How to open a Santander account in Poland: step-by-step instructions

Opening a bank account in Poland may be necessary for many purposes, such as receiving salaries, paying for services, or running a business. One of the most popular banks in Poland is Santander Bank Polska, which offers a wide range of banking products and quality service for individuals and entrepreneurs. In this article, we will look at how to open an account with Santander, what documents are required, and what accounts are available to customers.

Why choose Santander Bank Polska?

Santander Bank Polska is one of the largest banks in Poland. Among its advantages:

• International experience: Santander is part of a global banking group that provides services in many countries.
• A variety of products: From basic accounts to investment services.
• Convenience: Intuitive mobile application and an extensive network of branches throughout the country.
• Programs for foreigners: The bank provides services in English and supports clients who do not speak Polish.

Steps to open an account

1. Choose the type of account

Santander offers several types of accounts depending on your needs:

• Konto Jakie Chcę (Account I Want): A popular choice for individuals, with the ability to customize the terms and conditions.
• Konto dla Młodych (Account for young people): For people under the age of 26 with favorable rates.
• Konto Firmowe (Business account): Designed for entrepreneurs and legal entities.

Choose the account that best suits your needs and read the terms and conditions.

2. Gather the necessary documents

To open an account with Santander Bank Polska, you will need the following documents:

• Passport or ID card: A mandatory document that proves your identity.
• Residence permit or visa (if you are not an EU citizen): This can be a residence card or another document confirming the legality of your stay in Poland.
• Tax number (NIP) or PESEL number: To simplify financial transactions.
• Proof of residence address: For example, a utility bill or a rental agreement.

In case of opening a business account, you may also need:

• Company registration number (REGON).
• Business data (e.g. extract from CEIDG or KRS).

3. Visit a bank branch or use online services

You can open an account in one of two ways:

• At a bank branch:
  1. Find your nearest Santander branch on their official website.
  2. Bring all the necessary documents with you.
  3. Contact a bank employee who will help you fill out the application form.
• Online:
  1. Go to the Santander Bank Polska website (www.santander.pl).
  2. Select the account you want and click the “Open Online” button.
  3. Fill out the form, attach scanned copies of your documents, and confirm your application.
  4. In some cases, the bank may request a personal meeting or confirmation of documents by courier.

4. Sign the agreement

After checking the documents, you will be asked to sign the agreement. In the case of an online application, this can be done with a digital signature, if this option is available.

5. Get access to your account

After signing the agreement, you will receive:

• Account number (IBAN).
• Access to online banking (Santander Internet).
• The Santander Mobile app, which can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play.
• (If necessary) a debit or credit card.

Features of Santander accounts

• Additional services:
  • Possibility to get insurance.
  • Payment cards with contactless payment function.
  • Loyalty programs (e.g., cashback for purchases).
• Tariffs:
  • No service fees if certain conditions are met (for example, regular deposits or the number of transactions).
  • Fees for international transfers depend on the recipient country.

Frequently asked questions

Can I open an account without PESEL?

Yes, many foreigners can open accounts without PESEL by providing a passport and proof of address, but this depends on the conditions of a particular bank, so you should contact a representative of a particular bank directly with this question.

How long does it take to open an account?

The process in a branch takes about 30-60 minutes. An online application can take up to several business days to process.

Do I need to have a minimum amount on my account?

It depends on the type of account. Most regular accounts do not require a minimum balance.

Opening an account with Santander Bank Polska is a simple process that allows you to access convenient and reliable financial services in Poland. The main thing is to choose the right type of account and prepare all the necessary documents. If you are looking for a bank with a wide range of opportunities for individuals and businesses, Santander will be an excellent choice.

If you still have any questions, you can always contact the bank’s hotline or visit the nearest branch for a consultation.