Bank Must Act After Mistaken Transfer

24 September 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

If a mistaken bank transfer lands with a stranger, Polish banks must act within 3 days and can reveal the recipient after 30 days.

A single wrong digit can send money to a stranger. If you make a mistaken bank transfer, Polish law forces banks to start recovery steps within three business days and allows the sender to learn the recipient’s identity after 30 days.

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What to do after a mistaken bank transfer

Act fast. Contact your bank immediately by phone, online banking or at a branch. Give the bank the transfer date, amount, wrong account number, correct account number, transaction title and any transaction ID you have. If the transfer still sits in a processing queue, the bank may cancel it. However, a completed transfer usually cannot return automatically.

How the recovery procedure works

Polish payment law requires the sender’s bank to take steps to recover funds no later than three business days after the report. If the recipient uses the same bank, that bank will inform them directly. If another bank holds the recipient account, the sender’s bank passes the case on. The recipient will receive a written notice telling them that the payment arrived due to an incorrect account number. The notice will explain how to return funds and give a 30-day window for a voluntary refund.

When banks will share recipient data

If the money does not return within 30 days, the sender may request the recipient’s contact details in writing. The bank must provide the recipient’s name or company name and address. If both accounts sit at the same bank, that bank must release the data within three business days. When two banks participate, the recipient’s bank has three days to reply and the sender’s bank then has three days to pass the information on. The law limits use of those details to recovering the mistakenly sent funds only.

Legal options if the recipient refuses

After you obtain the recipient’s information, send a formal demand letter. State the amount, transaction date, account number for return, and a clear deadline. Prove delivery by registered mail or another tracked method. If the recipient ignores the demand, you can sue for unjust enrichment under the civil code. You may also claim late payment interest after the demand period expires. Remember, banks cannot withdraw funds from the recipient’s account just because you reported the mistake. They must follow the recovery process.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: For expats: Polish banks treat the account number as the decisive identifier. Provide clear transaction details when you report a mistake. Keep proof of communication with your bank. If official identity details are needed later, you will use them only to reclaim the money. Also, understand Polish administrative terms: ZUS (social security), NFZ (public health fund) and PESEL (national ID number). These appear often when you set up local services.

Do not reply to strangers asking for a refund via SMS, email or messenger. Instead, follow your bank’s official instructions and use the bank’s technical return account when offered. If the transfer came from fraud, preserve evidence and contact the police as well as your bank.

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