Bank of Ireland's 2001/2002 finance package for third-level students will include the first student credit card.

The card will have an initial £250 (318) credit limit and will apply to students over 18 who have six months' banking history with the Bank of Ireland.

The company says the package builds on last year's offering to include elements like the combined ISIC/bankcard with Laser facilities, a specialist A2B travel loan, an interest-free grant advance loan and the option of a reserve deposit account. Banking services are provided free of charge.