What is BLIK, and why do Poles like it?
BLIK is an easy-to-use, standard, mobile, fast payment method. All bank customers with mobile banking applications can use it. It is linked to a personal account, so there is no need to install it additionally or set up an additional account. BLIK is a secure payment method. It works based on a 6-digit one-time code generated by the system during payment and is valid for only two minutes. In addition, each operation must be confirmed in the application.All users appreciate the versatility of this payment method. With BLIK, we can withdraw and deposit money at an ATM, make a contactless payment, pay for purchases online or in-store, use BLIK checks, send a wire transfer, or enable recurring payments. BLIK codes can be used to pay the other person without providing the account number. All you have to do is log in to the banking application and enter the recipient's phone number so that they can instantly collect the money. Poles can pay everywhere with BLIK. At the public and post offices, buy a public transport ticket and pay a fine to a policeman. BLIK is also integrated with the largest shopping platform in Poland - Allegro.
BLIK is growing in strength
The origins of BLIK started in 2013 when six banks in Poland formed the company Polski Standard Płatności (PSP) and began work on a new payment system. Official mobile payments appeared on the market in 2015. In 2016, BLIK had nearly half a million active users; two years later, there were almost three million. In 2023, it increased to 15.8 million users. The one billionth BLIK payment, which best demonstrates the success of this payment method, was recorded in May 2021. By 2023, the number of transactions exceeded 1.76 billion.Over time, more banks joined the system. Currently, BLIK is available to customers of 19 Polish banks.In 2020, PSP partnered with Mastercard, which became a shareholder of PSP. This step made BLIK contactless payments possible at terminals around the world. In 2022, tests of the new deferred payment service BLIK Płacę Później (BLIK Pay Later) began, which is currently available to customers of one bank. PSP relentlessly develops its product and wants to achieve brand success in foreign markets. In 2023, PSP finalized the acquisition of a Slovakian payment platform and plans to expand into the Romanian market.