Open a Personal Bank Account in Poland at PKO BP, Pekao, or ING

Step-by-Step

1. 1

   Compare the three banks and read each Table of Fees and Commissions

   Taryfa opłat i prowizji

   1. Compare the standard personal accounts at the large banks — PKO BP Konto za Zero, Pekao Konto Przekorzystne, and ING Konto w Planie ING Go
   2. 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
   3. 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.

   PKO BP — Konto za Zero (pkobp.pl ↗) Bank Pekao — Konto Przekorzystne (pekao.com.pl ↗) ING — Table of Fees and Commissions (ing.pl ↗)
2. 2

   Confirm the bank opens accounts for your status

   1. 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
   2. 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
   3. 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. 3

   Gather your documents

   1. Bring a valid passport at minimum — the identity document most consistently accepted from foreigners
   2. Add a residence card or visa if you are a non-EU national, as evidence of legal stay
   3. 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.

   ⚠️ Watch out: 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. 4

   Open the account online or in a branch

   1. 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
   2. In a branch — the reliable route for foreigners, especially non-residents: present your passport in person and complete identity verification with a bank officer
   3. 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. 5

   Activate the account and receive your card

   1. Once the account agreement is signed, set up online and mobile banking with the credentials issued at opening
   2. A debit card is issued; the physical card is mailed or collected in branch, which adds a few days
   3. 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. 6

   Add your PESEL to bank and government services if applicable

   If you opened without a PESEL and one is later assigned to you

   1. If you opened a basic account without a PESEL, add it to the bank once it is assigned
   2. A PESEL generally makes online government and banking features in Poland smoother
   3. 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.