How to Open a Bank Account Online in Poland
Are you looking to open a bank account online in Poland? Today, opening a bank account online in Poland is easier than ever before. With a few simple steps, you can quickly open a bank account from the comfort of your own home, no matter where you are located. In this article, we will discuss the process of how to open a bank account online in Poland and share insights on how to open a bank account online for free.
What are the major banks in Poland?
The biggest banks in Poland are PKO Bank Polski, Bank Pekao, mBank, Santander Bank Polska, Getin Noble Bank, Bank Millennium, Alior Bank, BOŚ Bank, and Credit Agricole Bank Polska. Most of these banks offer online bank account opening.
What are the alternatives for bank account opening in Poland?
The alternatives for bank account opening in Poland include opening an account with a fintech company, such as Revolut, Satchel, N26, or Transferwise. They typically offer online services such as debit and credit cards, current accounts, and money transfers. Neobanks are a great alternative to traditional banking, as they often offer competitive rates and fees, no minimum balance requirements, and real-time account management directly from your smartphone. Sometimes digital banking providers offer discounted promotions or even free account opening. But this is the exception rather than the rule, as it is never guaranteed that there will be a promotion in place at the time you open your account.
What are the documents required for bank account opening?
The first step is to find an online bank that meets your needs: compare rates, products, and services. There are many online banking options available in Poland, so it’s important to do your research and find the one that is the best fit for you. Once you have found the online bank you’d like to open an account with, you can then begin the application process.
The application submission process is relatively straightforward. The documents required to open a bank account in Poland typically include:
- A valid form of identification, such as a passport, national ID card, or residence permit;
- Proof of address;
- A bank statement or recent utility bill.
Some banks may also require additional documents, such as proof of income or proof of employment. After your application has been submitted, the online bank will review it and determine whether they can open a bank account for you.
How long does it take to open a bank account in Poland?
Compared to quite conservative Western European countries, bank account opening in Poland is much easier. It typically takes 2-5 business days to open a personal bank account and 4-6 weeks to open a corporate bank account in Poland. The exact timeline depends on the bank, the type of account you are opening (current, savings, investment account), your citizenship, and the documents you need to provide.
How to open a bank account for foreigners in Poland?
Some foreign banks offer bank accounts in Poland for foreigners. Both Polish residents and non-residents can open bank accounts in Zloty and all the convertible currencies. The list of documents for non-EU residents is usually different from the list of documents for EU or Polish citizens. Non-EU residents typically need to provide additional documents, such as proof of their residence status in Poland, and proof of their source of income. Additionally, non-EU residents may need to provide additional documents in order to open a bank account.
As mentioned previously, an account with a neobank can be a sound alternative to traditional banking, as EMIs are somewhat less demanding about opening a corporate (business) or private (personal, freelancer) account online. Before applying online, check to make sure that your country is not on the blacklist. An additional advantage is the absence of an onboarding fee: you will only be charged if your account opening application is approved. You can find more details about opening a bank account online in Poland at Satchel.eu.
