Getting cash efficiently is crucial in Poland. Thankfully, the country has a massive, accessible ATM network: if you Google "how many ATMs in Poland?”, you may learn that there are 20,643 bankomat points as of May 2025. Finding one is easy, but fees vary wildly.
Understanding ATM fees in Poland
Types of ATMs
How to avoid hidden fees
Top cashpoints for foreigners & expats
Comparison of bank ATM fees in Poland
Locations of the cheapest ATMs in major cities
FAQ
Understanding ATM fees in Poland
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Understanding fees, knowing the best locations, and dodging sneaky charges like DCC (Dynamic Currency Conversion) is the key. This guide covers fee structures, banking options in Poland, and tips for safe, cost-effective withdrawals.
Avoid hefty ATM fees in Poland
Use ATMs attached to bank branches (e.g., Alior Bank, Bank Millennium, BNP Paribas, Citi). These "bankomat" terminals rarely charge fees, especially for their network cards, and often waive fees for foreign cards. Stick to bank-affiliated machines — stand‑alone kiosks in busy spots can add significant surcharges.
Plan ahead
Don’t use the first ATM you see; walk to a bank branch. Check your bank’s app for partnerships before travelling. Always confirm fees on the ATM screen before withdrawing. While card payments are widespread, understanding the cash or card balance in Poland is the key – having some złoty remains useful for smaller vendors.
While in Poland, you may need to send money back home. If that’s the case, download the Profee app for fast, simple and beneficial transfers.
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Types of ATMs
For minimal/no fees, prioritise bank-owned ATMs in Poland:
- PKO Bank Polski (PKO BP): Widely available throughout city centres, shopping malls and train stations; often charge no fee for international Visa/Mastercard withdrawals.
- mBank: Found in major urban areas and branches—known for fee‑free withdrawals on many foreign-issued cards.
- ING Bank Śląski: Common in shopping districts and airport terminals; typically waive fees for international debit and credit cards.
Always verify the fee on the ATM screen before confirming, as policies can vary.
Avoid independent ATMs; the best ATMs to use in Poland are those of major bank brands (PKO BP, Santander, ING) to prevent high charges. This ensures fair rates on cash withdrawal in Poland. While the number of ATMs in Poland are vast, sticking to bank ATMs saves money.
How to avoid hidden fees
Use technology to find fee-free ATMs:
- ATM Fee Saver App (iOS/Android): Shows nearby ATMs, exact fees, and the ATM withdrawal limit in Poland for your card type.
Card network tools:
- Visa: "ATM Locator" (website/app).
- Mastercard: "Mastercard Nearby" (website/app).
- Both allow filtering for surcharge-free ATMs, removing guesswork.
Don’t wander aimlessly! Use tech to your advantage. For example, Bank Mobile Apps (e.g., PKO BP or mBank). Install your bank’s official app — most let you search for their own ATMs on a map. These branch‑linked machines almost always carry minimal or zero surcharges for account holders.
Banks offering fee-free withdrawals
Several major Polish banks typically offer fee-free ATM access, even for foreign cardholders using their own bank's machines, making them the best ATMs to use in Poland for cost-conscious travellers:
- Bank Pekao
- Santander Bank Polska
- Bank Millennium
- BNP Paribas Bank Polska
- Citi Handlowy (especially within its own network)
Sticking to these bank-owned ATMs significantly cuts your costs. You'll spot them on branches, shopping centres, and major streets. A quick visual tip: genuine bank ATMs usually look more robust and less 'advert-heavy' than the independent ones.
The more the better
Navigate ATMs in Poland smartly to slash ATM fees in Poland. Withdraw large sums less often to work within a typical ATM withdrawal limit in Poland and reduce fixed per-transaction fees. To avoid hidden markups, always transact in Polish złoty; dynamic currency conversion options almost always work out more expensive.
Top cashpoints for foreigners & expats
Visiting or living in Poland? Navigating banking in Poland and ATM fees in Poland is crucial. The good news: most Polish bankomats readily accept international Visa and Mastercard debit/credit cards. Finding ones that don't charge you extra is the key mission for any foreigner or expat.
Using international cards wisely
While Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, compatibility is patchier — always have a backup card. Reject any “pay in your home currency” offers at the ATM — select PLN to ensure you get the bank’s actual exchange rate. Some partner bank networks offer major perks. For instance, if your home bank is part of the Global ATM Alliance (like Deutsche Bank, BNP Paribas, Barclays etc.), using partner ATMs (like Deutsche Bank Polska here) often means fee-free withdrawals.
Smart prepaid cards = fewer fees
For savvy travellers, prepaid cards like Wise or Revolut are game-changers. Top them up in your home currency before you go. The Wise card, for example, allows fee-free withdrawals up to 200 EUR (or equivalent) monthly from ATMs worldwide, including Poland. Beyond that, a small, transparent fee applies. They use excellent mid-market exchange rates, making them ideal for managing your currency conversion in Poland and budgeting. Often, the best ATM to use in Poland is simply the one that accepts your fee-free prepaid card!
Comparison of bank ATM fees in Poland
Understanding ATMs in Poland and ATM fees in Poland is key for cost-effective cash withdrawal in Poland. Banking in Poland providers have varying fee structures. For non-customers, Millennium Bank and BNP Paribas Bank Polska frequently offer free cash withdrawals at their own ATMs in Poland. Santander Bank Polska is noted for transparent currency conversion in Poland, even with fees. Bank Pekao SA typically charges a fixed fee, while PKO Bank Polski (Poland's largest) and ING Bank Śląski usually charge non-customers. Always check the ATM screen for fees.
If you’re wondering how many ATMs in Poland are operated by each bank, you’ll find that PKO BP has the largest network, followed closely by Santander. Pekao and Millennium also have substantial networks. For convenience, use PKO BP or Santander ATMs; for the best ATM to use in Poland to potentially avoid fees, target Millennium or BNP Paribas. The standard ATM withdrawal limit in Poland is often 800-20,000 PLN per transaction (check your card). Knowing this helps decide cash or card in Poland.
Locations of the cheapest ATMs in major cities
Finding a city ATM in Poland that won't charge you extra is easier than you think, especially if you stick to bank-owned machines. While independent ATMs in tourist spots often sting with fees, the major Polish banks usually offer fee-free withdrawals from their own networks. Let's see where to look in the key cities.
Warsaw
Forget expensive airport cash withdrawal in Poland traps. In Warsaw, head to the city centre – especially around Nowy Świat and Krakowskie Przedmieście streets. Major shopping malls like Złote Tarasy or Arkadia reliably house fee-free machines from banks like PKO BP or Santander. You'll also find them conveniently outside dedicated bank branches throughout central districts. Even near the Old Town, look for the logos of the big Polish banks to avoid tourist surcharges.
Kraków
Navigating ATMs in Poland's tourist hub? Krakow's Old Town and main square (Rynek Główny) do have options, but be wary of Euronet machines. For truly fee-free withdrawals, seek out bank ATMs slightly off the main drags — near Wawel Castle (look for Pekao or ING) or within shopping districts like Galeria Krakowska mall. Banks like mBank also have branches with cash points near the Planty park ring.
Gdańsk
Exploring the Baltic coast? Gdansk offers plenty of bank ATMs. The city centre, particularly along Długa Street and around the Neptune Fountain, has several options from banks like Santander and Bank Millennium. Key transport hubs like Gdańsk Główny train station also feature bank cashpoints. For peace of mind near the waterfront, pop into a nearby branch.
Rural vs. urban ATMs
Forget expensive airport cash withdrawal Poland traps. In Warsaw, head to the city centre – especially around Nowy Świat and Krakowskie Przedmieście streets. Major shopping malls like Złote Tarasy or Arkadia reliably house fee-free machines from banks like PKO BP or Santander.
FAQ
What is the cheapest way to withdraw money in Poland?
Use bank-owned ATMs (Millennium, BNP Paribas) or fee-free prepaid cards like Revolut/Wise. Always decline DCC.
Who has the cheapest ATM withdrawal fees in Poland?
Millennium Bank and BNP Paribas typically charge zero fees for foreign cards at their ATMs.
Which ATM is best for foreigners in Poland?
Stick to Santander or Bank Pekao ATMs—widely available, English interfaces, and low/no fees.
What ATM machine in Poland does not charge a fee?
ATMs from Millennium, BNP Paribas, or Citi Handlowy rarely charge fees for international cards.
What are ATM withdrawal limits in Poland?
Standard limits are 1,500–2,000 PLN per transaction, but check your bank’s daily cap.
How can I send money from Poland?
To send money from Poland at market-beating rates, fast and secure, use Profee — your online service for international transfers. You’ll love it.
Conclusion
Navigating banking in Poland for cash? Stick to major bank-owned ATMs (PKO BP, Pekao, Santander, ING, mBank) for the cheapest cashouts. Always decline DCC (Dynamic Currency Conversion) when prompted to avoid poor rates. Prioritise safety – use machines inside banks or well-lit areas.
While using cash or a card in Poland is becoming increasingly card-friendly, having some złoty remains wise, especially outside cities. Tools like ATM Fee Saver (an app showing fee-free locations) can significantly boost your financial tips arsenal.
Remember the standard ATM withdrawal limit in Poland is often around 800-20,000 PLN per transaction, though this varies by bank. Mastering cash or card in Poland means knowing when each is best, accessing cash cheaply when needed, and securing good currency conversion rates in Poland.
