A record surge has been seen in demand for Hungary’s new fixed 3 per cent business loans. According to the Ministry for National Economy (NGM), more than 5,000 applications worth a combined 280 billion forints were submitted in only one month through the Széchenyi Card Programme’s seven financial products.
The ministry said the new scheme has reignited corporate lending and lifted demand to record levels. Compared to October 2024, the number of loan applications has more than doubled, while the total requested amount has tripled.
To further boost small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the government plans to double the maximum capital investment available per company under the Demján Sándor Capital Programme and launch the second phase of the ‘1+1 Programme’ aimed at fostering SME growth, innovation, and productivity.
The fixed 3 per cent SME loan, introduced on 6 October, has become a game-changer for Hungarian businesses. Within just 18 working days, companies filed liquidity loan requests worth 240 billion forints—more than in any previous month. Meanwhile, demand for investment loans remained strong, with 1,200 such applications totalling 38 billion forints, a 70 per cent increase year-on-year.
According to Richárd Szabados, State Secretary for SME Development, Technology, and the Defence Industry, the government-backed interest rate enables companies to secure cheaper financing for working capital and operational needs, improving cash flow and reducing financial risks.
The ministry also reported that the average loan amount under the Széchenyi Card MAX+ scheme has reached a record 65 million forints, compared with an earlier average of 45 million. The 40 per cent rise demonstrates how the lower interest rate has encouraged firms to pursue larger financing opportunities.
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