You didn't give marketing permission? Your bank can charge you for that!

The protection of privacy in the digital planet is becoming an expanding challenge and, as it turns out, can besides be at the expense. More and more banks in Poland are considering or already introducing controversial practice – charge an additional fee for not expressing marketing consents. This means that customers who consciously defend their data from flooding offers and calls from consultants can see a new, unwanted position on their lift. This is simply a breakthrough that puts the fundamental principles of the GDPR into question, according to which consent should be voluntary. In 2025, this trend can become common, forcing consumers to make a hard choice: pay for privacy or share their data in exchange for avoiding a fee.

Why do banks introduce a "private fee"?

Officially, financial institutions explain this decision to offer "better, personalised conditions" to customers who are open to marketing communications. In practice, however, this is an effort to compensate for the lost benefits. Customer data is simply a valuable resource for banks, which allows alleged cross-selling (sale of additional products) and up-selling (sale of more costly versions of products). erstwhile the client does not agree to marketing, the bank loses its ability to offer credit, credit cards, insurance or investment programmes directly.

The introduction of the levy is so a form of economical pressure. The banks argue that a client who shares data generates possible income for them, which allows for a simplification in the cost of keeping his account. In turn, the client who values his privacy becomes “more costly to maintain”. But this logic is dangerous due to the fact that transforms the basic right to privacy into a premium serviceWhich you gotta pay extra for. This phenomenon, known as data monetization, is entering a new, more aggressive phase where the deficiency of consent becomes a financial burden.

How much does data protection cost? Checking the price lists

The amount of the fresh charge may vary according to the bank, but the analysis of the first specified offers on the marketplace shows that these amounts are not symbolic. The most common fee ranges 5 to 15 PLN per month. On a yearly basis, this means an additional cost of PLN 60-180 only for not wanting to receive unwanted calls and SMS messages with offers.

Importantly, this fee is frequently hidden in fee tables and commissions under under-intuitive names, specified as "standard option account fee" or "additional fee for not actively utilizing partners' offers". A client who does not regularly analyse changes to the rules may not even announcement that he has been paying extra costs for respective months. so it is crucial to read all the notifications from the bank carefully and periodic check of the Fees and Commission Table (TOiP), which is simply a legally required paper available on the website of each financial institution.

Is the fee for non-approval lawful? Experts and the UOKiK have doubts

The introduction of non-marketing fees raises serious legal doubts, especially in the context of the EU Data Protection Regulation, or GDPR. 1 of the fundamental principles of GDPR is that consent to the processing of data must be voluntary, informed and unambiguous. Dependence on the financial terms of the contract (e.g. no account fee) on the consent of marketing may be interpreted as a breach of the voluntary principle.

Personal data protection experts stress that it is hard to talk freely if the consumer bears negative financial consequences for refusal. I'm certain she'll be interested. Office for Competition and Consumer Protection (OCT), which may consider specified practices to be abstract clauses (unauthorised contractual provisions) or practices affecting the collective interests of consumers. The president of the UOKiK has the tools to order banks not to do so and to impose severe financial penalties on them. The first complaints from customers are likely to be sent to the office, which could launch extended checks in the banking sector in 2025.

How do you defend yourself? Step by step, what you can do

If you've discovered that your bank charges specified a fee, you're not helpless. There are respective steps you can take to fight for your rights and money. Action is crucial due to the fact that inactivity is simply a silent consent to controversial practices.

• Analyze the contract and TOiP carefully: Find the exact fee record. Check erstwhile it was introduced and whether the bank correctly informed you of the change of policy.
• Make an authoritative complaint: Contact the bank through a formal channel (web banking, hotline, branch) and submit a complaint. mention to the principles of GDPR, in peculiar the request of voluntary consent. Request reimbursement of wrongfully collected funds.
• Contact the Financial Ombudsman: If the bank rejects your complaint, you can request aid from a Financial Ombudsman who specializes in client disputes with financial institutions.
• Report the case to UOKiK: Regardless of the complaint, it is worth informing about the practices of the Bank Office for Competition and Consumer Protection. The more specified applications, the greater the chance for a systemic intervention of the office.
• Consider changing the bank: If your bank insists on terms that are unfavorable to you, the final solution is to “vote with your legs” and transfer your account to a competition that respects the privacy of your customers more.

The emergence of a "privacy charge" is simply a worrying signal for all consumers. It shows that the fight for the protection of our individual data is simply a continuous process. It is worth being vigilant, knowing your rights and actively reacting to attempts to limit them, as these practices may shortly become a standard not only in banking but besides in another sectors of the economy.