By Quick answer: Advertised personal loan rates in Ireland range from about 6.9% APR (An Post Money) to 8.95% (AIB) at the main lenders, with the average ILCU credit union charging around 10.42% APR. On a €10,000 loan over two years, PTSB’s 7.2% rate means about €767 in interest. Rates vary with amount, term and your credit profile, so compare total cost of credit, not just APR.
What are current personal loan rates in Ireland?
Comparison sites such as MoneyGuideIreland (rates checked September 2026) and An Post Money list the following for typical borrowing:
| Lender | Indicative APR |
|---|---|
| An Post Money | from 6.9% |
| Bank of Ireland | 7.1% |
| Avant Money | 7.1% |
| PTSB | 7.2% |
| AIB | 8.95% |
| Credit union (average, ILCU) | 10.42% |
| Revolut | from 6.5% (range to 12.99%) |
These are headline or best-case rates. Some apply only to specific loan sizes or terms, and your offered rate may be higher.
How much does a personal loan cost?
Illustrative repayments on a €10,000 loan over 2 years (our calculation, matching published totals):
| APR | Monthly | Total interest |
|---|---|---|
| 6.9% | €447.27 | €734.54 |
| 7.2% | €448.63 | €767.19 |
| 8.95% | €456.62 | €958.83 |
| 10.42% | €463.39 | €1,121.36 |
Borrowing €20,000 over five years, the gap widens: at 7.1% the total interest is about €3,818, against about €5,745 at 10.42%.
Why are consumer loan rates rising?
The Central Bank of Ireland reported that the average rate on new consumer loans jumped 56 basis points to 7.30% in August 2026. New fixed-rate consumer loans averaged 5.62% and floating-rate loans 8.14%. The ECB raised its deposit rate to 2.50% in September, which can feed through to variable-rate borrowing. Credit union rates are not tied to ECB moves.
How should you compare personal loans?
- Look at total cost of credit, shown on the loan quote, not only the monthly payment.
- Fixed vs variable: fixed rates give certainty; variable can move.
- Fees and early repayment: check for charges.
- Term: a longer term lowers monthly cost but raises total interest.
- Use the CCPC’s loan comparison tool, which the consumer regulator recommends.
When is another option better?
For small amounts under about €2,500, the CCPC suggests considering an overdraft or credit union loan. For energy upgrades, some banks offer green loans at lower rates, so ask your lender.
Key takeaways
- Main-bank rates: roughly 6.9% to 8.95% APR; credit unions average 10.42%.
- €10,000 over 2 years costs about €735 to €1,121 in interest, depending on rate.
- Consumer-loan rates averaged 7.30% in August 2026.
FAQs
Which bank has the cheapest personal loan in Ireland?
Advertised rates in autumn 2026 start from about 6.9% APR at An Post Money, with PTSB at 7.2% and Bank of Ireland at 7.1%. Check current quotes, as these change.
What is the average credit union loan rate in Ireland?
About 10.42% APR for ILCU-affiliated credit unions in the Republic of Ireland.
How much interest will I pay on €10,000?
At 7.2% over two years, about €767; at 10.42%, about €1,121.
Does the ECB rate affect personal loans in Ireland?
Bank loan rates can follow ECB moves; credit union rates are set locally and are not directly linked.
Where can I compare personal loans in Ireland?
The CCPC’s loan comparison tool on ccpc.ie.
General information, not financial advice. Rates and eligibility change; confirm with the lender.
Sources: MoneyGuideIreland (rates checked September 2026); An Post Money; Irish League of Credit Unions; CCPC; Central Bank of Ireland retail interest rates, August 2026.
