Ulster Bank is urging its credit card customers to act now if they have not yet begun the process of moving their credit card account to a new provider.
Ulster Bank said its credit cards will no longer work from March 22 or shortly after that as the bank continues its withdrawal from the Irish market.
At that point, customers will not be able to use their credit cards and any recurring transactions set up on a customer's credit card will be cancelled and returned unpaid.
The bank in September wrote to all its personal credit card holders providing them with six months' notice to choose an alternative provider, if required, and close their Ulster Bank credit card.
The bank said it has issued a number of reminders to these customers as well as reaching out to those who may have more difficulty paying off their balance.
For those customers who have yet to make the move, they are being urged to choose an alternative provider if required, move their recurring transactions, pay the outstanding balance while ensuring there is sufficient funds to cover the Government Stamp Duty of €30 and close their Ulster Bank credit card.
Ulster Bank said it was there to support customers through this change and further information can be found on its Customer Support Hub.
In a statement, Ulster Bank said it has been proactively contacting customers who may have difficulty repaying their full balance and who would benefit from early and direct engagement before their card no longer works on March 22.
This includes offering support on a case-by-case basis for individual repayment plans.
It said that customers who have not paid their balance in full by March 22, should continue to make repayments each month on any remaining balance in line with the terms and conditions of their credit card agreement to avoid missing a payment and going into arrears.
This means paying at least the minimum payment.
Ulster Bank's chief executive Jane Howard said that having first written to personal credit card customers in September 2022 with subsequent follow-up communications, the bank is now nearing the end of the six months' notice period.
"Ulster Bank credit cards will no longer work from March 22 or shortly thereafter and customers should find a new provider, move any transactions and close their credit card account with us before this date," Jane Howard said.
"Customers who need additional help will be supported at this time and we will continue to work with customers who may be having difficulty repaying their credit card balance," she said.
"I would encourage any customer who feels they need support to contact us either in branch, or on the phone. Our Customer Support Hub on our website is also a useful resource for customers," she added.
Ulster Bank today also reminded its customers that it will never ask them for passcodes or online banking details in a phone call, email, or text.
