Banks tighten access to cash as EU limit arrives

30 May 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Banks ask customers to update AML data or lose app access; cash access limits Poland will cap large cash payments at €10,000 from 2027.

Banks across Poland now ask customers to update AML surveys or risk losing online access. The new rules and an EU cap create explicit cash access limits Poland residents and businesses must understand.

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Why banks ask questions and what happens next

Banks send short questionnaires about income sources and transaction purposes. Moreover, they require periodic updates for long‑standing customers. The institutions do this under the 2018 Anti‑Money Laundering law. Consequently, banks must identify and verify client data and refresh it when needed. If you ignore requests, your bank may suspend online banking access. However, you can still use ATM withdrawals and visit a branch in most cases. Therefore, the suspension feels like a loss of access for many customers.

cash access limits Poland: the legal backdrop and timeline

The EU adopted a new AML regulation in May 2024. In addition, it sets a uniform cash payment cap of 10,000 euros from 10 July 2027. The regulation targets professional transactions only. You can still withdraw or deposit any cash in a bank. Moreover, private transfers between individuals for non‑business reasons remain outside the cap. However, you cannot split a big purchase into multiple smaller cash payments to avoid the limit. Therefore, large purchases from companies will require bank transfers after 2027.

Step‑by‑step: how banks escalate when you do not respond

First, you receive reminders by app notification and email. Then your bank may block e‑banking access if you keep ignoring requests. Consequently, your card and branch services usually still work. Next, the bank can terminate the account contract in extreme cases. However, your funds do not disappear. The bank places them on a technical account. Therefore, you must visit a branch and complete the same questionnaire to recover money. For firms, banks often require the legal representative to appear in person earlier. Moreover, banks limit who can sign documents for businesses. Thus, a director or owner must come, not an accountant or proxy.

In Warsaw, this policy has a high practical impact. The Mazovia region hosts more than one million registered businesses. Consequently, many companies face branch summonses. Moreover, solo entrepreneurs in IT and services often record irregular inflows. Therefore, a sudden large deposit can trigger extra scrutiny and a bank request for documents proving the source.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you live in Poland, treat AML survey messages as official notices. Bring an ID (PESEL or passport), and prepare proof of income or sale documents. For businesses, the company representative must attend. Note that Polish systems like ZUS (social security) and NFZ (national health fund) do not replace bank verification. Therefore, keep your registration and beneficiary information up to date to avoid service disruption.

To avoid surprises, answer AML questionnaires promptly. Moreover, declare expected large transfers in advance. If you plan a high‑value cash purchase after July 2027, use a bank transfer instead. However, check local firm limits, as Poland still keeps a lower threshold between companies today. Finally, keep your contact details current with your bank to receive all notices quickly.

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