The number of cards with ATM function experienced an increase of 3% to reach 33.1 million cards in 2011. The network of ATMs is expanding across Poland to cover not only the largest cities, but medium- and small-sized towns as well. The number of ATMs reached 17,740 units in 2011, from 5% growth compared to 2010. ATM card transactions increased in 2011 by 7% in current value terms to reach PLN284.1 billion and 5% in volume terms to amount to 737 million transactions. Over the forecast period, transaction volume will increase by a CAGR of 3% to reach 838 million in 2016 and in constant value terms transaction will reach PLN332.2 billion with a CAGR of 3%.

The number of ATM-only cards has diminished each year. Moreover, they constitute only a marginal part of overall ATM. The downward tendency is a result of the replacement of ATM-only cards by debit cards, which are much more demanded by Poles. Despite the fact that card holders use their cards much more often to withdraw cash at ATMs, they expect built-in functionality of electronic payments, which give the possibility to pay by card in an emergency such as lack of cash.

Despite the rising number of premises offering cash back payment, this type of service does not enjoy popularity among Poles. Moreover, even the lack of any fee for cash back does not drive progress of that service. The major card holders are still not accustomed to such a method of cash withdrawal; moreover, many people are not even aware of the existence of that service. This negative phenomenon results to a large extent from a lack of sufficient information and promotion of cash back in Poland.

PKO Bank Polski SA is the leading local issuer of 7.2 million cards in circulation with ATM function in 2010. The bank deals not only with debit and credit cards with ATM function, but also with charge and pre-paid cards. However, the two latter types of cards play a less significant role than debit and credit cards.

Banks compete by promoting the utilisation of all ATM machines (including those of other banks) for a small fee or even free of any charge. All major banks withdraw fees for using their own ATM machines and some of them offered free cash withdrawal of ATMs in other banks. mBank offers such a solution for a PLN5 monthly fee. In turn, ING Bank Slaski includes in its offer ING Direct for individual clients for the use of all ATM machines for free. The only condition of that offer is to make monthly cashless transactions for at least PLN100. Bank Millennium offers a new account addressed to individual clients, which includes the use of all ATMs for free.

The number of cards with ATM function is expected to increase due to the predicted growth of the number of debit and credit cards. These cards constitute a vast majority of all cards with ATM function in Poland. Another factor indicating a prospective increase in the number of ATM cards is the developing network of ATMs across Poland.

Cards with ATM function will remain a very important part of financial cards and payments, because cash transactions remain very widespread in Poland. A growing number of cashless transactions are a sign of changing consumer habits; however it should be treated as a long lasting process. The significant shift is not possible due to the fact that most debit and credit cards in Poland are equipped with ATM function.

The average transaction amount is expected to increase from PLN376 in 2011 up to PLN397 in 2016. However, the pace of growth is expected to decrease each year to reach the level of only 0.7% in 2016. The value per card is also expected to increase due to the growing number of cards with ATM function, as well the augmentation of ATM transaction value.

The ATM Transactions in Poland report establishes the size and structure of the market for ATMs cards, smart cards, credit cards, debit cards, charge cards, pre-paid cards and store cards. It looks at key players in the market (issuers and operators), number of cards in circulation, numbers transactions and value of transactions. It offers strategic analysis of sector forecasts and trends to watch.