Card processing fees in Ireland: what to check

The cost of accepting card payments is rarely explained by one number alone. A quote may combine a percentage of each transaction, a fixed amount per payment, monthly equipment or software charges, and other fees. To compare providers, look at the whole arrangement using your own card volume and transaction count.

Common costs to ask about

• Transaction charges: A percentage of the sale, a fixed amount per transaction, or a combination. The applicable rate may depend on the card and transaction type.
• Monthly fees: Terminal rental, payment software, or a minimum monthly service charge.
• Processing and authorisation fees: Charges associated with handling or authorising a payment.
• Equipment and connectivity: Hardware, SIM data, Wi-Fi or other connection costs, and receipt supplies where applicable.
• Compliance and security charges: Ask whether any PCI or related compliance costs apply to your particular setup.
• Other transaction costs: Refunds, chargebacks and currency conversion may carry separate fees.
• Contract costs: Check for setup fees, contract duration, notice periods and any early-exit charge.

Compare like with like

Use a recent statement or a representative month to compare quotes. Include your typical monthly card volume, number of transactions and average sale. If you take many small payments, a fixed charge on each transaction may be important; if your volume is higher, a small difference in the percentage can have a greater effect.

Also check which cards customers use, whether payments are taken in person or online, and what equipment or integrations you need. Confirm when funds settle into your account and what support is included. Ask each provider to explain the complete charges in writing rather than relying on a headline rate.

Check the terms before switching

Rates and terms vary by provider and business. Make sure you understand the contract, equipment arrangement, settlement process, refund and chargeback costs, and any requirements that apply to your account. A low headline rate is not automatically the lowest overall cost if other charges or a long contract change the picture.

CFS Ireland independently compares payment options across providers. We can review your current statement and explain the costs and trade-offs in plain English. There’s no obligation to switch, and if your current setup already suits you, we’ll say so.

Request a free rate analysis or read our guide to choosing a card machine for a small business.