New Fees for Cash Withdrawals in Poland
Starting in February 2026, Visa and Mastercard will implement a new fee model for cash withdrawals at Polish ATMs, leading to higher costs for consumers. This change will primarily impact users of independent ATM operators, which handle 70% of all cash withdrawals in the country. Despite the price increase, cash remains a widely used payment method among Poles.
Details of the New Fee Structure
Under the new terms, Visa will charge 1.20 złoty plus 0.17% of the withdrawal amount, while Mastercard will impose a fee of 1.20 złoty plus 0.18%. This significant hike could notably affect the finances of frequent ATM users, especially those relying on independent operators like:
- Euronet
- ITCARD
- Planet Cash
- ATM Express
Despite rising withdrawal costs, nearly 90% of Poles still use cash, and it remains the preferred payment method for 45% of the population. Furthermore, approximately 10% of Poland's population lacks a bank account, underscoring the continued importance of physical money in daily life. However, the number of ATMs in Poland has decreased by 5.5% over the past year, potentially signaling a shift in financial habits.
The introduction of these new fees by Visa and Mastercard could significantly impact Poland's financial landscape, particularly for users of independent ATM networks. Given the population's strong reliance on cash, the increased charges may prompt many to reconsider their payment habits and could accelerate a move toward cashless transactions. This shift may have long-term consequences for Poland's financial services market, as card networks and banks adjust to evolving consumer behavior.