Cash withdrawal at the checkout: the market is waiting for Qvik to spread

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 09. 03. 11:57

🎧 Hallgasd a cikket: Nyelv: Sebesség: 1.05×

Although for two years it has theoretically been possible to withdraw cash free of charge at store checkouts, in practice very few shops actually offer this service. The regulation does not oblige retailers to implement it, so most chains prefer to wait, leaving customers to rely on ATMs, as highlighted by the Pénzcentrum article.

Meanwhile, a new digital alternative has emerged: in autumn 2024, qvik, a Hungarian-developed instant payment solution, was launched, offering faster and cheaper transactions than card payments. Using a QR code scanned with a mobile banking app, purchases are completed instantly and the money immediately appears in the merchant’s account. Its main advantage is speed and lower cost, making it especially beneficial for small businesses. Among major chains, only Príma has introduced it so far.

PENNY has been offering cash withdrawals at checkout since 2017. The service is now available in all 240 stores, though many customers are still unaware of it. Shoppers can withdraw cash after purchases over 3000 HUF, with a maximum of 20,000 HUF per transaction and up to 40,000 HUF per month. Free withdrawals are available with OTP Maestro and domestic forint-based Mastercard cards.

However, PENNY does not plan to introduce qvik in 2025, although it regularly reviews the development needs of its checkout software and terminals.

“For the Coop Group, it is important to offer customers a wide range of services. Therefore, when regulations made it possible, the purchase with cashback (PWCB) service was developed in cooperation with Mastercard. The solution is backed by OTP’s banking services and the Laurel checkout software. It was piloted in December 2024 and gradually rolled out in early 2025. For several months now, more than 500 Coop stores have been offering the possibility of withdrawing cash during purchases with Mastercard and Visa debit cards, which customers are eager to use.

Most retailers remain cautious

Other supermarket chains responded cautiously to inquiries.

Spar: does not plan to introduce cash withdrawal, but is examining the possibility of qvik with its financial service provider.
Lidl: the service is currently unavailable and not planned for introduction.
Auchan: cites lack of customer demand but may reconsider in the future.
Aldi: continuously exploring digital development opportunities, but no specific decision has been made.
Tesco: in negotiations regarding cash withdrawal, would first roll it out in convenience stores, and is also examining qvik integration.

Digital direction: could qvik be the breakthrough?

The introduction of qvik could open new opportunities for both retailers and customers. Instant settlement and lower costs are attractive, particularly for smaller stores. However, major chains remain cautious, with most only examining the conditions for its implementation for now.