The Slovak banking market is undergoing significant consolidation. After the Belgian group KBC (owner of ČSOB) officially acquired 365.bank and its predecessor, Poštová banka, for 708 million euros, the process of gradually merging the two institutions began. For hundreds of thousands of customers, this brings noticeable changes regarding access to cash and physical branches.
Disappearing ATMs and Branch Relocations
Customers have noticed a gradual reduction in the number of original ATMs on the streets. 365.bank itself has reduced the number of its own ATMs from 176 to 161. The reason is to eliminate duplication in locations where both banks operated in close proximity.
This move, however, is offset by a shared network agreement that has made nearly 600 ATMs from ČSOB, 365.bank, and Poštová banka available throughout Slovakia under the same terms. The changes have also affected branches: in cities such as Bratislava, Trnava, Lučenec, Martin, Topoľčany, Rožňava, Nové Mesto nad Váh, Banovce nad Bebravou, and Senica, 365.bank has moved directly into shared premises with ČSOB.
What’s Changing in Fees and Terms
The merger of the networks has also led to adjustments in fees for regular users:
Changes to ČSOB limits: ČSOB customers are no longer subject to an initial limit of 200 euros per transaction at partner ATMs; they can now manage their withdrawal amounts themselves via the app.
Fewer free withdrawals for Plus accounts: 365.bank Plus account holders previously had four free withdrawals from third-party networks per month; now they have two.
Commission-Free Compensation: However, 365.bank customers can use all ČSOB ATMs commission-free, which offsets the loss of free withdrawals on third-party networks.
The next step is expected to be a full legal merger of both financial institutions under the ČSOB umbrella; approval is still pending from regulators, including the European Central Bank.
What to Do and Whether You Need to Sign Anything
If you use 365.bank’s services, you do not need to do anything at this time.
All existing accounts, payment cards, mortgages, and consumer loans will continue to function as usual. Contract terms, fees, and online banking passwords remain valid, and customers do not need to visit a branch or sign any new addenda at this time.
