Banks across Europe are accelerating the integration of real-time, account-to-account payment solutions within their digital channels. Nexi’s latest rollout in Ireland highlights how embedded peer-to-peer payments are becoming a core feature of modern mobile banking experiences.
European payments provider Nexi has introduced its in-app bank payment solution, Zippay, in Ireland as part of its strategy to expand account-to-account payment services across Europe.
The service is set to roll out from 10 March through three of Ireland’s major retail banks — Allied Irish Banks, Bank of Ireland and Permanent TSB. Through these partnerships, the payment functionality will be integrated directly into the banks’ existing mobile banking applications. Once fully deployed, the service could become available to more than five million banking customers across the country.
Zippay enables users to send money, request payments or split bills with contacts directly through their banking apps. Transactions can be initiated using the mobile phone numbers stored in a user’s contact list, as long as the recipient is also registered on the service. Because the feature is embedded within banking apps, customers do not need to download a separate wallet or payment application.
The approach reflects a growing industry shift toward integrating peer-to-peer payment capabilities into traditional banking platforms rather than relying on standalone fintech apps.
Nexi said the platform will also be accessible to other Irish financial institutions that provide IBAN-based accounts and mobile banking services. The company will oversee the technical integration process for banks that choose to adopt the solution.
Renato Martini, Digital Banking Solutions Director at Nexi Group, said the partnership with Irish banks represents an important step in expanding bank-based digital payments in Europe.
According to Martini, the launch highlights Nexi’s ability to develop and deploy account-to-account payment technologies while enabling banks to offer modern payment experiences within their own digital channels.
Industry organisations also noted the potential benefits for customers. Brian Hayes, Chief Executive of Banking & Payments Federation Ireland, said users will gradually begin seeing the new payment option appear within their banking apps from 10 March.
The service allows users to send money, request funds or split expenses with contacts who are also registered on the platform. Transaction limits have been set at €1,000 per day for payments and €500 per payment requests.
The rollout comes as payment providers across Europe compete to build real-time and peer-to-peer bank payment networks that can rival global card schemes and third-party digital wallets. By embedding these services within mobile banking apps, providers aim to make instant payments more accessible while leveraging banks’ existing customer relationships.
What this means for the industry
• Account-to-account payments are gaining momentum in Europe
Banks and payment providers are expanding real-time payment networks to compete with card schemes and digital wallets.
• Embedded payments are becoming the new standard
Integrating payment features directly into banking apps improves convenience and reduces reliance on third-party applications.
• Banks are strengthening control over customer payment journeys
By offering in-app payment solutions, banks can retain customer engagement within their own digital ecosystems.
• Peer-to-peer payments are evolving into core banking features
Sending and requesting money is becoming a native capability within mobile banking platforms rather than an external service.
• Competition in real-time payments is intensifying
Providers are racing to scale instant payment infrastructure and capture market share in the growing digital payments space.
Photo by Atlantic Money on Unsplash
