The year 2025 brings changes that origin both controversy and uncertainty. Cash, a symbol of freedom and financial independence, becomes the subject of intense discussion in Poland and the full European Union. The expanding restrictions on cash trading, the decreasing number of ATMs and the expanding commissions on cash withdrawals rise the question: are we on the way to a full ban on cash?
Cash restrictions in 2025
EU government introduced since April 2024 cash transaction limits. The maximum amount regulated by cash in private transactions is EUR 10 000 and each transaction over EUR 3 000 is subject to strict supervision. Poland has initially avoided specified rules, but Community law is becoming crucial for shaping national regulations.
Importantly, Poland inactive only has a limit for entrepreneurs, which is PLN 15,000. Overshooting of this amount requires the execution of the transaction by means of a bank transfer. For private individuals, however, it is simply a substance of time. In the coming years, we can anticipate changes in this area as well.
ATMs: increasingly hard access to cash
ATMs, which for years have been an indispensable part of the Polish landscape, begin to disappear. The number of devices is decreasing and cash withdrawals are becoming more and more limited. present in many ATMs the maximum one-off payment is 800-1000 złNo substance how much money is in the account.
ATM operators, specified as Euronet, explain that regulations imposed by payment organisations specified as VISA, Mastercard is BLISTERwhich lower the rates for cash withdrawals. At the same time, banks increasingly impose advanced commissions on their customers – collection PLN 1000 may entail a fee even PLN 26even though the actual cost to the bank is from 1.2 to 1.7 zł.
The increasing popularity of non-cash transactions
In the face of decreasing availability of cash, they gain value Non-cash transactions. 1 of the most popular payment tools in Poland became BLISTER – a solution that allows you to make payments without having to have a physical payment card. In 2024 until 80% of mobile banking users utilized this technology and the number of transactions increased by 45% per year.
With BLIK, you can make payments in shops, transfer money to a telephone number, or retreat cash at ATMs. It is these solutions that are to gradually replace conventional means of payment, specified as banknotes and coins.
Is a cash ban a threat?
Although the process of moving distant from cash seems inevitable, many Poles are skeptical about it. Cash is not only a payment tool for them, but besides a form of emergency security. In situations specified as failure of banking systems, natural disasters or armed conflicts, access to physical money may be crucial.
The introduction of a complete ban on cash besides raises concerns about the financial control of citizens. Non-cash transactions are full monitored, which for part of the public constitutes a breach of privacy.
What awaits us in the future?
The process of reducing cash will proceed, both through political decisions and the dynamic improvement of payment technologies. In Poland the next years will bring:
- further Limiting the number of ATMs, especially in tiny towns;
- increasing fees for cash withdrawals at banks and ATMs;
- increased promotion of non-cash solutions specified as BLIK or mobile payments;
- introducing fresh limits for cash transactions besides in private trade.
However, it is worth remembering that despite the expanding difficulties cash inactive plays an crucial function in the Polish economy. For many people it remains a symbol of financial independency and freedom, so the withdrawal process will not be easy and seamless.
Continued here:
Cash banned in 2025. What payout limits from ATMs
