Nexi launches Zippay in-app bank payments in Ireland

Nexi is expanding its account-to-account payment capabilities in Europe with the launch of its in-app mobile payment service, Zippay, in Ireland, marking another step in the region’s transition toward bank-based digital payment networks.

The service will begin rolling out from 10 March through three of the country’s largest retail banks — Allied Irish Banks, Bank of Ireland and Permanent TSB — which will integrate the functionality into their respective mobile banking applications. The phased deployment could eventually reach more than five million banking customers.

Zippay allows users to send, request and split payments directly through their banking apps using the mobile phone numbers stored in their contact lists, provided the recipient is also registered with the service. The model removes the need for a standalone digital wallet or additional application, aligning with a broader industry trend toward embedding peer-to-peer payments within existing banking infrastructure.

The launch also opens the platform to other financial institutions in Ireland that offer IBAN-based accounts and mobile banking apps. According to Nexi, the company will manage the technology integration process for participating banks.

“Partnering with Irish retail banks to bring Zippay to market allows us to further accelerate the evolution of digital payments in Europe. This launch represents an important endorsement of our expertise in developing innovative Account-to-Account solutions, leveraging the Group’s capabilities and experience,” said Renato Martini, Digital Banking Solutions Director at Nexi Group. “Once launched the service will be available to all other Irish financial institutions, Nexi will manage the entire technology integration process.”

Industry representatives also highlighted the potential convenience of the service for consumers. Brian Hayes, Chief Executive of Banking & Payments Federation Ireland, said customers will gradually see the service appear within their banking apps from 10 March, enabling them to send or request money and split expenses with contacts who are also using the platform. Transaction limits are set at €1,000 per day for payments and €500 per request.

The rollout reflects the increasing competition among European payment providers to establish bank-based instant and peer-to-peer payment networks as alternatives to global card schemes and third-party wallets. By embedding services directly within mobile banking platforms, providers such as Nexi are seeking to leverage banks’ existing customer relationships while expanding real-time payment use cases across the region.