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Product coverage
Consumer lending; Financial cards and payments
Executive summary
Poles More Accustomed to Cashless Transactions
In Poland financial cards are predominantly utilised to withdraw cash from
ATMs. However, cashless transactions are developing at a rapid pace in both
value and volume terms. The use of financial cards is becoming an essential
aspect of modern life in Poland. Cards are increasingly being used to make
payments, even for small items. The growing popularity of credit and pre-paid
cards and greater usage of debit cards for everyday payments will drive the
further development of cashless transactions.
Increasing Debit Card Usage
The growing popularity of debit cards has contributed to financial cards
taking share from cash transactions. Operators who organise lotteries for
clients who actively use their cards are playing a significant part in the
popularisation of debit payments. Debit cards are also increasingly being used
to make payments on the internet.
Visa and PKO Bank Polski the Leaders in the Polish Market
Visa International Service Association maintained its leading position with
regard to the number of financial cards and transactions. Visa cards were
issued by over 40 banks in Poland at the beginning of 2008. PKO Bank Polski
remained the biggest card issuer. Even the largest merger in Polish banking
history of Bank Pekao SA and Bank BPH SA, the result of which was the
establishment of the biggest bank in terms of assets, did not stop PKO Bank
Polski from retaining its leading position.
Card Infrastructure Improving
In Poland the number of ATMs and POS terminals is much lower than in Western
European countries. In particular, the shortage of machines is noticeable in
small and medium-sized localities. The financial card infrastructure in
tourist areas, which are visited mainly during the holiday season, is also
insufficient. The growing number of POS terminals is due to growing demand
from consumers and retailers and intensifying activity from acquirers which
are increasingly reducing lease costs.
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