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June 20, 2025

What is BLIK and where does it work?

BLIK has emerged as one of the most innovative and widely used mobile payment systems in Poland.

BLIK is a mobile payment platform launched in 2015 through an alliance of Polish banks and operated by Polski Standard Płatności. It enables users to make real-time payments, transfers, and ATM withdrawals using a unique six-digit code generated in their mobile banking app. A BLIK payment code is valid for 2 minutes, and it allows customers to pay in store or online.

The word BLIK itself doesn't have a specific acronym meaning — it’s a brand name chosen for its simplicity and recognition in Poland.

BLIK is available across most Polish banks and is rapidly expanding into other European markets, including Romania and Slovakia. In 2022, BLIK acquired Slovakian payment company VIAMO as part of its strategy to integrate with European banking apps.

In 2024, the value of online transactions carried out through the BLIK payment system reached EUR 41.4 billion.

How do I pay with Blik?

Below is a list of the three simple steps required to complete a payment using BLIK:

Generate a BLIK code

The customer selects BLIK as their preferred payment method at checkout, generating a BLIK code through their mobile banking app. This can be used for a variety of transactions, including online purchases and contactless payments in retail stores.

Use the BLIK code to pay

The customer subsequently enters the generated BLIK code into the merchant’s online payment page or physical point-of-sale (POS) machine. For security reasons, the BLIK code is only valid for 2 minutes. If the code is not used within this time frame, the customer must generate a new one.

Confirm the payment in the app

To complete the transaction, the customer must authorize the payment within their banking app. Customers have 60 seconds to authorize the payment after a push notification has been sent to their mobile device. Upon confirmation, the transaction is settled instantly, and both the customer and the merchant receive real-time confirmation.

A BLIK code can also be used as a simple way to withdraw cash from ATMs without a physical card. Users can simply enter the BLIK code at a compatible ATM and confirm the transaction in their banking app. The ATM dispenses the cash within seconds.

BLIK can also be used for person-to-person (P2P) transfers, such as sending money to friends and family. BLIK users can either request a BLIK code from their mobile banking app or use the peer-to-peer feature to send money directly to the recipient’s mobile phone number. The recipient subsequently receives a notification in their banking app and can accept the transfer.

Which banks use Blik?

90% of banks in Poland, including Alior Bank, Bank Millennium, mBank, PKO Bank Polski, Santander and BNP Paribas, support BLIK payments. Other participating banks in the BLIK system include foreign banks, such as Revolut. Revolut integrates with BLIK for Polish złoty (PLN) accounts, allowing users to make digital payments and withdraw cash.

Blik vs other payment methods

Compared to other payment methods, BLIK stands out as a streamlined alternative to both traditional card payments and mobile wallets like Google Pay and Apple Pay.

BLIK offers a fast and frictionless payment experience, which often outperforms traditional card payments that require the manual input of card details. BLIK payments are confirmed in real-time through the customer's banking app, removing unnecessary friction and the need for physical cards. Unlike card payments that may involve multiple steps or waiting for authorization, BLIK enables near-instant settlements.

Beyond functionality, BLIK inspires a unique sense of trust and control among customers. Unlike mobile wallets that operate as overlays or third-party platforms, BLIK is directly embedded into customers’ banking apps. This seamless integration eliminates the need to download or manage external platforms, making the experience more intuitive and user-friendly.

Why Blik is better than traditional payment methods

  • Fast Payments: As BLIK payments are processed in real-time, customers complete transactions within seconds. This speed enhances the online shopping experience and reduces wait times at checkout in retail stores or online.
  • Convenience: With BLIK, there is no need for customers to carry a physical card, input lengthy payment details, or remember passwords. All transactions are initiated and confirmed directly within the customer’s mobile banking application.
  • Simple Authentication Process: The BLIK authentication process is a quick and seamless one. Customers authenticate payments by entering the unique code generated in their banking app, followed by in-app authorization.
  • Security & Fraud Prevention: BLIK's system is designed with strong security features. The unique 6-digit codes and required confirmations reduce the risk of fraud and data breaches. Since BLIK payments do not require sharing sensitive financial information, such as card details, the users' banking data remains protected throughout the transaction.
  • Widespread Acceptance: BLIK payments are accepted by a majority of Polish retailers and are quickly expanding across other European markets. This widespread acceptance makes them a reliable and increasingly preferred payment method for local and cross-border eCommerce.

BLIK transactions eliminate the need for physical payment cards and allow users to make payments directly from their banking app. Transactions are settled immediately and provide real-time confirmation for both customers and merchants. Additionally, since BLIK payments require customer confirmation, businesses experience fewer chargebacks compared to traditional credit card payments. This reduction can lead to fewer disputes and lower costs for businesses.

Why is Blik popular with consumers?

It is estimated that BLIK accounts for nearly 70% of all eCommerce transactions made by customers of Polish banks. At the end of June 2024, there were 30.3 million mobile banking apps registered in the BLIK system.

Why businesses should offer Blik?

By offering BILK payments, businesses have access to millions of customers in Poland and other Eastern European markets. Businesses also enjoy higher conversion rates, thanks to the platform’s speed and alignment with local payment preferences.

Comment les entreprises peuvent-elles intégrer les paiements Blik ?

Les paiements BLIK peuvent être facilement intégrés dans les plateformes de commerce électronique. Les entreprises doivent d'abord ouvrir un compte marchand auprès d'une banque ou d'un prestataire de services de paiement (PSP) qui prend en charge le BLIK comme méthode de paiement. Dans le cadre de ce processus, elles doivent également signer un accord de commerçant, qui décrit les termes et conditions du service de paiement, y compris les structures de frais, les procédures de règlement et les exigences de conformité.

Le PSP s'occupera des aspects techniques et des normes de sécurité requises pour une intégration réussie, y compris les interfaces de programmation d'applications(API). La facilité d'intégration peut varier en fonction de la plateforme de commerce électronique ou de la configuration du point de vente. Certaines plateformes prennent en charge BLIK de manière native par le biais d'extensions ou de plugins.

Pour les paiements récurrents, tels que les services par abonnement ou les adhésions, des étapes d'intégration supplémentaires sont nécessaires. Elles comprennent l'enregistrement d'un alias de paiement et une certification UX de BLIK. Une fois l'intégration réussie, les commerçants peuvent afficher le logo BLIK sur leurs sites Web ou leurs magasins de détail pour faire savoir aux clients qu'ils acceptent cette méthode de paiement transparente.

Conclusion

BLIK est rapidement devenu le premier système de paiement mobile en Pologne, offrant des transactions sécurisées et en temps réel grâce à l'intégration transparente des applis bancaires. Sa popularité croissante reflète une évolution plus large vers les paiements mobiles d'abord.

Pour les entreprises, BLIK offre des taux de conversion plus élevés, moins de rétrocessions et une intégration facile. Alors qu'il se développe dans toute l'Europe, adopter BLIK est une décision intelligente pour les commerçants qui cherchent à s'aligner sur l'avenir des paiements numériques.

Prêt à exploiter la puissance de BLIK ? Associe-toi à Nuvei pour intégrer de manière transparente BLIK et d'autres solutions de paiement de premier plan dans ton expérience de caisse - et accélère la croissance de ton entreprise à travers l'Europe.

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