How to open a bank account in Poland

Why you should open a bank account in Poland?

A Polish bank account allows you to:

• Receive salary from a Polish employer

• Pay rent and utilities easily

• Use local payment methods (e.g. BLIK)

• Avoid foreign card fees and poor exchange rates

• Access mobile banking and contactless payments

Many employers and landlords expect you to have a Polish account, especially for long-term stays.

Who can open a bank account in Poland?

Both EU and non-EU citizens can open a bank account in Poland. The exact requirements vary by bank and sometimes even by branch.

In general:

• EU/EEA citizens can usually open an account with a valid ID or passport.

• Non-EU citizens may be asked for additional documents, such as a residence permit or proof of address in Poland.

• Some banks are more flexible with newcomers, while others require more formal documentation.

Required documents

Different banks require different documents confirming your identity and legal status in Poland. Check in advance whether your passport is enough to open a bank account. It may not be sufficient – a bank might request another ID, your visa or a residence card while you are still in the process of obtaining one.

Not every bank requires a PESEL number, but in practice it makes the process much easier and unlocks more services (such as online onboarding and full mobile banking features).

Can you open a bank account online?

For Polish citizens, fully online onboarding is common. For foreigners, it depends on the bank and your documents:

• Some banks require an in-branch visit for identity verification.

• A few banks offer video verification, but availability for non-Polish citizens is limited and can change.

• In most cases, newcomers should be prepared to visit a physical branch at least once.

Fees and charges

Think thoroughly about the kind of activities you want to be able to perform with your bank account. Do you want to make international money transfers? Do you prefer to always have cash on you and have a habit of using ATMs every single day? Remember that some fees depend on the number of transactions you make or your monthly income transferred to the account. In the table below you can see that there are not many extra charges if you use your account and card actively and that usually withdrawing money from ATMs is free only when you use dedicated cash machines. Make sure you read the fine print and do your research in advance, so that the type of bank account you decide on does not charge too much when it comes to your preferred banking activities.

Always check:

• Monthly account fee

• Card fee

• ATM withdrawal rules

• International transfer and currency exchange fees

Popular banks in Poland (foreigner-friendly options)

Policies change often, but newcomers commonly consider banks such as:

• PKO BP
• mBank
• ING Bank Śląski
• Santander Bank Polska
• Bank Millennium

Availability of English-speaking staff and documentation varies by branch and city, so it’s worth visiting a few branches if the first one says “no”.

Practical tips for newcomers

• Visit branches in larger cities – staff are more likely to speak English.
• Bring all documents you might possibly need (passport, residence card, rental contract, PESEL if you have one).
• Be patient: different branches of the same bank may interpret rules differently.
• Ask about English-language online banking and customer support.
• If one bank refuses, try another – experiences vary a lot.

Frequently asked questions

Can I receive my salary on Revolut or Wise?
Some employers accept it, but many prefer or require a Polish bank account.

How long does it take to open an account?
If all documents are accepted, the account can be opened the same day. Cards usually arrive by post within a few days.

Can I open a Polish bank account if I don’t have a permanent address yet?
Yes, in many cases you can. Some banks accept a temporary address (e.g. hotel, serviced apartment, or employer-provided accommodation) at the account opening stage. However, you may be asked to update your address later once you have a permanent place of residence. Requirements vary by bank and even by branch, so it’s best to confirm this during your visit.