Changes to Széchenyi Recreation Card balances

With the termination of the state of emergency legal regime, the rules governing the treatment of unused balances accumulated on Széchenyi Recreation Cards (SZÉP cards) have changed. The previously applied emergency provisions have lost their effect, and the original, general framework for the use of benefits has once again come into force.

In practice, this means the end of the one-off 15% service charge previously deducted on 20 March and 20 September. Instead, cardholders must once again observe the 31 May cut-off date and the subsequent monthly charging regime. Under the reinstated rules, benefits credited to the card may be used free of charge until 31 May of the second calendar year following the year of top-up.

If the available balance is not spent by this deadline, the card issuer may charge a monthly fee of up to 3%, but at least HUF 100, on the remaining amount from 1 June onwards. As we are in 2026, the reinstated rules currently apply directly to benefits received in 2024 or earlier.

Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact Niveus’s experts.