--- title: "Open a Personal Bank Account in Poland at PKO BP, Pekao, or ING" country: poland service: "bank-account" category: finance difficulty: moderate estimated_time: "An online opening can complete the account agreement the same day where your documents fit the flow; a branch opening for foreigners is usually completed during the visit, with the debit card delivered over the following days. A rough overall window is about 5 days to 2 weeks before account and card are fully usable." cost_range: "Standard personal accounts at the three large banks currently advertise 0 zł monthly maintenance, but this is bank-specific and condition-dependent. The debit card can carry a 10 zł monthly fee unless a per-bank monthly card-use or inflow condition is met." last_verified: 2026-05-28 canonical: https://publicservices.guide/poland/bank-account/ status: current confidence: low tags: - banking - "current-account" - newcomer - "pko-bp" - pekao - ing - foreigner sources: - https://www.pkobp.pl/klient-indywidualny/konta/konto-za-zero - https://www.pekao.com.pl/klient-indywidualny/codzienne-bankowanie/konta-osobiste/konto-przekorzystne.html - https://www.ing.pl/indywidualni/tabele-i-regulaminy/tabela-oplat-i-prowizji - https://www.ur.edu.pl/en/university/welcome-centre/incoming-staff/personal-bank-account - https://media.pekao.com.pl/pr/737192/obywatele-ukrainy-jeszcze-latwiej-zaloza-konto-przekorzystne-w-banku-pekao --- # Open a Personal Bank Account in Poland at PKO BP, Pekao, or ING **Country:** 🇵🇱 Poland **Last verified:** 2026-05-28 **Estimated time:** An online opening can complete the account agreement the same day where your documents fit the flow; a branch opening for foreigners is usually completed during the visit, with the debit card delivered over the following days. A rough overall window is about 5 days to 2 weeks before account and card are fully usable. **Cost:** Standard personal accounts at the three large banks currently advertise 0 zł monthly maintenance, but this is bank-specific and condition-dependent. The debit card can carry a 10 zł monthly fee unless a per-bank monthly card-use or inflow condition is met. ## Required documents - **Passport** *(paszport)* - Most accepted for: Foreigners opening a standard personal account - Required: Original; must be valid - _Note:_ The *paszport* is the identity document most consistently accepted from foreigners at the large Polish banks. A Polish national ID card (*dowód osobisty*) is the standard for Polish citizens and is not held by most newcomers. - **Residence card or visa** *(karta pobytu)* - Required for: Non-EU nationals, as evidence of legal stay alongside the passport - Accepted as: Supporting identity and legal-stay document at some banks - _Note:_ Non-EU nationals are commonly asked for a *karta pobytu* or visa in addition to the passport. EU/EEA nationals typically face a lighter set — a passport or national ID plus an address. - **PESEL number** *(PESEL)* - Required: Requested by some banks at opening; others let you add it later - Format: 11-digit number, once assigned - _Note:_ Some large banks, including PKO BP, open a basic account without a PESEL and let you add it later; others ask for it at opening. Having a PESEL generally smooths the process. Confirm with the specific bank. - **Proof of a Polish address** - Examples: Rental agreement, recent utility bill, or other recent official correspondence - Required: Bank-specific; not every bank asks for it for a basic account - _Note:_ Some banks ask for confirmation of a Polish residential address; others do not require it for a basic account. Where asked, recent documents (commonly within about three months) are expected. ## Costs - **PKO BP Konto za Zero — account maintenance:** 0 PLN — PKO BP states account maintenance at 0 zł, described as unconditional for this account. This is the bank's own published term and is not a guarantee that applies across all banks or all accounts. - **PKO BP debit card — monthly fee:** 10 PLN — waived if At least 5 cashless card or BLIK transactions are made in the billing cycle — The 10 zł card fee is waived to 0 zł when the monthly transaction condition is met; otherwise it applies. The account-maintenance fee being 0 zł does not make the card automatically free. - **Bank Pekao Konto Przekorzystne — account maintenance:** 0 PLN — Pekao publishes a monthly account-maintenance fee of 0 zł for the standard account. Bank-specific term; not a universal guarantee across banks. - **Bank Pekao debit card — monthly fee:** 10 PLN — waived if In the previous month you make at least 1 card payment and receive a single external inflow of at least 500 zł — Standard multi-currency card. The fee is waived when the prior-month card-payment and inflow condition is met; otherwise a monthly card fee applies. Different age tiers may be free without conditions — confirm with the bank. - **ING Konto w Planie ING Go — account maintenance:** 0 PLN — Figures for ING are cited from the bank's published Taryfa opłat i prowizji, not quoted from a live page. Maintenance is stated as 0 zł, unconditional for the Go plan. Bank-specific term, not a universal guarantee. - **ING debit card — monthly fee:** 10 PLN — waived if Card purchases reach at least 300 zł in the billing cycle — Cited from ING's published Taryfa opłat i prowizji. The 10 zł card fee is waived when the monthly card-spend condition is met; otherwise it applies. - **ATM cash withdrawal at another bank's machine (optional):** 5–10 PLN — Withdrawals at the home bank's own ATMs (and BLIK withdrawals in Poland at PKO BP) are 0 zł. Card withdrawals at other banks' machines carry a fee that varies by bank — a flat 5 zł at ING and 10 zł at PKO BP, while Pekao charges a percentage with a minimum. Check your bank's Table of Fees and Commissions for the exact figure. ## Steps ### 1. Compare the three banks and read each Table of Fees and Commissions *(Taryfa opłat i prowizji)* - Compare the standard personal accounts at the large banks — PKO BP Konto za Zero, Pekao Konto Przekorzystne, and ING Konto w Planie ING Go - For each, note the account-maintenance fee and, separately, the debit-card fee and the monthly condition that waives it — these are different lines that behave differently - Decide your priority — PKO BP as the largest bank, Pekao for its English-language site, or ING's no-monthly-fee Go plan > **Tip:** Read each bank's *Taryfa opłat i prowizji* (Table of Fees and Commissions) rather than the marketing headline — that document is the binding source for what an account actually costs. _Links:_ - [PKO BP — Konto za Zero](https://www.pkobp.pl/klient-indywidualny/konta/konto-za-zero) - [Bank Pekao — Konto Przekorzystne](https://www.pekao.com.pl/klient-indywidualny/codzienne-bankowanie/konta-osobiste/konto-przekorzystne.html) - [ING — Table of Fees and Commissions](https://www.ing.pl/indywidualni/tabele-i-regulaminy/tabela-oplat-i-prowizji) ### 2. Confirm the bank opens accounts for your status - Check whether the bank opens accounts for non-residents if you do not yet have legal residence in Poland — this varies by bank and is decided case by case - Check whether the bank needs a PESEL at opening or lets you add it later; several large banks, including PKO BP, open a basic account without one - Note whether the bank asks for proof of a Polish address; some do, some do not for a basic account > **Tip:** Having a PESEL generally smooths the process and some banks ask for it, but it is not universally mandatory for a basic account — several banks open without one and let you add it afterwards. ### 3. Gather your documents - Bring a valid passport at minimum — the identity document most consistently accepted from foreigners - Add a residence card or visa if you are a non-EU national, as evidence of legal stay - Add your PESEL if you have one, and proof of a Polish address if the bank asks for it > **Tip:** EU/EEA nationals usually need a passport or national ID plus an address; non-EU nationals are commonly asked for the passport plus a karta pobytu or visa and proof of legal stay. > **If this fails:** If you do not yet hold the documents an online flow expects — a Polish ID or a PESEL — plan to open in a branch instead, where a passport and in-person verification are the reliable route for foreigners. ### 4. Open the account online or in a branch - Online — possible at some banks, for example PKO BP via the IKO app or iPKO with verification through mObywatel or a selfie plus an ID photo, or Pekao via PeoPay with a selfie and ID photo or login through another bank - In a branch — the reliable route for foreigners, especially non-residents: present your passport in person and complete identity verification with a bank officer - Bring all documents from the checklist; online routes often assume Polish documents or a PESEL > **Tip:** If an online flow stalls because it expects a dowód osobisty number or a PESEL, the branch route accepts a passport and in-person verification — this is the dependable path for newcomers without Polish documents. ### 5. Activate the account and receive your card - Once the account agreement is signed, set up online and mobile banking with the credentials issued at opening - A debit card is issued; the physical card is mailed or collected in branch, which adds a few days - Note any card condition needed to keep the card fee at 0 zł — for example a minimum number of card payments or a minimum monthly inflow, depending on the bank > **Tip:** Confirm your Polish IBAN once the account is open — you will need it for receiving a salary, paying rent, and setting up direct debits. ### 6. Add your PESEL to bank and government services if applicable _Applies when: If you opened without a PESEL and one is later assigned to you_ - If you opened a basic account without a PESEL, add it to the bank once it is assigned - A PESEL generally makes online government and banking features in Poland smoother - Some bank-mediated identity confirmations for online services work more reliably once a PESEL is linked > **Tip:** A PESEL is not always required to open a basic account, but linking it afterwards unlocks smoother access to Polish online services — see the sister PESEL guide if you do not yet hold one. ## FAQ ### Can a foreigner open a bank account in Poland? Yes. Foreigners can open personal accounts at the large Polish banks. The exact requirements depend on the bank and on whether you are a resident or a non-resident. A valid passport is the document most consistently accepted; non-EU nationals are commonly also asked for a residence card or visa and proof of legal stay. Whether a particular bank opens an account for a non-resident — someone without legal residence in Poland — varies by bank and is decided case by case, so confirm before assuming any single bank will open the account. ### Do I need a PESEL number to open an account? Not always. Several large banks, including PKO BP, open a basic account without a PESEL and let you add it later; others ask for it at opening. Having a PESEL generally makes the process smoother — and some banks ask for it — but it is not universally mandatory for a basic account. Confirm with the specific bank you choose. Online opening flows in particular often assume Polish documents or a PESEL, which is one reason foreigners frequently open in a branch instead. ### Is the account really free? The standard personal accounts at PKO BP, Pekao, and ING currently advertise 0 zł monthly account maintenance, but this is bank-specific and not a universal guarantee. The debit card can carry a 10 zł monthly fee unless a monthly condition is met: at least 5 cashless transactions at PKO BP, at least 1 card payment plus a single inflow of at least 500 zł at Pekao, or at least 300 zł in card spend at ING. Read each bank's Table of Fees and Commissions, which is the binding source for what an account actually costs — the marketing page only summarises. ### Can I open the account online, or do I have to go to a branch? Some banks offer online opening — for example PKO BP through its IKO app or iPKO, and Pekao through PeoPay with a selfie plus a photo of your ID document, or by logging in through another bank you already hold. However, online flows often assume Polish documents or a PESEL. Foreigners, and especially non-residents, frequently open in a branch, where physical presence and a passport are the reliable route and a bank officer verifies your documents in person. ### How long does it take? There is no single statutory processing time; it is a bank-operational figure that varies by bank and channel. The account agreement can be completed the same day online or in a branch once documents are verified. The physical debit card is then delivered, which adds a few days. A rough overall window for foreigners is about 5 days to 2 weeks before account and card are fully usable. Treat these as indicative operational ranges, not guarantees — the bank states its own timeline at opening. ### Are there age conditions on the free card? Some banks waive card conditions for younger customers. At Pekao, customers under 26 have the account and card free without the usual card-payment and inflow condition. At ING, customers aged 13 to 26 have the card free without the monthly card-spend condition. For customers above those age tiers, the standard monthly card condition applies. Confirm the current age rule with the bank, as these tiers are set per bank. ### What about Revolut or N26? Digital providers such as Revolut and N26 can be a fast first option for newcomers, but they are not full Polish-domiciled banks. For a salary account, local direct debits, and bank-mediated identity confirmation through Polish online services, a personal account at an established Polish bank is the anchor. Many newcomers use a digital provider as an interim tool and a Polish bank account as the main one. ### ING changed its account names — which one do I open now? ING moved its personal accounts to the subscription-style Konto w Planie range — Go, More, Extra, and Max — on 22 April 2026, replacing the older Konto z Lwem accounts for new customers. The Go plan is the no-monthly-fee entry tier. If you see an older product name on a comparison site, check ING's current personal-account line rather than relying on the discontinued name. ## Sources - [PKO Bank Polski (official)](https://www.pkobp.pl/klient-indywidualny/konta/konto-za-zero) — accessed 2026-05-28 — _T1_ — PKO Bank Polski's Konto za Zero personal account states account maintenance at 0 zł (0 zł za prowadzenie konta), unconditional for this account. The debit card is 0 zł per month when at least 5 cashless card or BLIK transactions are made in the billing cycle (min. 5 transakcji bezgotówkowych kartą lub BLIKIEM w jej okresie rozliczeniowym); otherwise 10 zł per month. PKO-ATM and BLIK withdrawals in Poland are 0 zł; card withdrawals at other banks' ATMs in Poland are 10 zł. Online opening is via the IKO app or iPKO with verification through mObywatel or a selfie plus ID photo; branch opening is available for foreign nationals with a passport, and a basic account may be opened without a PESEL upfront. - [Bank Pekao S.A. (official, KRS 0000014843)](https://www.pekao.com.pl/klient-indywidualny/codzienne-bankowanie/konta-osobiste/konto-przekorzystne.html) — accessed 2026-05-28 — _T1_ — Bank Pekao's Konto Przekorzystne personal account states monthly account maintenance of 0 zł for the standard account (opłata miesięczna za prowadzenie konta wynosi 0 zł). The standard multi-currency debit card is 0 zł when, in the previous month, the customer makes at least 1 card payment (1 płatność tą kartą) and receives a single external inflow of at least 500 zł (wpływ jednorazowy na minimum 500 zł); otherwise a monthly card fee applies. Customers under 26 have the account and card free without conditions. The account is offered from age 13. Online opening references a PESEL number and a dowód osobisty number, with identity verified by selfie and a photo of the ID document, or by logging in through another bank. - [ING Bank Śląski S.A. — Table of Fees and Commissions (official)](https://www.ing.pl/indywidualni/tabele-i-regulaminy/tabela-oplat-i-prowizji) — accessed 2026-05-28 — _T1_ — Cited from ING Bank Śląski's published Table of Fees and Commissions, as the bank's web pages render as a script shell. The Konto w Planie ING Go personal account states account maintenance of 0 zł, unconditional. The debit card is 0 zł per month when card purchases reach at least 300 zł in the billing cycle; otherwise 10 zł per month, and the card is free without conditions for customers aged 13 to 26. Cash withdrawals at ING and Planet Cash ATMs are 0 zł; withdrawals at other banks' ATMs are 5 zł, with the first such withdrawal in the month free for customers over 26. ING replaced its older Konto z Lwem personal accounts with the Konto w Planie range (Go, More, Extra, Max) on 22 April 2026. - [University of Rzeszów — Welcome Centre (institutional)](https://www.ur.edu.pl/en/university/welcome-centre/incoming-staff/personal-bank-account) — accessed 2026-05-28 — _T2_ — Corroborating institutional guidance for foreigners: a passport is the core identity document; non-EU residents are generally asked for a residence card or visa and proof of legal stay; some banks ask for proof of a Polish address (utility bill or rental agreement, commonly not older than around three months); a PESEL is not required by all banks for a basic account. Foreigners, especially non-residents, generally open in person at a branch, and an indicative overall window is roughly 5 days to 2 weeks plus the time to deliver the card. - [Bank Pekao S.A. — press/media (official)](https://media.pekao.com.pl/pr/737192/obywatele-ukrainy-jeszcze-latwiej-zaloza-konto-przekorzystne-w-banku-pekao) — accessed 2026-05-28 — _T2_ — Corroborating that document requirements and eased opening rules vary by nationality and applicant group, illustrating that bank requirements for opening Konto Przekorzystne are case-dependent rather than uniform across all foreigners. --- Verification pending — see the canonical page for the latest trust state. Canonical: https://publicservices.guide/poland/bank-account/