Tag: cards

Valentine’s Day spend shows strong growth in key luxuries

Despite a modest overall dip in Valentine’s Day spending (-14%) last Saturday, several categories spiked as romantic consumers shifted their focus to luxury treats and quality time together.

Bank of Ireland’s debit and credit card spending data for the full day of February 14th versus Valentine’s Day last year shows strong increases across pubs, jewellery, hotels and restaurants. The data highlights that while shoppers spent less on traditional gifts such as flowers and cards, they were more willing to invest in a special night out.

Jewellery spending also surged by 51% on the day itself, suggesting that more people left things last-minute for gifts this year. Hospitality also benefitted this year. Pubs saw the most dramatic rise, up 51%, although this was likely a mixture of ‘romance and rugby’ with the Ireland versus Italy rugby game landing last Saturday too.  Restaurant spending was up 22% compared to Valentine’s Day last year and hotel stays rose 11%, with a strong appetite for romantic dining and overnight stays.

While some traditional categories such as flowers, experiences and perfumes recorded declines, the data highlights a clear shift in consumer preference with less emphasis on single‑use gifts and more investment in shared enjoyment.

Gerardo Larios Rizo, Head of Hospitality Sector, Bank of Ireland said: “Our Valentine’s Day data shows that while overall spending was slightly softer, people were still determined to make the day special. Instead of splashing out on single‑use gifts, consumers shifted to special moments such as a romantic dinner, a hotel stay or even celebrating ‘romance and rugby’ in their local pub. While some romantics shopped ahead, the spike in jewellery sales on the day itself suggests a rush of last-minute panic-buying this year.”

Bank of Ireland card spending – Feb 14th 2026 versus Feb 14th 2025

  • Pubs (+51%)
  • Jewellery (+51%)
  • Restaurants (+22%)
  • Hotels (+11%)
  • Gift Websites (+4%)
  • Chocolates flat year on year
  • Flowers (-33%)
  • Cards (-28%)
  • Perfume (-6%)

Twelve South BookBook for iPhone 17 Pro Review

The Twelve South BookBook for the iPhone 17 Pro is more than just a case for your phone it makes a statement and is luxury all in one and will have people talking if out and seen placed on a table.

Crafted from premium, genuine full-grain leather this also doubles as a wallet and phone protector, it however will add bulk to your phone but for those who want something different this is it and it looks great feels premium and will protect your phone regrdless.

The BookBook can be split into two pieces ie a standalone case and a wallet which can hold up to 4 cards and a slot for cash underneath, this is not RFID protected so keep this in mind. You can still charge via MagSafe  (inner case) and also watch content without removing the device from the folio designed case.

Twelve South are known for high end goods and their cases no difference and with this case you can be sure your device is protected and it will look good no matter where it is placed especially if you are in a library where you would never know what was inside the case itself.

 

Key features of the MagSafe design:

  • Two Cases in One: The shell can be instantly detached from the outer leather wallet. This allows you to use your iPhone with a slim, protective case when you don’t need the wallet folio (e.g., at the gym, or for car mounting).
  • Charging Compatibility: The removable shell ensures flawless compatibility with MagSafe chargers, stands, and accessories without having to deal with the bulk of the full folio.
  • Viewing Stand: The folio also folds into a stable, hands-free viewing stand, perfect for watching videos or making FaceTime calls in both landscape and portrait orientations.

 

Features 

  • Full-grain leather wallet + iPhone case
  • Removable MagSafe compatible shell
  • Holds ID, cards, and cash
  • Folds into a hands-free stand

Questions

Is BookBook compatible with MagSafe?
Yes. The included inner shell works with MagSafe chargers and accessories when removed from the wallet folio.
Can I use the wallet and phone case separately?
Absolutely. The phone shell is fully removable and attaches magnetically. Use it on its own or together with the wallet.
What materials is BookBook made from?
BookBook is crafted from full-grain leather and finished with hand-stitched details. Each case will develop a unique patina over time.
Which models are available?
iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max.
How many cards can it hold?
BookBook is designed to hold up to 4 cards and some folded cash. Enough for daily carry, without the bulk
Does it have RFID protection?
No. BookBook focuses on form, function, and timeless design. If RFID protection is essential, we recommend using a separate card sleeve.

Shuffle Wallet Review

The Shuffle Wallet is an RFID wallet with more capabilites at hand and is modular which means you can add pieces onto it if you require them which is kinda handy

The Shuffle Wallet is a solid wallet with an innovative mechanism offering up to 8 cards which is plenty for most the design is nice it looks tough and it is tough you could  fire this thing through a window. It comes in Titanium or Aluminium

It is on the larger side compared to my secrid for example however you will always know it is in your pocket unlike my secrid which is smaller and lighter and holds up to 6 cards at any one time.

There is a silicon pouch for NFC and additional accessories such as AirTag holders.

There is RFID blocking keeping your cards safe which is vital in today’s world as there is guys with RFID readers out there and this wallet gives you peace of mind.

Features

  • Effortless Access, Innovative Mechanism: Say goodbye to clumsy wallet fumbling; This wallet for men features a unique deck-of-cards opening mechanism that allows for quick and easy access to your cards with a simple flick, ensuring smooth transactions on the go
  • Accessories Sold Separately: Make your men’s wallet your own with our range of modular accessories; From the AirTag holder for easy tracking to the silicone pouch with an NFC chip for instant digital business card sharing, personalize your wallet to suit your needs and style
  • RFID-Blocking: The Shuffle Wallet for men features advanced RFID-blocking technology to protect your cards from electronic theft; The non-RFID blocking design is perfect for accessing key cards, subway passes, gym cards, hotel cards and more
  • Exceptional Service: Enjoy confidence in your purchase with our after-sales service； Whether you have questions,or need assistance, our dedicated team is here to ensure your satisfaction and peace of mind every step of the way

BUY

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Why Digital Save the Dates Are the Smart Choice for Modern Weddings

When you first get engaged, one of the earliest steps in the planning journey is letting your loved ones know when the big day will be. Traditionally this has been done with printed save the date cards, but more and more couples are choosing to go digital. Electronic save the dates are stylish, practical and environmentally friendly, and they can save you both time and money while still giving guests the excitement of receiving that all-important announcement.

What Are Digital Save the Dates?

A digital save the date is an online version of the traditional card that lets your guests know your wedding date, location and sometimes a teaser of your theme. They can be delivered by email, text message, or even through your wedding website. Many platforms offer beautifully designed templates that can be customised with your names, photos and colour palette, so they still feel personal and special.

Benefits of Going Digital

1. Budget Friendly

Printed stationery can quickly add up when you consider design, printing, postage and international delivery for overseas guests. Digital save the dates cut these costs dramatically. Many platforms even offer free options or packages that include matching invitations and RSVPs.

2. Environmentally Conscious

For couples looking to reduce waste, digital save the dates are a greener choice. They eliminate the need for paper, ink and transport, making them a sustainable option without sacrificing style.

3. Convenience for Everyone

With a digital save the date, delivery is instant. Guests will receive it directly to their inbox or phone, meaning there is no risk of delays or lost post. For you, it’s much easier to manage and resend if someone misplaces it.

4. Interactive Features

Unlike a traditional card, a digital save the date can link directly to your wedding website, accommodation suggestions, or even a calendar download so guests can block the date straight away. It makes life easier for your guests and helps you keep everything organised in one place.

5. Flexibility

Plans change, and if you need to adjust your date or details, updating a digital save the date is simple. Instead of reprinting and resending, you can amend your design and send an updated version instantly.

Style and Personalisation

Some couples worry that going digital will feel less personal, but with modern design tools this isn’t the case. You can choose from a wide range of elegant templates, upload your favourite engagement photos, or even create a bespoke design that ties into your wedding theme. The end result can be just as beautiful as a physical card.

When to Send Digital Save the Dates

Just like with traditional save the dates, the general rule is to send them 6 to 12 months before the wedding. For destination weddings or dates falling in busy seasons such as Christmas or summer holidays, it’s best to send them as early as possible so guests have plenty of notice.

Making the Most of Digital Tools

Many wedding planning platforms now offer integrated systems where you can design your digital save the date, manage your guest list and track RSVPs in one place. This reduces admin for you and makes the entire process seamless.

Digital save the dates are a modern solution that combine practicality with style. They are budget friendly, eco conscious and incredibly convenient, while still giving your guests that feeling of excitement when they see your names pop up with a big announcement. For couples who want to simplify their planning and reduce costs without compromising on elegance, digital save the dates are the way forward.

PayPal launches its most advanced solution for small and medium-sized enterprises in Ireland

PayPal today announced the launch of PayPal Complete Payments for small and medium enterprises in Ireland. The solution – which has been rolled out across the UK, Canada and more than 20 European markets – enables enterprises in Ireland to accept a range of payments including PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, credit and debit cards, and alternative payment methods from around the world.

Forrester and PayPal research found that 63 per cent of online shoppers would not purchase from a brand if it had a poor checkout experience – with 43 per cent of customers likely to buy if the checkout offers their preferred payment type.

Businesses across Ireland face a variety of challenges every day, from finding new customers and managing cashflow to driving sales. Expanding the choice of payment methods for shoppers can help turn potential customers into actual customers and help increase sales. A Censuswide survey of enterprises revealed that diverse payment options that cater to customer preferences (27%), fast and reliable processing to minimise transaction delays (26%) and dispute resolution services (25%)—are crucial factors that enable business growth.

“We’re bringing our latest innovation to Ireland with PayPal Complete Payments, that enables small and medium-sized enterprises to offer their customers the same level of service and user experience as large enterprises,” said Jonas Breding, General Manager, Northern Europe, PayPal. “With PayPal Complete Payments businesses are seeing on average 4.2 per cent lift in credit and debit card acceptance for neighbouring markets like the UK. This demonstrates we are delivering greater value for our customers by boosting customer conversions and helping drive revenue.”   

PayPal has integrations with several ecommerce platforms – including BigCommerce and WooCommerce – which make it easier for their customers to quickly take advantage of this new solution.

This new solution enables eligible enterprises to allow their customers to securely store their payment methods in the PayPal vault for future purchases. This provides a seamless shopping experience for consumers, and helps Irish enterprises drive conversions and repeat buyers.

Businesses can sync order and tracking information with a new feature–Package Tracking. For businesses, sharing tracking data with PayPal can mean fewer customer disputes, and a streamlined resolution process that eliminates manual responses, which can reduce costs. Transactions with tracking details often see 80 per cent lower “item not received” dispute claims.

To help keep small businesses secure in an environment where fraud is on the rise, PayPal Complete Payments will continue to offer Fraud Protection, Chargeback Protection and Seller Protection on eligible transactions.

This solution is available at competitive rates for accepting credit cards and other payment methods online. Small businesses can now choose between flat-rate pricing and flexible pricing, which helps them get paid the full amount up-front and gives them a transparent view into processing costs.

Discover Savings with the Ultimate No-Fee Debit Cards

In today’s fast-paced digital era, financial freedom is a sought-after luxury. With the emergence of the no fee debit card, individuals are finding it easier than ever to manage their finances without the burden of unnecessary costs. Let’s explore how these cards have revolutionized the banking landscape and why they’re a boon for the budget-conscious individual.

1. Understanding the Basics: What is a No-Fee Debit Card?

A zero-fee debit card is, as the name suggests, a debit card that comes without any associated annual or monthly charges. Think of it as a financial tool, akin to a Swiss Army knife in the world of camping – versatile, essential, and cost-effective. But instead of aiding in survival in the great outdoors, this card helps users thrive in the modern financial jungle. They work similarly to traditional debit cards but ensure you keep more of your hard-earned money.

2. The Rising Popularity: Why are Zero-fee debit cards Gaining Traction?

Remember the times when you’d get a shock looking at the bank statement, noticing those sneaky fees? zero-fee debit cards are the antidote to such unwelcome surprises. They’re like that friend who always has your back, ensuring you’re not taken advantage of. Their transparent approach, combined with the growing awareness about financial wellness, has seen a surge in their adoption. After all, who doesn’t appreciate more savings and fewer deductions?

3. The Savings Add Up: Financial Benefits of Using a Zero-fee debit card

Imagine if you saved the money you typically spend on card fees every month. Over a year, it could be enough for a small vacation or even a significant addition to your emergency fund. This is the potential power of a zero-fee debit card. It’s akin to discovering a hidden stream in a desert – a refreshing respite from the parched lands of fees and charges. By cutting out these fees, users find themselves with a little extra padding in their wallets, making it a smart choice for the financially savvy.

“Applying for a Chime Debit Card is totally free, and it just takes less than 2 minutes.”

4. A Glimpse into the Future: How Zero-fee Debit Cards are Shaping the Banking World

The banking industry, much like an old tree, is known for its deep roots and resistance to rapid change. However, zero-fee debit cards are like a new, robust shoot sprouting from this tree, bringing with it the promise of a fresher, more accessible financial future. Their increasing demand is pushing banks to reevaluate their fee structures and customer-centric approaches, ushering in a new era where the customer truly feels valued and prioritized.

5. Making the Right Choice: Tips for Selecting the Perfect No-fee debit card

With numerous options flooding the market, how does one pick the right zero-fee debit card? It’s like choosing the best pair of shoes for a marathon – you want the perfect fit without blisters (or fees). Look for cards that offer additional benefits like rewards or cashback, have widespread acceptance, and come with robust security features. Also, always read the fine print. Doing your research ensures you truly find the card that’s tailor-made for your financial journey.

Zero-fee debit cards are not just a fleeting trend; they’re a testament to the evolving banking world’s dedication to customer convenience and value. As more individuals become conscious of where every penny goes, these cards stand out as a beacon of hope, ensuring every transaction is as smooth and fee-less as possible. So, isn’t it time you dived into the world of savings with the ultimate zero-fee debit card?

Where Is SlotWolf Casino Positioned in the Race of Casinos with the Most Popular Games?

If you want to make the most out of your casino experience then the SlotWolf casino is one of the best options out there. They have over 4,000 titles available and they also have a range of options suited to those who are seeking more classic titles. One thing to know about this site is that they have a ton of poker variants and this ranges from roulette to blackjack and more. 

You can access the site from your mobile or your desktop and this is great for those who want to play from the comfort of their own home. One thing to know about sites such as this is that they do put in the work to make sure that they go the extra mile for their customers. Some casinos tend to have a  bit of a bad image when it comes to cashouts, as there are so many scam sites out there. 

That being said, Slot Wolf casinos do not come under this list.  Slot Wolf casinos can offer a lot of hands-on support and they also have a dedicated customer support team who can handle any questions that you may have. The option of a live chat gives you the chance to get any issues you might have, solved with ease.

Is SlotWolf Legit?

The SlotWolf casino suggests that they have obtained all of the right licenses from the Malta Gaming Authority. As a player, you need to make sure that you look up all of the terms and conditions so you can responsibly gamble. SlotWolf has gained the trust of players all around the country and they also have a solid track record for success when it comes to their time as a software provider. Customers tend to be recommended with pragmatic play when it comes to responsible gaming. This is mentioned within the privacy policy at the Slot Wolf site. Of course, the site is designed by software providers and they are functioning for entertainment purposes only.

Games Offered by the Casino

The SlotWolf casino is on par with the Friday casino in terms of games. You can find out more about Slotwolf casino here. They have a lot of games that could be interesting to you as a customer. This happens to include blackjack, video slots, roulette and even table games. You also have a lot of gaming rooms that you can use as well and this is great, to say the least. You have the option of numerous deposit methods and there is even a welcome package. 

There are a ton of games available and the rules for each one do differ. You have a program, a payment method choice and even VIP options. If you want to have the best gaming experience then you will want to check out sites such as SlotWolf as they give you the chance to explore the games you want with ease.

Lobby

Lobby games tend to be intact, just like classic slots, when you look at the world of gambling. Lobbies are nothing but menu screens, where you can inspect the upcoming games. You can also review the results, change any of the settings you may want and communicate with others. Of course, you can return to the lobby at the end of each session. Responsible gaming, when it is combined with pragmatic play, can earn you several credits for the game.

Slots

The SlotWolf casino has a lot of online slots for you to choose from. One thing to know about it is that every slot comes with a different theme. You also have different bonuses to choose from as well which is great. Casino slot games tend to rely on the player pushing a few buttons and then eventually, getting the right combination. You can easily get your spirits up and you can also perform your very own luck-calling whatever you want.

Live Games

It is super exciting to be able to play with real people in real time. It’s just like a physical casino. At the end of the day, Slot Wolf has a list of games that give you the chance to play and deal with others, so you can enhance your gaming experience. Gaming has come to the point where you can play with people across the world, and this is great, to say the least. You can also join sessions from anywhere too, which adds to the experience.

Conclusion

A gaming catalogue is key to an online casino’s success. What’s the use in being an online casino if none of your games appeal to customers? As is evidenced by the rise of live casino games, tech will quickly change what customers want. Keeping up with that is key. It’s why SlotWolf Casino has found success so far.

Optimizing VCard Usage with QR Codes

QR codes provide a versatile solution for optimizing the usage of VCards. By incorporating VCards into QR codes, you can enhance their accessibility and convenience. This article explores the benefits of using QR codes for VCards and highlights how they can be utilized in various scenarios, such as presentation design, to maximize their impact. Discover how free qr code for business card can streamline the sharing and utilization of VCards, making them more efficient and user-friendly.

Unlocking the Potential of VCards in QR Code Format

Explore the reasons why utilizing VCards in QR code format can be advantageous. Whether you need to present your contact information in a visually appealing and interactive way or streamline the process of sharing your details, VCards in QR code format offer numerous benefits. By using QR codes, you can conveniently provide others with quick access to your VCard information, making it easier for them to save and utilize your contact details effectively.

Creating a QR Code for VCard

Learn how to create a QR code for your VCard, whether by converting an existing VCard file or building a VCard page from scratch. To create a QR code at generator ME-QR for your VCard, follow these steps on the:

  1. Visit the website and navigate to the VCard QR code section.
  2. Select the option to create a new VCard QR code.
  3. Fill in the required contact information, such as name, phone number, email, and address.
  4. Customize the appearance of the QR code if desired.
  5. Generate the QR code and download it for use.

By following these steps, you can easily create a QR code for your VCard and optimize its accessibility and usability.

QR codes offer a powerful tool for optimizing the usage of VCards. By converting VCards into QR codes, you can enhance their accessibility and convenience, making it easier for others to save and utilize your contact information effectively. Whether for presentation design or simplifying contact sharing, QR codes streamline the process and ensure a seamless experience for both parties involved.

Utilizing QR codes for VCards provides a practical solution to optimize their usage. By creating a QR code for your VCard and incorporating it into your communication materials, presentations, or digital platforms, you can enhance the accessibility and convenience of your contact information. Embrace the power of QR codes and unlock the full potential of your VCards for efficient and user-friendly contact sharing.

Tech Review – DriverGenius HB081 USB-C Multi-card Reader / Writer

The kit comes with a robust metal type housing with a braided cable while lightweight and sturdy with the main slots acceptable, this allows the portability to carry in a bag around. The DriverGenius HB081 USB is like a Swiss army knife (in terms of a portable solution for accessing multiple types of memory cards.) and has flexibility for a wide variety of flash media to allow for quick transfer and backup files.  The USB-C port multi-card reader/writer supports SD4.0 SD, UHS-II microSD, and CFast 2.0 via tablet, smartphone, laptop or desktop computer. The USB 3.0 card reader supports the vast majority of memory cards on the market, including SDXC cards up to 2 TB, this can also connect directly to an android smartphone to copy/ move files without the need for a laptop or other device.

APPLICATIONS

■ Transfer photos, videos or other files from your SD, microSD, and CFast 2.0 cards to your USB-C enabled tablet, laptop, or another device

■ Gain greater efficiency when working with a variety of memory cards – ideal for creative professionals including photographers, videographers, and graphic designers

 

Features

  •       UHS-II SD 4.0/CF CARD READER: High integrated External USB Type-c Multi-Card Reader support UHS-II SD/SDXC/SDHC/MicroSD, backwards UHS-I, also as CF-1 (43*36*3.3mm) memory card adapter.
  •       CLICK-in FEATURE: DriverGenius HB080 use click popping design for the slots, that can fix cards well and protect cards from random insertion. The pocket-size design lets you take this card reader anywhere.
  •       3 SLOTS USB-C CARD READER WRITER: 3-in-1 slots for SD4.0, microSD4.0, CF-1 memory card,and can read and write simultaneously, no need to switch, no harm to SD cards. Suitable for quick workflow with multi device and multi-scenario.
  •       5Gbps USB3.1 GEN1 TYPE-C SUPPORT: Professional UHS SD to USB-C laptop/tablet/smartphone, it allows high speed data and movie transfer in seconds. Ensure high resolution still of images.
  •       VERSATILE COMPATIBILITY: Compatible for Win 10 / 8 / 7, mac, Ubuntu 21.04.

 

Setup:

There is no requirement for a setup in terms of plug in the USB C into a laptop, inserting the relevant card and read and write simultaneously. This required no download of drivers/programs for use. This is plug and play, because you do not need to download any drivers or programs etc.

Conclusion

From an early age, it has been taught to keep a backup of our data whether used for a photographer or shooting any video. This may involve transferring photos, videos or other files from your SD, microSD, and CFast 2.0 cards to your USB-C enabled tablet, laptop or another device.

They’re a noticeable speed connection when the card is placed into the reader and to a laptop, The kit quoted data transfer speeds up to 5Gbps which would be under an ideal scenario and would require card, and laptop to achieve this speed transfer. Tests carried out by techbuzz gave a large increase in transfer vs the standard cables often used to transfer files. Overall the kit is solid in terms of build and required no additional software required in to make it work “Plug and play” with a transfer speed far exceeding typical cables while compatible with a variety of systems and cards. A must for those that transfer / read / write simultaneously,  a lot of data, ensuring efficiency in their work/leisure.

 BUY

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