Hungarian banks announce instant payment service interruptions

Several major Hungarian banks have announced upcoming service interruptions for instant payment systems due to planned upgrades to the GIRO Zrt. central system scheduled for mid-October 2026.

OTP Bank reported that the acceptance and processing of instant payment orders will be suspended from 1:00 AM to 3:00 AM on Sunday, October 18, 2026. Erste Bank expects similar temporary suspensions for initiating and receiving instant transfers during the same period.

K&H Bank has scheduled a longer maintenance window from 11:00 PM on October 17 until 1:00 PM on October 18, 2026. During this time, instant transfer initiation, payment request acceptance, and various electronic services—including internet and mobile banking, investment services, and ATM cash deposits—will be unavailable. MBH Bank also announced multiple windows of service disruption for instant HUF transfers and electronic payment requests between October 16 and October 18, 2026.