Poland to See Higher ATM Fees as Visa and Mastercard Announce 2026 Changes.

Poland Faces Rising Cash Withdrawal Charges

According to Novyny.live: Visa and Mastercard have announced plans to increase the fees charged for cash withdrawals at Polish ATMs, with the changes taking effect in February 2026. This move will impact a significant portion of the population, as approximately 90% of residents in Poland use cash for payments. Surveys indicate that 45% of respondents consider cash the most convenient payment method, while 10% do not use bank cards at all. This shift comes as digital payments grow globally, yet cash remains deeply entrenched in Poland's economy.

Currently, Visa applies a fixed fee of 1.30 złoty per cash withdrawal, while Mastercard sets its fee at 1.20 złoty plus a percentage of the transaction amount. Starting in February 2026, Visa will introduce a new fee structure of 1.20 złoty plus 0.17% of the withdrawal amount. Mastercard, in turn, will also adjust its fee to 1.20 złoty plus 0.18% of the sum withdrawn.

Potential Impact on Consumer Spending Habits

It is important to note that roughly 70% of all cash withdrawal transactions in Poland are processed through ATMs operated by independent companies, such as Euronet, ITCARD, Planet Cash, and ATM Express. The fee changes could significantly increase costs for users who rely heavily on cash for their daily transactions. For context, Poland has one of the highest rates of cash usage in the European Union.

The increased fees from Visa and Mastercard may prompt Polish consumers to reconsider their financial habits, particularly their reliance on cash. Given that a majority of the population prefers cash payments, these changes could lead to higher expenses for everyday operations. This development might also serve as a catalyst for the further growth of cashless payment systems, as users seek alternatives to reduce their financial burden.