Discusses the most common methods of payment, such as open account, letter of credit, cash in advance, documentary collections, factoring, etc. Includes credit-rating and collection agencies in this country. Includes primary credit or charge cards used in this country.
Standard methods of payment are available for export sales to Ireland through a well-developed banking sector.  Competition, to a large degree, has required the use of liberal financing, as opposed to requiring payment on a letter of credit or cash basis.  Letters of credit can be used initially for new accounts with more liberal terms granted if justified by volume and customer reliability.  Knowledge of industry practice and the customer is generally the prime consideration in deciding whether to use sight drafts, time drafts, or open accounts.  Usual terms of sale are payment within 30 to 90 days after delivery, varying with the commodity and the credit standing of the purchaser. 

The accepted and examined credit ratings throughout the world are generated by three main agencies—Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s, and Fitch Ratings.  All major credit cards including Visa, MasterCard/Eurocard are widely accepted; however American Express (AmEx) is not as readily received as in the U.S.  Vendors may require additional identification such as a passport.  Debit cards including Irish Laser Cards, Maestro, Visa Debit and MasterCard debit are accepted. 

 

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.