Initially, Leap Cards offered only a pre-paid electronic wallet system for single-trip fares; since May 2014, it has also been possible to load it with weekly, monthly and annual subscriptions.

The minimum top-up for the card is currently €5, and it can be topped up via iPhone/Android app, at LUAS or DART ticketing machines, and in convenience stores offering Payzone services.

Prior to this, both Luas and Iarnród Éireann (in the Greater Dublin Area only) had rolled out their own, non-interoperable smartcard systems with both e-purse and long-term period pass options in 2005 and 2010 respectively.

[3] Additionally, Dublin Bus started providing long-term period passes on smartcards from 2009 but did not offer an e-purse option.

The reader infrastructure installed at tram stops, rail stations and buses from this period was all physically compatible with the Leap system when introduced and did not need replacement.

Initially, only discounted cash fare equivalents were offered; but the ability to load period passes to the card was added in 2013 with all Taxsaver products converted from paper or the operators' prior smartcards by 2014.

This removes the need to get a paper concessionary ticket issued for many rail journeys, reduces fraud opportunities and allows for the cancellation of passes.

Anonymous Leap cards can be purchased at Payzone outlets or from certain Luas or Irish Rail ticketing machines.

The company currently outsources NTA's integrated ticketing back-office operations, IT management, retail network and web portal delivery.