The SZÉP card option for home renovations brought in billions in turnover

More than 6 billion forints worth of renovations

According to OTP Bank, by June 10, 2025, approximately 120 thousand cardholders had spent a total of 6.6 billion forints on home renovations. The average expenditure per person was 55 thousand forints. Although the bank does not know exactly what products the customers purchased, based on the location and amount of the spending, the money was clearly spent on products necessary for home modernization – such as paints, furniture or tools.

Customers were informed about the available credit limit through several channels: online platforms, direct notifications, and even a thematic podcast was made about the new option. According to OTP, in the first five months of 2025, SZÉP cardholders spent a total of 158 billion forints, but most of this was still from their accommodation pockets.

7.2 billion forints of time-limited balance

However, the banks warn that there is still a significant amount of unused credit on the cards. On May 31, they recorded a balance of 7.2 billion forints, which could be subject to a 15% fee on September 20 if the owner does not spend it by then. Those affected will be notified in advance of the deadline and the available balance.

MBH: 20 thousand owners, with an average of 55 thousand forints

MBH Bank also reported similar data: their customers spent an average of 55 thousand forints on home renovations from their SZÉP card, most often in large DIY stores. The bank’s system is set up so that customers cannot exceed the 50% usage limit, thus ensuring operation in accordance with the law.

According to the bank’s records, nearly 20 thousand cardholders have a balance that can be used free of charge until September 20 – but their value is expected to decrease by the end of the summer. MBH also recommends checking the balance regularly, even via the mobile application.

K&H: OBI, Praktiker and Jysk are the winners

K&H Bank’s response reveals that their customers primarily shop for home renovations in OBI, Praktiker and Jysk stores. The most popular products are furniture, carpets, DIY tools and paints. The average purchase amount in large stores is 35–40 thousand forints, while when calculated together with smaller stores, it drops to 28 thousand forints.

According to the financial institution’s experience, customers are aware of the use options and are actively using them. With the help of the tracking system available on K&H’s own online interface, cardholders can see in real time how much money they have already spent on home renovations and how much money is still available. According to the bank’s data, by the end of May, more than 12.6 billion forints had been spent on SZÉP cards and more than 7.3 million forints from the Aktív Magyarok sub-account.