A list of banks in Poland

Looking to open a new bank account in Poland? If you’ve just relocated, you might be looking for the best way to manage your money.

Finding a Polish bank account is likely to be a priority on your arrival in the country. Only which one do you choose and how do you go about opening an account?

As banks offer a variety of options, it’s worth doing your research before you get there. To make it easier, we’ve put together a list of top banks in Poland, the account types they offer and some helpful info on how the Polish banking system works.

We’ll even show you an alternative to a bank which could save you money - the Wise account.

So, read on for the info you need to start managing your finances overseas.

Banking in Poland (an overview)

The retail banking market in Poland is relatively small. However, it is much improved compared to the monopolised system of the 1990s, with far more options available for customers.

You should find opening a Polish account to be relatively straightforward. Although varies between banks, you’ll usually need to provide the following documents:¹

• Photo ID (e.g. your passport)
• Residence card (Karta Pobytu) or signed declaration of residency.

Polish banks, like others elsewhere, often charge a monthly maintenance fee for current accounts. Some banks do offer low-cost or zero-fee accounts though so it’s worth shopping around.

There are many ATMs available in Polish cities and towns, though they are harder to find in rural areas. If you have a Polish bank account, ATMs are very often free to use. But note, when making withdrawals with foreign cards there may be transaction fees and currency exchange charges.

If you need to transfer money overseas you could also be hit with high fees for international transfers.

To keep costs down, consider using an alternative such as the Wise account. It’s ideal for international transactions, and could help you save money during your move abroad.

Please see the Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise fees & pricing for the most up-to-date information on pricing and fees.

Top 3 popular banks in Poland

Now, let’s take a look at some of your options when it comes to choosing a bank in Poland.

The larger banks tend to be better for international customers as you can manage your finances in multiple languages. Here are some of the biggest and most popular Polish banks:

PKO Bank

PKO Bank is one of the oldest, and currently the largest bank in the Polish financial market.²

It offers current accounts for your daily banking needs, savings accounts, credit and debit cards, investment funds, mortgages and insurance products. You can also make digital payments with its handy IKO mobile banking app.

You can choose from their Account for Zero or Account for Young (an account for 13-26 year olds). And, provided you meet certain conditions, these accounts have zero maintenance fees.³

If you’re prepared to pay more there is the Konto Without Borders account, which comes with additional features.

Bank Handlowy

Bank Handlowy was formed in 2001 from the merger between Citibank (Poland) SA and Bank Handlowy w Warszawie SA. This is a bank with an international presence, so if you bank with them already it may be the best option for you.

It offers a range of products for retail banking customers. This includes current and savings accounts, as well as credit and debit cards, investment solutions, insurance and mortgages.

For day to day money management, Bank Handlowy offers a choice of accounts. These include the basic zero-fee CitiKonto, or the Citigold and Citigold Private Client accounts which have additional benefits for a monthly fee.⁴

Mobile payments can be made easily and conveniently through the Citi Mobile app.

Bank Pekao

One of the larger Polish banks, Bank Pekao is another option to consider. Its offer includes current accounts for the daily management of your finances, as well as a variety of insurance, savings and investment products.

Designed for expats and those leading an international life is Bank Pekao’s Foreign Currency account. This money management solution lets you receive payments in a foreign currency, and there are zero maintenance and cash withdrawal fees.⁵ It also includes a multi-currency card.

Other accounts to meet your everyday needs include their Basic and Young People’s accounts.

Top online bank accounts in Poland

Along with traditional banks, you can choose to bank online in Poland. If you don’t want or need access to physical branches, then you may find this the easiest, most transparent and convenient way of managing your finances.

Online only options in Poland include:

• mBank - the first online-based Polish bank, which is renowned for its innovative digital products. You can set up an eAccount in minutes and manage your money through the mBank mobile app.
• Revolut - an app-based digital bank, which offers a choice of monthly plans, starting with the free Standard plan. All include a debit card so you can start spending and help with budgeting. Extra features are added the more you pay for your monthly plan.
• N26 - a fully digital bank offering customers a Standard zero-fee bank account, which is app based.⁶ There’s the option to upgrade to Smart, You or Metal accounts to get additional benefits. An account with N26 can be opened from your phone with no paperwork.

Manage your money internationally? Check out the Wise account

If you want to send money internationally, or use your debit card when you travel, you could find it expensive with a Polish bank.

So, it’s good to be aware that there’s a money-saving alternative available. Open a Wise account, and you can send money worldwide, to 150+ countries for low fees and fair exchange rates.

You can even get an international debit card for spending in 150+ countries, including Poland. It automatically converts your pounds to Polish Zloty at the mid-market exchange rate and a low conversion fee, whenever you spend.

This makes it ideal for expats and anyone else who regularly travels abroad.

Please see the Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise fees & pricing for the most up-to-date information on pricing and fees.

Sources used:

Sources last checked on date: 03-Aug-2023