In Poland, cash withdrawals at ATMs will become more expensive due to changes in payment system tariffs. Card operators are transitioning to a new commission model that could directly impact the expenses of bank customers. This is reported by inPoland.
According to a Mastercard report from February 2025, nearly 90% of Poles occasionally use cash, and for 45% it remains one of their preferred payment methods. At the same time, around 10% of the country's residents do not have a bank account, making cash their only means of payment.
Cash withdrawal fees in Poland from 2026
Payment systems Visa and Mastercard have decided to change their approach to commission charges. Formally, this concerns transactions between banks and card operators, but additional costs are likely to be passed on to users.
The new tariffs will introduce a hybrid model:
Visa — 1.20 zlotys + 0.17% of the withdrawal amount;
Mastercard — 1.20 zlotys + 0.18% of the withdrawal amount.
The changes will take effect in February 2026.
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ATMs of independent operators and access to cash
The biggest increase in fees will be felt by customers using ATMs of independent networks, including Euronet, ITCARD, Planet Cash, and ATM Express. These networks account for approximately 70% of all cash withdrawal operations in Poland, and for many people, they are the only available option near home or work.
The problem is exacerbated by a decrease in the number of ATMs. According to the National Bank of Poland, their network has shrunk by 5.5% over a year. Due to high maintenance costs, many devices are being dismantled, making cash operations increasingly less accessible.
Limited access to cash has already raised concerns from the Human Rights Commissioner in Poland, as it primarily affects elderly people, residents of rural areas, and those who do not use the internet or cashless payments.