Contactless Limits in Ireland — 2025 Guide
Contactless card payments have become the standard for fast, low-value purchases in Ireland. Whether it's a coffee, groceries, or a quick bite at lunch, most customers now expect to “tap and go.” But what happens when the total goes beyond the tap limit?
This guide breaks down the contactless payment cap in Ireland as of 2025, why it exists, and how your business can still accept higher-value card payments efficiently.
What Is the Contactless Limit in Ireland?
As of 2025, the standard contactless limit in Ireland remains:
€50 per transaction
This means customers can pay by tapping their debit or credit card (or smart device) for purchases up to €50, without entering a PIN.
For totals above €50, the card must be inserted and verified with chip-and-PIN (unless the customer is using a secure wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay).
Why Is There a Limit?
The limit is a security measure to protect against fraud in the event a contactless card is lost or stolen. Unlike digital wallets, physical tap cards don’t require a second layer of authentication.
Contactless limits also help prevent overuse without PIN verification, which could trigger fraud alerts.
Can Mobile Wallets Exceed the Limit?
Yes — Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay are not subject to the €50 contactless limit.
Because these systems use fingerprint, face ID or passcodes, they’re considered more secure than plastic cards — so customers can tap for purchases over €50 without needing to insert the card.
✅ Merchants don’t need special hardware to accept Apple Pay or Google Pay — if your card machine accepts contactless, you’re already set up.
Are There Daily Tap Limits?
Yes, in some cases. Banks may apply cumulative daily contactless limits (e.g. €150–€200). After a certain number or value of taps, a cardholder may be prompted to insert the card and enter a PIN — even if the purchase is under €50.
This is another anti-fraud safeguard, not a fault with the card or machine.
What Merchants Should Know
As a business, it’s important to:
- Inform customers when a PIN is required for high-value purchases
- Ensure your terminal is contactless-enabled
- Support mobile wallets to allow higher tap-and-go transactions
- Provide receipts if requested (contactless doesn’t mean paperless unless opted out)
Accepting Larger Payments?
If your average transaction is above €50 (e.g. hair salons, boutiques, electronics shops), make sure you’re using a terminal with:
- Full chip + PIN fallback
- Support for mobile wallets
- Seamless switch from contactless to insert mode
- Clear pricing — no hidden fees for contactless or digital wallet transactions
What Does Truepos Recommend?
All Truepos card machines — including the Castles S1MINI2 and PAX A920 — support:
- Tap, chip & PIN, swipe and mobile wallets
- €0 rental options
- Next-day payouts
- No PCI or minimum service fees
- Irish-based support
Want to future-proof your payments? Talk to Truepos today and get set up in 24 hours.
