Similarily, heathcare is not covered by cashback however items bought in a pharmacy will qualify as most pharmacies categorise their business as retail shops.
The categories of rewarded spend may change occasionally and updates will be displayed on our website.
Cashback rewards are credited on monthly statements. The maximum Cashback reward is €12 per month.
What are the qualifying criteria for €150 Cashback
What do I need to do to qualify for the €150 cashback?
You need to complete a balance transfer of at least €1,000 within 90 days of account opening.
When will the €150 be credited to my account?
If you have completed a balance transfer of at least €1,000 within the 90 days of account opening, we will credit the €150 reward to your account within 6 months of account opening.
Will the €150 reduce my minimum payment due?
No, your monthly minimum payment will be calculated in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.
Anything else I should know ?
Yes. You must continue to make at least your minimum payment by the date advised on your statement to receive your €150 reward. If we suspend, block or cancel your card, due to the non-payment of a balance outstanding for more than 60 days, you will not be eligible.
Can I use the rewards to pay my bill?
No. Rewards are applied to your account as a credit and cannot be used to pay off your bill or for settling your minimum payment.
Should I choose Avant Money One card or Avant Money Reward+?
Which card you choose is entirely up to you depending on how you manage your credit card. If you have a balance from your current card which you want to bring to your new Avant Money credit card, then the longer promotional rate for balance transfers on Avant Money One card might be your preferred option. If you believe that you are unlikely to pay off the full balance on your retail spending every month and therefore occasionally you will have to pay retail interest then Avant Money Reward+ might be the better option for you.
Is there a monthly or annual service fee on credit cards?
No. There is no account management or service fees on Avant Money credit cards. Government stamp duty: each year the government charges a tax (stamp duty) on credit cards. This charge is applicable to each unique card/account held in your name. This stamp duty may change on a yearly basis depending on the amount agreed by the government in the annual budget.
Can I mix and match the offers from Avant Money One card and Avant Money Reward+?
No. There is no option to combine the offers and features of different cards.
Why is my Chill Money account changing to Avant Money?
Avant Money and Chill Insurance mutually agreed to cease the Chill Money consumer finance partnership. Your Chill Money account will convert to an Avant Money account. Currently, you don’t need to do anything. Your Chill Money account(s) will continue to work as they do today. You don’t need to make any changes to how you make your payments or transactions.
I am a Chill Money customer and I have been advised I will become an Avant Money customer, what happens next?
We will be in contact with you over the coming weeks regarding the move from Chill Money to Avant Money to update you on any future actions you need to take. You don’t need to do anything right now. Avant Money already acts as the financial institution that underwrites and services the credit card and/or loan that you hold. Your credit card and / or loan will continue to operate as normal. There is no change to the way your data is stored or processed. For further information on our data privacy policy see https://www.avantmoney.ie/privacy-notice
Can I continue to access my Chill Money credit card account online?
From the 25th of May 2022, you will no longer be able to access your account through the Chill Money online banking website. Instead, you will now access your credit card account at my.avantmoney.ie. The first time you try to log in to this new site, the username and password fields will be blank. You will need to use the same username and password that you used to log into the Chill Money website. If you can’t remember them, click here for some handy tips on how to find them.