• About IPSO
• Companies and Schemes
• National Payments Strategy
• Publications and Reports
• SEPA
• Industry Statistics
• Account Validation & Sort Codes
• Consumer Corner
  • Payment Types
    • Payment Cards
      • What is a Payment Card?
      • Types of Payment Card
      • Characteristics of Using Payment Cards
      • Payment Card Tips
      • Guide to Using Debit and Credit Cards Safely
      • Security Developments in the Card Payments Industry
      • Government Stamp Duty on Payment Cards
      • Payment Card Facts and Figures
      • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Cash
    • Direct Debits
    • Electronic Payments
    • Cheques
  • Information Security
  • Developments in Irish Payments
  • Frequently Asked Questions
• Business Centre
• Photo Gallery
• Media Centre

You are here: Home -> Consumer Corner -> Payment Types -> Payment Cards -> Frequently Asked Questions A A 

There is a transaction on my statement that I do not recognise. What should I do?

Contact your bank or card issuer straight away to have it investigated.

 

What do I do if my payment card has been stolen?

Contact your bank or card issuer immediately. Many banks provide 24-hour, free-phone or low-call numbers especially for this purpose. It is advisable to keep a note of these telephone numbers with you or to save them in your mobile phone.

 

How can I get a credit or debit card?

There are a number of banks / credit institutions that issue credit and debit cards. Contact one of these to obtain a card that suits your needs.

 

Where can I use credit and debit cards?

Millions of shops worldwide accept credit and debit cards.

 How do I keep a record of the funds available in my account?
You can keep track of the available funds in your account using 24-hour Internet and telephone banking facilities. Many banks also make it possible for you to check your balance at the ATM. Contact your bank / card issuer for further information.

 

Can I obtain more than one payment card?
Obtaining multiple cards is a matter between individuals and their bank or card issuer.

What is the Government stamp duty on cards?

Payment cards in Ireland are subject to the following taxes which are applied annually.

Credit cards:	€30 per account (up to 4 cards)
Debit cards (e.g. Laser, Visa Debit, Maestro):	€2.50 per card
ATM cards:	€2.50 per card
Combined ATM and debit cards:	€5 per card

 

A purchase on my card was declined, what should I do?

A purchase may be declined for various reasons including a technical problem with the till, a bad scratch on the card, a lack of funds in the account, etc. If your card is declined, contact your bank or card issuer to find out the reason why. The relevant contact telephone number is usually on the back of your payment card.

I used my card to pay a deposit to a shop that has now gone out of business. What should I do?
If you pay a deposit by card on goods that are due to be delivered to you at a later date but which cannot be delivered due to the shop going out of business, you may have options for recovering the funds. Contact your bank or card issuer for its policy in this regard. The sooner you notify your card issuer the better as there are strict time limits within which refunds can be made.

 

What is an acquirer?

The bank or card processor which processes a retailer's payment card transactions is known as an acquirer or merchant acquirer. In order to process card payments a business is required to enter into a contractual agreement with a relevant acquirer which in turn charges a fee/commission for the service it provides to that business.

 

For further information on payment cards please click on the menu to the left.