Payment guides

Understand your costs · Ireland

Card machine fees in Ireland: what to compare

The percentage beside a card rate is only one part of your payment bill. Before comparing two offers, put them against the same card turnover, transaction count and mix of cards.

Before you decide

  • Compare the total monthly cost using the same trading figures.
  • Check fixed fees as well as the percentage charged on each sale.
  • Ask for a written breakdown before agreeing to a switch.

The charges to put side by side

Use a recent merchant statement and your terminal rental bill. Some charges may sit on separate invoices, so a single settlement total is not enough to make a fair comparison.

The charges to put side by side
ChargeWhat to check
Processing rateWhich rate applies to each type of card and payment? Check business cards and remote payments separately where relevant.
Per-transaction feesIs there a fixed charge on each payment, including a separate security or authorisation fee?
Terminal rentalHow much is charged for each terminal, and how many devices does the business need?
Minimum monthly chargeWhat happens in a quiet month? Ask which charges count towards the minimum.
Other chargesCheck refund, dispute, compliance, setup, integration and cancellation charges where they apply.

Not every provider charges every fee. Ask what is included, what is separate and whether quoted amounts include any applicable tax.

Why the transaction count matters

This example is invented to explain the calculation. It is not a Dojo quote or a customer result. Assume monthly card turnover of €20,000, a processing rate of 1%, a fixed fee of €0.05 per payment and one terminal at €15 per month.

Why the transaction count matters
Illustrative cost400 payments1,000 payments
Percentage charge: €20,000 × 1%€200€200
Fixed fee: payments × €0.05€20€50
One terminal€15€15
Illustrative monthly subtotal€235€265

The same turnover costs €30 more in the second example because there are more transactions. Other applicable charges and taxes are excluded from this illustration.

Make the comparison fit your business

  • Use the same period and turnover in both calculations. For seasonal businesses, review a busy month and a quiet month.
  • Separate debit, credit and business cards if they have different rates. Include remote payments if you take them.
  • Include all terminals, any minimum charge and other recurring fees once, without double-counting.
  • Keep one-off switching costs separate from the ongoing monthly comparison.
  • Check settlement timing, support, contract terms and EPOS compatibility alongside price.

How to get an accurate Dojo comparison

Dojo publishes pricing information for Ireland, with different arrangements depending on the business and card turnover. The proposal for your business should confirm the complete rates, charges and contract terms that apply.

Healco can review your current statement and explain the proposed costs against the same trading figures. If the comparison does not show a saving, we will explain that too. A lower headline rate alone does not prove a lower overall bill.

Common questions

Can you tell me a rate without seeing my statement?

We can discuss the available options, but an accurate comparison needs your turnover, transaction count, card mix and existing charges. A recent statement is usually the best starting point.

Does a cheaper percentage always mean cheaper payments?

No. Fixed transaction charges, terminal rental, minimum charges and your mix of cards can change the result. Compare the total cost for the same trading pattern.

Can I ask for a review without committing to switch?

Yes. Start with a conversation about your business. You decide whether to proceed after reviewing the written proposal and relevant terms.

Sources and next reading

Provider information checked 24 September 2026. Confirm the rates, terms and available features for your business in the written proposal.

Your next step

Request a payment cost review.

Tell us about your business and we’ll contact you to arrange a conversation. You can enquire before uploading a statement.

061 785 686