SEB to open free accounts for Ukrainians fleeing war

SEB will open SEB bank accounts free of charge for any Ukrainian citizens who have left the war zone and will not charge the fee for its Sumanu ("Smart") plan.

"As a financial institution, we can contribute and help by providing our services in a simpler, easier and free way, therefore, we will open free bank accounts for Ukrainians who have fled the war, and we will not charge the fee for our Sumanu ("Smart") service plan. This will allow refugees to access essential financial services free of charge," says Eglė Dovbyšienė, Member of the Board and Head of Retail Banking at SEB.

To open a bank account, citizens of Ukraine are invited to register for a visit to a SEB branch online or by phone at +370 5 268 2800 (Monday to Friday, 8 am to 8 pm).

SEB also reiterates that, starting from 24 February this year, international money transfers to Ukraine in any currency are free from SEB fees. However, the payee's bank or intermediary banks may apply their own fees to the payer and/or the payee.

The bank points out that the technical implementation of this solution may take some time, so if a SEB fee has been charged, it will be refunded to the customer's account shortly.

If possible, the bank recommends making transfers in euro, which would help the money reach the payee's account faster.