Non-Bank Loans Hit Record Popularity in January 2026

The year 2026 began with another record on the non-bank loan market. According to data published by the Credit Information Bureau (BIK), the value of short-term non-bank loan sales in January amounted to PLN 6.624 billion. This represents a 15.9% increase compared to the same month last year and is the highest monthly value since statistics began in 2020. Sector analysis reveals that the dominant market segment is individual clients, who account for as much as 98% of the value of all loans granted. Among them, short-term contracts prevail, constituting over 85% of the total number of contracts concluded in January. This data confirms the sustained trend of high popularity of non-bank loans in Poland, especially among people with limited access to bank financing. 6,624 mld zł — Value of non-bank loans granted in January The Polish non-bank loan market began to develop dynamically after 2000, along with the progressing commercialization of the financial sector. In 2006-2010, there was a boom in so-called payday loans, which led to the enactment of the anti-usury law in 2011, limiting the maximum cost of a loan. Another milestone was the Financial Market Supervision Act of 2014, which introduced supervision by the Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF) over part of the loan companies. Industry representatives explain this growth by the increasing financial needs of Polish households, inflation, and rising energy and food prices. A representative of the Polish Association of Loan and Savings Companies (ZPF) stated that „„Chociaż firmy pożyczkowe pozabankowe funkcjonują od lat, wciąż znajdujemy nowe grupy klientów. To efekt edukacji finansowej, ale również rosnących potrzeb związanych z kosztami utrzymania”” — representative of the Polish Association of Loan and Savings Companies (ZPF), commenting on BIK data. The growth concerns both new clients and people seeking debt consolidation. Value of short-term non-bank loan sales in January (PLN bn): 2023: 4.1, 2024: 4.8, 2025: 5.72, 2026: 6.624 However, alongside the sales growth, financial experts signal significant risks associated with this phenomenon. The result is the increasing debt of Polish households. Research indicates that some clients of loan companies take on obligations to finance basic living expenses. The Chairman of the Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF) noted in an interview that despite the introduction of the so-called BIG Debtors Register, the problem of so-called multi-job borrowers has not disappeared. The number of court cases related to debt collection from non-bank loans is growing. The Office of Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK) records thousands of complaints about unfair practices in this market each year. Non-bank loan market: January 2025 vs 2026: Sales value: 5.72 bn PLN → 6.624 bn PLN; Annual growth: +8.2% → +15.9%; Number of main players: ~400 firms → ~350 firms Another important phenomenon is the progressing market consolidation. Reports show that the largest and best-capitalized entities are accounting for an increasingly larger share of turnover. In January 2026, the five largest loan companies already accounted for about half of the total market value. High capital requirements and the need to adapt to tightened legal regulations force smaller players to sell or cease operations. Experts indicate that this trend will continue, which may lead to further strengthening of the leaders' positions. It is expected that supervisory institutions will strengthen preventive and educational actions. The Polish Financial Supervision Authority and the Polish Association of Loan and Savings Companies are running joint information campaigns on responsible borrowing. Proposals for amendments to the Consumer Credit Act are also appearing in parliament, aiming to increase protection for clients most vulnerable to excessive debt. Therefore, the future of the market will depend on the interaction between growing demand, tightening regulations, and the economic business cycle.

Perspektywy mediów: Liberal media emphasize the risk and negative social consequences of high consumer debt. Media close to the government and business highlight the positive contribution of loan companies to economic development and financing accessibility.