National Bank: Pensioners without Alta Bank cards can withdraw up to 20,000 denars at the counter

The National Bank of the Republic of North Macedonia announced a temporary measure to help pensioners who receive their pension through Alta Bank but do not hold payment cards: they will be able to withdraw up to 20,000 denars in a single counter payment.

From the governor's office, officials said a special disbursement procedure is being prepared for roughly 3,500 pensioners to ease their access to funds. The step is framed as a one-off arrangement designed to allow those without cards to collect part of their pension directly at bank counters.

“Of the total 11,500 pensioners who receive their pension through the bank, around 3,500 do not have payment cards. For them we are preparing a special solution for payment over the counter. The aim is to provide them with easier access to their funds, and the public will be informed as soon as all necessary details are determined. The National Bank is also reviewing possible solutions for companies that have funds in the bank and need to pay employees' salaries and settle tax and contribution obligations, bearing in mind that the statutory deadline for their payment is the 15th of the month,” Governor Trajko Slaveski said.

Companies with accounts also under review

The National Bank said it is also considering options for businesses with money on deposit at Alta Bank that must meet payroll and tax obligations. Officials emphasised that corporate obligations, including salaries and mandatory tax and contribution payments, are subject to a legal deadline of the 15th of the month.

No additional operational details or a timetable were released; authorities said the public will be promptly informed once the practical steps and safeguards are finalised.

The measure applies to pensioners who receive payments through Alta Bank and lack payment cards; the counter withdrawal is announced as a single opportunity to collect up to 20,000 denars.

Photo: SDK.MK)