by croatiaweek
January 12, 2026
in
Croatia introduced a major change to its retail banking system from 1 January 2026, following the adoption of amendments to the Law on the Comparability of Fees, Payment Account Switching and Access to a Basic Account, the Croatian National Bank (HNB) has announced.
The new law establishes the right to a “free banking services package” for consumers who receive regular income into a payment account held in euros.
The aim is to ensure access to essential banking services without fees, while providing additional protection for pensioners and socially vulnerable groups.
What is included in the free package?
Consumers who qualify and apply for the package will be entitled to a range of core banking services without any charges. These include:
• Opening, maintaining and closing a payment account
• Internet or mobile banking (as selected by the bank)
• Cash deposits (excluding coin processing)
• Unlimited cash withdrawals at the bank’s counter or ATMs, within agreed limits
• Incoming domestic and cross-border euro payments
• Issuance and use of a debit card
• Debit card payments at physical points of sale
Banks must also allow customers to initiate and manage transactions in branches, regardless of their digital banking offer.
Who is entitled to the free package?
The right applies to any consumer in Croatia who receives regular income, such as:
• Salaries
• Pensions
• Scholarships
• Unemployment benefits
• Sick pay
• Social benefits
The package can be linked to an existing euro account, meaning customers do not need to open a new IBAN.
Pensioners benefit from additional protection, as they may withdraw cash both at ATMs and over the counter free of charge.
Consumers belonging to socially vulnerable groups — including recipients of minimum income support, disability allowances, caregiving status or inclusive benefits — are entitled to even broader protections.
These include ten free monthly credit transfers or direct debits, no interest on negative balances and free rejection of transactions when funds are insufficient.
Fees and additional services
Banks may still charge for services not included in the free package, such as credit transfers, direct debits or credit cards, in line with their standard pricing. Customers must receive a Fee Information Document (FID) before opening an account.
Key dates
• 1 January 2026: Law entered into force
• 1 January 2027: Two free monthly ATM withdrawals at other banks become available