Blink Transfers: The Rising Costs of Instant Mobile Money Transfers in Bulgaria
As the New Year dawns, the once cost-effective and instant mobile money transfer service known as Blink is seeing a significant price hike across Bulgarian banks. This service, which allows users to transfer funds using a mobile number instead of an IBAN, has surged in popularity due to its convenience and speed. However, 2025 marks a shift as banks begin to introduce fees for these previously low-cost or free transactions.Developed in 2021 by the BORICA Card Payments Banking Organization,Blink transfers have become a staple for both individuals and businesses. The service’s real-time, 24/7 functionality makes it ideal for scenarios like splitting dinner bills or pooling funds for gifts. According to BORICA, 1.35 million Blink transfers were made in Bulgaria in 2024, accounting for every fifth transaction. This trend is expected to grow, but with rising costs, users may need to rethink their reliance on this once-budget-friendly service.
The New Fee landscape
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Until recently, many banks offered Blink transfers either free or for a nominal fee of BGN 0.50. However, 2025 brings a wave of tariff changes.
- DSK and UBB, two of Bulgaria’s largest banks, continue to offer fee-free transfers up to BGN 100, with DSK extending this policy until the end of 2025.
- Central Cooperative Bank remains fee-free for transfers up to BGN 300.
- UniCredit Bulbank now charges 70 cents for intrabank transfers and BGN 1.20 for interbank transfers.
- First Investment Bank imposes a fee of 50 cents for intrabank transfers and BGN 1 for interbank transfers.
- Post Bank charges BGN 1.20 for individuals and BGN 1.47 for companies.
- Investbank sets a flat fee of BGN 1.50 for both intrabank and interbank transfers.
broader Banking Fee Increases
The fee hikes aren’t limited to Blink transfers. Banks are also adjusting other service costs.
- UBB is increasing fees for cash deposits and withdrawals,with ATM deposit fees set to rise from May.
- Post Bank is raising prices for account openings, monthly services, and cash desk transactions.
Key Takeaways
| Bank | Blink Transfer Fees | Other Fee Changes |
|———-|———————–|———————–|
| DSK | Free up to BGN 100 (until 2025) | None |
| UBB | Free up to BGN 100 | Increased deposit/withdrawal fees |
| Central Cooperative Bank | Free up to BGN 300 | None |
| UniCredit Bulbank | 70 cents (intrabank), BGN 1.20 (interbank) | None |
| First Investment Bank | 50 cents (intrabank), BGN 1 (interbank) | None |
| Post Bank | BGN 1.20 (individuals), BGN 1.47 (companies) | Higher account and service fees |
| Investbank | BGN 1.50 (intrabank and interbank) | None |
What’s Next for Users?
As banks adjust their pricing structures,users must stay informed about these changes to avoid unexpected costs. For those relying on Blink transfers, it’s worth exploring which banks still offer free or low-cost options.
Blink remains a convenient tool for instant money transfers,but its affordability is now under scrutiny. With the dynamic growth of this service, users may need to balance convenience with cost as the banking landscape evolves.
Stay updated on the latest banking fee changes by visiting Economic.bg for detailed insights.
“Blink Transfers: Rising Costs and teh Future of Instant Mobile Money Transfers in Bulgaria – An Expert Interview”
As 2025 ushers in a wave of fee hikes for the popular Blink mobile money transfer service in Bulgaria, users are left wondering what this means for the future of instant, low-cost transactions. Developed by the BORICA Card Payments Banking Organization in 2021, Blink has become a go-to solution for individuals and businesses alike, facilitating real-time transfers using mobile numbers instead of conventional IBANs. With 1.35 million Blink transfers recorded in 2024—accounting for every fifth transaction—the service’s popularity is undeniable. Though, the introduction of new fees by major Bulgarian banks has sparked concerns about its affordability. In this interview, we sit down with Dr. Elena Petrova, a financial technology specialist, to explore the implications of these changes, the evolving fee landscape, and what users can expect going forward.
The Rise of Blink Transfers: Convenience Meets Cost
Senior Editor: Dr. Petrova, Blink transfers have become incredibly popular in Bulgaria due to their speed and convenience. Why do you think this service resonated so strongly with users?
Dr. Elena Petrova: Blink’s appeal lies in its simplicity. By allowing users to transfer funds using just a mobile number, it eliminated the need for complex IBAN details, making it accessible to everyone. Additionally, the real-time, 24/7 functionality made it ideal for everyday scenarios like splitting bills or sending money to family and friends. Its low-cost or free nature initially made it a no-brainer for users, but the recent fee changes are shifting that dynamic.
The New Fee Landscape: What’s Changed?
Senior editor: Let’s talk about the new fees. Can you break down how banks are adjusting their pricing for Blink transfers?
Dr. Elena Petrova: Certainly. Until now, many banks offered Blink transfers either free or for a nominal fee of BGN 0.50, but 2025 has brought notable changes. For example, DSK and UBB still offer fee-free transfers up to BGN 100, with DSK extending this policy until the end of 2025. Conversely, UniCredit Bulbank now charges 70 cents for intrabank transfers and BGN 1.20 for interbank transfers, while Post Bank imposes higher fees for both individuals and companies. These changes reflect a broader trend of banks monetizing services that were once offered at minimal or no cost.
Beyond Blink: broader Banking Fee Increases
Senior Editor: We’ve also seen fee increases for other banking services. How are these changes impacting users overall?
Dr. Elena Petrova: The fee hikes extend beyond blink transfers. For instance,UBB has increased fees for cash deposits and withdrawals,and Post bank has raised prices for account openings and monthly services. These changes are part of a broader strategy by banks to generate more revenue in a challenging economic environment. For users, this means that banking is becoming more expensive across the board, not just for Blink transfers.
What’s Next for Blink Users?
Senior Editor: With these changes, what should Blink users do to avoid unexpected costs?
Dr. Elena Petrova: users need to stay informed about the fee structures of their respective banks. For example,those who frequently make small transfers might benefit from switching to banks like Central Cooperative Bank,which still offers fee-free transfers up to BGN 300. It’s also worth exploring option payment methods to determine if they offer a better balance of convenience and cost. While Blink remains a convenient tool, users will need to weigh its benefits against the rising fees.
The Future of Blink Transfers in Bulgaria
Senior editor: what do you see as the future of Blink transfers in Bulgaria? will it maintain its popularity despite the fee increases?
Dr. elena Petrova: Blink’s real-time functionality and ease of use will likely keep it relevant,but its future growth may be tempered by the rising costs. As users become more cost-conscious, we might see a shift toward alternative services or even greater competition among banks to offer more attractive pricing. Ultimately, the success of Blink will depend on how well it can adapt to the evolving needs and expectations of its users.
Senior Editor: Thank you, Dr. Petrova, for your insights. It’s clear that while blink remains a powerful tool for instant transfers, users must stay vigilant about the changing fee landscape to make the most of it.
Stay updated on the latest banking fee changes and expert analysis by visiting Economic.bg for detailed insights.
