For any business in Ireland, accepting card payments is no longer just a convenience – it’s an absolute necessity. Today’s customers expect fast, secure, and contactless transactions in every setting, from cafés to supermarkets. According to the Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI), Irish consumers made over 1.4 billion contactless payments in the 12 months to June 2024, worth a combined €24.8 billion. Significantly, more than half of these payments were completed using mobile wallets on smartphones and smartwatches — showing a decisive shift towards digital-first payment preferences.
With this in mind, choosing the right card payment machine is one of the most important decisions a business owner can make.
Key Features to Look for in a Card Payment Terminal
A payment terminal should never be seen as “just a box.” It’s part of a complete payments ecosystem that impacts your efficiency, customer satisfaction, and bottom line. When assessing your options, consider:
- Reliability: Can your business afford downtime at peak trading hours? A dependable terminal is the lifeblood of seamless operations.
- Transparent Pricing: Look beyond the headline rates. Are there hidden fees, transaction charges, or restrictive contracts that could eat into your profits?
- Integration with EPoS: A standalone device may work for very small businesses, but integration with your EPoS system eliminates double entry, reduces errors, and speeds up service.
- Customer Support: If something goes wrong on a busy Saturday night, do you have 24/7 access to expert assistance?
The Appeal of DIY Solutions: Square and SumUp
Providers such as Square and SumUp have gained popularity for their ease of use and simple, low-cost entry point. For micro-businesses or those just starting out with very low volumes, these solutions can be attractive. Their app-based models make card acceptance accessible in minutes.
However, these systems are not without limitations:
- Generic Solutions: They provide a one-size-fits-all approach that may not scale with your business.
- Lack of Full Integration: Payments often operate as a separate system from your till and back-office software, leading to inefficiencies.
- Support Gaps: Most DIY providers offer limited local support, which may leave you on your own during technical issues.
In fact, research from the European Central Bank highlights Ireland as one of the fastest adopters of digital payments in the eurozone, meaning competition is intensifying – and having a robust, integrated payment system is no longer optional, but essential.
Why CBE Pay Is the Best Choice for Irish Businesses
This is where CBE Pay stands apart. As an Irish-owned company with over 40 years of expertise in retail and hospitality technology, CBE understands the unique challenges of businesses in Ireland better than global providers.
CBE Pay is not just a card machine – it is a comprehensive, future-proof payment solution designed to integrate seamlessly into your daily operations.
Key Advantages of CBE Pay:
- Simple, Competitive Rates: Transparent pricing with no hidden fees ensures you keep more of your hard-earned profits.
- Fast Payouts: Payments settle into your bank account the next business day, supporting strong cash flow.
- Unified Support: Instead of juggling separate EPoS and payments providers, you get one point of contact. CBE’s expert engineers are available 24/7, 365 days a year.
- Seamless Integration: Whether standalone or fully integrated with your CBE EPoS system, CBE Pay reduces transaction errors, speeds up service, and simplifies reporting.
- Real-Time Insights: A live view of all transactions gives you instant control, helping you make better business decisions.
Comparison Table: CBE Pay vs Square vs SumUp
| Feature / Provider | CBE Pay (Ireland) | Square | SumUp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing Structure | Transparent, competitive rates with no hidden fees | Flat % fee per transaction, may vary by card | Flat % fee per transaction, limited pricing tiers |
| Settlement Speed | Next business day payouts directly to Irish banks | 1–2 business days (longer on weekends/holidays) | 1–3 business days, delays possible |
| Integration with EPoS | Full integration with CBE’s EPoS systems (retail & hospitality) | Limited integration; mainly standalone app | Mostly standalone, limited POS integrations |
| Support | 24/7/365 Irish-based support, one contact for EPoS + payments | Online resources, limited live support in Ireland | Email-based support, no 24/7 coverage |
| Scalability | Purpose-built for growing and established businesses | Good for micro and small businesses | Designed for micro-businesses and mobile traders |
| Real-Time Reporting | Yes – live transaction visibility across devices | Basic reporting dashboard | Basic reporting dashboard |
| Reliability | Enterprise-grade terminals, tailored for high-volume use | Mobile/countertop devices, app-dependent | Portable readers, app-dependent |
| Best Suited For | Retailers, hospitality venues, multi-site operations | Start-ups, pop-ups, very small businesses | Sole traders, market stalls, low transaction volume |
Final Thoughts
In a market where consumer behaviour is rapidly shifting towards digital and mobile payments, the choice of a card payment machine is far more than a simple equipment decision. While DIY providers like Square and SumUp may suit micro-businesses, growing and established companies in retail and hospitality need a robust, integrated, and locally supported solution.
CBE Pay combines transparent pricing, fast payouts, seamless EPoS integration, and unrivalled support – making it the best choice for Irish businesses that want to thrive today and prepare for tomorrow.
👉 Request a free demo of CBE Pay to see how it can transform your operations.
