Poland is an upcoming economy in Europe. If you want to open bank account in Poland, we will provide you with a list of some of the best banks in Poland. If you are a foreigner, we will also help you identify the best Polish bank account for foreigners. The improvement of the economy and its beautiful cities are attracting many expats to the country. The country has a rich cultural heritage and the local people are very amicable hence attracting people to live and study in its towns.
If you wish to live in Poland, opening a bank account is a key priority. Opening a bank account in Poland is an easy process. This article will guide you on the necessary steps in opening a bank account.
How to Open a Bank Account in Poland
- You can open a Polish bank account for non residents remotely within 10 business days. However, if you are a resident, you can open a bank account with a Poland bank within 1 business day.
- You can open different types of accounts like PLN, EUR, USD and GBP. You can also get multi-currency Visa cards which you can use to spend online and withdraw from ATMs from anywhere.
- You can also open Polish bank account online and enjoy convenient online banking and mobile applications.
Free bank accounts for Ukrainians in Polands. Following the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, there are banks that allow Ukrainian refugees in Poland to open Polish bank account without proof of residence.
Contents
- 1 What documents are needed to open a Polish bank account?
- 2 Is it possible to open a bank account from abroad?
- 3 Polish Bank Account for Non residents
- 4 Bank Account in Poland for Foreigners
- 5 Best Bank in Poland for Foreigners and Expats
- 6 Banking charges
- 7 Online banks in Poland as an alternative
- 8 Further reading
What documents are needed to open a Polish bank account?
Opening a bank account in Poland is a straightforward process especially if you are a resident. However, some banks do not provide financial products for non-residents. If you are a resident, the following are the required documents.
- A passport or a national ID card
- Proof of residence such as a rental contract
- Proof of employment or banking history
Many banks have English-speaking staff and a vast network of ATMs and branches. Most of the banks have long opening hours.
Is it possible to open a bank account from abroad?
Some banks offer internet banking and online account opening for residents. If you are a resident, it is possible to open a bank account remotely.
If you are not in Poland and wish to open a bank account, Bank Millennium provides remote account opening. You will need to fill forms online and then visit a courier with your documents. Also, carry your bank card. The courier will confirm your identification card and then complete the other paperwork that is required.
It is possible to open bank account online in Poland using a virtual bank account with banks such as the following. These banks don’t offer a Polish IBAN, but you can use them all the same.
Polish Bank Account for Non residents
It is good to research about the bank branches the requirements needed. Proof of address is needed when opening an account as a non-resident. Some banks offer international accounts non-residents for specific uses and limitations.
Bank Account in Poland for Foreigners
If you are a foreigner and want to open Poland bank account, there are many best banks for foreigners in Poland you can use. You can opt to use online banks or some of the best international banks for expats.
Best Bank in Poland for Foreigners and Expats
Poland has a healthy and robust banking system. These banks offer a set of products to various groups ranging from expats, students to businesses and organizations. The banks also have a wide ATM network and branches. They also provide modern banking facilities such as bill payments and transfers. With these banks, you can easily open Polish bank account for non residents or foreigners.
Confirm from your local bank if it offers correspondent relationship with Polish banks. If they have such a relationship, then it will be easy to switch to a Polish bank. When choosing the best bank for expats, it is good you consider your banking needs. The following are the best banks in Poland for foreigners that you might consider opening an account with.
Free bank accounts for Ukrainians in Poland. Following the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, there are banks that allow Ukrainian refugees in Poland to open Polish bank account without proof of residence.
Alior Bank
Alior Bank offers banking services to both individual and businesses. customers. It has extensive network of branches as well as mobile and internet banking options.
MBank
MBank is an internet bank which focuses on desktop and mobile banking. It is a great bank to open account with in Poland. It takes advantage of third-party dealing with ATMs which serve its more than 5 million users. These ATMs charge small account fees.
Bank Pekao
Bank Pekao has been in operation for over 85 years with a vast network of ATMs and branches. The bank provides banking and financial services such as current accounts, savings account, card services and investment services. They provide phone and internet banking and they also have English-speaking staff and agents in their service centres.
Bank Millennium
Bank Millennium offers cashback deals if you have a free current account. It is one of the best bank for expats in Poland. It is also recognized as the best bank for students in Poland. The bank also provides banking services such as debit cards and credit cards. It also offers savings, investments, and current accounts and comes with a cashback deal.
PKO
PKO is among the largest banks in Poland. It offers a wide range of banking and financial products with retail banking solutions. PKO provides large retail and banking solutions such as business loans, mortgages and investments. It is rated as the best bank for foreigners in Poland.
Deutsche Bank Polska
The Deutsche Bank Group has been operating on the Polish market since 1990. It is one of the best international banks in Poland for foreigners. It has been doing business as Deutsche Bank Polska since October 1995. The bank offers banking services to individuals, Polish and foreign companies, international conglomerates, financial institutions and the public sector.
BNP Paribas Bank Polska
BNP Paribas Bank Polska, previously known as Bank BGŻ BNP Paribas, offers individual clients savings and investment products as well as a wide range of loans facilities. BNP Paribas is a member of the international BNP Paribas banking group. It is one of the best international banks in Poland.
ING Bank
ING Bank is one of the best commercial bank in Poland. It provides banking solutions such as savings, loans and mortgages. It is the best bank to open account with for both locals and foreigers.
Getin Noble Bank
Getin Noble Bank provides services to individual and business clients. The core business activity of Getin Noble Bank is retail banking.
Idea Bank
Idea Bank is a bank in Poland that began operations in 1991. The bank’s core service is the financial service of small business entities; micro, small and medium enterprises.
Crédit Agricole
Crédit Agricole offers a variety of services ranging from daily banking and personal accounts to loans, credit cards, savings products and even insurance products.
Banking charges
Before opening a bank account, visit the bank first to know its requirements of opening one, fees and inquire about the distribution of their branches and ATMs across the country. You can request for a list of charges from the agents. You will be in a position to decide on the bank that offers you the best services.
Some of the banks charges charged on accounts include fees to ensure that your account remains open and withdrawing fee from an ATM. Also, there are charges for moving money from one account to another.
Online banks in Poland as an alternative
In Poland, banks have high charges from money transfers, especially for expats. This is because banks do not operate under the mid-market rate which is the rate used by bank users to trade currency with other banks. They charge above this rate to make a profit. They also add SWIFT fee which in turn adds up making the process very expensive. At the end of the transaction, 10% of the amount transacted is spent in currency conversion.
It is possible to open bank account online in Poland using a virtual bank account with banks such as the following. These banks don’t offer a Polish IBAN, but you can use them all the same.
