Single day records broken for both eCommerce transactions and 'tap and go' payments during November and December 2025.
SEPA and VOP enhancements have strengthened speed and security of payments
AI technology prevented EUR9.7 million in fraud losses last year
Bank of Ireland contactless payments surged to record levels during the final quarter (Q4) of 2025, according to an analysis of customer transactions.
Q4 2025 eCommerce contactless card transactions (digital wallets, Apple Pay/Google Pay) increased by 10% when compared to Q4 2024, whilst contactless 'tap and go' payment levels rose by 4%.
Over 2 million contactless 'tap and go' payments took place on 23 December, a new all-time peak for these payments as people rushed to complete their Christmas shopping, whilst over 1.1m eCommerce contactless card transactions were recorded on 28 November - another single day record for Bank of Ireland customers.
Along with a major focus on improving digital payments capabilities, Bank of Ireland introduced SEPA Instant last year, allowing personal and business customers to make a euro payment within ten seconds, 24 hours a day, to any European bank. Verification of Payee (VoP) and Fraud Payment Interrupt (FPI) were also introduced, providing an additional layer to further strengthen payment security and enhancing the Bank's ongoing commitment to customer fraud prevention.
Ongoing investment in digital platforms has enabled faster lending for small business and agri customers - they can apply for a loan and access funds in as little as 24 hours. And the use of AI has helped protect customers from fraud - scam detection technology using AI and machine learning assessed c.1 billion card transactions for potential fraud and prevented EUR9.7 million in losses in 2025.
Further technology improvements will launch in 2026, including Zippay (mobile-to-mobile payments), and the Bank's new mobile banking app.
Ciaran Coyle, Chief Operating Officer, Bank of Ireland said: 'We made considerable progress in delivering technology enhancements throughout 2025, providing greater stability and resilience and a smoother, more secure customer experience. We will continue this focus and momentum, with the rollout of our new mobile app, and other improvements including the launch of Zippay mobile-to-mobile payments.
'Later this year we will launch our new strategy, where we will outline further investments in our digital platforms, providing colleagues with the best technology to serve our customers brilliantly.'
Bank of ireland logo
Bank of Ireland Group plc is a public limited company incorporated in Ireland, with its registered office at 2 College Green, Dublin, D02 VR66 and registered number 593672. Bank of Ireland Group plc, whose shares are listed on the main markets of the Irish Stock Exchange plc and the London Stock Exchange plc, is the holding company of Bank of Ireland.
Bank of Ireland is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. In the UK, Bank of Ireland is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland and authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority. Subject to regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority and limited regulation by the Prudential Regulation Authority. Details about the extent of our regulation by the Prudential Regulation Authority are available from us on request.
