The Hungarian Competition Authority (GVH) has initiated an investigation against Euronet, the operator of ATMs, due to suspicions that the company is misleading consumers through its ATM user interface. The GVH believes that Euronet's presentation of available functions on the ATM's home screen, along with the concealment of certain features, results in additional costs for consumers that could otherwise be avoided.

Since July 5, 2023, Euronet has reportedly only offered options for 'cash and balance' and 'other' on the ATM's home screen. This could create the impression among consumers that they must pay for both services together to access cash withdrawal and balance inquiry, despite the fact that they can utilize individual services within the 'other' category.

This practice potentially limits consumer choices, leading them to make transactional decisions they would not otherwise make, resulting in additional costs. The initiation of the competition supervision procedure does not imply that the company has committed a legal violation; rather, it aims to clarify the facts and substantiate the alleged infringement.

The investigation is set to last three months, with the possibility of two extensions of up to two months each if justified. The GVH emphasizes that the time taken for the client to provide necessary information for clarifying the facts does not count towards the administrative deadline.