Just arrived in Győr and not sure which bank to choose? Or maybe you already have a foreign bank card but are worried about ATM fees? We’ve gathered everything you need to know about banking in Hungary in 2026.
The Major Banks in Hungary: Who They Are and What to Expect
The Hungarian banking sector is led by OTP Bank, K&H Bank, Erste Bank, Raiffeisen Bank, CIB Bank, UniCredit, and MBH Bank. In Győr, the most accessible banks are OTP, K&H, Erste, and Raiffeisen, all of which have local branches and ATMs.
OTP Bank
OTP is the largest bank in Hungary, with the most extensive branch network and the highest number of ATMs in the country. In Győr, it is available in several locations, including the Árkád shopping center (Budai út 1.) and Egyetem Square. There is also an OTP ATM near the Audi factory (Audi Hungária út 1.), which is especially convenient for workers in the industrial zone.
OTP currently offers several account packages, with the TOP and Smart accounts being the most popular. In both cases, account maintenance is free if at least 150,000 HUF salary is credited monthly. If this condition is not met, monthly fees range between approximately 1,400–2,600 HUF depending on the package.
K&H Bank
K&H is the second most well-known bank in Hungary and also has a strong presence in Győr. Its branch is located in Győr Plaza (Vasvári Pál út 1.), making it convenient to handle banking matters while shopping.
When opening an account online, K&H automatically opens the “K&H Comfort Plus Online” package, which is free for the first 3 months. After the 4th month, it switches to the “K&H Smart Minimum Plus” package if no other option is chosen. K&H offers a full range of packages, with the two most important being Comfort Plus (higher service level) and Minimum Plus (lower monthly fee). Free account maintenance depends on package conditions, but fees can be partially or fully waived depending on usage.
Erste Bank
Erste also has a branch in Győr, located on Árpád Street. In 2026, Erste offers a single flexible product: the Erste EgySzámla package (and the higher-tier Privilégium X account).
Free account maintenance is available if:
- at least 150,000 HUF income is credited monthly, or
- at least 60,000 HUF pension is received, or
- card payments and online transfers together reach 35,000 HUF per month.
If none of these conditions are met, the monthly fee is 4,521 HUF.
Raiffeisen Bank
Raiffeisen’s Győr branches are located in Győr Plaza (Vasvári Pál út 1/a) and Arany János Street (28–32). Its main retail account is the Aktív account. Until June 30, 2026, free account maintenance is available if either: net minimum wage is credited monthly (in up to 2 installments), or at least 10 transactions are completed per month with a total value of at least 50,000 HUF.
This makes Raiffeisen unique: account fees can be waived not only through income, but also through active card usage, an advantage for foreign workers whose salary may not arrive to this account. If none of the conditions are met, the promotional fee is 952 HUF/month (valid until June 30, 2026), while the standard fee is 987 HUF/month.
What Does Banking Really Cost? — The Real Picture
Banks often advertise “free accounts,” but it is always important to check the conditions. The three main costs are:
- monthly account maintenance fees
- transfer fees
- transaction tax
In Hungary, a 0.45% transaction tax applies to transfers over 50,000 HUF, capped at 20,000 HUF per transaction. This applies to all banks and is especially noticeable for larger payments. By law, every customer can withdraw cash twice per month, up to 300,000 HUF total, free of charge. Beyond this limit, banks apply their own fees.
Opening a Bank Account as a Foreigner
Foreign citizens can open Hungarian bank accounts, but the process differs slightly. You must visit a branch in person with a passport or residence permit, and most banks also require a Hungarian address. This can be supported by an employer, a labor agency, or, if you stay at Motel Next, we can also assist with the address registration process as part of our services.
OTP and K&H are generally more flexible with foreign clients due to their larger networks and experience. It is recommended to call the branch in advance to confirm which documents are required.
Revolut and Wise in Győr
Revolut and Wise have become extremely popular in Hungary in recent years. By 2024, Revolut had over 2 million users in Hungary. They are excellent for international transfers and currency exchange. However, ATM usage in Győr requires attention.
ATM Fee Problem
From September 2025, OTP introduced ATM fees for foreign-issued cards: withdrawals between 1,000 and 150,000 HUF cost 1,999 HUF per transaction. Erste introduced a similar fee earlier (1,200 HUF per withdrawal for foreign cards at its ATMs). Since OTP ATMs are the most common in Győr, this affects many users.
Best solution: avoid OTP and Erste ATMs when using Revolut or Wise, and instead use Raiffeisen or K&H ATMs, where no such extra fees currently apply. Even better: pay by card wherever possible and minimize cash usage.
Revolut
With the Standard (free) Revolut plan, cash withdrawals are free up to 75,000 HUF per month, after which a 2% fee applies. Card payments and HUF purchases are generally free, making it ideal for everyday use in shops, supermarkets, and petrol stations in Győr. It is also excellent for sending money home and currency exchange.
Wise
Wise allows two free withdrawals per month up to a total of 200 EUR. After that, fees apply (1.75% + 0.5 EUR per withdrawal). Its biggest advantage is transparent mid-market exchange rates, making it often cheaper than traditional banks for receiving and converting foreign salaries. The Wise card costs 2,390 HUF once, with no annual fee.
Using a Foreign Bank Card in Győr — What Will It Cost?
If you do not open a Hungarian bank account and use your home card instead, expect currency conversion costs. Traditional banks usually apply exchange rates 3–5% worse than the mid-market rate, plus possible foreign transaction fees.
A key rule: always pay in local currency (HUF) and decline ATM currency conversion (DCC). Otherwise, the ATM will apply its own unfavorable exchange rate.
Who Should Choose What?
If you stay in Győr long-term and receive regular salary payments, opening a Hungarian bank account is the most practical solution. OTP is the most convenient due to its network, while K&H and Raiffeisen offer competitive fees and better digital experiences.
If you stay short-term and already use Revolut or Wise, card payments are usually sufficient. Just avoid OTP and Erste ATMs for cash withdrawals.
For both short and long stays, choosing the right banking setup can significantly simplify your daily life and save you a considerable amount of money.
