Current Account | Cara Credit Union

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Introducing Credit Union Current Account

With instant access to your money through a Visa® Debit Card, a secure app and online portal and mobile functionality, you can pay your bills, withdraw cash and pay at point of sale; anywhere in the world.  

Watch our explainer video to see what this means for you here.

 

Sign up here

You can now manage your daily finances no matter where you are in the world. With access to your funds in-branch, online or on the web app, Credit Union Current Account gives you all the benefits you expect, but with the personal touch of your trusted credit union.

Features & Benefits

  • Easy to sign up
  • Same friendly service
  • Globally accepted Visa® Debit Card
  • Use in-store, online or at ATMs
  • Cashback available at participating retailers
  • Contactless payment
  • Transparent Fees
  • No surcharge interest on overdrafts
  • Automate regular payments using Standing Orders & Direct Debits
  • Stay in control with our Mobile web App, eStatements and eFee Advices
  • Secure online shopping
  • 24/7 support for lost/stolen debit cards

The safer, contactless way to pay

You can now use your Apple device to pay with your Credit Union Debit Visa® wherever you see the Apple PayTM or contactless logo in store, online or in-app.

Say hello to Google Pay

You can now use Google PayTM and Google WalletTM to make contactless payments wherever you see the contactless payment mark. Available now with your Credit Union Current Account debit card.

Find out more

Credit Union Current Account, from your trusted credit union is a full service account that allows you to access a range of facilities, such as receiving  your salary, paying bills setting up direct debits and standing orders to make regular payments. You can operate your account online and using the mobile app.

With Credit Union Current Account, from your credit union, you get a dedicated IBAN (International Bank Account Number). You also get a Visa® Debit Card with Contactless payments which allows you instant access to your money so you can make a payment or withdraw money whenever or wherever you need.

For full list of FAQ’s please click here.

If you are a member of a participating credit union and are aged 12 years or older then you can apply for a Current Account and Debit Card. Parental Consent required for Members aged under 16 years.

If you are a member of a participating credit union and a registered online banking user you can apply directly through online banking for your Current Account and Debit Card. (age 16+).

If you are registered online with your credit union, you can open a Current Account in your sole name online. Simply log in to online banking here to open your Current Account.

If you are not registered online or wish to open a joint account, you will both need to drop into your credit union office.

To open a Current Account for a member aged 12-15, this has to be done in one of our offices.

To open your Current Account either online or in your credit union office, you will require one proof of identity and one proof of address.

Acceptable Proof of Identity:

  • Current valid signed passport/passport card
  • Driving Licence – Full licence or learners permit

Acceptable Proof of Address*:

  • Bank, building society or credit card statement (paper/e-format)
  • Household utility bill (paper/ e format)
  • Revenue Commissioners current balancing statement or Notification of Determination of Tax Credit/Tax Notification

*Note: These documents must have been issued in the previous six months

A joint account can be opened but not online. Both parties to the account must call into your credit union office with their proof of identity and proof of address to sign the application form.

Once your Current Account is opened you will receive a welcome letter from your credit union detailing your BIC and IBAN. You will need your IBAN to arrange to have your salary, benefits or other payments paid into your account and to set up payment of bills by direct debit etc.

If you are registered for online access your Current Account is immediately available to view and use online or on the mobile app. If you are not already registered for online access, you can register here for Cara Credit Union online access or visit your local credit Union.

You will automatically receive an eStatement for free on your Current Account every quarter, in April, July, October and January. If you have opted to receive quarterly paper statements, a charge of €2.50 will apply.

You also have the option to request a paper statement  for a fee of €2.50 per statement.

You can apply for an overdraft on your Current Account from €200.00 up to a maximum of €5,000.00.

  • The interest rate is 12% pa variable. Interest is only charged on overdrawn balances. Your credit union does not currently apply surcharge interest (surcharge interest is charged by some Financial Institutions on unauthorised overdrawn balances.
  • An overdraft fee of €25.00 is charged on approval and on each anniversary of the overdraft approval date.
  • We will normally request you to provide payslips, bank statements, credit card statements and proof of rent payments (if applicable) for the last three months in support of your overdraft application.
  • Overdrafts are subject to financial status and are not available to persons under 18 years of age.

Terms and conditions apply

Credit facilities are subject to repayment capacity and financial status and are not available to persons under 18 years of age. Security may be required. An overdraft facility fee of €25 per annum or per overdraft sanction, whichever is the more frequent will be applied.

For more information please see here.

Yes you can transfer your account to Cara Credit Union.

SWITCHING YOUR CURRENT ACCOUNT

At Cara Credit Union we make the switching process as convenient and simple as possible so that you can enjoy banking with us straight away.

The switching process starts on the date you indicate on your Account Transfer Form. Under the Code of Conduct for the Switching of Payment Accounts with Payment Service Providers 2016, the old bank (where you have your existing account) must ensure that all steps are taken to facilitate moving your account within 7 working days of the switching date to us and the Credit Union (as your new Current Account provider) must ensure that all steps are taken to open your new account within 10 working days of the switching date.

Click here for our current account transfer guide.

Click here for privacy policy.

Current Account FAQs

All you need to know about Current Account is available here: currentaccount.ie/introducing-our-new-look-debit-card/

Read a full copy of the Terms & Conditions here: Terms & Conditions (pdf)

As you would expect from your credit union, Current Account has simple and transparent pricing. A low monthly fee of €4.00 applies and that covers unlimited Euro point of sale and contactless transactions, unlimited mobile and online banking and unlimited standing orders and direct debit processing and up to five Euro ATM withdrawals per month. Full details of fees and charges are available here.

The list of Terms and Conditions for using Digital Wallets can be found here: Digital Wallet Terms (pdf)

Currency Conversion Calculator

When you use your Debit Card for purchases in foreign currency or ATM withdrawals in foreign currency, these transaction will attract additional fees and charges that are charged to your Current Account as they occur, typically on the date the transaction is posted to your Current Account.

VISA foreign exchange rates will also apply and are subject to change.

This currency conversion calculator allows you to see the foreign exchange rates set by VISA to convert from the transaction currency as well as the European Central Bank’s euro foreign exchange reference rates for the EEA country currencies and the fees and charges that apply.

Check out our Currency Conversion Calculator 

With Card payments being one of the safest and most convenient ways to pay for goods and services many stores do not even touch your card and get you to enter it in to the payment terminal yourself since the introduction of Chip & PIN. There are always situations where this is not the case and it is important that at a minimum you always keep the card within your sight.

Your Debit Card details can be used fraudulently even when the card itself is safely in your care, so it is vital to check your statements regularly. If you identify purchases that you didn’t make, you must report them immediately to your Credit Union or Credit Union Card Services team on +353 (1) 693 3333 available 24/7.

Your Debit Card details can be used fraudulently even when the card itself is safely in your care, so it is vital to check your current account statements regularly. View a list of handy guidelines here: currentaccount.ie/support/debit-card-safety-guidelines/

Protecting you and your Current Account from fraud.

Fraud on Financial transactions is regularly reported in the News with Fraudsters becoming more sophisticated each day and producing frauds based on current topical news items. We need to do more to protect ourselves from becoming victims of fraud. While most financial frauds still use phone, texts and emails to commit the crime, fraudsters are using technology and publicly available information to trick people. As a valued member of our Credit Union, we hope this guide will help you to become more fraud aware.

Report unusual activity to Cara Credit Union 066 712 2373 or Credit Union Card Services on 01 693 3333 available 24/7

Be Informed ,  Be Alert,  Be Secure

• Only keep a minimum of funds in your current account, you can use your online banking to move funds from your share account to your current account.

• Don’t assume you can trust the caller ID. Phone numbers can be changed so it looks like your Credit Union is calling. If you have a doubt, take the callers name and call Cara Credit Union on 066 712 2373.
• Fraudsters may already have basic information about you in their possession (e.g., name, address, date of birth) do not assume a caller is genuine because they have these details.
•To unexpected/unsolicited emails, telephone calls or texts. Always independently check the person is who they say they are. You can call Cara Credit Union on 066 712 2373
•Always check your statements, and if you notice any unusual transactions, report them to your Credit Union or Credit Union Card Services immediately.
•Don’t allow yourself to be rushed. Take your time to do the relevant checks.
•Never give your security details such as full online password, code/login details or PIN to anyone.
•Never use public Wi-Fi to make an online payment or access your online account, use your home or mobile data connection instead.

For more top tips, click here.

Yes. You can shop at participating websites using your debit card. When shopping online using your Visa® Debit card, you may be asked to enter a password you created along with a one time passcode sent to your phone. This helps us to ensure you’re you and better protects you from fraud. You will receive details on how to set up your online shopping password with your Visa® Debit card.

Shopping Online Is Changing From 1st January 2021.

The final changes under the second Payment Services Directive, also known as PSD2 comes into full force from 1st January 2021. PSD2 will mean changes to how you shop online from 1st January 2021.

These changes relate to the implementation of Strong Customer Authentication, also referred to as SCA. This means that you will need to carry out an additional security step before you complete your online shopping by using a one-time passcode which you will receive by text.

These changes mean better protection for you and will make shopping online even more secure.

What do I need to do?

To continue to shop online with your Credit Union Current Account Visa® debit card, you need to make sure your Credit Union has the correct mobile number for you so that you can receive the one-time passcode required to complete your online shopping transaction.

You can update your mobile number by contacting your Credit Union on 066 712 2373.

Click here to find out more 

For full list of card safety guidelines click here.

Debit Card FAQs

For each sole account you open will have one card. For a joint account each account holder can have one card in their own name.

If you accidentally block your PIN at a point of sale terminal, you can simply go to an ATM and unblock your PIN.

If you accidentally block your PIN at an ATM please contact our Current Account Card Services Team on +353 (1) 6933333

Notify your Credit Union or call +353 (1) 6933333 immediately. We will then cancel your card immediately and a new card and PIN will be issued to you at your request. 

For further support click here.

Members will have 120 days to dispute a transaction on their Debit Card for the following reasons:

  1. Duplicated transaction
  2. Goods not received
  3. Cancelled subscription not actioned
  4. Received goods not as described
  5. Refund not processed after 30 days
  6. Transaction not recognised
  7. Free Trials
  8. Car Rentals

If you have identified a transaction that you are suspicious of on your Debit Card, you must contact your Credit Union or Credit Union Card Services team immediately on +353 (1) 6933333

In the first instance, you should contact the Retailer and request a refund. If the Retailer refuses to refund your money and you paid using your debit card, you should contact your Credit Union who may initiate a dispute with the Retailer to reverse the transaction. This is called a “Chargeback”.

Members must complete and return a ‘Disputed Transaction’ form along with copies of any:

  • Detailed cover letter advising the nature of the dispute
  • Proof of purchase
  • Evidence of the transaction
  • Interactions with the company (emails/letters)

To be returned to their Credit Union to complete a ‘chargeback’ request.

You can order a replacement card by calling Credit Union Card Services on +353 (1) 6933333 (Our Customer Services line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Calls are charged at your standard network rate. Calls from mobiles may be higher).

We will order you a replacement card which will be issued within 7-10 working days..

Obtain your PIN by SMS using the steps detailed on the mailer with the card. To obtain your PIN for use with this card, text PIN followed by your date of birth and the last four digits of your debit card number to 51155. You can also request your PIN by SMS by calling Credit Union Card Services on +353 (1) 6933333.

You can receive your PIN through the Post by calling Credit Union Card Services on +353 (1) 6933333 or contacting your local Credit Union.

(Our Customer Services line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Calls are charged at your standard network rate. Calls from mobiles may be higher).

Yes. You can change your card PIN to something more memorable at most ATM machines. You just need to have your card available, enter your existing card PIN and follow the instructions.

Yes. You can obtain cashback up to €100.00 when making purchases at participating retailers.

You can also withdraw up to a maximum of €700.00 per day at ATMs located through the country and abroad. (Withdrawal limits at ATMs vary).

You can pay easily and conveniently with your Visa card at millions of locations worldwide, wherever you see the Visa symbol. Foreign exchange fees and charges apply where the transaction is performed outside the Eurozone.

Important Information

  • To apply for a Current Account and Debit Card you are required to be a member of your credit union and be aged 16 years or older. Terms and conditions apply.
  • Overdrafts may be available to Current Account holders who are aged 18 years or older. Lending criteria and terms and conditions apply.

Visa is a trademark owned by Visa International Service Association and used under license. This Visa card is issued by Transact Payments Malta Limited pursuant to licence by Visa Europe Limited. Transact Payments Malta Limited is duly authorised and regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority as a Financial Institution under the Financial Institution Act 1994. Registration number C 91879 Apple Pay is a trademark of Apple Inc. Google Pay and Google Wallet are trademarks of Google LLC.

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