Bank Handlowy w Warszawie (Citi Handlowy) is the oldest commercial bank in Poland, founded in 1870 and now part of the American Citigroup. It focuses on affluent and corporate customers, with global Citi-network access and English-language service.
Why choose Citi Handlowy?
- The oldest commercial bank in Poland — tradition going back to 1870
- Part of the global Citigroup — access to Citi network in 90+ countries
- Citigold preferential service for affluent customers, including dedicated international desk
- English-language Citi Mobile app and Citi Online web banking
- Among the best credit cards on the market, including Citi Simplicity with cashback
- Strong offer for large corporations and companies with international operations
Editorial rating
- Offers 4.2
- Service 4.4
- Online banking 4.4
- Costs 4.2
About the bank Citi Handlowy
Bank Handlowy w Warszawie was founded in 1870 by Leopold Kronenberg and is the oldest continuously operating commercial bank in Poland. After the political transformation the bank was acquired in 2001 by the American Citigroup and took on the "Citi Handlowy" marketing name. Despite the ownership changes, the bank kept the prestigious Handlowy brand, which is still well known in the Polish banking sector.
Citi Handlowy focuses on serving affluent customers (Citigold segment), large corporations and selected retail segments. The bank offers personal accounts with credit cards (one of the best cashback offers on the market), cash loans, investment products and advanced international corporate banking — thanks to the global Citi network. In 2022 the bank sold part of its retail business to VeloBank, concentrating on the premium segment.
For Polish residents in the United States, United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Singapore or other Citi-presence countries, Citi Handlowy offers a recognisable group brand and access to the global Citi network. The Citi Mobile app and Citi Online web banking are available in English, with customer service handling English inquiries through a dedicated international desk. Citigold customers can use Citi branches and lounges worldwide for in-person service when travelling, plus preferential FX rates and a dedicated relationship manager. The minimum asset threshold for Citigold typically starts at PLN 400,000 in funds under management — making it suited to senior professionals, expats and high-earning Polish residents abroad rather than mass-market customers.
Active offers
We show the currently active offers and always link to the latest version.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Prestigious brand with more than 150 years of history
- Attractive credit cards with cashback and points programmes
- Access to the global Citi network for customers travelling abroad
- Specialised premium service in the Citigold segment
Cons
- Focused on premium and corporate segments — less accessible for mass-market customers
- Smaller branch network than universal banks
- No mortgages in Poland (following strategy changes)
How to apply — Citi Handlowy
Citi Handlowy, Poland's oldest commercial bank (1870), is part of Citigroup. Citigold benefits from the global Citi network — useful in the US and UK.
- 1
Choose a product
Check available Citi Handlowy offers in our ranking — accounts, credit cards, cash loans.
- 2
Go to the bank
Click the CTA to go to the Citi Handlowy application page.
- 3
Fill in the application
Use Citi Online or Citi Mobile. Prepare your ID and income documents.
- 4
Receive a decision
Existing customers may get a fast decision. New customers usually receive one in 1–2 business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Citi Handlowy the same as Bank Handlowy?
"Citi Handlowy" is the marketing name of Bank Handlowy w Warszawie SA, which has belonged to the American Citigroup since 2001. The legal name remains Bank Handlowy w Warszawie Spółka Akcyjna, which you will see on contracts and bank documents.
Can I use Citi Handlowy from the US, UK or Singapore?
Yes — Citi Handlowy customers benefit from the global Citigroup network in 90+ countries. The Citi Mobile app and Citi Online web banking are available in English, and Citigold customers receive a dedicated international relationship manager. The bank is particularly practical for Polish residents working in the US, UK, Hong Kong or Singapore — where Citi has its own retail presence.
What is Citigold and how does it work for residents abroad?
Citigold is the Citi Handlowy premium-customer segment, typically requiring PLN 400,000+ in assets under management. Citigold customers receive a dedicated relationship manager, preferential FX rates, investment advisory, and access to Citi branches and lounges in any Citigroup country. For Polish residents abroad, Citigold can coordinate cross-border services in cooperation with the local Citi entity.
Does Citi Handlowy offer mortgages?
No — Citi Handlowy no longer grants mortgages in Poland. After the strategy change the bank focuses on personal accounts, credit cards, cash loans, investment products and corporate banking.
What makes the Citi Handlowy credit card stand out?
Citi Handlowy credit cards are among the best rated in Poland, especially for their cashback programmes (Citi Simplicity) and rewards. Many cards offer free travel insurance and airport lounge access.
What is Citigold?
Citigold is the affluent-customer segment at Citi Handlowy, offering a personal advisor, access to investment products, preferential credit and deposit terms and service at dedicated Citigold centres. Joining usually requires a certain asset level.
Is Citi Handlowy safe?
Yes. Bank Handlowy is supervised by KNF, is a BFG member and is listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange. Deposits are insured up to EUR 100,000. Its majority shareholder is Citigroup — one of the largest American financial groups.
Does Citi Handlowy have branches across Poland?
Citi Handlowy has a limited branch network concentrated in larger cities. Service is primarily digital — through Citi Mobile, online banking and the call centre. Dedicated Citigold centres are available in selected locations.
How much does a Citi Handlowy personal account cost?
Citi Handlowy offers several personal account variants, including free with deposit or card activity conditions or as part of premium packages. Current pricing is on citihandlowy.pl in the fees and commissions section.
Other banks
kreddo.pl is an independent financial comparison service and is not a credit broker within the meaning of the Polish Consumer Credit Act. The data presented is pulled from bank APIs and updated in real time. Final loan terms are determined individually by the bank.