Streamline Your Payment Processing

Effortlessly manage in-person and online transactions with our comprehensive payment solutions.

Step 1: Your Current Setup

Click here if you don't currently take card payments Or, select your current provider:

Step 2: Business Volume

How much do you expect to take in card payments over the next 12 months?

Step 3: Business Transactions

What's your average card payment value?

Step 4: How You Take Payments

How do you plan to take payments? (Select all that apply)

Face-to-Face (in person) Online (website) Over the Phone

Step 5: Company Information

Is your business registered with Companies House?

Step 5: Company Information (cont.)

What's the name of your registered business?

Step 5: Company Information (cont.)

What's the name of your business?

Step 6: About Your Business

In 3 words or more, what does your business do?

Step 7: Your Contact Details

Name

Phone

Postcode

AIB Merchant Services

In the competitive landscape of financial technology, selecting the right partner to handle your business transactions is vital. AIB Merchant Services has established itself as one of Ireland’s largest and most reliable providers of payment solutions. For UK and Irish businesses looking to streamline how they accept payments, understanding the relationship between Allied Irish Banks and their merchant processing partner is essential.

This article explores what AIB Merchant Services offers, how they help businesses grow, and the specific financial terms that apply to their accounts.

Understanding the Partnership

It is important to clarify the structure behind the brand. AIB Merchant Services is a trading name of First Merchant Processing Ireland DAC. This company is a joint venture between Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. and First Data Global Services Limited. While they share branding elements, AIB Merchant Services is a separate legal entity from the bank itself.

First Data, now part of the wider Fiserv group, brings global technological expertise to the table. This collaboration allows the company to offer robust merchant processing capabilities while maintaining the trusted local presence of the AIB Group. First Merchant Processing Ireland is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland, ensuring that all services provided meet strict financial standards.

By combining the banking heritage of Allied Irish Banks with the technical prowess of a global leader, the joint venture delivers a comprehensive payment management system. This partnership is governed by an exclusive commercial agreement where AIB refers customers to the merchant provider.

Core Services for Modern Business

Whether you are trading on the high street or operating exclusively online, the ability to process payments efficiently is critical. AIB Merchant Services provides a suite of convenient services designed to meet these needs.

In Store Solutions

For brick-and-mortar retailers, reliability is key. The company offers a range of card payment solutions, including the popular Retail Clover systems. These fully integrated point of sale terminals allow you to process debit and credit card payments with speed. They are designed to accept major credit cards and facilitate contactless transactions, which is essential for keeping queues moving.

Online Payment Gateway

As consumer habits shift, the demand to process payments online has skyrocketed. AIB Merchant Services offers a secure online payment gateway that integrates with your existing website. This solution allows you to take payments over the phone or via a virtual terminal, giving you more control over your revenue streams. A robust payment solution like this ensures that your business can operate twenty-four hours a day.

Dynamic Currency Conversion

For businesses in the hospitality or tourism sectors, dealing with international customers is a daily occurrence. The dynamic currency conversion feature allows international cardholders to pay in their home currency while you receive settlement in yours. This adds value for customers live or visiting from overseas and can generate additional income for your business through revenue sharing.

Why Choose AIB Merchant Services?

When you compare merchant services, the stability of the provider is often a deciding factor. Because First Merchant Processing Ireland is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland, merchants have peace of mind regarding the safety of their funds.

Furthermore, the provider offers specific service add ons that go beyond simple transaction processing. Tools like Main Street Insights provide data analytics that help you understand your demographics better. This intelligence can be used to refine your marketing strategy and help your business grow.

Another significant benefit is the handling of tax free shopping. The system can automate the VAT refund application process for eligible international shoppers, making your store more attractive to tourists.

The Relationship with AIB Customers

AIB customers often find it logical to use AIB Merchant Services due to the seamless integration between their business banking and merchant accounts. However, it is vital to note that while they share the AIB logo and certain registered trademarks under a brand agreement, they are distinct entities.

The bank and the merchant provider have an exclusive commercial relationship. This means Allied Irish Banks may refer relevant AIB customers to the joint venture. In these instances, the bank is typically remunerated, with AIB earning referral fees for successful introductions.

Despite this connection, you do not need to be an existing banking client to access these merchant solutions. The services provided are available to any qualifying business entity. However, existing AIB customers referred to the provider may find the onboarding process smoother as the bank can help gather information required to set up the merchant account.

Bringing It All Together

For a busy entrepreneur, managing multiple vendors can be a headache. AIB Merchant Services aims to consolidate these needs into one handy service. By offering everything from merchant card terminals to online gateways, they create a handy service that covers all bases.

This comprehensive approach ensures AIB customers and non-customers alike have access to top-tier merchant processing. The goal is to ensure AIB customers receive a competitive offering that rivals any other player in the market.

How to Get Started

If you are interested in these merchant solutions outlined above, the next step is to engage directly with the provider. You can contact their sales team to discuss your specific requirements. They will be able to talk you through the financial terms, the rates for merchant services accept, and the specific hardware options available.

When you speak to sales, they will assess your trading history and projected turnover to propose a tailored deal. It is always wise to look for useful comparisons in the market, but the backing of First Merchant Processing Ireland often provides a level of security that smaller providers cannot match.

Summary of Benefits

Regulation: Regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
Technology: Backed by First Data Global Services and the wider Fiserv group.
Flexibility: Ability to process payments in store, online, or on the move.
Insights: Data tools to help you understand where your customers live and how they spend.
Support: Dedicated support teams based in Ireland.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a merchant services provider is a significant decision. AIB Merchant Services leverages the strength of Allied Irish Banks and the technology of First Merchant Processing to deliver a reliable payment solution.

Whether you need a simple card machine or a complex online payment gateway, they have the capacity to support your ambitions. By offering a secure environment to process payments online and face-to-face, they empower business owners to focus on what matters most.

For more information, visit their website or speak to a representative to see how their merchant processing solutions can benefit your company.