Are you looking for Best Payment Gateways in Ireland? If Yes, You are at the right place.
Ireland has rapidly become one of the most innovative tech hubs in Europe. From a growing community of startups to a surge in online retail, Irish businesses are embracing digital transformation at every level. One of the most important pieces of this puzzle is choosing the right payment gateway. Whether you’re selling products online, offering services, or running a brick-and-mortar shop, a secure and efficient payment system is essential to your success.
In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at the top 10 best payment gateways in Ireland, helping you make an informed decision for your business.
What is a Payment Gateway?
A payment gateway is a digital service that acts as a bridge between your business and your customer’s bank. It handles the secure transfer of payment data, authorizes transactions, and ensures that funds are successfully transferred to your account. Payment gateways can be used for both online and in-person transactions.
They support various methods including credit and debit cards, digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, and even cryptocurrency. A good gateway will not only process payments quickly but also protect sensitive customer data using encryption and fraud prevention technologies. For businesses looking to expand into Europe or compare regional solutions, it’s helpful to explore the Best Payment Gateways in Germany to see how providers differ across markets.
Why Do Payment Gateways Matter in Ireland?
Ireland is one of the fastest-growing eCommerce markets in Europe. More people than ever are shopping online, using mobile apps, and making contactless payments. As customer expectations evolve, businesses must keep up with modern payment solutions.
A good payment gateway offers much more than just transaction processing, it improves user experience, builds trust, prevents fraud, and enables access to global markets. For Irish businesses, having a reliable payment gateway means you can serve both local customers and international clients while ensuring smooth, secure, and fast payments.
What to Look for in a Payment Gateway in Ireland?
Before choosing a payment gateway, it’s important to evaluate your business’s specific needs. Start by checking the fees—this includes setup fees, monthly costs, and per-transaction charges. Look for gateways that support major card networks like Visa and MasterCard, as well as alternative payment options like PayPal, Apple Pay, and Klarna.
Make sure the platform is secure and PCI compliant. If you’re selling internationally, multi-currency support is essential. Finally, consider how easy it is to integrate the gateway with your eCommerce platform, such as Shopify, WooCommerce, or Magento.
Top 10 Best Payment Gateways in Ireland
Here are the Top 10 Best Payment Gateways in Ireland..
1. Stripe
Stripe is one of the most popular payment gateways globally, and it’s a favorite among Irish tech startups and online businesses. Known for its powerful developer tools, Stripe allows deep customization of your payment experience. It supports over 135 currencies, recurring billing, mobile payments, and integrations with almost every eCommerce platform. There are no setup or monthly fees—you simply pay per transaction.
Key Features:
- Accepts 135+ currencies
- Powerful API for custom integrations
- Supports recurring billing and subscriptions
- Real-time fraud detection with Stripe Radar
- Mobile payment support (Apple Pay, Google Pay)
- Detailed reporting dashboard
Pros:
- Supports over 135 currencies
- Strong APIs and documentation
- No setup or monthly fees
Cons:
- Requires technical skills to set up advanced features
Best For: SaaS platforms, tech companies, and growing eCommerce stores
2. Square
Square is a versatile gateway that offers both online payment processing and in-person POS systems. It’s ideal for small shops, cafés, beauty salons, and mobile businesses. Square provides free tools like invoicing, employee management, and a simple online store builder. Transactions are processed fast, and there are no hidden fees. Its hardware (like the Square Reader) is affordable and easy to use.
Key Features:
- Free POS app and online store builder
- Flat-rate pricing, no monthly fees
- Mobile card reader for on-the-go sales
- Online invoicing and digital receipts
- Real-time sales tracking
- Staff and inventory management tools
Pros:
- Free POS system
- Simple pricing
- Accepts contactless payments
Cons:
- Limited advanced features compared to Stripe or Adyen
Best For: Small retailers, cafés, and mobile vendors
3. PayPal
PayPal is a globally recognized brand and one of the most trusted names in online payments. For Irish businesses, it provides an easy way to accept card payments and PayPal balance transfers. It’s especially useful for freelancers, online retailers, and small businesses that want to start quickly. PayPal also supports recurring payments and has buyer and seller protection programs.
Key Features:
- Accepts payments via PayPal, cards, and PayPal Credit
- Supports recurring billing and subscriptions
- Buyer and seller protection programs
- Simple checkout button integration
- Multi-currency support
- Instant payouts (with fee)
Pros:
- Trusted by customers
- Easy to set up
- Supports recurring billing
Cons:
- High transaction fees
- Redirects users off-site to complete payments
Best For: Freelancers, small online stores, and businesses with international clients
4. SumUp
SumUp is a payment gateway and card reader provider tailored for small businesses. It’s simple, affordable, and ideal for micro-businesses and self-employed professionals in Ireland. SumUp offers mobile card readers, online invoices, and payment links, which are especially handy for service providers who don’t run traditional shops.
Key Features:
- Portable card readers (SumUp Air)
- No monthly fees or contracts
- Instant payment links and invoicing
- SumUp Online Store feature
- Next-day payouts
- Simple mobile app for managing sales
Pros:
- Affordable hardware
- No monthly fees
- Easy for small business owners
Cons:
- Not ideal for high-volume businesses
Best For: Market vendors, tradespeople, and one-person businesses
5. Elavon
Elavon, a global payment provider backed by U.S. Bank, is widely used by Irish businesses. It supports both eCommerce and in-person payment solutions. Elavon offers detailed reporting, fraud protection tools, and integrations with many shopping platforms. It’s especially good for businesses that want local service with international power.
Key Features:
- Multi-currency and international payment support
- Online and POS payment processing
- Fraud prevention tools
- Recurring billing and payment links
- Omnichannel payment solutions
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics
Pros:
- Supports in-person and online payments
- Fraud monitoring tools
- Custom packages for large businesses
Cons:
- Pricing may be unclear without a quote
Best For: Medium and large businesses with a mix of online and offline sales
6. AIB Merchant Services
AIB Merchant Services is one of Ireland’s most established payment providers, with strong local support. It’s backed by Allied Irish Banks and First Data, offering secure and reliable processing. It supports multi-channel payment systems, including face-to-face, phone, and online payments. The brand recognition and Irish-based customer service make it a go-to for traditional and growing businesses.
Key Features:
- Supports face-to-face, phone, and online payments
- Direct settlement into AIB bank accounts
- Multi-currency processing
- Real-time fraud detection
- Local customer service and account management
- Tailored pricing packages
Pros:
- Backed by a trusted Irish bank
- Full merchant account services
- Irish-based customer support
Cons:
- Setup can be slower compared to newer platforms
Best For: Irish retailers and service businesses looking for trusted local solutions
7. Worldpay
Worldpay is a global payment processing leader with powerful solutions for both small and large businesses. It handles a variety of payment types and provides detailed analytics, reporting, and fraud prevention. It’s a good choice if your business is scaling up and requires robust infrastructure.
Key Features:
- Accepts 120+ currencies
- Fraud prevention and risk management tools
- Tokenization and encryption for data security
- Omnichannel support for online and offline sales
- Chargeback management tools
- Recurring payments and direct debit support
Pros:
- Strong fraud protection
- Handles large transaction volumes
- Detailed reporting tools
Cons:
- Contracts may include termination fees
Best For: High-volume retailers and businesses expanding internationally
8. Mollie
Mollie is a European payment gateway known for its simplicity, fast setup, and transparent pricing. It supports various European payment methods, including iDEAL, SEPA, Bancontact, and more. The dashboard is intuitive, and Mollie offers easy plugins for WordPress, Magento, and Shopify.
Key Features:
- Seamless integrations with Shopify, Magento, WooCommerce
- Supports SEPA, iDEAL, Bancontact, and PayPal
- Transparent pricing (no hidden fees)
- Localized checkout options
- Smart dashboard with performance insights
- No lock-in contracts
Pros:
- Fast onboarding
- Supports local and international payment methods
- Clear pricing
Cons:
- Limited brand recognition in Ireland
Best For: eCommerce businesses targeting European customers
9. Revolut Business
Revolut Business is expanding quickly in Ireland and now includes payment gateway features alongside its digital banking tools. It allows businesses to accept online payments, send invoices, and manage expenses—all from a single dashboard. It’s perfect for entrepreneurs and startups looking for a simple financial solution with built-in payment support.
Key Features:
- Accepts online payments and sends payment links
- Instant currency exchange at interbank rates
- Built-in invoicing tools
- Virtual and physical cards for teams
- Expense management and analytics
- Integrations with QuickBooks, Xero, and more
Pros:
- Built-in financial tools
- Supports global transfers
- Easy invoicing and tracking
Cons:
- Newer in the payments space compared to others
Best For: Startups and digital businesses using Revolut for finance
10. Checkout.com
Checkout.com is a premium payment solution for enterprise-level businesses and fast-growing platforms. It supports a wide range of currencies and payment types, and its infrastructure is built for speed and security. It’s not the cheapest or simplest to start with, but it delivers performance for high-volume operations.
Key Features:
- Accepts 150+ currencies and local payment methods
- Highly customizable APIs
- Real-time data and insights for optimization
- 3D Secure and advanced fraud protection
- Enterprise-level support and account management
- Fast payout cycles and high uptime
Pros:
- Global support and local acquiring
- Advanced fraud protection
- Multi-currency processing
Cons:
- Not ideal for very small businesses
Best For: Large platforms, marketplaces, and global businesses
How to Choose the Best Payment Gateways in Ireland?
Choosing the right payment gateway in Ireland depends on several key factors that vary based on your business size, customer base, and future growth plans. In 2025, businesses are increasingly looking for solutions that are secure, scalable, and compatible with both local and global markets. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you choose the best payment gateway in Ireland:
1. Understand Your Business Needs
Start by evaluating your business model. Are you a small retail shop, an online subscription service, or a global eCommerce brand? Your needs will be different based on:
- Transaction volume (low or high)
- Payment channels (in-store, online, mobile)
- Target customers (local or international)
If you’re just starting out, you might prefer a simple plug-and-play solution like SumUp or Square. Larger companies might need something more robust like Stripe or Elavon.
2. Prioritize Local and European Compatibility
Ireland is part of the EU, so you need a gateway that supports SEPA transfers and popular European payment methods like iDEAL, Bancontact, and Klarna. Choosing a provider like Mollie or Elavon that understands the European financial landscape can make transactions smoother for your customers.
3. Compare Features and Fees
Not all payment gateways are created equal. Some offer better features like invoicing, mobile apps, or recurring billing. Others have simpler fee structures. Look closely at:
- Setup and monthly fees
- Per-transaction costs
- Currency conversion charges
- Hidden costs for chargebacks or international payments
Also, check if they offer additional tools like analytics, payment links, and integrations with platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, or Magento.
4. Look at Security and Compliance
Security is critical. Make sure the provider is PCI-DSS compliant, offers fraud prevention tools, and supports 3D Secure 2.0. Your customers expect their data to be handled safely, so choose a gateway with built-in encryption and regular security updates.
5. Evaluate Integration Options
Your payment gateway should easily integrate with your existing systems. This includes your website, POS, accounting software, or CRM. Developer-friendly APIs, plugins for popular platforms, and solid documentation can save you time and money during setup.
6. Test Customer Support and Service Quality
Responsive and local customer support is extremely valuable. A gateway with live chat, 24/7 helplines, or dedicated account managers like AIB Merchant Services or Worldpay can be a lifesaver when issues arise.
7. Choose a Scalable Solution
As your business grows, your payment gateway should grow with you. Choose one that supports multi-currency, recurring billing, and international expansion. Providers like Stripe, Checkout.com, and PayPal are ideal for scale.
8. Read Reviews and Get Feedback
Before making a final decision, check customer reviews, testimonials, and case studies from similar Irish businesses. Real-world feedback can give you valuable insights into performance, reliability, and customer experience.
Key Benefits of Using a Payment Gateway in Ireland
Using a payment gateway helps you accept secure online payments while enhancing the overall customer experience. It enables multi-currency support, ensures fast transactions, and gives access to fraud protection tools. Most gateways also allow easy integration with accounting tools and inventory systems. For businesses in Ireland, this means smoother operations, better customer trust, and the ability to grow locally and globally.
Possible Drawbacks
Some gateways may come with high fees, especially for international cards or currency conversion. Others might require technical expertise for setup and maintenance. Also, some older gateways may lack the flexibility that newer platforms provide. That’s why it’s important to match your business size, goals, and budget with the right solution.
FAQs
Can I Use Stripe in Ireland?
Yes, Stripe is fully available in Ireland and is widely used by online businesses.
Is PayPal Good for Irish Businesses?
Yes, especially for freelancers and small businesses. However, fees can be higher than average.
Do all Gateways Support Euro Payments?
Most gateways support Euro as a currency, but it’s good to double-check when serving international customers.
Which Payment Gateway is Best for Shopify?
Stripe, Mollie, and PayPal all work well with Shopify stores in Ireland.
Are There Local-Only Gateways?
Yes, providers like AIB Merchant Services offer strong local support and may suit Irish-only businesses better than global players.
Conclusion
Ireland’s business landscape is growing fast, and digital payments are now at the core of every successful business. From startups to established brands, selecting the right payment gateway can make all the difference. Consider your business size, industry, customer preferences, and integration needs. Whether you want advanced tools like those from Stripe or prefer the simplicity of SumUp, there’s a solution on this list for every kind of Irish business.
