Basic fees for bank accounts in Poland

In the twentieth-first century, having a bank account is a must for any entrepreneur. No one will take you seriously if you operate only in cash and cannot provide a bank account number to your clients, suppliers, or public authorities. Good banking relationship will make life easier for you. However, when choosing a bank make sure to check what bank fees and charges you will be obliged to pay.

There are several things to bear in mind when choosing a bank. Offer for small business is usually different from offer for big corporations. Check what type of client you are to the bank and look into the offer and bank regulations that are right for you. An important document for every bank account holder is a table of fees and charges stipulating the costs you will have to cover if you open an account.

Although account opening is usually free of charge, basically all banks impose a fee on their clients for account management. This means each month your account will be debited a fee, even if you had performed no operations. Receiving bank statements on paper will most likely cost you money as well. Stick to electronic versions if you do not want to incur unnecessary costs.

If you are an international trader, you will most likely need an account in currency other than Polish zloty, or perhaps even more than one. The most popular kinds of accounts in foreign currency are EUR, USD and GBP accounts. Make sure to check what are your bank’s charges for executing wire transfers to other countries. Receiving payments from abroad may also come at a price. Poland is a member of the Single Euro Payments Area. Banks in Poland can carry out SEPA cross-border transfers.

Accounts usually come with debit or credit bank cards. Active bank cards, however, may also incur fees. The bank may charge you for issuing a card, replacing a lost card, or certain types of operations, e.g. withdrawing cash from a different institution’s cash machine.

To learn all about different fees and charges, visit your bank’s website or consult a bank adviser.

Implications for Banking and Business

Developments in the Polish banking sector affect businesses operating in the country in several ways. Access to corporate banking services, credit availability, deposit rates, and payment infrastructure are all critical factors for companies — whether established Polish firms or foreign-owned entities entering the market.

For foreign entrepreneurs setting up operations in Poland, choosing the right banking partner is a strategic decision. Major Polish banks including mBank, ING Bank Śląski, Bank Millennium, PKO BP, and Santander Poland offer varying levels of service for international clients, including English-language online banking, multicurrency accounts, and dedicated relationship managers for corporate clients.

The Polish banking market is well-regulated by the KNF (Financial Supervision Authority) and participates in the EU deposit guarantee scheme (BFG — Bank Guarantee Fund), providing deposit protection up to EUR 100,000 per depositor per institution. This regulatory framework provides stability and confidence for businesses maintaining corporate funds in Polish banks.

If you are doing business in Poland or considering entering the Polish market, Zalewski Consulting can help. Learn more about our bank account opening services, or contact us for a free consultation.