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Cashless Payments and the "Polska Bezgotówkowa" Program Redefine Citizen-Government Relations

Cashless Payments and the "Polska Bezgotówkowa" Program Redefine Citizen-Government Relations

From Rzeczpospolita · (12h ago) Polish Positive tone

Translated from Polish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Poland has significantly advanced its digital state services, with over 12 million digital payments processed in the public sector in 2025.
  • The "Polska Bezgotówkowa" (Cashless Poland) program has installed over 20,000 payment devices in public institutions, covering transaction costs for local governments.
  • The mObywatel app's ePłatności feature has processed nearly 550,000 transactions, primarily for property taxes and waste disposal fees, making public services more accessible.

As the Foundation Polska Bezgotówkowa, we are proud to witness the profound transformation of Poland's public services, a journey we have actively championed for over eight years. The figures from 2025 are not just statistics; they represent a tangible leap forward in creating a modern, digital state that serves its citizens more efficiently and transparently. The sheer volume of over 12 million digital payments in the public sector, a nearly 23% year-on-year increase, underscores the growing trust and adoption of cashless solutions by both citizens and local governments.

Our commitment through the "Polska Bezgotówkowa" program extends beyond simply installing payment terminals. We have equipped over 3,600 public offices with more than 20,000 devices, crucially covering the operational costs for these institutions. This financial support is vital, especially for smaller municipalities, removing a significant barrier to entry and ensuring that no one is left behind in this digital revolution. The development of secure online payments and self-service kiosks further enhances the accessibility and effectiveness of public administration.

The integration of ePłatności within the mObywatel application, a collaborative effort with Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego and Centralny Ośrodek Informatyki, has been a true game-changer. This initiative aligns perfectly with the national Digitization Strategy, allowing residents to manage and pay their dues instantly without the need for physical visits to government offices. Processing nearly 550,000 transactions worth almost 54.5 million PLN in 2025 alone, primarily for property taxes and municipal waste fees, demonstrates how technology is directly improving citizens' quality of life by saving time and reducing bureaucratic hurdles.

From our vantage point at Fundacja Polska Bezgotówkowa, this digital shift is not merely about convenience; it's about building a more responsive and citizen-centric state. While international observers might see this as another example of digital governance, for Poland, it represents a significant stride towards greater administrative efficiency, financial inclusion, and a stronger connection between the government and its people. The success of programs like "Polska Bezgotówkowa" and the widespread adoption of mObywatel highlight our nation's commitment to embracing innovation for the betterment of society.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Rzeczpospolita in Polish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.