Summer holidays, family programmes and time off are the perfect opportunity for employees to use up their SZÉP Card balance. This year, however, it is worth paying attention not only because of the hot weather, but also due to an important regulatory change.

The state-of-emergency reliefs have ended

The state of emergency ended in May 2026, and with it part of the rules previously introduced by decree lapsed — including the transitional rule on unused SZÉP Card balances. As a result, the earlier end-of-May deadline returns, and the penalty-fee system is also being restructured.

What to watch for?

Under the old/new regulation, amounts credited to the SZÉP Card should be used by 31 May of the second calendar year following the year of the benefit. This means:

  • for amounts credited in 2024, the deadline was 31 May 2026;
  • after the deadline, financial institutions may charge a fee on the unused balance.

Instead of the transitional one-off deduction, a monthly charge now applies again, which — depending on the provider — may be as much as 3% of the remaining balance per month (minimum HUF 100). While this is smaller than the earlier one-off 15% deduction (and providers may also deviate from it in the customer’s favour), its recurring nature can quickly erode the unused balance.

It is important to know that financial institutions notify their customers by email — at least two months before the actual deduction — about the exact amount of the charge applicable after 31 May 2026 and the start date of the deductions.

What to do now?

Early summer is a great time to spend a few minutes on your SZÉP Card. We recommend that every employee:

  • carefully read the notification sent by their financial institution about the expected charge;
  • log in to their SZÉP Card provider’s online platform or app;
  • check their current balance;
  • look for any amount loaded in 2024 or earlier that remains unused (usually shown on a separate line in the providers’ systems);
  • use any remaining balance, where possible, on summer recreation, accommodation, hospitality or leisure activities.

What can employers do?

Employers and cafeteria system operators can also do a great deal to ensure their employees do not lose the value of previously provided benefits. It is worth sending a short internal notice to staff drawing attention to the above.

A timely reminder not only helps employees, but can also significantly reduce the number of follow-up questions reaching HR and payroll colleagues.