Slovakia
Employees are feeling the pressure, companies are slowing down and prices are climbing. This is also the real impact of the transaction tax on everyday life. Our survey among employees shows that uncertainty is growing. That is why Edenred is trying to bring solutions to maintain stability in changing conditions.
A transaction tax on non-cash transfers has been in effect in Slovakia since April 2025. In practice, it raises concerns for both employees and employers. Edenred therefore conducted a survey to find out how the public perceives the transaction tax and what they are most concerned about.
People expect prices to rise
According to a survey conducted between May 13 and 22, 2025 on a sample of 1 full-time employees of companies and institutions, up to 180 percent of people would understand if entrepreneurs raised prices as a result of the new tax.
Two-thirds of respondents said it would be unpleasant but somewhat understandable, another 17 percent even considered such a step justified. Just under a fifth of those surveyed think that businesses should bear the costs themselves and not pass them on to consumers.
Benefits may not be at risk
More than a third of respondents (35 percent) expect the transaction tax to slow down their wage growth. Other employees are concerned that it will affect their work benefits - 13 percent are considering limiting or canceling them. Eleven percent see the risk of slowing down the company's development and canceling investments. Only 12 percent of people have no concerns in this regard, the rest (29 percent) could not comment on the topic.
"The transaction tax should not jeopardize employee benefits. Our goal is to help businesses set up budgets and processes so that employee benefits remain sustainable even after this tax is factored in," said Lívia Bachratá, Director of Public Affairs at Edenred.
The time for cash hasn't come (yet)
Although the tax applies to non-cash transfers, only one percent of employees have encountered an employer wanting to pay them wages in cash. Another three percent say it was mentioned as an option.
In practice, no serious changes have yet occurred. However, people have noticed behavioral changes in restaurants or shops. As many as 46 percent of respondents have already experienced being asked to pay in cash. Almost a third of them did so without hesitation, but most reacted according to the circumstances and also depending on how much cash they had in their wallet. A fifth of respondents would prefer to pay by card and only four percent would strictly refuse cash.
Significant price increase after a month
Since the tax was introduced in April, 40 percent of people have experienced a significant increase in prices in establishments. Another 41 percent report a slight increase. Only five percent of respondents say they have not noticed any changes.
"It is true that any increase in costs will affect consumers in some way. The question is at what point and to what extent. Therefore, it is not surprising that companies are trying to prioritize payment methods that do not increase their costs of doing business, so that they do not have to increase prices for the end customer," states L. Bachratá.
Edenred as a support in uncertainty
In times of economic change, it is important that employees do not feel insecure about their daily lives. Employee benefits are not just bonuses, but a real tool that affects employee satisfaction, motivation and loyalty.
Edenred therefore appeals for responsible budgeting and offers partners solutions on how to maintain benefits even in times of rising costs. Because a satisfied employee is the best investment a company can make – regardless of whether they pay transaction tax or not.
