Bank Pekao SA, founded in 1929 specifically to serve Polish émigrés in the US, France and Argentina, is the second-largest bank in Poland (after PKO BP) by assets. It serves 6.1 million customers through 600+ branches and the English-language PeoPay mobile app. The lowest cash loan APR at Bank Pekao is currently 8.19%.
Why choose Bank Pekao?
- Founded in 1929 specifically to serve the Polish diaspora — continuous experience with cross-border customers
- Multi-currency accounts (PLN, EUR, USD) supporting foreign-pension and EUR salary deposits
- English-language PeoPay app and Pekao24 web banking
- Polish mortgages available to citizens earning in EUR, GBP, CHF and other EU currencies
- Second-largest branch network in Poland — convenient in-person service during visits home
- Leading position in serving corporate clients and large companies
- PeoPay app with BLIK, NFC payments and fund investing
- Over 90 years of history and a strong "Żubr" brand synonymous with stability
Editorial rating
- Offers 4.4
- Service 4.3
- Online banking 4.5
- Costs 4.3
About the bank Bank Pekao
Bank Polska Kasa Opieki (Bank Pekao) was founded in 1929, initially to serve Polish émigrés abroad, mainly in the United States, France and Argentina. After the transformation of the Polish economy, the bank became one of the pillars of the Polish banking sector. Between 1999 and 2017 its majority shareholder was the Italian UniCredit group. In 2017 a controlling stake was bought back by PZU and the Polish Development Fund, restoring majority Polish ownership.
Today Bank Pekao serves over 6.1 million customers through around 600 branches, 1,700 ATMs and the PeoPay mobile app. It offers the full product range: cash loans, mortgages, personal accounts (Konto Przekorzystne), deposits, credit cards, investment products and advanced corporate banking. The bank is supervised by KNF and is a member of BFG.
Bank Pekao's diaspora roots are literal: the bank was founded in 1929 specifically to serve Polish émigrés in the United States, France and Argentina. That founding mission still shapes the bank's positioning today. Pekao continues to operate dedicated services for the Polish diaspora — multi-currency accounts (PLN, EUR, USD), foreign-pension transfer support and dedicated branches in larger cities for in-person service during visits home. PeoPay and Pekao24 are available in English alongside Polish, with customer service handling English inquiries during Polish business hours.
For Polish citizens working in Germany, the United Kingdom, Ireland or other EU countries, Bank Pekao offers SEPA Credit Transfer for euro transfers, foreign-currency mortgages on Polish property (accepting EUR, GBP, CHF and other EU-zone income), and stable institutional backing through PZU and the Polish Development Fund (PFR) as majority shareholders. The 600+ branch network — the second-largest in Poland — is accessible during visits home, which many diaspora customers value over fully-digital alternatives.
Compared with fintech accounts like Revolut, Wise or N26, Pekao serves the Polish-domestic banking role that fintechs do not provide: BIK credit history that other Polish banks recognise, Polish-denominated mortgages on Polish property, ZUS and Urząd Skarbowy integration for tax and social-security remittance from abroad, and corporate banking for those running a Polish business while based abroad. Cross-border Polish residents commonly hold both — Pekao for Polish-domestic finance, a fintech account for daily eurozone spending.
Active offers
We show the currently active offers and always link to the latest version.
Cash loans
View all offers →Pożyczka Ekspresowa
Bank Pekao
- APR
- 8.19%
- Amount
- 20,000 PLN
- Term
- 48 months
- Instalment
- 487 PLN
Consolidation loans
View all offers →Pożyczka Konsolidacyjna
Bank Pekao
- APR
- 8.19%
- Amount
- 30,000 PLN
- Term
- 60 months
- Instalment
- 607 PLN
Mortgages
View all offers →Kredyt hipoteczny
Bank Pekao
- APR
- 5.75%
- Amount
- 400,000 PLN
- Term
- 30 months
- Instalment
- 2,296 PLN
Kredyt hipoteczny
Bank Pekao
- APR
- 8.26%
- Amount
- 400,000 PLN
- Term
- 30 months
- Instalment
- 2,838 PLN
Kredyt hipoteczny
Bank Pekao
- APR
- 6.05%
- Amount
- 400,000 PLN
- Term
- 30 months
- Instalment
- 2,322 PLN
Personal accounts
View all offers →Konto Przekorzystne
Bank Pekao
- Monthly fee
- Free
Konto Przekorzystne (do 26 lat)
Bank Pekao
- Monthly fee
- Free
Business accounts
View all offers →Konto Biznes z Żubrem w promocji i 4200 zł premii
Bank Pekao
- Monthly fee
- 0 – 15 PLN
Savings accounts
View all offers →Konto oszczędnościowe
Bank Pekao
Konto oszczędnościowe
Bank Pekao
Pros and cons
Pros
- Founded with a diaspora mission — practical for Polish citizens abroad
- Multi-currency accounts and English-language app
- Wide branch network — convenient for customers who prefer in-person service
- Strong business banking, including SME and corporate
- Stability — the second-largest Polish-capital bank after PKO BP
- Comprehensive product range under one roof
Cons
- The mobile app, while good, slightly trails the leaders (mBank, Santander)
- PLN-to-EUR FX spread higher than dedicated fintech FX providers
- Standard offers are sometimes less competitive than promotional ones
- Credit formalities slower than at digital-first banks
How to apply — Bank Pekao
Bank Pekao SA, founded in 1929 to serve Polish émigrés abroad, is Poland's second-largest bank with multi-currency accounts and English PeoPay app.
- 1
Find a Pekao offer
Compare Bank Pekao products in our ranking — loans, accounts, deposits.
- 2
Go to the bank
Click the CTA to go directly to the application page on pekao.com.pl.
- 3
Fill in the application
Use the PeoPay app, Pekao24 or visit the nearest branch with your ID and income documents.
- 4
Await the decision
Existing customers receive a decision faster thanks to pre-approvals. New customers — usually within 1–2 business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Bank Pekao serve the Polish diaspora?
Yes — this is one of Pekao's historical strengths. The bank was founded in 1929 specifically to serve Polish émigrés in the United States, France and Argentina, and continues to operate dedicated diaspora-focused services. Multi-currency accounts (PLN, EUR, USD), foreign-pension transfer corridors and English-language banking make Pekao a common choice for Polish citizens abroad.
Can I open a Bank Pekao account from Germany or the UK?
Yes. Pekao accepts remote account opening via mObywatel verification or selfie identity check, supported by EU residence documents alongside Polish ID. The PeoPay app and Pekao24 web banking offer English interfaces. Card delivery is to a Polish address by default; international delivery is available on request.
Does Pekao support SEPA transfers from Germany or France?
Yes. Bank Pekao participates in SEPA Credit Transfer for euro-denominated transfers within the eurozone and the wider EEA. Transfers from German, French, Dutch or Irish banks complete same-day with no SEPA fee for euro transfers. PLN-to-EUR conversion is applied at Pekao's daily spread.
Can I get a Polish mortgage from Pekao while working abroad?
Yes. Bank Pekao accepts foreign-currency income (EUR, GBP, CHF, USD) in mortgage creditworthiness calculations. Polish citizens earning in Germany, the UK, Ireland or the US commonly use Pekao for property purchases in Poland, with documented foreign employment contracts and tax returns. Loan-to-value, Recommendation S and DTI thresholds apply.
What is the difference between Bank Pekao and PKO BP?
PKO BP is the largest bank in Poland by assets and customer base (~11.5 million), while Pekao is second (~6.1 million customers). Both banks have majority Polish capital and offer the full spectrum of banking products. Pekao has historically been stronger in corporate banking and has the deeper diaspora-mission legacy.
How much does Konto Przekorzystne at Pekao cost?
Konto Przekorzystne is free if you meet conditions: a salary deposit at a certain level or card activity. Without meeting these conditions the fee is a few złoty per month. Exact thresholds are on pekao.com.pl in the pricing section.
Does Pekao offer cash loans online?
Yes. You can apply for a Pekao cash loan via PeoPay, Pekao24 or at a branch. Existing customers often have a pre-approved offer with a fast credit decision.
What is the maximum mortgage amount at Pekao?
Bank Pekao offers mortgages with high credit limits, depending on your creditworthiness and property value. Repayment periods can reach 30 years. Both variable and 5-year temporarily fixed rate options are available.
Is Bank Pekao safe?
Yes. Bank Pekao is supervised by KNF, is a BFG member and is listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange. Its main shareholders are PZU and PFR — entities controlled by the Polish State Treasury. Deposits are insured up to EUR 100,000.
What are Pekao deposit rates?
Pekao regularly runs promotional deposit offers for new money at rates significantly above standard. Current rates are in our deposit ranking, which pulls data directly from banks.
Other banks
kreddo.pl is an independent financial comparison service and is not a credit broker within the meaning of the Polish Consumer Credit Act. The data presented is pulled from bank APIs and updated in real time. Final loan terms are determined individually by the bank.