A PTSB Mortgage has long been a popular choice for Irish homebuyers, but is a PTSB mortgage the right fit for your needs? In our PTSB Mortgage Ultimate Review, we give you the inside track on all things PTSB, examining their rates, credit policies, and alternatives.
With PTSB standing as one of the Irish ‘pillar banks,’ securing a mortgage with them offers the reliability and peace of mind many buyers seek.
PTSB can be a strong option for switchers, boasting robust Green Mortgage rates and highly attractive cashback offerings. They are also a good choice if you are looking to consolidate other loans into your mortgage.
Where they really come into their own though is on their flexible credit policy, making it easier for many applicants to get approved. Unlike most lenders, PTSB:
- Will accept your application even if you are only saving at 85% of your future mortgage repayments
- Can count carer allowance toward your income
- Accepts all stamp types
Finally, if you are a home mover looking for a budget boost, PTSB offers income exceptions of up to 4 times income for Second Time Buyers (STBs) who demonstrate strong disposable income.
💡 Sherpa Tip
The secret to getting the best value from a PTSB mortgage is leveraging their flexible approval criteria and strong cashback offers, while using a broker to ensure the long-term interest costs align with your financial goals.
While PTSB’s standard rates have traditionally been slightly higher than some of the newer entrants, they bring the security of a major Irish pillar bank with a substantial branch network.
To balance this, PTSB offers comprehensive cashback incentives, a lump sum payment when the mortgage is drawn down, plus ongoing monthly cashback. When reviewing these offers, it’s important to weigh the upfront cash benefit against the long-term interest rates to ensure it makes financial sense for your specific situation. Calculating the overall lifetime cost is key.
You can check out how a PTSB mortgage compares to others using our calculator:
Read on to find out if a PTSB mortgage makes sense for you and explore other options for great rates and easy approval.
- Pros & Cons: PTSB Mortgage Ireland
- Recommendation: PTSB Mortgage Ireland
- Alternatives: PTSB Mortgage Ireland
- In a Nutshell: PTSB Mortgage Ireland
- Next Steps: PTSB Mortgage Ireland
PTSB Mortgage Rates and Product Overview
PTSB Mortgage Product
PTSB offers a well-defined suite of lending products. For most standard mortgages with PTSB, the minimum loan amount is €40,000, catering to
- First Time Buyers
- Home Movers
- Buy-to-Let Investors
- Switchers
Additionally, PTSB offers staged payment Self-Build mortgages and Top-Up mortgages for home improvements. For individuals moving to Ireland from abroad, PTSB can look at Irish expats moving home on a case-by-case basis depending on employment circumstances, while non-nationals require 12 months of continuous employment in the state.
PTSB Mortgage Approval Credit Policy
PTSB’s credit policy strikes a good balance, the “Goldilocks” of the banking world, not too strict, but responsible.
For Second Time Buyers (STBs) and Home Movers, they allow borrowing beyond the standard limit up to 4 times income if you can demonstrate sufficient disposable income. These exceptions to the Central Bank lending limits make them highly competitive for movers who need a bit more flexibility.
PTSB Mortgage Rates & The Managed Variable Rate (MVR)
When reviewing rates, it’s crucial to understand your options after your introductory fixed period ends. At the end of your fixed term, PTSB customers can choose to avail of their current suite of New Business fixed rates, or choose to roll onto a Managed Variable Rate (MVR) rather than a Standard Variable Rate (SVR)[2].
The MVR is tiered based on your Loan-to-Value (LTV). As you pay down your mortgage and your home’s equity grows, your LTV decreases, allowing you to move into lower interest rate bands. This offers significant potential savings compared to a blanket standard variable rate.
| 3 Year Fixed APRC | AIB | Avant Money | Bank of Ireland | EBS | Haven | ICS Mortgages | MoCo | Nua Money | PTSB |
| Up to 50% LTV | 3.76% | 3.74% | 4.20%* | 4.30% | 4.20% | 5.08% | 3.88% | 4.96% | 4.29% |
| Up to 60% LTV | 3.93% | 3.74% | 4.20%* | 4.30% | 4.20% | 5.08% | 3.89% | 5.06% | 4.29% |
| Up to 70% LTV | 3.93% | 3.74% | 4.20%* | 4.30% | 4.20% | 5.08% | 3.93% | 5.34% | 4.40% |
| Up to 80% LTV | 3.93% | 3.89% | 4.20%* | 4.30% | 4.20% | 5.09% | 3.99% | 5.34% | 4.40% |
| Up to 90% LTV | 4.11% | 3.97% | 4.20%* | 4.30% | 4.20% | 5.09% | — | — | 4.58% |
Compiled by Moneysherpa correct as of: 06/08/2026
Notes: *BoI rate based on C BER Rating.
A fairer way to evaluate would be to use PTSB’s 4-Year Fixed Rate to compare rates without cashback factored in.
| 4 Year Fixed APRC | AIB | Avant Money | EBS | Haven | PTSB |
| Up to 50% LTV | 3.76% | 3.70% | 3.90% | 3.90% | 3.96% |
| Up to 60% LTV | 3.92% | 3.70% | 3.90% | 3.90% | 3.96% |
| Up to 70% LTV | 3.92% | 3.70% | 3.90% | 3.90% | 4.12% |
| Up to 80% LTV | 3.92% | 3.82% | 3.90% | 3.90% | 4.12% |
| Up to 90% LTV | 4.09% | 3.94% | 3.90% | 3.90% | 4.35% |
Compiled by Moneysherpa correct as of: 06/08/2026
Notes: EBS and Haven based on Green Rate
The Annual Percentage Rate Charge (APRC) represents the average rate across the lifetime of a typical mortgage and is recommended as the best rate to use for comparisons by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC). [1] You can check out the APRC of all the mortgages currently on the market using our comparison tool here: moneysherpa Repayment Calculator.
| Variable Rate | AIB | Avant Money | Bank of Ireland | EBS | Haven | ICS Mortgages | PTSB |
| Up to 50% LTV | 3.75% | 3.75% | 4.15% | 3.75% | 3.75% | 4.85% | 4.40% |
| Up to 60% LTV | 3.95% | 3.75% | 4.15% | 3.95% | 3.95% | 4.85% | 4.40% |
| Up to 70% LTV | 3.95% | 3.75% | 4.15% | 3.95% | 3.95% | 4.85% | 4.50% |
| Up to 80% LTV | 3.95% | 3.95% | 4.15% | 3.95% | 3.95% | 4.85% | 4.50% |
| Up to 90% LTV | 4.15% | 3.95% | 4.15% | 4.15% | 4.15% | 4.85% | 4.70% |
Compiled by Moneysherpa correct as of: 06/08/2026
Notes: Probable follow on variable rates post fixed period based on current variable rates by provider.
PTSB High Value Mortgage and Green Mortgage
PTSB is targeting also both High Value and Green mortgages, offering highly competitive introductory rates for these properties.
If you are buying a new build, there’s a strong chance your home qualifies for a Green Mortgage, making PTSB’s introductory rates some of the most attractive on the market.
| Term Avg APRC | AIB | Avant Money | Bank of Ireland | EBS | Haven | ICS Mortgages | MoCo | Nua Money | PTSB |
| 3 yr | 3.95%* | 3.97%† | 4.20%† | 4.30%† | 4.20%† | 5.09%† | 3.99%† | 5.34%† | 4.51%* |
| 4 yr | 4.03%* | 3.90%* | 3.80%* | 3.90%* | 3.90%* | — | — | — | 4.35%† |
| 5 yr | 3.88%* | 3.92%† | 3.90%* | 4.40%† | 4.20%† | 5.16%† | 3.96%† | 5.37%† | 4.25%* |
| 7 yr | 4.19%† | 4.05%† | 3.80%* | — | 4.30%† | — | — | — | 4.14%† |
Compiled by Moneysherpa correct as of: 06/08/2026
Notes: LTV < 90%, (*) Includes Mortgage value >€250,000 or Building Energy Rating B3+, BoI assumes A BER. (†) = Other: where no green/high-value product available.
PTSB Mortgage Cash Back
Cashback can be a massive help when buying a home, covering immediate expenses like solicitor fees, stamp duty, or furnishings during those financially tight first few years.
| Compare Cash back | Cash back Min | Cash back Max | Cash back Conditions |
| PTSB | 2% at Drawdown | 2% at Drawdown + 2% of Monthly Repayments | Explore Account required and ends Dec 2030. Excludes BTL & 4Y Fixed |
| Bank of Ireland | 2% at Drawdown | 3% (2% upfront + 1% in Year 5) | BOI Account required for Year 5. Excludes High Value, SVR & BTL |
| Avant | 1% at Drawdown | 2% at Drawdown | Fixed rates only. Excludes High Value & Flex Variable |
| Haven Mortgages | €3,000 | €5,000 | On => €250k mortgages (<€250k Switchers get €3,000). |
| AIB Mortgage | €3,000 | €3,000 | Switchers Only |
| EBS Mortgage | 2% at Drawdown | 3% (2% upfront + 1% in Year 5) | Must stay open 5 Years. Excludes 1Y Fixed, Variable & Green 4Y | MoCo | €1,500 | €1,500 | Towards legal costs | ICS Mortgages | €1,500 | €1,500 | Towards legal costs |
Rates updated 26/05/23
PTSB’s cashback offer is currently twofold:
- 2% Cashback at Drawdown
- You receive 2% of your total mortgage amount back in cash shortly after drawdown
- 2% Monthly Cashback until 2030
- If you pay your mortgage from a PTSB Explore Account, you receive 2% of your monthly repayment back in cash every month until December 31, 2030
While the cashback offers incredible short-term relief, we always recommend weighing the upfront cash against the long-term cost of credit (APRC). For example, a lower fixed-rate mortgage from a competitor without cashback might result in lower total interest paid over 25 years. However, if immediate cash liquidity is your priority, PTSB’s offering is very hard to beat.
Pros & Cons: PTSB Mortgage Ireland
Pros
- Cashback incentives (2% at drawdown + 2% monthly until 2030)
- Competitive Green Mortgage rates for BER A1-B3 homes
- Flexible credit policy with a higher likelihood of income exceptions up to 4.5 times your income
- Favorable Managed Variable Rate (MVR) follow-on rates that reduce as your LTV improves
Cons
- Standard non-green Fixed Rates can be higher than some competitors
- Monthly cashback requires maintaining a PTSB Explore Account (which carries an €8 monthly maintenance fee)
Recommendation: PTSB Mortgage Ireland
A PTSB mortgage is a good option if you value the security and support of a traditional Irish pillar bank. They are particularly well-suited for buyers who need the upfront liquidity provided by their 2% drawdown cashback and 2% monthly cashback offers to cover immediate costs.
If your primary goal is securing the absolute lowest lifetime interest rate and you do not require upfront cash, lenders like Avant Money or Haven may be worth exploring. However, for a blend of high approval flexibility, upfront cash support, and strong Green rates, PTSB is a premium choice.
You can get a free mortgage check-up to see which provider best suits your financial situation here:
Alternatives: PTSB Mortgage Ireland
In a Nutshell: PTSB Mortgage Ireland
combine the reliability of a traditional branch network with innovative offerings like their robust cashback incentives and MVR pricing model.
While newer lenders like Avant Money or broker-exclusive arms like Haven operate without expensive branch networks to offer lower baseline rates, PTSB remains a highly viable and competitive option, especially for green properties, buyers seeking credit exceptions, or those requiring immediate cash support.
Avant Money, Haven, PTSB, Bank of Ireland, ICS Mortgages, Moco, and Nua are all available through brokers a broker.
Next Steps: PTSB Mortgage Ireland
If you want to see what you could save by calculating your repayments and comparing all mortgage provider rates, click here: Compare Rates.
If you want to know more about other mortgage providers, read our Mortgage Rate Comparison.
If you want to know more about long-term fixed-rate mortgages, read our Fixed vs. Variable Guide.
Or check out our handy First Time Buyers Mortgage Guide or Switching Mortgage Guide.
If you want to set up a free, no-obligation video call with one of our mortgage sherpa’s expert, book an appointment here:
[2] Please note that because our live comparison tables pull directly from real-time, third-party market data feeds, the post-introductory follow-on rate may occasionally be generically labeled as a “Standard Variable Rate” (SVR). For PTSB specifically, this defaults to their tiered, LTV-based Managed Variable Rate (MVR) system.
