Frequently asked questions
Straight answers about merchant services in Ireland.
Who is the best merchant services provider in Ireland?
There isn't one universally 'best' provider — the right merchant services partner depends on your business type, transaction volume, and how you take payments. CFS Ireland is independent, so we compare offers across multiple acquirers (AIB Merchant Services, Elavon, Worldpay, Stripe and others) and recommend what fits your business. For most Irish SMEs taking under €500k/year, a Tier 2 acquirer with interchange-plus pricing saves more than a high-street bank bundle. We review your current statement free of charge.
How much does a card machine cost in Ireland?
Card terminal costs in Ireland range from €15 to €35 per month for rental, with a one-off setup fee of €0–€99 depending on hardware. Transaction fees typically sit between 0.3%–1.8% for cards present, and 1.4%–2.9% for online. Watch for hidden charges: PCI non-compliance fees (€60–€120/year), minimum monthly service charges (€10–€25), and authorisation fees (1–4c per transaction). We give you the full cost breakdown before you sign anything.
How do I set up a merchant account in Ireland?
To open a merchant account in Ireland you need: (1) a registered business (sole trader, partnership, or limited company), (2) an Irish business bank account, (3) proof of trading address, (4) photo ID for directors/owners, and (5) recent bank statements or a business plan if you're new. Approval takes 24–72 hours for established businesses and 5–10 working days for new traders. CFS Ireland handles the application end-to-end and tells you up front if anything in your file might slow approval.
What is PCI DSS compliance and do I need it in Ireland?
PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) is a global security framework every business accepting card payments must follow. In Ireland, your acquirer requires you to either complete a Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) annually or hold formal certification — depending on transaction volume. Most SMEs need SAQ-A (e-commerce, fully outsourced) or SAQ-B (card-present, standalone terminal). Non-compliance fees are €60–€120/year on top of breach liability. We set this up at onboarding so you're compliant from day one.
Do I need a payment gateway or a card terminal?
If customers pay in person, you need a card terminal (countertop, portable, or mobile). If they pay online — website, payment links, recurring billing — you need a payment gateway (Stripe, Opayo, Worldpay, AIBMS Authipay). Most Irish SMEs need both: terminal for walk-ins, gateway for deposits, invoices, and remote orders. We size the setup to your real transaction mix, not a bundled package.
Can I get merchant services in Ireland with no long-term contract?
Yes. CFS Ireland works with acquirers offering flexible terms — 30-day rolling, 12-month, and 36-month options. Rolling and 12-month contracts come with no termination fee; the 36-month tier is the preferred option for the largest savings but is never required. The 3–5 year lock-in contracts the high-street banks still push are not necessary — and they're usually paired with the worst rates. If you're currently locked in, we tell you exactly when you can switch and what notice you need to give.
What documents do I need to open a merchant account in Ireland?
For a limited company: Certificate of Incorporation, CRO number, photo ID for each director with 25%+ ownership, proof of address (utility bill less than 3 months old), Irish business bank account details, and 3 months of trading bank statements (or projections if pre-trading). For sole traders: PPS number, photo ID, proof of trading address, and bank statements. Cosmetic/medical and adult-trade businesses need additional documentation.
How fast can I get a merchant account set up in Ireland?
For an established Irish business with clean paperwork, same-day setup is possible with select acquirers — terminal shipped next day, live by day three. New traders or higher-risk verticals (cosmetic clinics, adult services, ticketing) typically take 5–10 working days. We tell you the realistic timeline at the free review, before you commit.
How long does merchant account approval take in Ireland?
Approval timelines: established limited company with full documentation — 24 to 72 hours. Sole trader trading under 2 years — 3 to 5 working days. New business or restricted vertical (cosmetic, adult, gaming, travel) — 5 to 15 working days. Underwriting checks include credit, AML, and Mastercard/Visa MATCH list screening. We pre-screen your file so you're not surprised mid-application.
Does bad credit affect a merchant account application in Ireland?
Yes — but it's not a blanket refusal. Acquirers look at: business credit history (CRIF Vision-net for Ireland), director personal credit, and the MATCH/TMF list (visa/mastercard global blacklist). A CCJ or recent bankruptcy makes things harder but doesn't make it impossible — there are specialist high-risk acquirers who'll still onboard you, just at higher rates. We tell you honestly what your file will produce before you apply.
Top payment processing companies in Ireland 2026?
The Irish merchant services market in 2026 is dominated by: AIB Merchant Services (largest by volume, bank-tied), Elavon Ireland (US-owned, strong card-present), Worldpay Ireland (multi-currency strength), Stripe (online-first, dominant in e-commerce), SumUp/Square (sub-€100k turnover SMEs), and Global Payments. The 'best' depends entirely on your transaction profile — bank-tied acquirers are convenient but rarely the cheapest. CFS Ireland reviews offers across all of them and recommends what fits.
