Best Bank Accounts for Foreigners in Poland (2026)
The best bank accounts for foreigners in Poland are mBank eKonto (best English app, free with 1 card transaction/month), ING Konto Mobi (best overall app, free with 1,000 PLN income/month), and PKO BP Konto za Zero (largest branch network, free with 5 card transactions/month). All three offer English-language mobile banking and support for BLIK instant payments.
Choosing the right bank in Poland can save you hundreds of zloty per year and hours of frustration. This comparison is based on real experiences of foreign residents, covering fees, English support, app quality, and the practical details that matter when you do not speak fluent Polish.
What to Look for in a Polish Bank Account
Before diving into specific banks, here are the factors that matter most for foreigners:
- English language support — both in the app/website and at branches
- Account fee conditions — what you need to do to keep the account free
- Ease of opening — can you apply online, and how much paperwork is involved?
- BLIK support — Poland's ubiquitous instant payment system
- International transfer costs — how much you pay to send money abroad
- ATM network — free withdrawals and coverage
- Card options — Apple Pay/Google Pay support, contactless, multi-currency
mBank eKonto Personal — Best for Expats Overall
mBank is the default recommendation in every expat group in Poland, and for good reason. They figured out early that foreigners are a growing customer segment and invested in English-language services.
Monthly fee:
Debit card: Visa or Mastercard, free if you make 5+ transactions per month (otherwise 7 PLN/month). Apple Pay and Google Pay supported.
English support: Full English mobile app, English online banking, and English-language customer service hotline. The app interface is clean and intuitive — arguably the best-designed banking app in Poland.
Opening process: Can be completed entirely online for EU citizens. Non-EU citizens may need one branch visit for ID verification, but the initial application is online. They accept passport-only applications (no PESEL needed initially), which is a massive advantage when you first arrive in Poland.
BLIK: Full BLIK support including BLIK transfers to phone numbers, BLIK payments, and BLIK ATM withdrawals.
International transfers: SEPA transfers free. SWIFT transfers around 20 PLN plus the bank's exchange rate (not great — use Wise for large international transfers).
Drawbacks: Smaller branch and ATM network than PKO BP. The nearest branch might be far if you live outside a major city. Customer service wait times can be long during peak hours.
ING Bank Śląski Konto Mobi — Best Mobile Experience
ING has been on an aggressive modernization push and their Moje ING app is arguably the most feature-rich banking app in Poland.
Monthly fee:
Debit card: Visa, free with at least 1 transaction per month. Google Pay and Apple Pay supported.
English support: English mobile app available. Online banking has English option. Phone support in English available but can require longer wait. Branches in Warsaw, Kraków, and Wrocław typically have English-speaking staff.
Opening process: Online application with video verification for EU citizens. Non-EU citizens need a branch visit. Slightly more documentation required than mBank — they typically want PESEL from the start.
Standout features: The app includes budgeting tools, instant notifications, and an excellent spending categorization system. Their savings goal feature is well-designed. ING also offers a decent savings account that you can manage directly from the app.
Drawbacks: Slightly smaller branch network than PKO BP. The 1,000 PLN minimum income requirement for a free account might be an issue for students or part-time workers.
PKO Bank Polski Konto za Zero — Largest Network
PKO BP is Poland's largest and oldest bank. If you live outside major cities or need frequent in-person banking, PKO's network of 1,000+ branches and 3,000+ ATMs is unmatched.
Monthly fee:
Debit card: Visa or Mastercard, free with conditions (5 transactions/month). Apple Pay and Google Pay supported.
English support: The iPKO app has an English version that has improved significantly. Online banking available in English. Branch experience varies — Warsaw and Kraków branches are better; smaller towns may not have English-speaking staff.
Opening process: Available online with video verification for EU citizens. Non-EU citizens need a branch visit with full documentation (passport, Karta Pobytu, PESEL).
Standout features: The largest ATM and branch network in Poland means you are never far from a PKO BP point. Their IKO mobile payment system is well-integrated. They also offer a good range of loan products if you plan to borrow later.
Drawbacks: The app, while improved, still feels less modern than mBank or ING. The condition of 5 card transactions per month for a free account is more demanding than competitors. Bureaucracy in branches can be frustrating.
Santander Poland Konto Jakie Chcę — The Flexible Choice
Monthly fee:
Debit card: Visa, free with at least 1 transaction per month.
English support: Mixed. The app has English language option. Branch experience depends heavily on location — Santander in Warsaw tends to be good, but smaller branches are hit-or-miss.
Why consider Santander: They are often more flexible with non-standard employment situations. If you work on umowa zlecenie rather than umowa o pracę, Santander staff tend to be more experienced in handling your situation. They also have competitive mortgage offerings if home buying is in your future.
Drawbacks: English support is less consistent than mBank or ING. The app design is functional but unremarkable.
Revolut, Wise, and Neo-Banks: The Supporting Cast
I recommend these as complements to a Polish bank account, not replacements. Here is where each excels:
Wise (formerly TransferWise)
The best option for international money transfers. If you regularly send money to your home country, Wise's mid-market exchange rates and transparent fees will save you significantly compared to any Polish bank. Their multi-currency account and debit card are useful for travel. However, Wise is not a bank — deposits are not covered by the BFG (Bankowy Fundusz Gwarancyjny — Poland's deposit guarantee fund).
Revolut
Good for multi-currency spending and budgeting tools. The free tier gives you 1,000 EUR-equivalent in fee-free currency exchange per month, which is great for travelers and people managing money in multiple currencies. Their investment and crypto features are bonuses. Again, not a full replacement for a Polish bank — you get a Lithuanian IBAN, not a Polish one.
N26
Available in Poland with a German IBAN. Similar limitations to Revolut — not a local bank, so employers and utilities may not accept it. Useful as a secondary account for Euro-denominated transactions.
Understanding BLIK — Poland's Payment Revolution
Every bank account comparison for Poland needs to mention BLIK because it has fundamentally changed how Poles (and now expats) pay for things. BLIK is a mobile payment system developed by the Polish banking sector that works through your bank's app.
How it works: open your bank app, tap the BLIK icon, and get a 6-digit code. Enter this code at a payment terminal, in an online shop, or at an ATM. The transaction is confirmed in your app. That is it — no card needed, no contactless limits, works everywhere in Poland.
BLIK transfers are especially useful: you can send money to anyone using just their phone number, and it arrives instantly and free. This has basically replaced bank transfers for person-to-person payments in Poland.
All four banks reviewed above support BLIK fully. It is one of the main reasons you want a Polish bank account — BLIK only works with Polish banks.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Here is a quick summary to help you decide:
- Just arrived, need an account fast: mBank — they accept passport-only applications and have the smoothest online process for foreigners.
- Best all-round banking experience: ING — the best app, good English support, and solid product range.
- Living outside major cities: PKO BP — their branch and ATM network covers even small towns.
- Non-standard employment: Santander — more flexible with umowa zlecenie and B2B workers.
- Sending money abroad regularly: Any Polish bank + Wise as your transfer tool.
My Recommendation
If I had to pick one bank for a foreigner arriving in Poland today, it would be mBank. The combination of English support, easy opening process, and a genuinely good app is hard to beat. Open an mBank account first, then add a Wise account for international transfers, and you are set.
If you are already settled and want a more feature-rich banking experience, ING is an excellent upgrade. And if you are planning to stay long-term and want the most extensive branch network for in-person services (including eventual loan applications), PKO BP is worth considering as a second account.
Whatever you choose, set up your account before you need it. The worst time to navigate Polish banking bureaucracy is when you urgently need to receive your first salary or pay an overdue utility bill.
People also ask
Can I open a Polish bank account with just a passport?
EU citizens can open accounts at most banks with just a passport or national ID. Non-EU citizens typically need a passport plus Karta Pobytu. A few banks, notably mBank, will open accounts for non-EU citizens with just a passport (no PESEL required initially), though services may be limited until you provide additional documentation.
Which bank has the lowest ATM withdrawal fees?
Most Polish banks offer free ATM withdrawals at their own network. For cross-bank withdrawals, fees are typically 3-5 PLN. To minimize costs: mBank customers can withdraw free at any mBank, Planet Cash, and Euronet ATMs. PKO BP has the largest own-ATM network. ING offers free withdrawals from Planet Cash and ING ATMs. For abroad, Wise or Revolut cards usually offer better rates.
Do I need to declare my Polish bank account in my home country?
Many countries require tax residents to declare foreign bank accounts. US citizens must file FBAR (FinCEN 114) if combined foreign account balances exceed $10,000 at any point during the year, and FATCA reporting on Form 8938. UK residents must declare foreign accounts and income on their Self Assessment. Check your home country's specific requirements — penalties for non-disclosure can be severe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Polish bank is best for English speakers?
mBank is widely considered the best for English speakers. Their mobile app and online banking are fully available in English, and their customer service hotline has English-speaking agents. ING Bank Śląski is a close second with good English app support and staff in major city branches.
Are there free bank accounts in Poland?
Yes, most Polish banks offer accounts that are free with conditions — typically requiring a minimum monthly income deposit (1,000-2,500 PLN) or a minimum number of card transactions (3-5 per month). If you meet these conditions, you pay nothing. Otherwise, monthly fees range from 5-15 PLN, which is still very reasonable.
Can I use Revolut as my main account in Poland?
Not really. Revolut provides a Lithuanian IBAN, not a Polish one. Many Polish employers require a PL IBAN for salary payments. Direct debits for utilities often require a Polish bank. And Revolut transactions do not contribute to your BIK credit history. Use Revolut alongside a Polish bank, not instead of one.
Do Polish banks charge for international transfers?
SEPA transfers within the EU/EEA are typically free or cost 1-5 PLN in most Polish banks. SWIFT transfers outside SEPA are more expensive: usually 20-40 PLN per transfer plus unfavorable exchange rates. For regular international transfers, consider using Wise or Revolut alongside your Polish bank account.
What is BLIK and how does it work?
BLIK is Poland's instant payment system, integrated into every major bank app. It generates a 6-digit code you use for in-store payments, online shopping, ATM withdrawals, and person-to-person transfers. It is free to use, works instantly, and has become the most popular payment method in Poland. Every bank account comes with BLIK access.
Can I open a business account as a foreigner?
Yes, if you have registered a business in Poland (działalność gospodarcza in CEIDG or a company in KRS). You will need your business registration documents, PESEL, NIP, and REGON. mBank and ING offer business accounts with English support. Fees are higher than personal accounts: typically 0-29 PLN/month depending on the bank and plan.
Do Polish banks have good mobile apps?
Polish banking apps are generally excellent — often better than those in Western Europe. mBank and ING consistently rank among the best in Europe for mobile banking. Features include instant transfers via BLIK, biometric login, spending analytics, card management, and even stock trading in some apps. All major bank apps are available in English.
What happens to my account if my Karta Pobytu expires?
Your bank account remains active even if your Karta Pobytu expires, but the bank may restrict certain services (like applying for new credit products) until you provide a renewed document. They will not close your account. Update your residence permit information at the bank as soon as you receive your renewed Karta Pobytu.