Understanding Card Fees in Ireland: Interchange, Scheme, and Acquirer Fees Explained

Running a business in Ireland today almost always means accepting card payments. But while card machines make life easier for customers, many merchants find themselves puzzled when the first bill arrives. Words like interchange fees, scheme fees, and acquirer fees can make your statement feel like a different language.

In this guide, we’ll break down card processing fees in plain English, show you what each part means, and give you practical tips on how to negotiate better rates.

What Are Card Processing Fees?

When a customer taps, swipes, or inserts their card, several different parties are involved in completing that transaction:

• The bank that issued the card
• The card network (Visa, Mastercard, etc.)
• The acquirer or merchant service provider (like Truepos and its partners)

Each takes a small share of the transaction. Together, these charges make up your Merchant Service Charge (MSC) — the total fee you pay per card transaction.

The Three Main Types of Card Fees

1. Interchange Fees

• Paid to the cardholder’s bank
• Set by card networks (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) and regulated in the EU
• In Ireland and across the EU, interchange fees are capped at:
  • 0.2% for debit card transactions
  • 0.3% for credit card transactions

👉 This is the base cost — you can’t negotiate it, as it’s the same across all providers.

2. Scheme Fees

• Paid to the card schemes/networks like Visa, Mastercard, or American Express
• Cover the cost of running their global payment infrastructure
• Vary depending on the card type, transaction type (in-person vs. online), and even region

👉 These are less transparent than interchange fees, but again, they’re standardised by the schemes and applied to all providers.

3. Acquirer Fees

• Charged by your merchant service provider/acquirer (like Worldpay via Truepos)
• This is the negotiable part of your card fees
• Covers:
  • Processing infrastructure
  • Customer support
  • Settlement of funds into your account
  • Additional services (like PCI compliance, fraud prevention, or reporting tools)

👉 This is where you have room to negotiate and save money.

Other Charges to Watch Out For

Besides the big three, some providers add extra costs:

• Monthly minimum service charges (MMSC) – a fixed amount you must pay, whether you process enough transactions or not.
• PCI compliance fees – a charge for maintaining security standards.
• Terminal rental fees – if you don’t own your card machine outright.
• Authorisation fees – a few cents per transaction.

👉 At Truepos, we make pricing clear: no hidden PCI fees, no monthly minimums, and card machines available free with our plans.

How to Negotiate Better Card Fees in Ireland

1. Know Your Volumes
   Providers often tier rates depending on your monthly turnover. Bring your last few statements to the table.
2. Compare Providers
   Don’t settle for your bank’s default offer — independent merchant service providers often secure better deals.
3. Watch Out for Long Contracts
   Locking into a 3- to 5-year agreement can make it harder to switch if rates drop elsewhere.
4. Leverage Group Buying Power
   At Truepos, we use our collective strength (thousands of Irish merchants) to negotiate rates often up to 40% lower than standard.
5. Ask About Settlement Times
   Next-day settlement can improve your cashflow — don’t overlook this when comparing costs.

The Bottom Line

Card processing fees in Ireland can feel complicated, but once you break them down, only one part is truly negotiable: the acquirer fees. That’s why choosing the right provider matters.

At Truepos, we believe in transparent pricing, no hidden fees, and the best card machine solutions for Irish businesses. Whether you’re a café owner, taxi driver, or retailer, we’ll help you cut costs without sacrificing service.