Slovenia to adopt law guaranteeing cash access and free basic payment services

On 17 August, the Slovenian Ministry of Finance concluded a public hearing on a draft law governing payment accessibility and the use of payment instruments. The bill implements a new constitutional provision guaranteeing the right to use cash and obliges merchants to accept at least one electronic payment method.

It requires that in settlements with more than 1,000 inhabitants a cash point (ATM or bank branch) be located no farther than five kilometres from the settlement centre, with similar criteria for larger towns. Credit institutions and Posta Slovenija must maintain an adequate network of cash points.

The draft also introduces a free basic payment package for people receiving regular incomes – salaries, pensions, unemployment benefits or scholarships – covering an account, debit card, online and mobile banking, unlimited incoming transfers, cash withdrawals at the holder’s bank and at least five free ATM withdrawals per month. Vulnerable groups will receive additional free credit payments and other services.

The government aims to adopt the law by the end of the year and plans further dialogue with banks and their representative bodies.