If you regularly transfer money between Slovakia and Ukraine through PrivatBank (PrivatBank), we have an important update: from September 1, 2026, the bank canceled discounted rates for international transfers, and now such operations cost more. This applies both to sending funds from Ukraine abroad and receiving transfers to PrivatBank cards from foreign banks.
What has changed: new PrivatBank tariffs
Until the end of August 2026, there was a promotional offer where the commission for international transfers was reduced. From September 1, the bank returned to the standard tariffs that were in place before the promotion.
- Incoming transfers: If you receive funds from a foreign card to a PrivatBank (PrivatBank) card, the commission is now 1.5% of the transfer amount. Previously, during the promotion, it was 1%.
- Outgoing transfers: When transferring from a foreign currency card of PrivatBank (PrivatBank) to a foreign card, the commission increased to 2% of the amount, but not less than 50 hryvnias. Until August 31, this commission was 1%.
For example, if earlier a transfer equivalent to 10,000 hryvnias abroad cost 100 hryvnias commission, now for the same operation you will have to pay 200 hryvnias. Similarly, receiving 1,000 euros from abroad instead of 10 euros commission will now cost 15 euros.
Who is this important for?
These changes directly affect Ukrainians who live and work in Slovakia and regularly support relatives in Ukraine, or vice versa, receive funds from Ukraine. It is also relevant for those who pay for education, services, or other bills abroad. The increase in commissions can significantly affect your budget, especially if you make frequent or large transfers.
PrivatBank (PrivatBank) explained the introduction of reduced tariffs as support for Ukrainians who actively use international financial operations. However, information about the extension of the promotion after August 31, 2026, did not appear on the official website or in the Privat24 app.
Alternatives and tips for saving
Given the increase in transfer costs through PrivatBank (PrivatBank), it is worth considering other options and comparing the conditions of different services. There are many platforms on the market that offer international money transfers, often with more favorable rates or better exchange rates.
Among popular alternatives:
- Wise (formerly TransferWise): This service often offers some of the cheapest options for transfers to and from Slovakia, using the mid-market exchange rate.
- Revolut: A convenient mobile bank that allows easy transfers between cards and currency conversion.
- TransferGo, Paysend, Profee: These services also specialize in fast international transfers with competitive commissions.
- Western Union, MoneyGram, RIA: Traditional urgent money transfer systems that can be convenient for receiving cash, but their commissions are often higher than online services.
- Slovenská sporiteľňa: This Slovak bank has reduced commissions for international transfers to Ukraine. Transfers via online banking George cost 5 euros instead of 20–35 euros, and at the branch — 13 euros instead of 30–35 euros. Additional fees for urgent transfers have also been canceled.
Before each transfer, we recommend comparing the conditions of different banks and services. A difference of a few percent on regular operations over a year can amount to a significant sum. You can use our currency converter to quickly assess the profitability of the exchange.
How to minimize costs?
- Compare: Always check the current rates of several providers before making a transfer.
- Group transfers: If possible, instead of several small transfers, make one larger one to avoid minimum commissions charged for each operation.
- Use currency cards: For transfers in euros or dollars, it is more profitable to use currency cards to avoid double conversion.
- Watch for promotions: Banks and payment systems periodically offer promotional rates.
Remember that PrivatBank (PrivatBank) shows the final commission amount in the Privat24 app before confirming the operation. Always carefully check all details before sending money.
