Mobile payments have changed the way we shop, transfer money, and manage everyday banking. In Poland, BLIK has become one of the most widely used systems, allowing users to make payments quickly, securely, and without the need for a traditional payment card. If you want to understand how BLIK works, how to use it for online payments or transfers, and what advantages it brings, this guide covers everything you need to know.
What is BLIK and how does it work?
BLIK is a Polish mobile payment system integrated into banking apps, enabling users to make payments without needing a physical payment card. All you need is a smartphone with your bank’s app installed. When you want to make a payment, you generate a six-digit BLIK code directly in the mobile app and then enter the code into the payment terminal, ATM, or online store checkout.
The BLIK system allows users to make payments instantly, send money, or withdraw cash. The BLIK code is a one-off, meaning every time you generate a new one, it’s valid only for a single transaction. This makes it a highly secure and convenient payment method, especially for customers in Poland who want to manage everyday banking through their phones.
Using BLIK for online payments
One of the biggest advantages of using BLIK is how simple online payments become. When shopping at a selected online store, you only need to choose the BLIK payment option at checkout. The platform will then display the BLIK logo and request a six-digit BLIK code, which you generate in your banking app. Entering the BLIK code confirms your order in seconds.
Is it safe to enter the BLIK code?
Unlike traditional card payments, you don’t need to enter payment card details such as the number, CVV, or expiry date. All you need is a phone number linked to your bank’s app and the ability to generate a new BLIK code. This makes paying online faster and reduces the risk of fraud since no sensitive card data is shared with the merchant.
How to make a BLIK transfer?
BLIK also supports money transfers directly to a recipient’s phone number, without requiring their bank account number. To make a BLIK transfer, log in to online banking, select BLIK transfer, and enter the recipient’s phone number. Once you confirm the transaction in your mobile banking app, the funds are sent instantly.
This feature is particularly useful for small, everyday transactions between friends or colleagues. Instead of asking for an account number, you simply use the recipient’s phone number. BLIK allows users to make payments and send money without the need to enter long account details, which simplifies the process significantly.
Withdrawing cash and making deposits with BLIK
You can also use BLIK to withdraw cash from an ATM or make a BLIK deposit into your bank account. Instead of using a payment card, select the BLIK option on the ATM screen, generate a BLIK code in your banking app, and enter the code. Once you confirm the transaction in your mobile app, the ATM will release the cash.
Similarly, some ATMs and payment terminals support BLIK deposits. By using the same process — select BLIK, enter the code, and confirm — you can deposit money without needing a card. For customers in Poland, BLIK payments are available in most major banks, making it one of the most convenient payment methods for cash management.
BLIK contactless payments in stores
BLIK is not limited to codes. With BLIK contactless payments, you can simply tap your phone on a payment terminal to complete the purchase, similar to how contactless card payments work. To use BLIK contactless payments, you need to activate the feature in your banking app and confirm the transaction with your phone.
Does the recipient of the BLIK transfer see my data?
This option is especially useful for small purchases in physical stores. It allows users to make payments without needing a payment card or wallet, making mobile payment faster and safer. In many ways, it combines the flexibility of card payments with the security of a banking app.
Advantages of using BLIK
The advantages of BLIK are evident:
- Convenience – you don’t need a payment card to make payments or transfers.
- Security – each six-digit BLIK code is valid only once.
- Speed – money transfers and online payments are processed instantly.
- Accessibility – most banks offer BLIK in their mobile banking apps.
- Versatility – BLIK allows users to withdraw cash, make payments, and send money.
For businesses, accepting BLIK payments is a way to meet customer expectations in Poland, where BLIK is widely used and considered a convenient payment method.
Fees for using BLIK
In most cases, banks offer BLIK payments as part of their mobile banking services without additional fees for using BLIK. For customers, this means that money transfers, online payments, and cash withdrawals are typically free. However, always check your bank’s terms, as charges may apply in certain cases, particularly for international transactions.
For businesses, the cost of accepting BLIK as a payment option depends on the acquiring bank or payment provider. Fenige, for instance, supports secure global payment processing, ensuring that businesses looking to expand internationally can integrate BLIK and other payment methods seamlessly.
Security of BLIK transactions
Every BLIK transaction is confirmed within your mobile banking app, which acts as an additional layer of protection. To complete a transaction, you need to log in, generate a BLIK code, and confirm the transaction. This reduces the risk of unauthorised use, since the code expires quickly and requires your approval.
Mobile payments – what are their types?
Unlike sharing payment card details, using BLIK codes means sensitive information is never passed to merchants. This makes BLIK one of the most secure mobile payment systems currently available in Poland. Combined with strong UK financial regulations for businesses expanding to this market, BLIK ensures compliance and safety for both consumers and merchants.
BLIK for businesses and international expansion
While BLIK operates primarily in Poland, it is increasingly being integrated into payment gateways that serve international businesses. Customers in Poland can use BLIK for online shopping, and businesses abroad can accept payments through providers that offer BLIK as a payment option.
This is where Fenige plays a role. Fenige helps businesses to accept payments from Poland, including BLIK transfers, without technical barriers. For companies looking to reach Polish customers, integrating BLIK alongside traditional card payments expands the choice of convenient payment methods and supports higher conversion rates.
The future of BLIK and mobile payments
BLIK continues to evolve, with new ecommerce features and partnerships being added to expand its reach. From BLIK cheques to improved contactless functionality, the system is becoming more versatile. Many banks in Poland offer BLIK by default, making it a standard mobile payment option for millions of customers.
For small businesses and global enterprises alike, offering BLIK as a payment method is a way to connect with one of Europe’s most mobile-first markets. With Fenige providing international payment infrastructure, businesses that want to expand into Poland can accept BLIK payments as easily as card payments, ensuring a seamless experience for customers.
BLIK is widely used in Poland because it’s fast, secure, and convenient. From making an online payment to sending money with just a phone number, it simplifies daily banking for both consumers and businesses. For companies, offering BLIK as a payment option opens the door to millions of customers in Poland. With Fenige’s global payment solutions, accepting BLIK alongside other methods is straightforward, helping businesses grow internationally while meeting local expectations.
