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.

How can businesses integrate Blik payments?

BLIK payments can be easily integrated into eCommerce platforms. Businesses must first open a merchant account with a bank or payment service provider (PSP) that supports BLIK as a payment method. As part of this process, they must also sign a merchant agreement, which outlines the terms and conditions of the payment service, including fee structures, settlement procedures, and compliance requirements.

The PSP will handle the technical aspects and required security standards for successful integration, including the application programming interfaces (APIs). The ease of integration can vary depending on the eCommerce platform or POS setup. Some platforms support BLIK natively through extensions or plugins.

For recurring payments, such as subscription-based services or memberships, additional integration steps are required. They include the registration of a payment alias and a UX certification from BLIK. After successful integration, merchants can display the BLIK logo on their websites or retail stores to let customers know that they accept this seamless payment method.

Conclusion

BLIK has rapidly become Poland’s leading mobile payment system, offering secure, real-time transactions through seamless banking app integration. Its growing popularity reflects a broader shift toward mobile-first payments.

For businesses, BLIK delivers higher conversion rates, fewer chargebacks, and easy integration. As it expands across Europe, adopting BLIK is a smart move for merchants looking to align with the future of digital payments.

Ready to tap into the power of BLIK? Partner with Nuvei to seamlessly integrate BLIK and other leading payment solutions into your checkout experience - and accelerate your business growth across Europe.

‍