Credit card figures in the Republic of Ireland reached around 1.8 million in 2021, a number comparable to previous years. On the other hand, debit cards were found more often in the country, as in that year, there were around 5.89 million. By 2023, this number had significantly increased to over nine million. The numbers provided are estimates, based on the figures central banks have to supply. Owning a payment card does not immediately indicate it gets used, as there are large differences within Europe when it comes to the use of certain payment methods.
Total number of credit cards and debit cards in circulation in Ireland from 2000 to 2023
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Figures were first released in November 2023, and have about a year delay due to calculations
Supplementary notes
Until November 2023, all figures on credit cards and debit cards from the European Central Bank were estimates based on certain criteria. Typically, it meant the figures were about "cards with a credit function" or "card with a debit function". From 2023 onwards, the ECB started reporting figures specifically covering "credit cards" and "debit cards". That said, numbers can differ between the years as domestic definitions and recording methods changed.
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Raynor de Best
Content expert covering payments and (crypto)currencies
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Statista, & ECB. (March 24, 2025). Total number of credit cards and debit cards in circulation in Ireland from 2000 to 2023 [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved April 28, 2025, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1096811/credit-card-and-debit-card-number-in-ireland/
Statista, und ECB. "Total number of credit cards and debit cards in circulation in Ireland from 2000 to 2023." Chart. March 24, 2025. Statista. Accessed April 28, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1096811/credit-card-and-debit-card-number-in-ireland/
Statista, ECB. (2025). Total number of credit cards and debit cards in circulation in Ireland from 2000 to 2023. Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: April 28, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1096811/credit-card-and-debit-card-number-in-ireland/
Statista, and ECB. "Total Number of Credit Cards and Debit Cards in Circulation in Ireland from 2000 to 2023." Statista, Statista Inc., 24 Mar 2025, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1096811/credit-card-and-debit-card-number-in-ireland/
Statista & ECB, Total number of credit cards and debit cards in circulation in Ireland from 2000 to 2023 Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1096811/credit-card-and-debit-card-number-in-ireland/ (last visited April 28, 2025)
Total number of credit cards and debit cards in circulation in Ireland from 2000 to 2023 [Graph], Statista, & ECB, March 24, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1096811/credit-card-and-debit-card-number-in-ireland/
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