Credit Card Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Can I move between Options Visa Card / MasterCard Credit Cards?

Yes, you can move between Options as and when your needs change. Simply write to First Trust Bank, Card Services, PO Box 333 Belfast, BT1 3FT stating which Option you are currently on and what you would like to change to. You must give us at least two months' notice. You can continue using your card as your number will not change.
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How does the Cash Back Loyalty Scheme work?

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 account with £25 and 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 Visa / MasterCard, there are probably more opportunities for using it than you think.
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Can I get a higher credit limit than the recommended credit limit you're offering?

Your credit limit as advised when your card was issued is the highest limit we are able to offer you at this time. Once your account has been open, if you feel that it 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.
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Can I amend the date on which my payments are due?

Yes. An Options 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.
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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, giving you exactly when the transaction took place and when funds were taken from your account.
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Credit Card Authorisation - what is it all about?

When you make a purchase or cash advance using your credit card occasionally you will be asked to wait while your transaction is approved. Have you ever wondered why this is? Authorisation is a routine method of guarding against credit card fraud protection that is obviously in your best interests.
For some purchases the retailer may require further authorisation checks from the credit card company before concluding the transaction, and if the retailer is instructed to ask you a few questions this is merely intended as an additional security check. And, if you are using your credit card for a cash advance in a bank, it is always advisable to carry some form of identification such as your driver's licence, in addition to your credit card.
You should note that when authorisation has been sought and granted for a purchase or cash advance, your available credit is reduced by the amount of the authorisation.
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How do I arrange to make payments by Direct Debit?

Simply call 028 9024 1822 and request a Direct Debit mandate form.
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How do I change the amount I want to pay by Direct Debit?

You can change the amount of your payment at least 4 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. 
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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 should avoid posting cash)
2. Over the counter at any First Trust Bank branch
3. Direct Debit
4. First Trust Bank Online Banking or First Trust Bank Phoneline Banking.
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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 do so within 60 days.
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Am I able to use my card abroad?

Yes, your First Trust Bank Credit Card will work at any outlet that displays the Visa or MasterCard sign. There are over 24 million locations that accept your First Trust Bank Credit Card world-wide.
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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, AIB Bank or Allied Irish Bank (GB) Banklink 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 displaying the VISA or MasterCard sign.
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What cash machines can I use?

You can use your First Trust Bank Credit Card at any cash machine displaying the VISA or MasterCard sign. A list of over 800,000 locations, spread over 120 countries world-wide, is available at Visa in our External Links section.
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What will it cost to use 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 Related Information 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.
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What happens if I want to change my name and address details?

For a change of address please contact our customer service officials on 028 9024 1822. For change of name we would require documentary evidence such as a marriage certificate.
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I pay a subscription by credit card and I want to cancel it, what should I do?

If you wish to cancel subscriptions or indeed any standing payment instruction (known as recurring payment transactions), write directly to the company and keep a copy of your letter.
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How are my repayments applied to my account?

Your payment is applied to your account 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
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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, and never write it down or record your PIN or other security information.
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.
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What happens if someone else uses my card?

We will need to cancel your card immediately. Please phone us on 028 9033 0099 (24 hours a day).  You may also be asked to confirm your report in writing.
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What if a transaction appears on my statement that I did not make or authorise?

Phone us immediately on 028 9033 0099.
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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.
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What if my Card is lost or stolen?

Phone 028 9033 0099 immediately. If you are calling from overseas the telephone number is +44 28 9033 0099.

For more information on protecting your cards, bank accounts and liability please view our Related Information section.
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I have overspent on my card, what should I do?

The best thing to do is to tackle the situation early on. The Credit Control staff at First Trust Bank Card Services are very experienced at handling personal financial problems, so there is no need to feel embarrassed if you are experiencing difficulty with your account.

Our staff are sympathetic, professional, and positive in their approach and you can be assured of complete confidentiality. A simple phone call to us may be all that is needed to set your mind at rest and start to sort out your financial matters.

If you are in financial difficulties you can also get help and advice from debt counselling organisations such as the Citizens Advice Bureau. On your request we will work with such organizations and advise you where you can obtain free money advice. A British Bankers Association leaflet called Dealing with Debt: how can your bank help, which provides information about how banks can help personal customers in financial difficulties, is available on request from Card Services or any branch of First Trust Bank.

If you have a serious financial problem with any lender the following general four-point plan may be useful:

1. Take stock. Write down your total income and all your expenses. Examine your expenses to see where economies can be made. Be very realistic and try to take account of all monies coming in and going out.
2. Contact the individuals and / or organisations you owe money to and explain your difficulties as soon as possible. Reputable lenders will appreciate a frank approach and will offer advice on how to resolve the problem.
3. Make realistic, attainable, repayment arrangements with your creditors.
4. Once a written repayment plan has been agreed with the lender, ensure you stick rigidly to the repayment plan until your debt is cleared.

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