Irish consumers are increasingly turning to their smartphones for payments, with mobile transactions becoming a key part of everyday life. According to a new survey released by Visa, 78% of Irish consumers now make payments using a mobile device, placing Ireland among the top ten countries surveyed across Europe. This figure positions Ireland ahead of the UK, where 74% of consumers report using mobile payments.
Rapid Growth in Mobile Payment Adoption
The survey reveals a dramatic shift in consumer behaviour. Just a year ago, nearly 40% of respondents said they had never used a mobile device to make a payment and had no intention of doing so. However, in the past 12 months, mobile and wearable payments have become mainstream. Today, only 12% of Irish consumers say they are unlikely to use mobile payments, reflecting a significant shift in preferences toward more convenient, digital payment methods.
Mobile Payments for Everyday and Big Purchases
Irish consumers are using mobile payments for a wide range of transactions, from everyday expenses like household bills and parking fees to larger, more occasional purchases. More than one-third of Irish respondents reported using a mobile device to pay for big-ticket items, such as holidays or electronics. This growing reliance on mobile payments underscores the importance for businesses to ensure they are equipped to accept such payments, regardless of the type of purchase.
Older Demographics Driving Growth
While millennials are typically associated with mobile technology, the survey highlights surprising growth among older age groups. Across Europe, the fastest-growing demographic for mobile payments is the 55-64 age group. In Ireland, more than 50% of this age group now make payments using their smartphones, marking a significant leap in adoption. Although this age group still lags behind younger generations, the trend signals that mobile payments are gaining traction across all age demographics. Businesses should reconsider any assumptions that older customers are less likely to adopt mobile technology.
Mobile Payment Trends Across Europe
The survey results show a diverse landscape across the 19 countries studied. Some nations are rapidly catching up in mobile payment adoption, while others are leading the charge with well-established mobile technology infrastructures. Turkey tops the list with an impressive 91% of consumers using mobile payments, followed closely by Denmark at 89%. Ireland, with its 78% mobile payment usage, is positioned between Romania (79%) and Finland (77%).
Is Your Business Ready for Mobile Payments?
Whether your business caters to a local or international audience, one thing is clear: consumers are increasingly turning to their smartphones for payments. To stay competitive, businesses must ensure that their payment systems and online platforms are optimized for mobile use. This includes not only offering mobile payment options but also ensuring that websites and online services are fully responsive and user-friendly on mobile devices.
The rapid growth of mobile payments is reshaping how consumers interact with businesses, both online and in-store. As mobile usage continues to expand across all age groups and transaction types, having a mobile-friendly strategy is no longer optional—it’s essential for staying relevant in today’s digital-first economy.
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By Irene Hislop
By Aoife O'Driscoll