Tag: #payments

One in three young people learn about money on social media

One in three (34%) post-primary students now learn about money on social media, and one in seven (16%) don’t feel comfortable asking for help with money-related questions or concerns, according to new research published by MABS (Money Advice & Budgeting Service). The findings will be presented today at a Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) event at Croke Park, to open Global Money Week.

The CCPC, as the national coordinator for Global Money Week, will bring together educators, students and representatives from the world of finance to recognise and celebrate the valuable work being done to build financial skills in young people.

MABS will present the findings of their Money Matters Survey, which found that while young people continue to demonstrate strong digital engagement and a growing sense of responsibility towards their personal finances, important gaps remain that require sustained attention from policymakers, educators, and researchers.

  • Over a quarter (26%) of students don’t know how to use an ATM
  • TikTok has strengthened its dominance as the primary social media platform used for financial information/learning (72%), however,
  • Parents and family members remain the primary source of financial learning (73%)

More than 150 students and their teachers from 20 schools across 13 counties will also attend the launch event to share their innovative financial literacy projects, which were sponsored by the CCPC’s Our Money, Our Future programme.

In 2024, the CCPC launched the Our Money, Our Future programme, which invites post-primary schools and Youthreach Centres to apply for sponsorship up to €1,000 to support students in developing their own financial literacy initiatives and resources, based on topics and themes relevant to them. Over 10,000 students from 23 counties around the country participated in the programme in the 2025/26 school year.

Brian McHugh, Chair of the CCPC, said:

“Students in Ireland today are showing a real sense of financial curiosity; we can see this in the research conducted by MABS and through the high-calibre projects that students are creating through the Our Money, Our Future sponsorship programme. However, important gaps remain. It’s up to policymakers and educators to try and close these gaps, which is why events like the Global Money Week launch – that bring together so many groups from the world of finance – are so important.”

Karl Cronin, North Connacht and Ulster Regional Manager at MABS, said:

“The insights from this year’s Money Matters research show that young people have strong financial curiosity, growing digital engagement, and a real sense of responsibility for their finances. When that curiosity is supported with early, practical financial education, it builds confidence that lasts into adulthood. The results also highlight gaps that need continued focus, and MABS is committed to helping bridge those gaps by supporting initiatives, such as Global Money Week, that strengthen financial learning for young people across Ireland.”

The launch event at Croke Park will be attended by representatives from the world of finance also involved in Global Money Week, including An Post, Association of Teachers of Home Economics, Banking and Payments Federation Ireland, Brokers Ireland, BSTAI, Central Bank, Competition & Consumer Protection Commission, Department of Finance, Department of Education and Youth, Euronext, Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman, Institute of Banking, Insurance Ireland, Insurance Institute of Ireland, Irish Funds, Irish League of Credit Unions, Junior Achievement Ireland, Life Insurance Association, Maths Week, Money Advice & Budgeting Service, Oide, Revenue.

For more information on the Our Money, Our Future programme, please see here.

AIB PTSB and Bank of Ireland to launch Zippay

Ireland’s top three retail banks will this week launch Zippay, the in-app mobile payment service developed by Nexi to help the lenders take on rival fintech giant Revolut.

The service will be made available from 10 March by AIB, Bank of Ireland and PTSB in a phased launch that reaches a potential userbase of over five million customers. Once launched, it will be made available to all financial institutions offering Irish consumers IBAN-based accounts and a mobile app.

Zippay enables users to send, request and split payments by using the mobile phone numbers of contacts saved in their address book, provided they are also signed up to the service. Customers will be able to send up to €1,000 per day and request up to €500 per transaction.

Brian Hayes, chief executive, banking and payments, Federation Ireland, says: “Starting on 10 March, customers will gradually see Zippay appear in their Irish mobile banking apps. The service will offer them a quick and easy way to send and receive money, or split bills and expenses with friends, family and other contacts using the service.”

AIB Zippay

BOI Zippay

PTSB Zippay

How Can Remote Tech Support Services Accept Payments Without Customer Friction?

Remote tech support services depend on fast and secure payments to keep operations smooth. Customers expect quick help and simple checkout experiences without extra steps or confusion. To accept payments without friction, remote tech support services must use digital methods that combine speed, convenience, and security.

Simple options such as payment links, virtual terminals, and mobile payments reduce customer effort while allowing teams to collect fees safely from any location. These tools also help build trust by making transactions clear and easy to complete in just a few steps.

A frictionless payment system not only saves time but also improves customer satisfaction and repeat business. With the right setup, remote tech support teams can serve clients across different regions while keeping payments safe and straightforward.

Frictionless Payment Acceptance Strategies for Remote Tech Support

Remote tech support services can accept payments without adding complexity by focusing on speed, security, and convenience. Customers value flexible digital payment options and a smooth process that confirms transactions instantly and protects their data.

Streamlining the Checkout Process for Remote Payments

To reduce friction, remote tech support providers should make online payments as fast and simple as possible. Clear pricing, visible payment buttons, and minimal steps from invoice to confirmation help customers complete transactions without hesitation. Checkout pages should load quickly and work seamlessly on both mobile and desktop devices.

A merchant account for tech support companies can support multiple payment methods, including credit cards, ACH transfers, and digital wallets. Choosing a provider that specializes in high-risk industries helps prevent delays or declines that might disrupt service.

Security builds confidence. Using SSL certificates and payment tokenization helps protect sensitive details. Transparent transaction summaries also reduce the chance of disputes. These adjustments create a cleaner customer experience while allowing businesses to receive funds efficiently.

Leveraging Virtual Terminals for Secure Transactions

Virtual terminals allow remote staff to process payments through a secure web interface, even without direct access to the customer’s physical card. Agents can enter payment information on behalf of the client after support sessions or service calls. This process fits businesses that help customers by phone or remote desktop.

To maintain trust, each transaction should include multi-factor verification or a one-time authorization code. Encryption technology can protect both customer and business data against unauthorized access.

Virtual terminals often integrate with customer management systems. This helps track payment history, automate receipts, and identify repeat clients. Automatic transaction emails confirm successful payments, saving time for both sides. Staff training also plays an important role, as well-informed agents can handle sensitive information responsibly while still providing quick assistance.

Utilizing Payment Links to Simplify Remote Billing

Payment links offer a simple way to collect payments without a full e-commerce system. After finishing a remote support session, a technician can send a link through email, text, or chat. The customer clicks the link, reviews the invoice, and completes payment in seconds.

Payment links work well for subscription renewals, one-time troubleshooting sessions, or follow-up services. Each link can include a secure token to prevent unauthorized use. Businesses can also customize the link with branding and invoice details to improve clarity.

This method reduces the administrative load on both parties. Customers appreciate having control over when and how they pay, while businesses can automate reminders for unpaid invoices. For small or growing remote tech support firms, this can reduce billing errors and improve cash flow consistency.

Accepting Payments via QR Codes and Digital Wallets

Adding QR codes and digital wallets gives customers more flexibility during checkout. A QR code can appear on an invoice, email, or chat window. Customers scan it with their smartphone and complete the transaction using stored payment information. This direct path eliminates manual data entry and minimizes mistakes.

Digital wallets, such as mobile pay apps, speed up checkout because users already have their payment and verification details saved. Quick authentication through face or fingerprint recognition avoids extra security steps while keeping the transaction safe.

For remote tech support, these tools fit perfectly into a digital workflow. Customers working from their own devices can authorize payments securely within seconds. Merchants can then receive instant confirmations, reducing delays in service continuation or subscription renewals. This convenience helps build confidence and loyalty across repeated service interactions.

Optimizing Payment Experience and Security for Customer Support

Secure and intuitive payment processes build trust between customers and remote tech support providers. Clear data protection, transparent payment steps, and easy resolution of issues help reduce friction and create a smoother support transaction.

Guaranteeing Data Security and SSL Encryption

Customers expect safe handling of their credit cards and payment information. Remote tech support services must protect every transaction through SSL encryption, which secures data transferred between the user and the server. This prevents unauthorized access and keeps sensitive details private.

Strong multi-factor authentication adds another layer of confidence. Verifying identity through a code, fingerprint, or app confirmation keeps accounts safe from misuse. Providers should also store limited payment data, using tokenization to replace card details with encrypted tokens.

Clear communication about how data is used helps create transparency. A short message during checkout that explains encryption measures and secure data processing can calm user concerns. Customers who trust the payment flow tend to complete transactions without hesitation.

Minimizing Cart Abandonment Through Payment Experience Improvements

A large number of users drop out of a purchase if the payment page feels confusing or time-consuming. Simplifying each step reduces cart abandonment and increases completed transactions. Tech support services should remove unnecessary fields, use autofill where possible, and support common payment methods such as credit cards and digital wallets.

Fast-loading screens and clear progress indicators help customers know how close they are to completing payment. Businesses can test different layouts and measure the number of clicks to finish a purchase. If it takes too long or feels uncertain, users may leave.

Offering a guest checkout option can also help. Not everyone wants to create an account for one-time support. Reducing account creation barriers and showing clear pricing from the start builds trust and keeps customers moving forward.

Reducing Chargebacks and Improving Customer Experience

Chargebacks often occur when users misunderstand charges or fail to recognize a vendor’s name on their credit card statement. To prevent this, customer support teams should provide clear, itemized receipts that describe the service performed.

Fast response to disputes and refund requests matters. By maintaining detailed records of chat logs, invoices, and payment confirmations, tech support providers can resolve claims without conflict. Transparent communication also discourages unnecessary chargebacks.

Automating transaction reviews helps catch suspicious payments. Combining fraud detection tools with transparent policies creates a safer environment for both the provider and the customer. Reliable transaction accuracy improves the customer experience and protects the reputation of the service.

Conclusion

Remote tech support teams can reduce payment friction by using digital tools that make each transaction clear and secure. Virtual terminals, online invoices, and payment links allow customers to pay quickly without extra steps or special hardware. These methods cut delays and improve trust.

Clear communication about payment options also helps customers feel at ease. A short message that explains the process or a simple checkout page can reduce confusion. Customers want confidence that their data remains safe and the process stays simple.

Automation can support smooth billing for repeat services. For example, setting scheduled payments or subscriptions avoids manual entry and reduces common errors. With fewer interruptions, both sides gain time to focus on service rather than payment details.

By combining flexible online methods with secure systems, remote tech support providers can keep transactions easy, fast, and transparent. This approach builds stronger client relationships and steady revenue without unnecessary complexity.

Visa Helps Launch Klarna App in Ireland

Visa today announced it has enabled the launch of three brand new digital wallets across Europe, in partnership with BBVA, Klarna and Vipps MobilePay, and is collaborating with BANCOMAT on a pilot planned for early 2026.
These are the first Visa-enabled wallets to use NFC (Near Field Communication) technology to allow HCE (Host Card Emulation) on iOS wallets.
A major regulatory shift under the EU’s Digital Markets Act opened NFC access to third-party wallets, paving the way for greater competition and innovation in mobile payments. This allows more European players to bring new experiences to market and give consumers more choice.
According to Visa research*, mobile payments now represent more than half (59%) of all e-commerce transactions in Europe, and that figure is expected to rise to three quarters (75%) by 2030. With just under a third (32%) of Europeans saying they plan to rely exclusively on mobile wallets for purchases, there is a clear shift toward wallet-centric ecosystems, driven by demand for speed, simplicity, and control.
Visa has worked with three issuers and a domestic scheme across Europe to launch the new iOS wallets:
  • BBVA Pay, available through the BBVA Mobile Banking App, is a single issuer wallet launched in Spain. It is the first wallet in the world to use Visa’s own software developer toolkit (SDK) to directly integrate the Visa Token Service (VTS), a technology that protects sensitive card information by replacing it with a secure digital token. The wallet offers a new payment experience along with a secure, future-ready experience.
  • Klarna (the Klarna app), has launched its wallet in 14 European countries**, enhancing the app’s functionality and making the Klarna app a single, seamless experience for Klarna users on both iOS and Android.  Klarna, having launched the Klarna Card powered by Visa Flexible Credential, gives consumers further choice, and a truly integrated experience, with the addition of tap to pay as part of the Klarna app.
  • The Nordic mobile wallet company Vipps MobilePay has launched a Visa co-badged wallet in Norway, with Denmark, Finland and Sweden to follow. The wallet combines local familiarity with global reach as existing users can now tap and pay anywhere Visa is accepted, with their stored cards automatically enrolled for seamless contactless use—alongside the everyday features they already enjoy in Vipps MobilePay.
  • Italy’s domestic scheme BANCOMAT, has announced launched a pilot project with Visa to enable users of BANCOMAT wallet to make secure and contactless payments through the BANCOMAT Pay service, anywhere Visa is accepted. The pilot is based on VisaPay, Visa’s new wallet solution, which provides security and scalability by leveraging Visa’s advanced tokenisation capabilities. Testing of the solution is scheduled for early 2026.
“These launches reflect growing demand for mobile wallet-based payments and Visa’s commitment to supporting local and regional players with the scale, security and reliability of our global network,” said Mathieu Altwegg, Head of Product & Solutions, Visa Europe. “As a ‘hyper-scaler’, we’re enabling partners of all sizes to innovate faster and deliver more choice and convenience to consumers, while helping drive broader digital and economic growth across Europe.”
“This launch reflects BBVA’s strong commitment to innovation and to delivering an exceptional customer experience. It also positions BBVA as the first bank in Europe to offer a proprietary wallet powered by Apple technology — marking a milestone in the European banking industry,” said Luis Simoes, Head of Retail Experience and Value Proposition for Retail Banking at BBVA.
“Tap to Pay brings us closer to our vision of Klarna being everywhere for everything. Now you can set up a flexible payment plan and tap to pay in seconds, all inside the Klarna app. It makes the everyday shopping moments significantly smoother for our Klarna customers across Europe, giving them even more flexibility and choice at checkout.” said David Fock, Chief Product & Design Officer at Klarna.
“We’re pleased that our Vipps users can now tap seamlessly all over the world with Visa. It’s an important step toward our vision of making payments simpler and more unified for people wherever they go,” said Rune Garborg, CEO of Vipps MobilePay.
“The pilot project launched with Visa marks an important step in the evolution of BANCOMAT products, with the aim of offering Italian banks and users increasingly digital services that can also be used outside national borders,” says Fabrizio Burlando, CEO of BANCOMAT S.p.A.. “This collaboration will allow us to enhance the value of the BANCOMAT infrastructures, based in Italy, integrating them with Visa’s global network to enable new features and expand the user experience for customers. The model allows us to maintain a strong local presence, while benefiting from the international acceptance network and the capabilities of a global player. We are confident that this partnership will bring greater value to Italian banks and their customers.”
Looking Ahead: The Expanding Role of Digital Wallets
Digital wallets are quickly evolving: from simple payment tools to platforms that support peer-to-peer transfers, real-time bank payments and government IDs. With expanded NFC access, wallets could also store digital keys, loyalty cards, event tickets and more, opening the door to richer, more personalised services through a single, secure interface.
As Europe’s digital landscape evolves through advances in open banking, embedded finance and digital identity, financial institutions and fintechs have new opportunities to create more seamless, secure, and personalised experiences for their customers.
Visa’s infrastructure supports multiple payment types, including cards, account-to-account, and tokenised assets, giving partners the flexibility to build future-ready solutions that meet the needs of today’s consumers.

Cubic Launches AI-Enabled FleetWallet partnership with GoCar

Cubic³, a global leader in software-defined vehicle (SDV) solutions, today launches FleetWallet³, its AI-enabled in-vehicle payments platform designed to transform how commercial fleets, car-share companies and automotive OEMs manage fleet fuel and mobility payments.

FleetWallet³ is an AI in-vehicle payments solution that initially eliminates the need for physical fuel cards, prevents fraud and delivers seamless and compliant automation. By combining data intelligence with secure payments, it sets a new standard for AI connected and efficient fleet management and operations, all without additional hardware.

As part of its rollout, firstly across Europe, Cubic³ has partnered with GoCar, a leading car-sharing service, which will showcase FleetWallet³’s potential to support mobility providers, leasing companies and corporate fleets alike.

 Paul Foley, Commercial Director of FleetWallet³, said: “Fraud and card misuse remain some of the most persistent pain points for fleets and car-share providers. By integrating telematics with secure payments, our platform protects against both internal misuse and external compromise, delivering over 10% savings on fuel costs while dramatically reducing administrative overhead.”

Joe Quirke, Head of GoCar Ireland, commented: “Our partnership with FleetWallet³ aligns perfectly with GoCar’s commitment to smarter, more sustainable mobility. As an early adopter of this solution, we’re excited to demonstrate how secure, automated and increasingly intelligent payments can reduce risk and improve efficiency across shared mobility and fleet operations.”

The Platform Addresses Five Key Challenges:

 

  • Intelligent, Adaptive Fraud Prevention – Real-time telematics and data analytics help fleets prevent theft and misuse, unlocking over 10% in fuel savings while minimising manual reconciliation.
  • Seamless, Secure and Automated Payments – Fully integrated, PSD2-compliant fleet payments enable hands-free management across Europe’s strictest financial and tax regulations.
  • Real-Time Insights for Smarter Fleet Management – Transparent, data-driven reporting provides instant visibility into fleet performance and fuel consumption.
  • Centralised, GDPR-Compliant Control – A single platform to manage vendors and services securely, simplifying operations across Europe’s diverse fuel and mobility networks.
  • AI-Enabled Fleet Intelligence – FleetWallet³ will leverage AI to evolve with every transaction, learning from vehicle data to predict needs, optimise costs, and enable intelligent connected services.

The Future of AI-Powered Fleet Intelligence

 Looking ahead to 2026, Cubic³ is advancing FleetWallet³ with AI-powered fraud detection, Smart Transaction Intelligence, and predictive analytics. A new conversational assistant will let managers “talk to their data,” detect anomalies, and act instantly – building intelligence that helps forecast costs, cut emissions and drive real-time sustainability.

AI Partnerships and Software-Defined Vehicle Integration

As part of its ongoing AI roadmap, Cubic³ is exploring new data-exchange partnerships with fleet-management providers and automotive OEMs to unlock the next wave of intelligence – from predictive maintenance and driver-behaviour analytics to EV charging optimisation and machine learning.

This approach positions Cubic³ as the AI orchestration layer for software-defined vehicles, bridging operational, financial and environmental data into a unified intelligence ecosystem.

“AI marks a defining moment for FleetWallet³ and the mobility and automotive industries,” said Foley. “Leveraging this technology, FleetWallet³ will become a self-learning platform that evolves with every transaction – predicting needs and connecting services from parking and tolls to EV charging, transforming vehicles into intelligent hubs within a smarter, more sustainable mobility ecosystem.”

For more information, visit the FleetWallet³ website at www.cubic3.com/product/fleetwallet.

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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PayPal to Create 100 Highly Skilled Tech Jobs in Ireland

PayPal today announced that it will create 100 new highly skilled data science roles at its Dublin office. This expansion reflects the company’s commitment to investing in the future of commerce through advanced data science and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities and marks a new chapter in the transformation of its Irish operations. The new AI team in Dublin will serve as a key spoke in PayPal’s global network, working in close coordination with PayPal’s other innovation hubs.

This hiring initiative is being supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland, the country’s investment promotion and development agency, and comes as PayPal continues to evolve its Dublin site beyond its roots as a customer service hub into a centre for innovation at the forefront of the global digital economy.

“As we shape the next generation of digital payments, the talent and innovation coming from Ireland will play a critical role,” said Aaron J. Webster, Global Chief Risk Officer at PayPal. “This expansion reflects both our confidence in the local ecosystem and our ambition to build an AI-driven, data-powered future that embeds trust and safety in every transaction. We are proud to deepen our commitment to Ireland and to invest in highly skilled roles that will help shape the future of PayPal globally.”

The new roles will span a range of disciplines, including AI engineering, data science, software development, risk modeling, and cybersecurity. These positions will support key strategic priorities such as loss prevention and enhancing outstanding customer experiences, placing innovation at the core of PayPal’s global mission.

Webster added: “Our work to solve some of the most intricate and critical commerce challenges globally is fueled by the unprecedented scale of our platform and unmatched data at our fingertips. We are redefining what is possible by empowering data scientists to push boundaries, harness cutting-edge AI, and transform the future of fraud detection and payment security.”

Peter Burke, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, said: “This announcement by PayPal is a strong vote of confidence in Ireland as a location for high-value tech investment. The creation of 100 highly skilled roles in cutting-edge fields like AI and data science reinforces our status as a global hub for innovation, and I would like to commend PayPal for its ongoing partnership with IDA Ireland.”

Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland, said: ‘’I am delighted with PayPal’s decision to create up to 100 new highly skilled tech jobs in Ireland. This is a testament to Ireland’s enduring appeal as a location for high-value investments. We are proud to support this growth and look forward to the continued success of PayPal in Ireland.’’

Open positions can be found here.

Aleph expands partnership with Spotify to manage Global Advertising Sales in over 80 markets including Ireland

Aleph, a global network of digital experts innovating at the intersection of media and payments, and Spotify, the world’s most popular audio streaming subscription service, today announced an expanded partnership that makes Aleph Spotify’s advertising sales partner in 80+ markets including Ireland, providing access to 20.000+ advertisers.

Spotify Advertising has been modernizing its ad tech, strengthening its partnerships and deepening its human expertise to make it easier for advertisers to buy, create, measure, and get clear results on Spotify’s ad platform. Spotify’s efforts reflect a significant step forward in automated buying and creative innovation for the ad platform and the broader digital audio industry. Most notably, Spotify is continuing to innovate its self-serve platform, Spotify Ads Manager, with more advanced targeting capabilities, new 1P & 3P measurement solutions, and new outcome-based objectives to help advertisers of all sizes create, optimize, and measure their Spotify campaigns, including Spotify Pixel, Custom Audiences, key third-party partnerships and a new App Installs objective.

Aleph has been a trusted partner to Spotify since 2013, when the initial partnership started with four countries. The newly signed partnership brings Aleph’s comprehensive suite of services – including local media sales, payment solutions, creative support, and performance-driven automation – to effectively monetize Spotify’s advertising inventory and connect the brand with advertisers, streamlining and scaling Spotify’s ad solutions to 80+ markets including Ireland.

Aleph’s teams will have access to Spotify’s Ads Manager to guide advertisers and agencies to leverage the platform’s full potential of advertising formats and targeting capabilities to ensure they can reach listeners during key moments, such as workout sessions, focused work periods and commuting to provide advertisers and brands with unique opportunities to connect with their target audience when they’re highly engaged and help reach their marketing goals.

 Key benefits for advertisers working with Spotify Ads Manager through Aleph include: 

  • Access to Spotify’s ad formats: Advertisers will be able to utilise Spotify’s unique audio and video ad formats to craft engaging campaigns. Spotify recently introduced new ad formats available on Ads Manager, including Canvas and Opt-in Video. These new formats reimagine what ads on Spotify can be and how advertisers can engage with people through sight and sound.
  • Objective-based buying: The Ads Manager will allow advertisers to choose goals like reach, impressions, clicks, or video views for highly targeted campaigns. Spotify recently announced new outcome-based objectives to help advertisers of all sizes create, optimize, and measure their Spotify campaigns, including a new App Installs objective and a new Website Traffic Objective.
  • Lower costs: Flexible daily or lifetime budgets make Spotify advertising more accessible and cost-effective for partners thanks to Aleph’s campaign management.

“We are thrilled to partner with Spotify in 80+ markets,” said Enda Finan, Country Manager for Ireland at Aleph. “Our shared commitment to innovation and delivering exceptional value for advertisers makes this a natural partnership.”

“As we continue to grow our ads business, I’m excited to share that we’ve partnered with Aleph in order to streamline our operations, offer better solutions to advertisers and scale our business more efficiently. With the launch of our more automated solutions and Aleph’s exceptional global network and deep local expertise, we’re now able to offer advertisers around the world new tools and resources that will help them reach their campaign goals.” said Sam Bevan, Global Head of Emerging & Scaled at Spotify.

 

Ireland’s Most Used Online Payment Methods in 2025 – What Locals Really Use

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.