Online payments in Ireland have changed their form in recent years. As more Irish people shop, stream, game, and subscribe online, they’re now seeking new payment options that are easy, secure, and private.
While debit cards still lead the pack, several alternatives are quickly getting more popular, and mostly among those who like the privacy or just want to avoid banks for some reason.
Let’s check out how the Irish really pay online in 2025.
Debit Cards Are Still Number One
Most Irish people use debit cards for their online payments. According to the Central Bank of Ireland, Irish consumers made card payments totaling €149.8 billion in 2024 – which is a 25.5% increase from the previous year.
Nearly 98% of these transactions happened electronically, and it’s easy to see why.
Debit cards work almost everywhere online, from e-commerce sites to subscription services to gambling platforms. Most Irish banks now have contactless cards that work with mobile wallets as well.
But not everyone wants their bank account connected to every online purchase, which is where alternatives come in.
CashtoCode Is the New Leader in Privacy
Ireland is seeing steady growth in alternative payment methods, particularly among those who want to keep their banking and personal details private, and CashtoCode seems to be one of the most popular solutions.
When using it, you generate a barcode online, take it to one of over 3,500 retail locations across Ireland, and pay in cash. The system then instantly completes your transaction. There’s no registration, no credit card needed, and no sharing of personal financial data.
This method has become especially popular with online casino users, bettors, and gamers who like more privacy. Since cashtocode-casinos.com doesn’t require any cards or personal IDs, it has a completely anonymous payment option.
It also helps people who either don’t have a bank account or prefer not to use one online. For students, gig workers, or those who rely on cash income, it’s a bridge to the digital field without using any banking services.
Digital Wallet Remains a Synonym for Convenience
Digital wallets are still considered to be the synonym for convenience in Ireland’s online field. While PayPal leads, Apple Pay and Google Pay are quickly catching up.
In 2023, they handled about 21% of online shopping payments in Ireland, with projections suggesting 15% annual growth through 2026.
Their keywords are convenience and security, and transactions process in seconds, and device-level encryption makes users feel safer storing their cards digitally than carrying physical ones.
Young adults under 35 now turn to digital wallets for everyday use – paying everything from ride shares and food delivery to streaming subscriptions. However, some limitations exist.
Many gambling sites and specialty vendors either don’t support or restrict wallet payments, pushing users to some alternatives when privacy or instant deposits are needed.
Bank Transfers – Reliable But Takes Time
Bank transfers and direct debits remain a popular option – they power Ireland’s subscription economy, covering everything from gym memberships and utility bills to insurance and tuition fees.
In 2021 alone, Irish users made €156 billion in direct debit payments across nearly 158 million transactions. These numbers have likely increased through 2024 as more services push for automated billing.
The big downside is speed. Transfers can take 1 or 2 days to complete, especially over weekends or holidays. And while they’re reliable, many users avoid them because they’re difficult to cancel quickly.
Prepaid Cards and Vouchers – Budget Control
Prepaid options help users manage tight budgets or avoid overspending. They’re commonly used for online gaming, small purchases, and one-time payments.
Their main advantage is control – you can only spend what you’ve loaded.
There’s no card to load or account to manage – just a barcode and cash. This makes it simpler for people who prefer face-to-face transactions or want to minimize leaving their info.
Why Are Irish Consumers Turning to New Methods?
Payment preferences in Ireland are moving toward technology – and changing the overall lifestyle.
Debit cards remain most popular because they’re familiar and widely accepted. For older users or standard purchases, they’re reliable, though they come with increased fraud exposure and limited control over recurring charges.
Digital wallets attract mobile-first users who prioritize convenience – but mostly younger, urban consumers who live through their apps. But since many wallets don’t work on gambling or adult sites, this leaves room for alternatives.
That’s where CashtoCode and similar options come in – with impressive privacy, cash-based control, and a way around the verification.
With Ireland still handling over 20% of transactions in cash at stores, there’s a massive audience for some new solutions.
Current consumers want trust, flexibility, and anonymity just as much as speed or convenience.