The SZÉP card, health fund membership and merchandise credit also increase the willingness to spend

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 04. 25. 12:35

The Széchenyi Holiday Card is part of everyday life: two-thirds of Hungarians who own a SZÉP card use it several times a month, according to a recent survey by Pepita.hu. In addition to its popularity among users, it is also a driving force for the economy, as it generates additional consumption: two out of three spend more with it than they would without it. Although with a narrower user base, the health fund is also a popular benefit, primarily spent on medicines and medical aids. The research also revealed that customers are increasingly open to installment payments: one in five respondents is considering purchasing a higher-value product with the help of online credit.

The SZÉP card opens up Hungarians’ wallets wider The Széchenyi Holiday Card is now not only a defining driver of domestic tourism and hospitality, but also an integral part of Hungarians’ everyday financial planning, according to a recent survey by Pepita.hu. According to the research, two-thirds of SZÉP card owners use their cafeteria allowance several times a month. More than a fifth of respondents use it a few times a year, while 13 percent spend on the card once a month. Another important lesson from the research is that the SZÉP card generates real additional consumption: two out of three cardholders said that they spend more overall thanks to the fact that this option is available to them. A significant portion of card users use the amount available to them at a similar rate to the previous year, while a third are expected to spend more on it in 2025.

In terms of spending purposes, the purchase of hot meals is the most popular: two-thirds of SZÉP cardholders spend their funds on meals. Nearly half of them use the amount available to them for travel and accommodation, and slightly more than a third spend on catering and entertainment. “According to our survey, this year’s expansion of the areas of use responds to real needs,” explained József Dorcsinecz, co-founder of Pepita Group. Every fourth respondent plans to use the renovation option available from 2025, which also allows the purchase of DIY goods, furniture, paint and other household items. A smaller but clearly defined group shows active interest in the area of sports and active lifestyle: around 17 percent of cardholders spend on sports events and cultural tickets, and 13 percent on sports equipment or its rental. In health fund spending, the focus is on medicines and family health.