Irish Banks Launch Mobile Payment Service Using Phone Numbers
New mobile payment service Zippay launches across Irish banks in early 2026.
Major Irish banks are preparing to launch Zippay, a new person-to-person mobile payment service that will allow customers to send money using just a mobile number, eliminating the need for IBANs or setting up new payees.
The service, set to launch in early 2026, will be available to customers of Permanent TSB, AIB, and Bank of Ireland. Unlike traditional bank transfers, Zippay will enable users to send payments instantly using only the recipient's mobile number.
How Zippay Works
Once launched, customers will access Zippay through their existing banking apps. The service offers three main functions: sending payments of up to €1,000 immediately, requesting payments of up to €500, and splitting payments among up to 30 people with amounts divided equally or set individually.
The system requires both sender and recipient to have Zippay access through their respective banks. All transactions process immediately, providing faster payment settlement than traditional bank transfers.
Automatic Enrolment Process
Current account holders will be automatically enrolled unless they opt out by 28 October 2025. Banks will share customer information with a third-party technical service provider, including names, mobile numbers, and account IBANs to facilitate the service setup.
For customers with multiple eligible accounts across the participating banks, the system will automatically assign a default receiving account based on transaction activity over the previous 90 days. Additional temporary data, including joint account status and transaction volumes, will be shared to determine default accounts before being permanently deleted.
Privacy and Opt-Out Options
Customers can opt out through their banking app's settings section or by contacting their bank directly. The opt-out deadline of 28 October 2025 provides customers with time to review the service before automatic enrolment occurs.
Banks emphasise that only transactional volume data is shared, not transaction details. The secure data sharing uses encrypted combinations of dates of birth and mobile numbers to identify customers who may hold accounts across multiple participating institutions.
For Cork, people who bank with multiple institutions, the service could simplify common local transactions, from splitting restaurant bills on Oliver Plunkett Street to paying for services at the English Market. The mobile-number-based system removes the traditional barriers of remembering or sharing lengthy IBAN numbers.
The service represents a significant shift in Irish banking, bringing person-to-person payments in line with international trends towards simplified mobile transactions. Banks position Zippay as part of their ongoing digital transformation to improve customer experience.
Customers seeking more information can visit their bank's website or contact customer service lines. The service will be promoted through banking apps and official communications as the early 2026 launch approaches.
