The value of payments made by card in Poland in Q3 2009 amounted to zł.86.2 billion, three percent more than in Q2 2009 and 8.1 percent more than in Q3 2008. According to the data presented by the National Bank of Poland, there were 32.5 million cards issued in Q3, a 2.3 percent rise q/q and 11 percent rise y/y.

The NBP report noted that for the first time there were more cashless transactions than ATM cash withdrawals. “This is a very positive factor, showing how card owners’ behavior changes,” said the report.

Source: NBP

Polish banks continue to offer their clients more technologically advanced cards. In the last nine months, ING Bank Śląski has issued over 100,000 Maestro PayPass contactless cards. In the coming months, Polish banks will also start to replace the currently ubiquitous magnetic-strip cards with cards equipped with a microchip. Some have already launched the exchange. Microchip cards will become standard starting from 2011.