Payment regulations and emergency cash advice in Poland

In Poland, businesses are legally required to accept non-cash payments, such as cards or BLIK, regardless of the transaction amount. Under the Payment Services Act effective since January 1, 2022, merchants cannot refuse electronic payments or impose minimum transaction limits, except for specific entities not required to use cash registers or certain mass event organizers who must clearly state cash-only policies in advance.

While electronic payments are increasingly dominant, experts and European institutions emphasize the importance of maintaining a small cash reserve for emergencies. The European Central Bank notes that in countries like the Netherlands, Austria, and Finland, recommendations exist to hold approximately 70–100 euros per person to cover basic needs for about 72 hours in the event of power outages, internet failures, or payment system breakdowns. Polish government safety guidelines also suggest preparedness for such technological disruptions.