Opening a bank account in Poland: your right to a free basic account
Short answer: Polish banks must offer a basic payment account in zlotys to consumers without another zloty account, and must decide within 10 working days of a complete application.
A bank account is one of the first practical things you need in Poland. Salary, rent, utilities and most daily payments run through one. The good news is that the law gives every consumer the right to a basic payment account, and several banks open accounts for foreigners, in some cases without a PESEL number. This guide explains what the law guarantees, what a bank can refuse you for, and what to prepare. Details come from the Polish Financial Ombudsman (Rzecznik Finansowy), the Financial Supervision Authority (KNF) and Bankier.pl, read on 13 October 2026.
The basic payment account
Under the Payment Services Act, every bank, branch of a foreign bank and credit union that offers consumer accounts must offer a basic payment account (podstawowy rachunek płatniczy). Credit unions (SKOK) only serve their members. The rules were set in 2016 to put an EU directive into Polish law, and banks have had to offer it since 8 August 2018.
What the account is:
- A zloty account for consumers who do not have another payment account in zlotys in Poland.
- It covers deposits, cash withdrawals in EU states, card payments in shops and online, transfers, standing orders and direct debits.
- Domestic payments on it are free. Under the KNF guidance a bank may charge only for each domestic transfer after 5 free ones a month, and for each cash operation at another provider's ATM after 5 free ones a month.
- The bank cannot charge for issuing the debit card.
- It cannot be linked to any credit product, so no credit card.
The Ombudsman notes that a person with a paid account can switch to this free one, and that there is no waiting period after closing another account.
How long the bank has
You can apply in a branch, online or by phone. The bank must sign the contract or tell you it refuses within 10 working days of a complete application. For an application filed electronically, the bank may give you at least 10 working days to sign in a branch, or sign remotely.
When a bank can say no
The Ombudsman lists the reasons a bank may refuse a basic account. The ones that matter for newcomers are:
- You already hold another payment account in zlotys.
- You run a business.
- Your identity document has expired.
- You have no address of residence in Poland.
- You did not sign the contract in time.
- The bank suspects a crime, such as money laundering.
Check the address point before you apply. If you are in Poland on a short stay and have no address, the basic account may be refused.
Can you open an account without a PESEL?
Bankier.pl, a Polish financial portal, writes that some banks, such as Bank Millennium, Santander Bank Polska and BNP Paribas, can open an account for a foreigner without a PESEL, with a foreign passport and a document confirming stay or a rental contract. Another portal, TotalMoney.pl, says you will generally need a passport and legal stay, and a Polish phone number in most banks. Bank policies change, so ask the bank before you go. This is the practical part, not the law: the right to a basic account is set in the Act, and everything else is each bank's own policy.
What to bring
- Passport or other valid ID.
- Proof of legal stay, such as a residence card, visa or a registration certificate for EU citizens.
- Proof of an address in Poland, such as a rental contract.
- A Polish phone number, which most banks use for sign-in and card approval.
- Your PESEL if you already have one.
Choosing between a basic account and a normal one
A normal personal account often has more features: a mobile app with instant top-ups, a credit limit, foreign-currency cards and sometimes free international transfers. The basic account is a safety net with limited features. If a bank charges you for a normal account, you may switch to the basic one at any time. If you work and need regular payments, ask a bank about a normal account first, and use the basic one as the fall-back.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have the right to a bank account in Poland?
Yes, a basic payment account in zlotys, if you are a consumer without another zloty payment account. The bank can refuse for reasons listed in the law, such as no address in Poland.
Is the basic account free?
Domestic payments are free, and the debit card has no issue fee. The bank can charge after 5 domestic transfers a month and 5 cash operations at other providers' ATMs.
How fast must the bank decide?
Within 10 working days of a complete application.
Can I open an account without a PESEL?
Some banks do it, according to Bankier.pl, with a passport and proof of stay. Ask the bank first.
Can I get a credit card with it?
No. A basic account cannot have a credit product linked to it.
