We’ll explore the factors driving consumer choices and examine how these trends align with global payment preferences. We’ll also discuss the challenges and opportunities faced by international sellers planning to expand into the Polish e-commerce market.
BLIK – the unquestioned leader in Polish online payments
BLIK is the most popular and one of the most innovative payment methods in Poland. This system allows transactions to be made with a unique, single-use six-digit code generated in the user’s mobile banking app. BLIK’s popularity continues to grow, as confirmed by the latest data from Tpay’s report “How Poles Shop Online 2023.” A staggering 76% of respondents indicated BLIK as their preferred payment method, representing a six-percentage-point increase compared to the second edition of the survey and five percentage points compared to the first edition. Furthermore, nearly 70% of surveyed Poles use BLIK most often for their online shopping, marking a nine-percentage-point increase since the second survey and an eleven-percentage-point rise compared to the first survey.
BLIK enables payments in physical stores, online shops, ATM withdrawals, and peer-to-peer transfers. Its simplicity and security are the key factors behind its popularity. Each BLIK code is valid for only two minutes, significantly reducing the risk of fraud. Thanks to its partnership with Polski Standard Płatności, BLIK is continually evolving to adapt to the needs of modern consumers. This payment method combines speed, convenience, and security, making it an indispensable part of Poles’ daily transactions.
Online transfers – security and speed in online transactions
Online transfers, also known as pay-by-link, rank as the second most popular payment method in Poland, valued particularly for their convenience and speed. In this system, after selecting the online payment option, users are redirected to their bank’s website, where they simply log in and confirm the pre-filled transfer form. This eliminates the need for manual data entry, minimising the risk of errors and greatly enhancing transaction security. According to Tpay’s report “How Poles Shop Online 2023,” 23% of respondents use this method most frequently, although it noted a seven-percentage-point decrease from the previous year. Moreover, 27% of those surveyed indicated pay-by-link as their preferred payment method.
Online transfers are particularly popular among e-consumers who value the speed and simplicity of the payment process. The report’s data shows that 65% of users choose this method for its convenience, while 63% appreciate its quickness. The pay-by-link system is not only intuitive but also secure, with encrypted connections to the bank ensuring user data protection.
One of the main advantages of online transfers is their accessibility and versatility. They can be used for online shopping, bill payments, or deposits into savings accounts. Additionally, the bank system’s automatic form-filling feature reduces the time needed to complete a payment, which is crucial for those who prioritise efficiency and convenience in their daily financial management.
Although pay-by-link has experienced a slight dip in popularity, it remains one of the most preferred choices for Poles, reflecting its reliability and suitability for today’s consumers. With the continuous advancement of technology and growing security awareness among users, online transfers will likely continue to play a significant role in Poland’s electronic payment landscape.
Card payments – declining in popularity compared to previous years
Card payments are the third most popular online payment method in Poland, appreciated for their convenience and security. According to Tpay’s report “How Poles Shop Online 2023,” 19% of respondents use this method most frequently, while 29% list it as their preferred option. However, we observe a decline in its popularity, down by four percentage points compared to 2022.
Card payments offer fast and secure transactions, protected by PCI DSS standards and additional authorisation steps. This system also includes the chargeback mechanism, which allows users to recover funds in case of issues with an order. Furthermore, with integration into mobile payment platforms such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, card payments are becoming even more convenient for users. Card operators like Visa and Mastercard are continually introducing new technologies to enhance transaction convenience and security, ensuring that card payments remain one of the safest and most convenient online payment methods.
Digital wallets – a growing preference in online payments
Digital wallets are becoming an increasingly popular online payment method in Poland, particularly appreciated for their convenience and speed. According to Tpay’s report “How Poles Shop Online 2023,” 26% of respondents indicated digital wallets as their preferred payment method, representing a nine-percentage-point increase from 2022.
Digital wallets like Google Pay, Apple Pay, and PayPal enable quick and secure payments without the need to re-enter card details for every transaction. These transactions are protected by advanced security measures, such as biometric identity verification and tokenisation, boosting user confidence. Thanks to integration with popular shopping platforms and wide acceptance among e-shops, digital wallets are becoming increasingly important in daily transactions. For sellers, offering this payment method is a straightforward way to increase conversion rates and customer satisfaction, making digital wallets an essential component of modern e-commerce.
Payment methods in Poland – challenges and opportunities for foreign sellers
Entering the Polish e-commerce market is both a challenge and a significant opportunity for foreign sellers. First, they must navigate regulatory requirements such as GDPR, which demands compliance with local data protection laws. Another barrier is the unique payment preferences of Polish consumers—the dominance of BLIK and instant bank transfers means that foreign sellers need to integrate these payment methods to attract customers. Additionally, fierce competition from local e-shops, which typically feature integrated local payment methods, presents another hurdle to overcome.
In Poland’s e-commerce world, Allegro reigns supreme. This marketplace platform has become synonymous with online shopping for millions of Poles, dominating the market with a wide range of products, attractive prices, and convenient payment options. For foreign sellers, Allegro offers a unique opportunity to enter the Polish market quickly and effectively without building their own infrastructure.
Allegro includes integrated local payment methods like BLIK and pay-by-link, eliminating the need for foreign sellers to independently integrate these systems. This allows new entrants to align easily with Polish consumers’ preferences and offer familiar, popular payment methods. Moreover, Allegro provides support in logistics, customer service, and compliance with local regulations, enabling foreign sellers to focus on expanding their offerings. This strategic partnership facilitates a quick and seamless entry into the Polish market, minimising risks and operational costs.
