From Monday, the SZÉP card can be used again to purchase cold food

According to the regulation:

• the funds available on the card can also be temporarily used for food purchases

• the acceptance extends to those stores which have a food retail activity scope

• alcoholic beverages, durable consumer goods, non-food products (e.g. cosmetics, cleaning products, newspapers, gift cards) can still not be purchased with the SZÉP card

According to the ministry, more than 96 billion forints are currently available on SZÉP cards, and the goal is to expand the use of these amounts.

The SZÉP card is one of the most common fringe benefits in Hungary, the basic purpose of which is to support domestic tourism. The option to purchase cold food has been temporarily available several times before.

The decision is in line with the current period of margin reduction, which is in effect until February 28, 2026, and affects several widely consumed product categories.