Can I open an account without a PESEL?

Some banks allow it with a passport and residence card; many online accounts (mBank, Revolut) require a PESEL. Getting a PESEL first makes everything easier.

BLIK is a Polish phone-code payment system in banking apps. You generate a 6-digit code to pay in shops, transfer, or withdraw cash from ATMs without a card.

Opening a Bank Account in Poland

Which banks welcome foreigners, documents you need, BLIK, and how to avoid common account pitfalls.

Updated 2026-01-20 · 1 min read

Documents

Passport or national ID.
PESEL (often required).
Residence card / proof of address (sometimes).
A phone number.

Foreigner-friendly banks

mBank, PKO BP, Santander, ING, Alior — major retail banks.
Revolut Poland — popular app account, full PL IBAN.
Aion Bank, VeloBank — app-first options.

Account types

Konto osobiste — standard current account with a debit card.
Konto oszczędnościowe — savings account.
Konto walutowe — multi-currency (EUR/USD) for transfers.

BLIK and transfers

BLIK — 6-digit code for instant payments and transfers.
Express Elixir — same-day bank transfer (small fee).
SEPA transfers free within the eurozone from currency accounts.

Tips

Avoid monthly fees by maintaining a minimum balance or card spend threshold.
Enable two-step verification (MOBI PIN/BLIK).
Non-residents face limits; a residence card removes most.

FAQ

Can I open an account without a PESEL?: Some banks allow it with a passport and residence card; many online accounts (mBank, Revolut) require a PESEL. Getting a PESEL first makes everything easier.
What is BLIK?: BLIK is a Polish phone-code payment system in banking apps. You generate a 6-digit code to pay in shops, transfer, or withdraw cash from ATMs without a card.