Cracking the Polish Loan Market: How to Secure the Lowest Rates in 2026

With the NBP holding rates at 4.00%, the battle between PKO BP and Santander is heating up. Here is how you can pay less for your next PLN 50,000.

Securing a loan in Poland has evolved into a digital-first experience. As of February 2026, the RRSO (Total Real Interest Rate) remains the only metric that matters. While some banks lure you with a 0% commission, they often hide the costs in insurance premiums. To win, you must look at the bottom line.

The 2026 Lender Power Ranking

Bank / Institution	Best Feature	Typical RRSO
PKO Bank Polski	High Limits for Gov Employees	~11.2%
VeloBank / Alior	Lowest Market Rates	~8.9% – 10.5%
Santander Bank Polska	Expats with Karta Pobytu	~9.8% – 14.5%

Mastering the BIK (Credit Bureau) Score

In Poland, your BIK score is your shadow. A score above 70/100 can save you up to PLN 4,000 in interest over a 5-year loan of PLN 30,000.

Insider Tip: Download your report for 49 PLN at bik.pl before applying. If you see an old, unpaid “chwilówka” (payday loan), clear it immediately; it’s a red flag for major banks like Bank Pekao.

A Real-World Scenario: The Cost of Choice

Maria needs PLN 40,000 for a hybrid car. She considers two 48-month options:

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✅ Option A (Best RRSO 9.5%): Monthly payment: PLN 1,005 | Total Cost: PLN 48,240
❌ Option B (Standard RRSO 14%): Monthly payment: PLN 1,093 | Total Cost: PLN 52,464
By choosing Option A, Maria saves PLN 4,224—enough for a year of fuel!

The Expat Factor

Foreigners often struggle with Polish banks. To increase your approval odds at ING or mBank:

Validity of Residency: Your Karta Pobytu must be valid for at least 6 months longer than the loan term.
Employment: An Umowa o pracę na czas nieokreślony (permanent contract) is the “Golden Ticket.” If you have a B2B contract, you’ll need 12 months of activity.