The expansion of foreign banks into Russia significantly exceeds the expansion of Russian ones. Sravni.ru found out why Russians don’t yet see signs of Russian banks abroad and whether it’s worth going to their branch.

It is known that in Russia for last years there was a significant increase in foreign banks. As a rule, they merge with Russian credit institutions and operate under their own foreign brand. Over the years, foreigners have not managed to earn the desired loyalty among Russians, but they have demonstrated high service and new products for the population.

Have you seen a sign of a Russian bank abroad? It will be very difficult to notice, since Russian banks are not making massive expansion into other countries. Go out to foreign markets only the most stable and profitable largest Russian banks, but even for them the share of foreign assets is still small.

The reason for the low expansion is, first of all, competition. It is difficult for our bankers to enter foreign markets due to the specific nature of their work and the saturation of the market. In addition, small Russian banks will not undergo face control on their way to Europe. The bank must have authorized capital at least 5 million euros, have been working successfully for at least 3 years and have no debts.

At the moment, one of the few banks that have gone further than the CIS countries are Sberbank, Alfa Bank, Gazprombank, VTB, Rosbank, Promsvyazbank. All of them are represented abroad in different ways - there are subsidiary banks, representative offices and branches. In fact, acquired banks abroad, as a rule, are branches Russian organizations. Thus, the structures of Russian banks abroad receive the maximum possible freedom in accepting investment decisions, this strategy is traditionally designed for active growth.

Sberbank has subsidiary banks in Belarus, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, as well as Central and Eastern Europe. There are representative offices in Germany and China. The branch has been operating since 2010 in India. VTB Bank is represented in Switzerland, Cyprus, Austria, Italy, Luxembourg, China, India and Singapore. In addition to the CIS countries, Rosbank operates in Switzerland and Eastern Europe. Promsvyazbank has a branch in Cyprus. Bank of Moscow operates in Belarus, Ukraine and Serbia. Alfa Bank has a subsidiary bank in Holland and various investment companies in America and England.

The leader of foreign expansion is Russian Sberbank. Today it is largest bank throughout Europe. The bank has been expanding since 2006 to this day. In June 2012, the head of the largest Russian bank announced the purchase of Turkish Denizbank for $3.5 billion.

The regional benchmark for Russian banks is Eastern Europe, Türkiye and CIS countries. The management of Sberbank itself, in particular, has repeatedly stated that the markets of Turkey and Poland are priorities for the international partnership of the credit institution.

Analysts note that in most cases, Russian banks enter foreign markets in order to serve their partners in other countries. Basically, it's big business. Less often, banks open branches for lending and servicing small and medium-sized businesses. And finally, the least interest of Russian banks abroad is working in the retail sector. Thus, despite the presence abroad of such large banks as the Bank of Moscow, Rosbank, VTB 24 or Alfa Bank, they do not provide services to individuals outside of Russia.

The retail business of Russian banks abroad is small but stable. In general, almost every bank handles all banking activities. In some cases - except for some transactions with local currency. Sometimes Russian bank can offer clients more favorable rates on deposits.

Banks purchased by Russian credit institutions provide almost the entire range of banking services, but their specialization may be different, and it is difficult for Russian banks to compete with Western banks in the retail sector. Therefore, for example, the Austrian Volksbank was purchased by Sberbank in connection with its developed business of lending to small and medium-sized businesses.

For example, the Cyprus branch of Promsvyazbank also services accounts individuals, and also deals with money transfers. That is, you can open a deposit at the branch, but you cannot apply for a loan, or pay off a loan taken in Russia. You can withdraw money from a Promsvyazbank ATM in Limassol without commissions, but since the local currency is the euro, a commission will be charged for converting into rubles at the bank’s exchange rate.

In the Indian city of New Delhi, you can stumble upon a branch of Sberbank. In terms of functionality, it is no different from any other bank branch in Russia - you can pay loans, make any payments at the same rates as in your home country. But the transaction time may take a long time due to the distance between countries, so payments should be made several days in advance. You can cash out money and order account statements immediately.

« The level of profitability may differ in favor of Russian branches in areas of active business growth of foreign divisions of Russian credit institutions , notes the chief economist of Finam Management, Alexander Osin. – This is, so to speak, “a relatively low price required to enter the market.” At the initial stage, the profitability of Russian subsidiaries is lower than that of competitors in this regard" This means that while some Bank operations It’s still more profitable to do it through local banks in another country than through Russian branches.

In general, experts are confident that not only Russian, but also Western banks, Asian banks, which have steadily passed the active phase of the crisis, will increase their market share internationally in order to diversify income and reduce costs.

Sooner or later, anyone associated with Poland will be faced with the need to open an account in a Polish bank. This is why we decided to prepare a detailed review of Polish banks so that you can choose the one that suits you.

Alior Bank

Alior Bank began its work in November 2008 as a bank that combines traditional banking services and innovation. In December 2012 appeared on the Exchange valuable papers Warsaw. The Bank is based on the following principles:

• transparency and simplicity,
• honesty and responsibility,
• security and stability,
• entrepreneurship and innovation.

Alior Bank is suitable for both individuals and entrepreneurs and enterprises. Bank capital: 726,811,960 zł.

Bank BPH

BPH Bank has been operating in Poland for 25 years. The bank opened in 1989, by separating from the structure of the Polish National Bank. In 2001, it merged with another bank, thereby creating the third largest bank in the country.
The bank is suitable for both legal entities and individuals. The bank's product package includes Internet accounts, accounts for teenagers with savings up to 18 years, accounts for individuals who carry out entrepreneurial activity.

Bank Millennium

This bank began operations in 1989 as the Bank for Economic Initiatives and became the first bank to be listed on the Warsaw Securities Exchange (in 1992). In 1997 he merged with Bank Gdański SA, later merged with a Portuguese bank and in 2003 Bank Millennium was born, which on this moment is one of the largest banks in Poland. The company provides traditional banking services with a modern twist. The bank provides a very wide range of services for companies and legal entities. Therefore, it is perfect for business.

Accounts that can be opened:

• Dobre Konto is an account for those who actively use banking services. Suitable for those whose monthly account turnover exceeds 1000 zł.
• Konto 360° is a convenient mobile account for your salary or pension.

Bank Pekao

Pekao SA is one of the oldest banks in Poland (more than 80 years old), which began operations in 1929. During this period of operation, the bank has undergone many changes, both organizational and legal. During its operation, the bank changed its logo after becoming part of the UniCredit group. Today the bank is the second largest in Poland. One of the most popular products: mobile bank for business. In general, this bank provides a very wide range of packages for entrepreneurs.

BOS Bank

Security bank environment The bank is quite young and began its work in 1991, and in 1997 it began to be listed on the stock exchange. Owns half of the bank's shares National Trust environmental protection and water resources management. The Bank regularly supports environmental initiatives and invests in environmental protection. Meanwhile, the bank provides a wide range of services, but is especially suitable for those who want to open a savings account.

BZ WBK

Bank Zachodni WBK was created as a result of the merger of two banks in 2001. And since April 2011, it has been part of the largest banking group in the world and Europe, Santander Group. In 2013, the bank merged with Kredyt Bank and became the third largest bank in Poland. BZ WBK has a very large network of branches (more than 1000) and this did not stop the bank from becoming one of the first to have a “mobile bank”. In 2012, it became the best bank for mobile services and customers.

Citi Handlowy

Banks began operating in 1870 and is the oldest commercial bank in Poland. In 2001, the bank became part of the Citigroup group and received the name that we know now. It is important to note that until 1989 the bank had a monopoly on foreign trade transactions.
The bank offers the following services:

• personal or savings account,
• insurance and investments,
• corporate accounts,
• accounts for legal entities.

Deutsche Bank

Deutsche Bank began its work in Poland in 1995 as a bank for corporate clients. In 2001, a separate institution was created - Deutsche Bank PBC - which served individuals, small and medium-sized companies. In 2014, both departments merged and became one. As a result, today Deutsche Bank is a bank that provides a large number of services, including personal accounts, credit cards, loans and insurance. The bank is ideal for entrepreneurs.

Eurobank

Eurobank began operating in Poland in 2003, and two years later became part of the Societe Generale financial group. The bank initially specialized in cash loans, and then expanded its services and began to provide more services for individuals.
This is a bank that specializes only in providing services to individuals; therefore, the bank has many modern products related to mobile and Internet accounts.

Getin Bank

Getin Bank was established in 2004 and merged with Noble Bank in 2010. The work of the two divisions is divided into two parts. Getin works with individuals, small and medium-sized businesses, while Noble Bank is aimed at working with wealthy clients.
Since 2013, Getin has been developing the “Getin UP” account, which includes modern mobile technologies and many bonuses. The account is free and helps you earn a profit of up to 2% on your card balance.

Idea Bank

Idea Bank was born in 1991 and immediately targeted entrepreneurial people (micro, small and medium business). The bank constantly introduces new products and innovations. He is very well suited for beginning businessmen, as he is constantly in contact with the client and helps him. In addition to business direction, the bank provides profitable time deposits and savings accounts for individuals.

ING Bank Sląski

ING Bank began its work in 1989 and has had very positive reviews for more than 20 years. Main office The bank is located in Katowice. Today, in terms of assets, it is the 4th bank in Poland and today more than 3 million clients use the bank’s services. ING Bank has a wide range of bank accounts aimed at different groups of clients - young people, students, workers, entrepreneurs and high net worth clients.
Bank capital: 130,100,000 zł.

mBank

The first Internet bank in Poland, which created a real revolution with its appearance in 2000. With the advent of mBank, Poles learned that in order to make a transfer they do not need to go to a bank branch, but simply do it via the Internet. The bank positions itself as the most convenient and profitable for conducting personal finance. In a short period, the bank has gained the trust of more than 5 million customers and won many awards. Perhaps, best bank for personal finance of young and advanced people.

PKO BP

The bank began its work in 1919. In 1974, the first personal account was opened at the bank for personal use. The bank received its current name in 2000. The bank has maintained its traditions and status as one of the oldest banks in the Republic of Poland for decades. This is a reliable and fairly conservative bank that is suitable for both individuals and legal entities. Bank capital: 1,250,000,000 zł.

Raiffeisen Polbank

Foreign bank, which started operating in Poland in 1991. Initially, the bank was aimed at people with high incomes. But later he began to introduce mass products. The bank has about 700,000 clients; perhaps its lack of popularity is its drawback. Since you will not always find a branch nearby.

Volkswagen Bank

Volkswagen Bank is primarily a bank for financing car purchases. The rest of the bank's products are not in great demand among individuals, since they are not developed and are quite limited. For example, the bank has serious restrictions on transfers and currency exchanges. An important clarification: this is an online bank, so you will not find branches of this bank in your city. The advantage of this bank is that it is convenient to take out a loan for a car.

Toyota Bank

Just like the previous bank, this one serves the needs of buying a car. The bank provides leasing opportunities for purchasing a car together with Toyota Leasing Polska Sp. z o.o. Nevertheless, this is a classic car bank, which will also be useful for those who are going to buy any car (not just Toyota).

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Bank account in Poland: short and to the point

• Interest on deposits is low;
• Interest rates on loans are low;
• Guarantee of return of bank deposits - up to €100,000.
• Opening a bank account in most banks is free;
• Bank deposits, as well as dividends, are subject to a 19% tax in the Republic of Poland.

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What banks are there in Poland?

One of the main advantages of doing business in Poland is stable banking system. The country's financial market includes both local banks and banks with foreign capital, most often German.

Internet banking is also well developed: the vast majority of banks have their own online banking systems and you can pay for goods and services on the Internet, regardless of which bank you have an account with.

The most popular banks in Poland include:

How to open an account

If you managed to choose a suitable bank, now you should go to its nearest branch. Most often serving Bank staff speak English, so if your knowledge of Polish is insufficient, this will not be a problem.

Before going to the department, check whether you have taken all the necessary documents with you:

1. Passport with visa.
A bank account will be opened both on the basis of a residence permit and if there is regular visa. For example, if you are studying in Poland, then to contact the bank about opening an account you will need to take your passport with a national visa.

2. Map of Pobytu.
If you are already a resident of Poland and have a document such as Karta Pobytu:, or, then there will be no problems either with opening an account or with obtaining a loan.

Some banks may advance Additional requirements or limit cooperation with foreigners staying in the Republic of Poland on the basis of a visa.

Getting your first loan in Poland

When applying for a loan from a Polish bank, the first time you can only count on receiving a small amount.

At the same time, as soon as the loan obligations assumed are paid off, this information will be included in the so-called. BIC ( BIK) - Biuro Informacji Kredytowej(Credit Information Bureau).

Based on this data, in the future a decision will be made about whether or not to give you loans for larger amounts, including mortgages.

Loan and deposit rates

Interest rates on loans are set by Rada Polityki Pieniężnej (RPP) - Council on monetary policy. Over the past few years, due to deflation, a policy has been pursued to increase annual inflation to at least 1.5 - 2%.

Due to this interest rates loans in Poland are quite low, which in turn means cheap loans for residents.

At the same time, you need to understand that such a policy automatically means that interest on deposits is lokata- will also be low and you will earn very little: annual interest rates in Poland vary from 2.5 to 3.5% per annum.

On the specialized Polish news site Bankier.pl/porównanie-lokat, which publishes news about the economy and banks, you can calculate online how much money you will earn at the end of the year if you decide to deposit your savings.

So, by opening a deposit of 10,000 PLN, in a year you will earn from 60 to 90 PLN, depending on the bank you choose. This example clearly demonstrates that at the moment putting money into Polish banks in order to earn money is not profitable, the income will be minimal.

Where is it more profitable to contact Polish banks? not for storing money, but for receiving cheap loans.

Do not also forget that from the income received, you pay 19% tax on bank income , savings and dividends, also called the Belki Tax (Podatek Belki) after the Minister of Finance who introduced it. The possibility of its repeal is often discussed, but as of May 2017 it is still in force.

In accordance with Polish law, bank deposits, like dividends, are subject to 19% tax in the Republic of Poland.

How much does it cost to open an account in a Polish bank?

In accordance with the new legislation, until August 8, 2018, every bank will be required to provide Polish citizens with a free bank account.

A standard card (for example, Visa Electron) will also be free, provided that, for example, you pay with it in a store 5 times a month. Bank requirements may differ slightly, but they all boil down to the following: if you really use a bank account or card and the card does not lie in your wallet for half a year without use - then its maintenance will cost 0.00 PLN.

Transfers of funds between Polish banks are carried out using the system ELIXIR. Regular transfers are free, but for emergency transfers - Express Elixir you will pay from 3 to 5 PLN. For payment in stores by bank card There are no additional commissions in Poland.

In addition to an account in zlotys, every Polish bank will offer you to open an account in dollars or euros. If we are talking about other currencies, then it will be necessary to familiarize yourself with the offer of each specific bank.

Bank guarantees and return of deposits

Despite the stability of the Polish banking system, many emigrants who came from beyond the eastern border are concerned about the guarantee of the return of depositors’ funds in the event that the bank “busts”.

The deposit return system here works as follows: in case of loss of accumulated funds you will receive a refund within 20 days up to €100,000. This is guaranteed by the so-called. Bank Guarantee Fund ( BFG). It operates on the basis of a system of mutual responsibility and support.

Thus, the return of deposits does not imply the provision of these funds exclusively from the budget, because all banks who are members of the BFG, make mandatory annual contributions. This is monitored by the Financial Supervision Commission - Komisja nadzoru finansowego.

The real story of the seizure of a foreign card by an ATM of a Polish bank ended in a victory for the strange policy of the Polish bank. Advice that this is the only way to pay and receive cash had no effect.

Tourism in Poland is, of course, developed. As well as the services associated with it. But payment by bank cards is not possible in all places, although it seems to be ubiquitous. When going on a trip, of course, it is much easier to keep money on the card. Tourists often do just that - they pay everywhere with a card, and if they need cash somewhere, they go to an ATM and withdraw the amount they need in the currency of the state in which they are located.

There are also workers from non-EU countries. They also often use cards from their banks that are not located in Poland.

The situation looked similar in the case described. PKO Bank Polski SA (not to be confused with PEKAO - a mistake is possible, since the names sound the same “Pekao”) has a huge number of ATMs in Poland. Just like many branches throughout the country. This largest player Polish banking market. Many people who have been to Poland have probably come across the logo of this bank in the form of a stylized piggy bank. Taking advantage of the fact that the PKO ATM was at hand, the hero of this material, with a Sberbank card in hand, decided to use the services of the PKO Bank ATM to withdraw cash.

As a result, the Sberbank of Russia card was detained by the ATM without warning when clicking “issue cash” and selecting the currency “Polish zloty”. The situation was complicated by the fact that the time was 21:00 Warsaw time.

A call to PKO ATM support revealed a surprising state of affairs. It turns out that all cards retained by PKO bank ATMs after their withdrawal are subject to instant destruction. Even a bank employee cannot give the card back, even if the card was detained during business hours of the bank branch, even if in front of his eyes.

“You don’t have to tell your clients everything”

The fact is that, paradoxically, Bank Polski PKO ATMs are serviced by a third-party company. In addition, according to the bank’s hotline specialist, the procedure for withholding and returning cards is regulated by the bank’s internal documents. To a clarifying question about the possibility of reading these rules somewhere, the specialist answered literally the following: “this is an internal order of the bank. The bank is not obliged to disclose all its documents to clients.”

There are no exceptions to this rule. The admonitions that “I’m a tourist”, “I have a card from a foreign bank”, “I don’t have cash” - collided with amazing logic - “you still have the opportunity to circulate cash and the ability to withdraw it from your account.” It’s funny that nothing said about a foreign bank, about the only opportunity to withdraw money, etc., was heard. There was only one answer - “you need to order a new card” and “you can order a card from our bank at any of our branches.”

Everything would be fine if the conversation was conducted with an auto-informant. But a live specialist was talking. The indifference and cynical ignorance of the problem as such is astonishing.

The Age of Subsistence Economy and Exchange

It is also striking that this is Europe and the 21st century is outside the window. A century when the fact of owning a given card can be confirmed not only by a passport, but also by all types of applications, right down to a fingerprint. But it turns out that this is not enough. Apparently, someone is not happy with the automated state of affairs. It’s much more interesting to process a lot of paperwork, waste bank employees’ labor hours and the client’s time (although what is the client’s time when he doesn’t need to be informed about such subtleties as detaining a card and the difficulties that await him).

The situation turned out to be deeper after questioning Polish citizens on this topic, with whom a similar story happened with their cards from Polish banks. It turned out that she looked similar.

Regardless of the name of the bank, branch employees abstracted themselves from the incident, stating that it was not their problem, but that of some third-party organization that services their bank’s ATM. Yes, just the one that stands in their hall and is covered with their logo.
In this material we will not cite the names of banks given by respondents. Let's limit ourselves to the name of the one with whom the author had the opportunity to discuss the detention of the card in person - Bank Polski PKO. But be careful - you won't find the ends.

The conclusion is simple

If you are a tourist in Poland and your ATM “ate your card” and you have no money, they will not listen to you and make exceptions for you, too. What to do in such a situation? I would like to believe that the police will help. Even if it’s just to contact the consulate. There is no need to immediately rush to “squeeze” phones from passers-by. Remember the behest of the hero Andrei Mironov - “Russo is a tourist!” Shape of morality!”

Moreover, you need to remember that when traveling to Poland, it makes sense to keep cash with you. In dollars or euros. Like an emergency reserve. Despite all the apparent transparency, customer focus and technology, you should only rely on your own ingenuity and the sayings “the stock doesn’t last” and “don’t have a hundred rubles, but have a hundred friends.” Friends can be asked to transfer money through popular systems with their issuance at one of the points. To do this, it would be nice to have enough money on your phone to call home.

Be careful with ATMs in Poland so that nothing can spoil your travels in this beautiful country, life or work in it.

If you come to Poland, long term, or especially if you are going to work here, then you will most likely need to open a bank account in order to receive a salary, or simply pay with a card in a store.

By the way, in Poland you can pay for almost everything with a card, from bus travel to the fee for registering a car in Uzhonda.

Opening an account in a Polish bank

Opening a bank account in Poland is very simple. To do this, you don’t even need to have a residence permit, just a visa that allows you to stay in Poland.

Most large bank branches have staff who speak English, so even if you don't speak Polish this shouldn't be a problem.

But do not register online, the fastest and most effective way will contact the bank of your choice directly, where you can submit all documents and fill out the necessary applications on the spot.

Documents required to open a bank account

To open an account in a Polish bank, you do not need any special documents. It is enough to present a passport with a visa or a temporary or permanent residence permit (residence card, Karta Pobytu, residence permit, permanent residence, EU Resident Card).

Some banks may ask for a pesel (PESEL) and even refuse to open an account without it. But officially there is no law in Poland requiring foreigners to have a pesel.

To open an account, you need to come to any branch of the bank of your choice and ask the staff for help in opening an account.

At the bank you will need to fill out a form with all your data and indicate to which address the payment card should be sent. The fact is that all cards are issued with personal names, and it will not be possible, as in Ukraine, to receive a card ready for payments in 10 minutes. The bank will print your card and send it to your specified address within 7-10 working days. After this, you need to activate it, via the Internet or by phone (all instructions for activating the card will be given to you at the bank) and you can use it.

Payments and commissions of banks in Poland

A pleasant surprise for bank users is that transfers within the bank and even between different banks in Poland are free. There is a general system ELIXIR translations, for use which fee is not is charged, but deadline for transferring funds 2-3 banking days . There is also a system ELIXIRExpress, which will transfer money faster e, but the transfer fee will be 3-5 PLN. When paying by card in a store, no commissions are charged either.

If there is a free transfer system, the bank makes money by charging a fee for servicing the card or account. Usually this amount is approximately 5 - 7 zlotys per month. But if certain conditions are met, for example, payment by card for 300 zlotys per month, or regular receipts of money into the account, the commission for using the card/account is not paid. Different banks offer different conditions on how you can avoid fees. And if you regularly use the card, then most likely you will not have to pay a commission.

Why they can charge a commission when using a card in Poland

Below is a list of not so obvious transactions for which Polish banks may charge you a commission. Be careful and read the terms and conditions of your bank.

Fee for withdrawing funds from a card through an ATM

The bank charges money for withdrawing a very small amount from the card at an ATM. If an mBank or Alior Bank client withdraws PLN 100 or more from a Euronet ATM, the transaction will be free, but if it is a smaller amount, he will pay a commission. It is 3 zlotys in the case of mBank and 5 zlotys in Alior. The fee isn't particularly high, but it can be very annoying.

Savings account withdrawal fee

Commission for withdrawal of funds from a savings account. If it accrues, it usually occurs only after the second and each subsequent payment in a calendar month. Usually it ranges from 5 to 10 zlotys. This is annoying because often this amount exceeds the amount of interest we receive in a given month.

This is because interest rates for such accounts are currently very low. For example, for an amount less than 10,000 zlotys in Pekao it is only 0.2% per year. If the average account balance is PLN 3,000, then after 30 days we will only receive PLN 0.40. Meanwhile, the fee for the second withdrawal from an account per month at this bank is 8 zlotys.

Card or account service fee

Banks often apply the principle that we can use our account or card for free, but under certain conditions. Usually you need to make a certain number of payments or ensure that a certain amount is received. For example, the owner of a Citigold account at Citi Bank can pay up to 220 zlotys for its maintenance. Millennium Bank also charges for account servicing if you receive less than 1000 zlotys per month.

Commission for transactions in foreign currency

The cost of currency conversion at banks is very high. More and more banks are introducing currency and multi-currency cards that reduce these fees.

If you transfer money from a zloty account to a currency account or vice versa, the amount will be converted at the bank rate. However, there is a hidden fee of about 3% of the amount to be converted. Therefore, if instead of a savings account you transfer 10,000 zlotys to a foreign currency account, then we will lose about 300 zlotys with such a transaction. If you want to transfer money to an account in zlotys, the bank will exchange the currency again and you will lose another 300 zlotys.

Which bank to choose in Poland

The banking system in Poland is quite stable, banks do not appear and disappear every day, and the total number of banks throughout the country does not exceed 20. There are both Polish banks and foreign ones, mostly German banks. Here list of all banks that are represented in Poland:

• Alior Bank
• Bank BHP
• Bank Millennium
• Bank Pekao
• BOS Bank
• BZ WBK
• Citi Handlowy
• Deutsche Bank
• Eurobank
• Getin Bank
• Idea Bank
• ING Bank Sląski
• mBank
• PKO BP
• Raiffeisen Polbank
• Volkswagen Bank
• Toyota Bank

Almost every bank has its own Internet banking system, in which you can make all the basic monetary transactions- transfers, payments, online purchases, opening a deposit and others.

The most popular banks in Poland:

• Deutsche Bank
• mBank
• PKO Bank Polski
• WBK Bank Zachodni
• Bank Millennium
• ING Bank Slaski
• Bank Pekao

Banks in Poland with services in Russian or Ukrainian

Many Polish banks provide services in Russian and Ukrainian in order to attract customers.

• Millennium - Ukrainian and Russian " hotline»;
• Pekao – there is a Ukrainian “hotline”, documentation in Ukrainian and mobile app in the same language;
• Getin Bank – there are Russian-speaking consultants in certain cities and branches, the website is in Ukrainian and telephone lines are also serviced in Ukrainian;
• Santander – hotline in many languages;
• ING Bank – Russian-language telephone consultations
• RaiffeisenBank offers its clients a Ukrainian-language version of the website
• Credit Agricole - brochures, documentation, information about opening and account status, mobile application - all this is available in Ukrainian. In the near future, the telephone line will also be available in different languages.

Millennium bank account - Konto 360°

The account maintenance fee is 8 zł per month, but if more than 1000 zł per month is credited to the account and one payment is made by card, the service fee will not be charged.
Payment for a bank card is 7 zł per month, but under the same conditions as for an account, payment is not taken.
Cash withdrawal through ATMs - at all ATMs in the world without commissions. (not charged if at least PLN 1,000 is credited to the account per month and one payment is made by card).

The bank has internet banking and mobile banking. It is also possible to open an account via the Internet.

Comparison of conditions in different Polish banks

The Polish Financial Control Commission has created a website where you can check and compare the costs of various banking services: account maintenance fees, money transfers or account top-ups.

On the website porownywarka.knf.gov.pl you can find popular Polish banks that have at least one branch in each voivodeship, namely: Bank Millennium, Bank Ochrony Środowiska, Bank Pocztowy, Credit Agricole Bank Polska, Getin Noble Bank, ING Bank Śląski , Idea Bank, Nest Bank, PKO BP Bank Polski, Plus Bank, Pekao, Santander and mBank.

On the service you can find only those banks that have transferred the necessary information to the Financial Control Commission. But, in turn, the Commission assures that the list of banks will be replenished.

You can check the following information on the website:

• payment for account maintenance;
• refill;
• cash withdrawal;
• SMS notifications;
• cost of translations;

Polish bank card in Ukraine

If you want to use the card in Ukraine, then the most optimal conditions are offered by the banks - BGZ BNP Paribas and Idea Bank. When opening an account with these banks, you do not need to pay either for maintaining the account or for using a bank card.

Terms of use of the BGZ BNP Paribas Konto Optymalne bank card:

• For a foreign transfer, a commission will be charged, which is at least 30 zlotys, the interest rate is only 0.2%
• The group structure includes the Ukrainian Ukrsibbank, so you will have the opportunity to transfer money to an account in Ukrsibbank with a commission of only 10 zlotys
• free withdrawal of funds from UkrSibBank ATMs in Ukraine
• in case of using other ATMs in Ukraine, clients pay a commission of 10 zlotys

Conditions of Idea Bank with Kontem Idealnym offer:

• For a foreign transfer, a commission will be charged, which is at least 30 zlotys, the interest rate is only 0.25%
• When withdrawing cash in Ukraine, you pay a commission of at least 10 zlotys (2%)

Conditions of Raiffeisen Polbank offer Wymarzonym Kontem Osobistym:

• account maintenance is free
• In order not to also pay for using a bank card (the fee is 3 zlotys), the client must use the card once a month
• a transfer to Ukraine costs 35 zlotys, and each payment from a foreign ATM is subject to a 3% commission, although the bank always charges at least 8 zlotys for the transfer

How to close a bank account in Poland

When you open an account in a Polish bank, you sign an agreement with it under which the bank provides certain services - paid or free. Accordingly, closing a bank account is a termination of this agreement.

Unless otherwise specified in the agreement, the standard period for informing the bank of your desire to terminate your relationship with it is 30 calendar days. In rare cases, you may request immediate account closure. The bank will go to meet you if the reason is a change in tariffs and provisions planned for the near future. But even in this case, the bank can reserve 7 days for itself to consider your application.

Exist four ways to close an account:

1. In person at a bank branch. You need to come to a bank branch and fill out a form with a request to terminate the agreement and close the account. Absolutely all banks provide this option. The address of the nearest branch can always be found on the bank's website.
2. By registered mail. This option is also practiced by all banks in Poland. You can write the letter yourself or download the corresponding form from the bank’s website. In any case, the letter must contain information that allows you to be identified as a client. The letter must be sent either to the branch that services your account or to the correspondent address of the bank. The mentioned 30 days will begin to count from the moment the bank received the letter.
3. Through the bank's telephone information line. Not available at all banks. A quick way, if you don’t take into account the time spent waiting for a consultant.
4. Via the Internet. Not all Polish banks yet allow you to close an account through an individual user account on the bank’s website.

It is worth adding that many banks allow you to cancel a payment card without closing your account. This option makes sense if you don’t pay anything for maintaining an account, but servicing the card entails provisions.
How do you know if an account is closed and no longer serviced? Confirmation can be the transfer of the balance to another account - this occurs on the last day of your agreement. Some banks inform you about this via SMS.

In order to close an account, you must prepare the following information:

• last name and first name of the account owner
• PESEL number or passport number
• address provided when signing the agreement
• account number or agreement with the bank
• details of another account to which the balance of funds from your account will be transferred

Loans in Poland

Recently, the Polish government has pursued policies aimed at reducing tax rates, so now interest rates on loans in Poland are quite low. This allows more people to use bank loans, which contributes to the development of the country's economy. Basic interest rates on loans are set Polish Monetary Policy Council- Rada Polityki Pienieznej or RPP.

In Poland there is a common database on loans - Credit Information Bureau or BIK, where all the information on all your loans goes. And before issuing a new loan, the bank checks your credit history based on this database.

Some sources provide information that the first time you apply to a bank for a loan, you will not be able to get a loan for a large amount, or mortgage- it is not true. If you provide evidence that you have a high and stable income, then the likelihood that the bank will refuse you is not that great.

But if you have already had problems repaying a loan in Poland, then this information will be in the BIC database, and the bank will receive this data and take it into account when making a decision.

Deposits in Poland

Since the interest rate on loans is quite low, the interest on deposits in Poland will be incomparably lower than in Ukraine. On average, banks offer interest rates of about 2-3% per annum for deposits. And you won’t be able to earn much on such a deposit. In addition, you need to remember that you will still have to pay tax on income from the deposit in the amount of 19% of income. So keeping money on deposit in a bank is not a very profitable activity.