How to Open a Bank Account in Poland as a Foreigner (2026 Guide)

Q: Can I open a bank account in Poland without a PESEL number?

Standard Polish bank accounts at major banks (mBank, ING, PKO BP, Santander, Millennium) require a PESEL number. If you do not have one yet, you can use digital banks like Revolut or Wise temporarily. Some smaller banks and credit unions may accept passport-only identification, but their services are limited. We strongly recommend getting your PESEL first .

Q: Which Polish bank has the best English-language app?

mBank and Millennium have the most comprehensive English-language mobile apps, covering virtually all features. ING and Santander also offer strong English support. PKO BP's app has partial English translation — most core functions work but some settings menus remain in Polish.

Q: How long does it take to open a bank account in Poland?

Online opening takes 15 to 30 minutes and the account is active immediately. In-branch opening takes 30 to 60 minutes. In both cases, your physical debit card arrives by mail within 5 to 10 business days. You can start using online banking, BLIK, and receiving transfers immediately after the account is opened.

Q: Can my employer pay my salary to a Revolut or foreign bank account?

Legally yes, but many Polish employers prefer or require a Polish IBAN (starting with PL) for salary payments. Revolut provides a Lithuanian IBAN (starting with LT), which some payroll systems may not accept. To avoid complications, open a Polish bank account for salary deposits.

Q: Are there any hidden fees with Polish bank accounts?

The main zero-fee accounts (mBank eKonto, ING Direct, etc.) are genuinely free for basic usage. Hidden costs to watch for include: ATM withdrawals at other banks' machines (3-5 PLN), international SWIFT transfers (20-40 PLN), and currency conversion spreads (2-4%). Paper statements and SMS notifications may also carry small fees if not switched to digital alternatives.

Q: What is BLIK and do I need it?

BLIK is Poland's instant mobile payment system, integrated into every major bank's app. It generates a 6-digit code for payments, ATM withdrawals, and person-to-person transfers. You absolutely need it — BLIK is accepted at over 90% of online stores in Poland and is the preferred payment method for splitting bills with flatmates , paying for deliveries, and everyday purchases.

Q: Can I transfer money internationally from a Polish bank account?

Yes. All major Polish banks support SEPA transfers (free to other EU countries) and SWIFT transfers (20-40 PLN fee, 2-5 business days). For better exchange rates and lower fees on international transfers, consider using Wise or Revolut alongside your Polish bank account.

Domkaspot Editorial

Feb 21, 2026•15 min read

How to Open a Bank Account in Poland as a Foreigner (2026 Guide)

Introduction: Why You Need a Polish Bank Account

Opening a bank account in Poland is one of the first practical steps you will face after moving to Poland. Whether you are an expat professional, Erasmus student, or digital nomad, a local bank account is essential for paying rent, receiving your salary, setting up utilities, and managing daily expenses without excessive foreign transaction fees.

While digital alternatives like Revolut and Wise can cover some short-term needs, a Polish bank account (konto bankowe) remains necessary for many administrative processes. Employers typically require a Polish IBAN for salary payments, landlords prefer local bank transfers for rent, and certain government services — including tax refunds — are paid directly to Polish accounts.

The good news is that Poland has a competitive, modern banking sector with several banks that actively welcome international customers. Many offer fully English-language mobile apps, zero-fee accounts, and even the ability to open an account online. This guide covers everything you need to know to choose the right bank and get set up in 2026.

Best Banks for Foreigners in Poland: Comparison

Poland has over 30 commercial banks, but five stand out as the best options for foreigners due to their English-language support, digital capabilities, and foreigner-friendly opening processes.

Bank	Monthly Fee	English App	PESEL Required	Online Opening	Free ATM Withdrawals	Best For
mBank	0 PLN (eKonto)	Yes (full)	Yes	Yes (with PESEL)	Unlimited at mBank ATMs	Best overall for expats — fully digital, zero fees
ING Bank Slaski	0 PLN (Direct)	Yes (full)	Yes	Yes (with PESEL)	Unlimited at Planet Cash ATMs	Strong app, good savings rates
PKO BP	0 PLN (Konto za Zero)	Partial	Yes	Yes (limited for foreigners)	3 free at PKO ATMs	Largest branch network, useful for in-person help
Santander Bank Polska	0 PLN (Konto Jakie Chce)	Yes (full)	Yes	Yes (with PESEL)	Unlimited at Santander ATMs	Good international transfers, English branch support
Bank Millennium	0 PLN (Konto 360)	Yes (full)	Yes	Yes (with PESEL)	Unlimited at Millennium ATMs	Competitive currency exchange, solid app
Alior Bank	0 PLN (Konto Mega)	Partial	Yes	Yes	Limited free withdrawals	Good for tech-savvy users, modern interface
Nest Bank	0 PLN	No	Yes	Yes	Limited	Budget option, simple products

Our Top Pick: mBank

For most foreigners, mBank is the best choice. Their eKonto personal account has zero monthly fees, a fully English mobile and web banking app, free BLIK payments (Poland's dominant instant payment system), and excellent online opening capabilities. mBank was one of the first fully digital banks in Europe and their technology is consistently rated among the best in the Polish market.

mBank also allows you to create a Profil Zaufany (trusted government profile) directly through their banking app, which is invaluable for accessing Polish e-government services online.

Runner-Up: ING Bank Slaski

ING's Konto Direct offers a similar zero-fee, English-friendly experience with a particularly strong savings product (Otwarte Konto Oszczednosciowe) that earns competitive interest on your idle funds. ING's app is clean and intuitive, and their Planet Cash ATM network is one of the largest in Poland.

Documents Required to Open a Bank Account

The exact documents required vary by bank and your nationality, but here is the standard set you should prepare.

Essential Documents

Valid passport — your primary identification document. EU citizens can alternatively use a national ID card.
PESEL number — required by all major Polish banks. If you do not have one yet, see our PESEL guide.
Visa or residence permit — non-EU citizens must show a valid national visa (Type D), temporary residence permit (karta pobytu), or student visa.
Proof of address in Poland — a rental contract or zameldowanie confirmation. Having a verified rental through Domkaspot makes this straightforward.
Tax identification — your PESEL serves as your tax ID in Poland. If you are a non-resident for tax purposes, you may need your home country's tax ID number.

Additional Documents Some Banks May Request

Employment contract or university enrollment confirmation
Proof of income or source of funds (for compliance purposes)
Polish phone number (needed for SMS verification and BLIK)
Email address

Step-by-Step: Opening a Bank Account in Poland

There are two main ways to open a bank account in Poland: online or in-branch. Here is how each process works.

Option 1: Opening Online (Recommended)

Most major Polish banks now support fully online account opening for foreigners with a PESEL number. The process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Step 1: Visit the bank's website or download their app. Select 'Open Account' and choose the English language option.
Step 2: Enter your personal details — name, PESEL number, passport number, address, email, and Polish phone number.
Step 3: Verify your identity. Most banks use a selfie verification process where you photograph your passport and take a live selfie. Some banks (mBank, ING) also support video verification calls in English.
Step 4: Sign the contract electronically using an SMS code sent to your Polish phone number.
Step 5: Set up online banking access. You will receive login credentials and be prompted to install the mobile app.
Step 6: Your account is active immediately. You will receive your IBAN and can start receiving transfers. A physical debit card is mailed to your address within 5 to 10 business days.

Option 2: Opening In-Branch

If you prefer face-to-face service, encounter issues with online verification, or do not yet have a Polish phone number, visiting a branch is the reliable alternative.

Step 1: Find a branch. For mBank, ING, and Santander, use their branch locators online and look for locations marked as having English-speaking staff. In Warsaw, branches in Srodmiescie, Mokotow, and Wola are most likely to have English-speaking advisors.
Step 2: Bring all required documents (passport, PESEL confirmation, visa/residence permit, proof of address).
Step 3: An advisor will walk you through the account options and help you complete the application. Allow 30 to 60 minutes for the appointment.
Step 4: You will sign the contract, receive your account details, and set up mobile banking on the spot.
Step 5: Your debit card is either issued at the branch (some locations) or mailed to your address.

Understanding Polish Banking Features

Polish banking has some unique features and systems that differ from what you may be used to in your home country.

BLIK: Poland's Instant Payment System

BLIK is Poland's homegrown mobile payment system and it is everywhere. It generates a temporary 6-digit code in your banking app that you can use for online purchases, in-store payments, ATM withdrawals (cardless), and instant person-to-person transfers using just a phone number. Over 90% of online stores in Poland accept BLIK, and it is often the fastest checkout option.

All major Polish banks support BLIK through their mobile apps. Once your account is active, BLIK works immediately — no separate registration needed.

Transfer Types

Polish banks support several transfer types. Standard domestic transfers (przelew krajowy) are typically processed within the same business day if submitted before the cutoff time (usually 2:00 PM). Express transfers (przelew natychmiastowy or Express Elixir) arrive within seconds but may carry a small fee (1-5 PLN). SEPA transfers to other EU countries cost the same as domestic transfers under EU regulations.

Multi-Currency Accounts

If you receive income in EUR, USD, or GBP, consider opening a multi-currency account alongside your PLN account. mBank, Millennium, and Santander all offer multi-currency accounts that let you hold and convert between currencies at competitive rates within the same banking app.

Digital Alternatives: Revolut, Wise, and N26

If you are arriving in Poland before you have a PESEL, or if you want a backup account with excellent international transfer capabilities, digital banks can fill the gap.

Service	PESEL Required	Polish IBAN	PLN Account	Best Use Case	Limitations
Revolut	No	No (Lithuanian IBAN)	Yes	Travel, currency exchange, temporary use before PESEL	Not accepted by some Polish employers for salary; no BLIK
Wise	No	No (Belgian IBAN)	Yes (via balance)	International transfers, freelance income	Not a full bank account; limited local integration
N26	No	No (German IBAN)	No (EUR only)	EU citizens with EUR income	No PLN account; limited local utility
Zen.com	No	Yes (Polish IBAN)	Yes	Cashback, multi-currency	Smaller brand, less established

Our recommendation: open a Revolut or Wise account before you arrive in Poland for immediate payment capabilities, then open a proper Polish bank account (mBank or ING) once you have your PESEL number. This two-step approach ensures you are never without a way to pay for housing, groceries, and transport.

Banking Fees and Costs to Watch

While most Polish bank accounts are marketed as free, there are potential fees to be aware of.

Fee Type	Typical Cost	How to Avoid
Monthly account fee	0-15 PLN	Choose a zero-fee account (mBank eKonto, ING Direct, Santander Konto Jakie Chce)
Debit card fee	0-7 PLN/month	Most are free with regular card usage (1+ transaction/month)
ATM withdrawal (own network)	Free	Use your bank's own ATMs or partner network
ATM withdrawal (other banks)	3-5 PLN	Stick to your bank's ATM network; use BLIK for cashless payments
International transfer (SEPA)	0 PLN	EU transfers are free under EU regulation
International transfer (SWIFT)	20-40 PLN	Use Wise for non-SEPA international transfers instead
Currency conversion	2-4% spread	Use Revolut or Wise for better FX rates; some banks offer competitive rates in-app
Account closure	0 PLN	No fee at any major bank
Paper statements	5-10 PLN	Switch to electronic statements (free)

Tips for Smooth Banking in Poland

After helping thousands of internationals settle in Poland, here are the most practical banking tips we can share.

Get your PESEL first. Every major bank requires PESEL. Prioritize getting your PESEL number immediately after finding housing.
Get a Polish SIM card before visiting the bank. You need a Polish phone number for SMS verification, BLIK, and two-factor authentication. Prepaid SIMs from Play, Orange, or T-Mobile cost 5-25 PLN and can be purchased at any kiosk with just your passport.
Download the bank's app immediately. Polish banking is mobile-first. Almost everything — transfers, BLIK payments, card management, currency exchange — is done through the app.
Set up BLIK right away. It will become your primary payment method within days. Virtually every store, restaurant, and online shop in Poland accepts BLIK.
Keep your Revolut or Wise as a backup. Use it for international transfers and travel, while your Polish account handles daily life.
Learn the word 'przelew'. It means bank transfer and is the most common payment method for rent, utilities, and larger purchases in Poland.
Save your bank's emergency number. If your card is lost or stolen, you will need to block it immediately. Most banks have 24/7 English-language emergency lines.
Consider setting up Profil Zaufany through your bank. mBank and several others let you create this digital government ID through their platform, which unlocks online access to tax filing and other government services.

Common Issues and Solutions

Even with good preparation, you may encounter some obstacles. Here are the most common issues and how to resolve them.

Bank Refuses to Open Account

This occasionally happens, especially at branches with less experience serving international customers. Common reasons include expired visa, missing documents, or the branch advisor being unsure about foreign document requirements. Solution: try a different branch (preferably in a city center or expat-heavy district), try a different bank, or attempt the online opening process instead.

Address Verification Problems

Some banks require proof of address (zameldowanie or rental contract) that matches the address you provide during account opening. If you are living in temporary accommodation or a sublet without a formal contract, this can be challenging. Solution: secure verified, formal housing through a platform like Domkaspot where all rental agreements are proper and landlord-verified.

Online Verification Failure

Automated identity verification systems sometimes struggle with foreign passports, especially those with non-Latin characters or unusual formatting. If the selfie verification fails, you typically receive an option to verify via video call with a bank representative or visit a branch in person. Do not be discouraged — this is a technical limitation, not a rejection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account in Poland without a PESEL number?

Which Polish bank has the best English-language app?

How long does it take to open a bank account in Poland?

Can my employer pay my salary to a Revolut or foreign bank account?

Are there any hidden fees with Polish bank accounts?

What is BLIK and do I need it?

Can I transfer money internationally from a Polish bank account?

Open Your Polish Bank Account Today

A Polish bank account is the financial foundation of your life in Poland. With the right bank, the process is quick, free, and entirely manageable — even if you do not speak Polish. Our recommendation for most foreigners is mBank's eKonto: zero fees, full English app, excellent BLIK integration, and seamless online opening.

Remember the key sequence: first secure your housing through Domkaspot, then get your PESEL number, then open your bank account. Each step builds on the previous one. With verified housing and a cooperative landlord, the entire process from arrival to fully functional bank account can be completed in under two weeks.

For a complete overview of all the administrative steps involved in settling in Poland, read our comprehensive relocation guide.

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