Mandatory Cash Acceptance Brought With Legal Changes Impacts Retail Businesses in Hungary

Hungary has introduced a legal amendment effective July 1, 2025, requiring retailers to ensure customers can pay with cash, including through physical stores, cash on delivery, or account deposits, with exceptions for online subscriptions, cross-border e-sales, and fully automated stores. The National Trade Association (OKSZ) criticized the law, warning that it imposes unrealistic obligations on self-service stores, parcel lockers, and vending machines, potentially causing service disruptions and high conversion costs.