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Credit card FAQs

Credit card FAQs

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Credit card FAQs

Welcome to First Trust Bank's frequently asked questions. Whatever you want to find out about our card products you will find it here. Just select from the list below.

  • How does the Cash Back Loyalty Scheme work on the Options One credit card?

    The way that it works is simple; when you spend at least £5,000 (excluding cash advances and refunds) in a minimum of 12 transactions, over a period of 12 months we will credit your Options One account with £25 and with an additional £1 cash back for every further £200 spent. Maximum Cashback Loyalty Reward is £250 per annum. When you consider how many places accept your First Trust Bank Options One Visa / MasterCard, there are probably more opportunities for using it than you think.

  • Can I get a higher credit limit than the recommended credit limit you're offering?

    Once your account has been open, if you feel that the credit limit is inadequate for your needs, please contact your local branch. Please remember that all lending decisions are subject to an assessment of your ability to repay.

  • Can I amend the date on which my payments are due?

    Yes. A cardholder can change their payment due date to a date in the month that suits them best. Please contact our customer service staff on 028 9024 1822 and they will advise you of the payment due dates available.

  • On my last statement, I noticed that the date for a particular transaction was several days after I made the purchase. Why is this?

    This is quite normal. The date shown on your statement is usually the date the transaction was processed by the bank and is not necessarily the date of purchase. With Options cards, however, two dates will be shown, the transaction date and the posting date, showing you exactly when the transaction took place and when funds were taken from your account.

  • What is Authorisation?

    Authorisation is an online approval sought by the retailer to ensure your credit card is valid and that there are sufficient finds to complete the transaction. Once it has been confirmed, the total amount of the online transaction is then deducted from your credit limit.

     

    Sometimes the retailer might be requested by the credit card company to ask you a few questions and verify your identity.

  • How do I arrange to make payments by direct debit?

    Download an application form here or call 028 9024 1822 and request a direct debit mandate form.

  • How do I change the amount I want to pay by direct debit?

    You can change the amount of your payment at least four working days before the next payment is due to come out (excluding the date of payment). Some cards must be set up on 100% direct debit such as the First Trust Bank Gold Visa card.

  • How can I make a payment to my First Trust Bank credit card account?

    Your monthly statement will show the balance outstanding, the minimum amount due to us and the latest date by which your payment must arrive.


    There are four ways that you can settle your Options account:

     

    1. By post (you may send us a cheque however we recommend that you avoid posting cash)
    2. Over the counter at any AIB branch
    3. By direct debit
    4. By using Online, Mobile or Phoneline Banking
     

    Please note all Visa Gold Cards will be settled each month by 100% direct debit

  • How is my Visa Gold card account settled?

    Each month, you will receive a statement showing details of the transactions on your First Trust Bank Gold credit card account and the outstanding balance. This amount is automatically debited to your nominated bank account a few days after you receive your statement. Transactions in a foreign currency will be converted into sterling before appearing on your statement. Should you wish to query a transaction, you should advise us as soon as possible.

  • Am I able to use my credit card abroad?

    Yes, your First Trust Bank credit card will work anywhere Visa Credit is accepted, at over 35 million places worldwide. Click here to see the exchange rates for EU/EEA currencies on debit cards. To view the rates for all other currencies visit the Visa website.

  • How much cash can I withdraw from a cash machine per day?

    You can withdraw up to £250 per day from any First Trust Bank or AIB Bank cash machines and any cash machine displaying the VISA or MasterCard sign, and up to US$200, or the local currency equivalent, at any cash machine abroad.

  • What cash machines can I use?

    You can use your First Trust Bank credit card at any cash machine where Visa Credit or MasterCard Credit is accepted. A list of over 800,000 locations, spread over 120 countries world-wide, is available on the Visa website or the MasterCard website.

  • What will it cost to use a First Trust Bank credit card at a cash machine?

    Cash advance transactions are subject to a transaction charge.

     

    For Options and Gold cards this is 1.5% of the transaction amount, with a minimum charge of £3.00 per transaction.

     

    Please refer to our brochures section for further information on our Fees and Charges.

     

    Foreign Transactions (applies to all products) - the rate of exchange includes a conversion fee of 2.75% of the value of the transaction.

  • What happens if I want to change my name or address details?

    For a change of address please contact our customer service officials on 028 9024 1822. For change of name we require documentary evidence such as a marriage certificate.

  • What is a recurring transaction (or 'continuous payment authority')?

    A 'recurring transaction' is where you have entered into an agreement with a company or service provider for them to take repeated payments from your credit card account.

     

    In order to set up a recurring transaction you must provide the company or service provider with your 16-digit card number. This payment method differs from a direct debit or standing order as you set it up directly with the company or service provider, and is not covered by the direct debit guarantee scheme.

  • How do I cancel a recurring transaction?

    If you have a recurring transaction (also known as ‘Continuous Payment Authority’) set up on your card (such as internet or magazine subscription) and you wish to cancel it, you can do so by contacting us on 028 9024 1822 up to the last business day before the payment is due to leave your account. You should also contact the company or service provider to advise them that you are cancelling the recurring transaction.

     

    Please have details about the recurring transaction available, for example the merchant name, amount, date due and any policy/reference number.

  • If I cancel the recurring transaction, will it stop?

    Your request may not immediately stop further payments being taken from your account. If a company continues to take payments from your account after you have informed us of your wish to cancel the transaction, please let us know and we will refund that money to you.

  • How are my repayments applied to my account?

    Your payment will be deducted from your account balance in the following order:

     

    1. All interest, administration and handling charges shown on any statement issued prior to receiving the payment;
    2. All cash advances shown on any statement issued prior to receiving the payment;
    3. All purchases shown on previous statements;
    4. All purchases shown on the present statement;
    5. Any cash advances not yet shown on a statement;
    6. Any purchases not yet shown on a statement

  • Can I select my own PIN Number?

    Your PIN will be sent in a sealed document, which you should open immediately and destroy as soon as you have memorised the number. You may also change it at any AIB Group cash machine. You must never tell anyone your PIN.


    You should sign your card as soon as you receive it. You should take reasonable steps to keep your card safe and your PIN and other security information secret at all times. You should tell us immediately if you change your name or address. The card remains our property at all times.


    You must not let anybody else use your card, PIN or other security information.


    You must not tell anyone your card number, except when carrying out a transaction or to report it lost, stolen or likely to be misused. If you wish you may register your card and its number, but not your PIN, with a recognised card protection service organisation.

     

    For customers who through disability or medical condition have difficulty using PINs we offer a Chip and Signature credit card. Please contact your local branch for further details.

  • What happens if someone else uses my card?

    We will need to cancel your card immediately. Please phone us on Freephone 0800 0391 141 or 028 9033 0099 (24 hours a day).  You may also be asked to confirm your report in writing.

  • What if a transaction appears on my statement that I did not make or authorise?

    Phone us immediately on Freephone 0800 0391 141 or 028 9033 0099.

  • What if I lose my card and then later find it?

    If you have already told us that it was lost, your card will have been cancelled and a new one ordered. You should therefore destroy your old card by cutting through the chip.

  • What if my card is lost or stolen?

    Freephone 0800 0391 141 or 028 9033 0099 immediately. If you are calling from overseas the telephone number is +44 28 9033 0099.

     

  • I have overspent on my card, what should I do?

    The sooner you talk to us the easier it will be for us to find a solution to your financial difficulty. Simply get in touch with us and we will arrange for an experienced adviser to talk to you in confidence.

     

    For more information please have a look at our Managing your borrowings section.

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