Bank Can Block Your Account in Seconds

23 March 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Polish banks use AI to analyse behaviour and can trigger a bank account block when they detect unusual device use.

Polish banks now monitor how you use devices and can trigger a bank account block if they spot unusual behaviour. Consequently, this kind of protection can lock access within seconds when a gesture or typing pattern differs from your normal use.

Table of Contents

Why a bank account block can happen

Banks deploy artificial intelligence to watch for fraud. Moreover, they analyse not only transactions but also how you type and swipe. However, they do not only look at numbers. In addition, they check mouse movement, typing rhythm, and screen gestures. Therefore, an unusual tap or odd typing speed can raise an alert. Consequently, the system may stop access and ask for extra verification. Banks want to protect customer funds from account takeover attempts.

How banks check devices and location

Banks collect technical signals from your device. Moreover, they record IP address, device type, browser, and operating system. In addition, they check login location and time zone. However, sudden changes from another city or from a VPN may trigger further checks. Therefore, the bank can temporarily block access or require a phone call. Consequently, banks like PKO BP and VeloBank already use behavioural verification. Moreover, regulators support such measures as part of strong customer authentication under PSD2.

What the statistics mean

Industry data shows clear results. Moreover, Polish banks prevented about 350 million złoty in theft attempts in 2025. In addition, they stopped over 15,000 credit fraud attempts last year. However, the largest single attempt reached roughly 2 million złoty. Therefore, banks argue that behaviour monitoring prevents large losses. Consequently, since 2008 banks have foiled more than 145,000 fraud attempts worth around 6.5 billion złoty.

For most customers the checks run invisibly in the background. Moreover, the system rarely interrupts a familiar user. However, you may face a temporary block if you act differently while logging in. In addition, a block can occur if you use a new device or a foreign IP address. Therefore, a phone call or extra password may restore access fast.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you live in Poland, update your bank with a local phone number and keep contact details current. For expats, note that PESEL (national ID number) helps with many services, but not all foreigners have it. In addition, ZUS (Social Insurance Institution) and NFZ (National Health Fund) use PESEL for benefits. Moreover, avoid using a VPN when you log into your bank. However, if you travel, tell the bank first and register a trusted device. Therefore, carry your passport or Polish ID when you visit a branch. In addition, keep simple records of transactions in English if you need support later. Finally, if banks block access, contact customer service and request identity verification steps.

Ultimately, behavioural systems aim to stop fraud early. Moreover, they strike a balance between security and convenience. However, they can surprise users who change habits abruptly. Therefore, being prepared helps you avoid an unnecessary interruption.

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