Banking in Poland
Poland has a modern, well-developed banking system with excellent digital infrastructure. Mobile banking and contactless payments are widespread, and many banks offer English-language services.
Opening a Bank Account
Requirements:
- Valid passport or EU ID card
- PESEL number (often required, but some banks waive this)
- Proof of address (rental agreement or utility bill)
- Sometimes: employment contract or residence permit
Easiest banks for foreigners:
| Bank | Best For | Monthly Fee | English Support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Millennium | Easiest opening, no PESEL needed | PLN 0-8 | Yes |
| mBank | Digital-first, modern app | PLN 0 (conditions) | Yes |
| Santander | Wide branch network | PLN 0-8 | Yes |
| BNP Paribas | Streamlined expat process | PLN 0-10 | Yes |
| PKO BP | Largest bank, most ATMs | PLN 5-10 | Limited |
Pro tip: Millennium Bank is the most foreigner-friendly — they don't require a PESEL or residence permit for account opening.
PESEL Number
PESEL (Powszechny Elektroniczny System Ewidencji Ludności) is Poland's national ID number:
- Required for most banking, tax, and government interactions
- Obtained when registering your address (zameldowanie) at the local gmina office
- EU citizens: automatic upon address registration
- Non-EU: obtained with residence permit application or can request at gmina
Payment Methods
Card payments:
- Contactless payments (zbliżeniowo) universally accepted
- BLIK — Poland's national mobile payment system, extremely popular
- Visa/Mastercard widely accepted
- Apple Pay/Google Pay growing rapidly
- Cash still used at smaller shops and markets
BLIK — Polish Payment Innovation:
- Mobile payment system integrated into all major banking apps
- Generate a 6-digit code to pay in stores, online, or send money
- Free transfers between BLIK users (instant)
- Used by over 70% of Polish smartphone users
- Essential to set up once you have a Polish bank account
International Transfers
Options:
- SEPA (within EU): Free or €0.50-2, 1-2 business days
- SWIFT (international): PLN 30-80, 2-5 days
- Wise (TransferWise): Low fees, mid-market rates
- Revolut: Multi-currency account, competitive rates
- Western Union/Ria: Cash pickup available
Digital Banking
Mobile apps:
- Polish banking apps are among the best in Europe
- BLIK integration in all major bank apps
- mBank and Millennium have fully English-language apps
- Two-factor authentication standard
Online-only options:
- Revolut (Polish IBAN available)
- N26 (EU-wide)
- Wise (multi-currency)
Tips for Immigrants
First steps:
- Get your PESEL number (or go to Millennium Bank without one)
- Open a PLN bank account
- Set up BLIK for mobile payments
- Register for online banking
- Set up standing orders for rent and bills
Common pitfalls:
- Some branches may refuse foreign applications even if head office says it's fine — try another branch
- In-person first visit is mandatory at most banks
- Processing takes 5-14 days for card delivery
- FATCA/CRS reporting applies to foreign residents
Pro Tips
- •Millennium Bank opens accounts without PESEL — best for newcomers
- •Set up BLIK immediately — it is the most common payment method in Poland
- •Get your PESEL number as soon as possible — needed for almost everything
- •mBank and Millennium have full English-language mobile apps
- •Use Wise or Revolut for international transfers — much cheaper than banks
Have questions about banking in Poland?