Cross border regulation FAQs

What is cross border payment regulation?

It is an EU Regulation setting out rules for cross border payments and information to be provided around currency conversion charges within the EU.

Why am I getting a cross border payment regulation text message?

From 12 April 2021 we will send you a text for the first transaction that you make, in a month, in any non-euro EEA currency with a merchant, face to face or online, or at an ATM.

What EEA countries do not have a euro currency?

They are Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.

Will I be getting a text message every time I transact in a non-euro EEA currency?

No, only the first time in each month. If you transact in another non-euro EEA currency that month, we’ll send you another text message.

Which AIB customers will receive a text?

All AIB Credit and Debit cardholders who use their card to make a payment transaction in a non-euro EEA currency.

Can I opt out of receiving these cross border payment regulation texts?

You can opt out of receiving these messages by calling Card Services on +353 1 6685500 and asking them. This number is available 9-5 Monday to Friday.

Will you text me if I make a payment transaction in a currency other than a non-euro EEA currency such as Australian dollar or American dollars?

No.

Did you tell me that this cross border payment regulation was coming down the line?

Yes, we updated our terms and conditions in January 2021 and these changes were communicated to you in October 2020. We also communicated this change to our Debit and Credit cardholders through email.

Will I get a cross border payment regulation text straight after I have made the purchase?

Yes, we will text you immediately after the payment transaction is approved (24 hours a day).

Will I still get a cross border payment regulation text message if I pay in euro even in a non-euro country?

No.

What will the cross border payment regulation text look like?

Here is an example text:

For your non-euro transaction we’ll typically charge you X.XX% (variable) over the ECB FX rate for this. For more, including how to opt out see our website.

Will I be able to respond to the cross border payment regulation text?

No, it will be a ‘do not respond’ message. There are contact details on aib.ie if you need to contact us.

Is there an option to cancel the transaction if I get a text and I don’t realise the transaction was in a different currency?

If you wish to cancel your transaction you will need to contact the merchant.

Who will text me about the cross border payment transaction?

The text message will come from AIB. It will not contain any links to click.

Where can I find the FX rates on aib.ie?

FX rates can be found here.

Is this cross border payment regulation text for online transactions as well as point of sale and over the phone transactions?

We will text you for all types of payment transactions (online, in person, over the phone and ATM) in a non-euro EEA currency.

Can I opt out of this service?

Yes, for credit cards only the primary credit card holder will be able to opt out of receiving these messages. Each debit cardholder on an account can opt out individually.

If I opt out of this cross border payment regulation text message option will it mean I won’t get other texts from AIB about my card?

If you opt out, it will only be about these texts. You will still receive other texts from us about your card.

If someone else is authorised to use my credit card, will they also get a cross border payment regulation text?

No, only the primary cardholder will receive a text message.

If I change my mind will I be able to opt back into receiving these cross border regulation text messages?

Yes, you can opt back in to receiving these text messages by calling Card Services on +353 1 6685500. This number is available 9-5 Monday to Friday.

What happens if I don’t receive the cross border payment regulation text?

It will not have an impact on the payment being processed.

What is the ECB rate?

The ECB rate is the euro reference exchange rates published by the European Central Bank.

The currency exchange rates for debit cards are available here.

The currency exchange rates for credit cards are available here.

Can I still receive the text message if I don’t have an Irish mobile number?

Yes.

Will I still get the cross border payment regulation text if my address is registered in a country that doesn’t use euro?

Yes, you will still receive the text message if you are using your AIB Debit or Credit card to make non-euro EEA currency transactions.

How come I won’t get a cross border payment regulation text message when I make a purchase from a UK company?

Great Britain is not in the EU anymore.

Is the rate on the cross border payment regulation text the exact rate I will be charged?

When you use your Debit or Credit card to pay for something that is not in euro, Visa will convert that payment to euro using the exchange rate that applies on the day the transaction hits your account, which may not be the day of the transaction itself. Please note that this amount may be more or less than the amount stated at the time the transaction was initiated.

I got a cross border payment regulation text message but I didn’t make this transaction

Please contact our Fraud Department.

Cross Border Regulation FAQs