Do you pay by card? You can pay more. Traders resist
In Slovakia, card payments become a problem. The new tax prompts stores to resign from terminals and add fees to customers.
The introduction of a new tax on financial transactions in Slovakia in April 2025 was to cover only entrepreneurs. In practice, however, mainly consumers feel the effects of changes. Due to the new tribute, many shop owners, service outlets and gastronomic premises decided to limit or completely withdraw by card.
New tax
According to Money.pl, the new tax applies to every transaction in which the money is paid from the account – also those made using payment cards. Companies officially pay tribute, but a large part of them moved this cost to customers. Some sales points began to add additional fees for non -cash transactions, others simply raised the prices of products and services offered.
Direct requests for cash payment also appear in many places. Customers are encouraged to do this with discounts reaching up to 10 percent. There are also situations in which stores explain the inability to pay with “technical problems”, although the real reason is new tax regulations.
The tax also raises broad social and political opposition. Michal Šimečka, chairman of the opposition party Progressive Slovakia, described him as “the stupidest tax in the history of the country.” Entrepreneurs also warn that the new regulations limit the competitiveness of the Slovak economy and may discourage investing in this country.
Experts also indicate the risk of inflation. Entrepreneurs, forced to cover new costs, can transfer them to consumers in the form of higher prices. This, in turn, can weaken the purchasing power of society and negatively affect the daily expenses of citizens.
Additional fees
The Slovak government assumes that in 2025 tax revenues will be about EUR 500 million. In 2026, they are expected to increase to EUR 700 million. The tax is part of a larger plan to consolidate public finances, which aims to reduce the budget deficit.
Meanwhile, everyday life in Slovak stores and premises is becoming more and more difficult. The media reports that some owners of sales outlets in Bratislava began to charge high fees for card payments. In many cases, it is not only about covering costs, but about completely discouraging customers from using this form of payment. Complete withdrawal of payment terminals is increasingly considered.
