How to Accept Card Payments in Ireland – 2025 SME Guide | Truepos

How to Accept Card Payments in Ireland: A Guide for Small Businesses

In today’s cash-light economy, accepting card payments is no longer optional — it’s essential. Whether you’re running a coffee shop in Dublin, a pop-up stall in Cork, or a barbershop in Limerick, customers expect to tap and go.

But where do you start? What machine do you need? And how much will it cost?

This guide walks you through the entire process of accepting card payments in Ireland, step-by-step — from hardware to bank accounts, and everything in between.

Step 1: Choose the Right Type of Card Machine

There are three main types of card machines, each suited to different business types:

• Portable card machines – great for cafés, restaurants, and service staff
• Mobile card machines – ideal for taxis, trades, events or deliveries (built-in SIM)
• Countertop card machines – perfect for fixed retail points like shops and salons

🟢 Truepos Tip: The Castles S1MINI2 is one of Ireland’s most popular mobile terminals — free to get started, no monthly rental, and supports contactless, chip & PIN, and mobile wallets.

Step 2: Set Up a Merchant Account or Payment Provider

To process card payments, you’ll need a merchant account — either directly or through a payment provider (like Truepos). This is where funds are held before they settle into your business bank account.

✔️ What to look for in a provider:

• No setup or rental fees
• Transparent pricing with negotiable transaction rates
• Fast payouts (next day if possible)
• Irish-based support team
• No long-term contracts or hidden minimum charges

Step 3: Know Your Payment Methods

Irish customers expect more than just chip & PIN:

• Contactless cards (up to €50, or more with digital wallets)
• Apple Pay and Google Pay
• NFC-enabled wearables (like smartwatches)
• Pay-by-link or over-the-phone payments for service-based businesses

Offering a wide range of methods helps reduce lost sales and improves the customer experience.

🟢 Truepos Solution: We offer free card machines, no monthly minimums, and negotiable fees from 0.5% — ideal for small businesses with fluctuating turnover.

Step 5: Get Set Up (Fast)

Most providers now offer same-day or next-day onboarding. At Truepos, we handle all the setup for you:

• Contract-free
• Delivered to your door
• Training included
• Start taking payments within 24–48 hours

No paperwork headaches. No delays. Just plug in and go.

Step 6: Stay Secure and Compliant

Your system should be:

• PCI-DSS compliant
• EMV chip-enabled
• Securely encrypted
• Backed by a fraud-protection policy

Choosing a provider that stays on top of compliance and tech updates protects both your business and your customers.

Final Thoughts: Make It Easy for Them to Pay

The easier it is for your customers to pay, the more likely they are to buy — and return. Card payments aren’t just about convenience, they’re about trust, speed, and professionalism.

✅ Whether you run a café, salon, food truck, or store — Truepos has your back.

👉 Ready to get started? Talk to our team today and find the perfect card machine for your business.

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