NBP data indicate that by the end of August 2025, the value of cash in circulation increased to PLN 443 billion. This is an increase of 7.4%. compared to the previous year. This is one of the highest levels in the country's history. The phenomenon of “cash hoarding” is becoming more and more popular in Poland. It means withdrawing money from the banking system and storing it in physical form.
NBP experts point out that “cash hoarding” is not a temporary trend. It has been observed for some time. Last year, the value of cash in circulation increased by 9.5%. within 12 months.
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Poles are withdrawing cash from banks en masse. NBP experts talk about the reasons
Cash is less and less used solely as a means of payment. For many Poles, it becomes a form of security in the event of a crisis (resulting, for example, from the geopolitical situation), problems with payment systems such as e-banking failures, as well as cyber attacks.
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The data shows that just over 66 percent Polish citizens have cash reserves. However, these are not large amounts, most often they reach a maximum of PLN 5,000. zloty. These studies also show that many Poles believe that keeping money in the bank is no longer profitable due to the low interest rate on deposits.
Another reason why Poles prefer to keep money at home is privacy. Cash transactions are anonymous, unlike electronic payments.
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Experts warn that the increase in the amount of cash in circulation may contribute to the development of the gray zone and hiding some transactions outside the official financial circulation. NBP data show that access to banking services in Poland remains high. According to them, 98.65 percent residents have easy access to ATMs.
