Top 10 Best Banks in Poland for Foreigners (2026)

Opening a bank account in Poland is faster than ever in 2026 — most major banks no longer require a PESEL before you apply. Whether you’re an expat, a digital nomad, or setting up a business, this guide compares the top banks by fees, English-language app support, and how easy it is for foreigners to get started.

With a strong and rapidly expanding banking sector, Poland provides a variety of options for personal and business banking. However, choosing the right bank can feel overwhelming if you’re new to the Polish market.

In this guide, you’ll discover the top 5 best banks in Poland for foreigners, along with practical tips to help you pick the best fit for your business or personal financial needs.

Overview of Polish Banking System

Poland boasts one of the most stable and well-regulated banking systems in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). With a strong financial infrastructure, a growing digital banking sector, and stringent regulations aligned with the European Union (EU), Poland’s banking industry is a key driver of the country’s economic growth.

Furthermore, as long as you provide the required paperwork, it is the best Polish bank for foreigners, and it is easy and can be completed in one week. Additionally, some banks in Poland provide low-cost or free accounts, while others levy monthly maintenance costs.

Best Banks in Poland for Foreigners

1. PKO Bank Polski

• PKO Bank Polski is the largest bank in Poland and has a wide range of products and services that cater to both individuals and businesses.
• The bank provides affordable rates for loans, mortgages, and deposits, and has a solid reputation for providing excellent customer service. 
• Opening a bank account in Poland‘s PKO Bank Polski provides a range of solutions to businesses that include accounts, loans, and cash management services.
• PKO Bank Polski has over 1,200 branches across Poland, making it incredibly convenient for customers who need to withdraw cash or make payments.

2. Bank Pekao

• Bank Pekao is one of Poland’s oldest banks and has been operating since 1929. The bank provides services to individuals, small businesses, and corporate clients.
• It offers a range of products, such as loans, mortgages, credit cards, and investment services. 
• Additionally, Bank Pekao offers Internet banking services so that users can access additional banking services, control their accounts, and initiate payments from any location in the world.

3. Santander Bank Polska

• Another one of the best Polish banks is Santander Bank Polska, which is a division of the massive Spanish banking group Banco Santander.
• The bank provides both individuals and companies with a large range of services, such as deposits, loans, mortgages, and investment products. 
• Santander Bank Polska has more than 500 branches and provides customers with 24/7 access to their accounts via online and mobile banking services.
• The bank is renowned for its dedication to providing excellent client service and its creative approach to banking.

4. mBank

• mBank is an online bank that prioritizes giving its clients a flawless online banking experience.
• The bank provides a number of financial services for both individuals and businesses, such as credit cards, loans, mortgages, and accounts. 
• mBank is known for its easy-to-use mobile app, which provides customers with instant access to their accounts, as well as features like mobile payments and money transfers.

5. ING Bank Śląski

• ING Bank Śląski is a subsidiary of the Dutch banking giant ING Group and has a significant presence in the Polish market, which is another one of the best banks in Poland. 
• The bank provides services to both individuals and businesses and offers a range of products, such as accounts, loans, mortgages, credit cards, and investment services.
• ING Bank Śląski also offers online banking services that provide clients with 24/7 access to their accounts.

6. Millennium Bank

Best for foreigners without PESEL: Millennium Bank stands out as the most accessible option for foreigners who haven’t yet obtained a PESEL number. Account opening requires only a valid passport, and the mobile app is available in English.

The Konto 360° account offers free ATM withdrawals in Poland and abroad, no monthly maintenance fee (if you make at least one card payment and receive 1,000 PLN monthly), and a free Visa debit card. Remote account opening is also available, making it a top choice for non-residents.

7.  Velo Bank

VeloBank is one of the few Polish banks offering a fully free account with no monthly fee and no conditions, plus up to 50 PLN in monthly cashback — making it a strong pick for foreigners who want zero-fee banking without meeting a minimum spend or income threshold. Account opening requires only a passport; no PESEL is needed. English-language support is more limited than at mBank or ING, so it suits users comfortable navigating a partly Polish interface.

8. BNP Paribas Poland

BNP Paribas Poland is best suited to foreign-owned companies and business owners needing a bank with international corporate banking experience. It accepts foreigners with a passport, and monthly fees range from 0–15 PLN depending on account tier. Its main strength is handling the heavier documentation that comes with company accounts — KRS extracts, board resolutions, and multi-currency business needs — rather than everyday personal banking.

9. Alior Bank

Alior Bank stands out for savings rather than everyday spending — it currently offers some of the highest savings account interest rates in Poland, around 5% APY. The standard current account has no monthly fee under normal activity conditions. It’s a good secondary account for foreigners who already have a primary bank for daily transactions and want a higher-yield place to park PLN savings.

10. CITI Handlowy

Citi Handlowy, operating in Poland since 1870 and now part of Citigroup, is geared toward corporate and international clients rather than everyday personal banking. It’s the strongest option for foreigners who need frequent international wire transfers or existing Citi relationships abroad. Fees vary by account tier, and English-language support is strong given its global corporate focus.

Fees & Features Comparison for Best Polish Banks

Best Bank in Poland for Your Situation

• No PESEL yet: Choose Millennium Bank or mBank. Both are practical options for newcomers in Poland, especially if you need to open a bank account before receiving your PESEL number.
• Non-EU national: PKO Bank Polski is often the safest choice for foreigners from India, Ukraine, Belarus, Georgia, and other non-EU countries. Its Konto bez Granic is designed for foreign residents and offers stronger in-branch support for document checks.
• Company owner in Poland: For a Polish business account, consider mBank, PKO Bank Polski, or ING Bank Śląski. Foreign-owned companies should be ready with KRS, NIP, REGON, board resolution, and shareholder documents.
• Digital nomad or remote worker: Use mBank or ING as your main Polish bank account and pair it with Wise for foreign-currency payments. Avoid using Revolut as your only account.
• Student under 26: mBank eKonto Studenckie is a strong option because it is designed for young students and usually has fewer account-maintenance requirements.
• Frequent traveler: Use Santander Bank Polska for international banking access and pair it with Revolut for everyday multi-currency spending.

Conclusion 

Opening a bank account with one of the best banks in Poland is a smart move for any foreign entrepreneur or expatriate looking to manage finances smoothly and grow a business in this dynamic Central European economy. Whether you prefer the extensive branch network of PKO Bank Polski, the trusted legacy of Bank Pekao, or the cutting-edge digital services of mBank and ING Bank Śląski, Poland’s banking sector has a solution tailored to your needs.

If you’re ready to set up your company and open your business bank account in Poland, our team of local experts is here to make the entire process hassle-free. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let’s build your success story in Poland together!

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