Cash withdrawal at the checkout: PENNY is the only one for now, the market is waiting for Qvik to spread

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

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Although in theory it has been possible for two years to withdraw cash free of charge at store checkouts, in practice there are hardly any shops where the service is actually available. The regulation does not oblige retailers to introduce it, so most chains are holding back, leaving ATMs as the main option for customers, an article by Pénzcentrum points out.

In the meantime, a new digital alternative has appeared: in autumn 2024, qvik was launched, a Hungarian-developed instant payment solution offering a cheaper and faster option than card payments. By scanning a QR code with a mobile banking app, the purchase is completed instantly, and the money immediately appears in the merchant’s account. The system’s advantages are speed and lower costs, making it particularly beneficial for smaller businesses. Among the large chains, Príma has been the first to adopt it.

Only PENNY offers cash withdrawal

Currently, among the chains, only PENNY provides the option of cash withdrawal at the checkout, introduced back in 2017. Today the service is available in all 240 of its stores, though experience shows that many customers are still unaware of the option. Shoppers can withdraw cash after purchases over 3,000 forints, with a maximum of 20,000 per transaction and up to 40,000 forints per month. Free withdrawals are available with OTP Maestro and HUF-based Mastercard debit cards.

At the same time, PENNY does not plan to introduce qvik in 2025, but regularly reviews development needs for checkout software and payment terminals.

Most retailers are waiting

Other retail chains responded cautiously to our inquiries.

Spar: does not plan to introduce cash withdrawals, but is examining the possibility of qvik together with its financial service provider.
Lidl: the service is currently unavailable and there are no plans to introduce it.
Auchan: cites a lack of customer demand, but may examine the option in the future.
Aldi: continuously seeks opportunities for digital development, but no concrete decision has been made.
Tesco: in talks about introducing cash withdrawals, would first roll it out in convenience formats, and is also examining the integration of qvik.
Príma and CBA (Breier Group): cash withdrawals are currently unavailable, as a full IT transition is underway until the first quarter of 2026. Once completed, it could provide a basis for considering new services such as cashback.

Digital direction: could qvik be the breakthrough?

The introduction of qvik could open up new opportunities for both retailers and customers. Instant settlement and lower costs make it attractive, especially for smaller stores. The major chains, however, remain cautious, with most still only assessing the conditions for possible implementation.

In summary, cash withdrawal at the checkout is currently available only to PENNY customers in Hungary, while the spread of qvik is still in its early stages. The coming years will show how open large retail chains will be to these new possibilities.