Opening a bank account is one of the first practical steps after moving to Poland. Here’s which banks are popular, what documents a foreigner needs, and what has changed in the rules by 2026.

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Which banks operate in Poland

One of the biggest advantages of doing business in Poland is a stable banking system. The market includes both local banks and banks with foreign capital. The vast majority of banks have their own online banking systems, so you can pay for goods and services online regardless of which bank holds your account.

The most popular banks in Poland in 2026 still include:

Alongside traditional banks, multi-currency services like Revolut and Wise have become increasingly popular with both foreigners and locals, convenient for international transfers and holding money in several currencies, but they don’t replace a full Polish bank account for receiving a salary, paying ZUS/taxes, or signing a rental contract.

How to open an account

Staff at most banks speak English, so limited Polish usually isn’t a problem.

What to bring with you:

1. A passport with a valid visa. An account can be opened either on the basis of a residence permit or with a regular visa. 2. Karta Pobytu (a temporary residence permit, permanent residence permit, or EU long-term resident card), if you already have one. 3. One additional document (e.g., an internet or electricity bill); some banks may ask for this.

Some banks may set extra requirements or limit cooperation with foreigners on a visa; the rules differ from bank to bank.

A customer shows a passport and Karta Pobytu to a bank clerk while opening an accountA customer shows a passport and Karta Pobytu to a bank clerk while opening an account

Important 2026 update: many banks now let foreigners open an account fully remotely, via video verification, without visiting a branch. Practice still varies a lot: some banks require a PESEL number and an in-person visit, others accept just a passport plus a Karta Pobytu. Check the specific bank’s requirements before applying.

Getting your first loan

The first time you apply for a loan at a Polish bank, you can only expect a modest amount. Once loan obligations are repaid, this information is recorded in BIK (Biuro Informacji Kredytowej, the Credit Information Bureau), and future decisions about larger amounts, including mortgages, are based on that history. For a closer look at how this works in practice, see our separate guide, Getting a Loan or Mortgage in Poland.

Interest rates on loans and deposits

Interest rates are set by the Monetary Policy Council (RPP, Rada Polityki Pieniężnej). Rate levels in Poland move in cycles tied to inflation, so it’s worth checking actual deposit (“lokata”) and loan rates directly at the time you open your account, for example, on specialized Polish deposit-comparison sites.

Keep in mind that income from bank deposits and dividends is subject to a flat 19% tax, known as the “Belka tax” (podatek Belki) after the finance minister who introduced it. As of 2026, this tax is still in force unchanged at 19% on capital income. Reforms are being discussed (a personal investment account, OKI, with tax relief, plus a new asset tax) that could take effect roughly from 2027, but they don’t eliminate the 19% rate itself.

How much does it cost to open an account

Since 2018, every bank in Poland has been required to offer clients a free basic payment account (podstawowy rachunek płatniczy); this rule, stemming from an EU directive, still applies unchanged in 2026.

A standard debit card is usually also free as long as you use it regularly (a few transactions per month); exact conditions differ between banks.

Transfers between Polish banks run through the ELIXIR system. Regular transfers are free, while urgent ones (Express Elixir) carry a small fee. Paying by card in stores comes with no extra fees in Poland.

Deposit guarantees

Poland’s deposit guarantee system is run by the Bankowy Fundusz Gwarancyjny (BFG). If a bank goes bankrupt, depositors are compensated up to €100,000; this limit is set by the EU deposit guarantee directive and hasn’t changed in recent years, so it’s still current in 2026.

You can check the list of banks covered by the BFG scheme on the fund’s website: bfg.pl.

FAQ

Can a foreigner open an account without a Karta Pobytu? Yes, with a passport and valid visa, but requirements differ between banks.

Is the Belka tax on deposits still in force? Yes, the 19% rate remains unchanged as of 2026.

Is there a guarantee that I’ll get my deposit back if the bank goes bankrupt? Yes, up to €100,000 through the BFG scheme.

If you’re opening an account to run a business as a B2B contractor (JDG), keep in mind: having a business account by itself has no bearing on the risk of your B2B contract being reclassified as employment under the PIP 2026 reform. If you’re not sure how it applies to your contract, that’s exactly what the MojaFirma legal team can help with.