economy
Major Chaos in Austria: Banks Shutting Down Systems, Citizens Will Be Without Cards and ATMs for Days
A major change in the banking system is being prepared in Austria during the upcoming Pentecost holiday weekend, which will affect hundreds of thousands of clients.
TL;DR
- Salzburger Sparkasse and Erste Bank Österreich are merging their IT systems over the Pentecost holiday weekend (May 23-25, 2026).
- Clients may face disruptions in internet/mobile banking, card payments, and ATM withdrawals during this period.
- New account numbers (IBANs) and bank cards will be issued; old cards expire end of August 2026.
- Clients must inform employers, landlords, and service providers of new account details.
- It is advised to conduct important payments and withdraw cash in advance.