The monthly charge of EUR 0,80 entered into the account by the National Bank in the context of its conversion to «Privileges Account», according to relevant information from the bank to customers. It is recalled that previous complaints had been made by EPOIZO and also a court decision by the Athens Court of First Instance.
According to the reasoning of the judgment, the court found that additional services on the subscription account included benefits already provided free of charge to customers, such as the IRIS service, without clearly reflecting the comparative advantage of the «Privileges Account».
National Bank: What will apply
As noted in the bank's information to customers «As of 14 May 2026, the monthly charge for the amount has ceased €0.80 entered into your account as part of its conversion to «Privileges Account»While you continue to have the privileges it offers you. With this communication, we provide you with more detailed information on the characteristics of «Privileges Account», so that you have a complete picture and decide on the account type that best serves you».
At the same time, the court decision legally the process of automatic conversion of accounts with the possibility of opposition by the client (opt-out), as well as the two-month margin given to submit objections.
According to the National Bank's information to customers: «If you choose to change within 60 days: your account returns to its previous form without any charge. If you do not exercise the right to object within 60 days: your account will continue as a Privilege Account with monthly charge €0,80, which will start after the deadline has expired».
Retroactivity
At the same time, on the basis of the judgment, the claim was rejected that the monthly contribution of EUR 0,80 constitutes a charge for the mere holding of deposits, with the court accepting that it concerns remuneration for additional services.
Αναφορικά με το αίτημα της ΕΚΠΟΙΖΩ για επιστροφή των συνδρομών στους πελάτες που εντάχθηκαν αυτόματα στο πρόγραμμα, η τράπεζα απάντησε ότι η δικαστική απόφαση δεν έχει αναδρομική ισχύ. Ακόμη, σημείωσε ότι μια ενδεχόμενη διαδικασία επιστροφών θα ήταν ιδιαίτερα σύνθετη, καθώς θα απαιτούσε έλεγχο για το ποιοι πελάτες αξιοποίησαν τις πρόσθετες υπηρεσίες και ποιοι όχι. Το συνολικό ύψος των χρεώσεων παραμένει κάτω από τα 8 ευρώ ανά λογαριασμό.
