The trends in the evolution of retail banking are determined, on one hand, by changes in households' financial situation, and the growth of banks' share in the financial market on the other. The trends in households' income described in the paper, including the prospects of growth, their differentiation and evolution of structure will be conducive to the development of retail banking. The expected reduction in taxes which influences the propensity to save may be partially offset by the proposed tax on deposits on bank and investment accounts. The central bank's monetary policy should, on the other hand, support both the propensity to save, and the propensity to consume (with respect to consumption financed by credit). The evolution of households' asset structure towards a lower share in the deposit market, the rise in their indebtedness (the level still remaining below that of the developed economies), the new pensions funds - will all stimulate the development of retail banking. Adequate product strategy is a key to increased competitiveness and profitability of retail banks. Some of the essential methods include the use of the personal account as a channel of distribution for packaged banking services, a proper segmentation of customers and a creation of a computer-supported customer relations management system. Additionally, it is necessary to improve the protection of customers' interests with respect to investment loan and payments system services (such as payment cards, electronic purses, electronic transfers).

The future of retail banking relies heavily on new products. Those are difficult to introduce without resorting to electronic commerce, based on appropriate telecommunications and computer infrastructure. The progress of telecommunication in Poland lags seriously behind that observed in France, Germany or the USA. This fact may constitute a major impediment to the development of retail banking services in Poland.