Poland’s non-bank lending surges in early 2026 on rising incomes and demand

Poland’s non-bank lending sector recorded strong growth in the first quarter of 2026, supported by rising wages, resilient consumer demand and stable credit quality.

Data published by Biuro Informacji Kredytowej shows that loan companies granted approximately 4.6 million loans in the first three months of the year, with a total value of PLN 7.4 billion. In March alone, lending reached around 1.67 million loans worth PLN 2.7 billion.

The figures translate into year-on-year growth of 15.2 percent in the number of loans issued and 21.1 percent in value terms for the quarter, indicating that not only more loans are being taken, but also that average loan sizes are increasing. On a monthly basis, March recorded particularly strong dynamics, with increases of 16.9 percent in volume and 24.2 percent in value compared with a year earlier.

The expansion is closely linked to improving household incomes. According to data from Statistics Poland, average wages in large enterprises reached PLN 9,652 gross in March, up 6.6 percent year-on-year, marking a record level. The combination of rising earnings and a relatively stable labour market has strengthened borrowing capacity and supported consumer activity.

At the same time, expectations of further price increases, partly driven by higher fuel costs, have encouraged households to bring forward spending, adding momentum to the lending market. Analysts also point to a noticeable increase in demand for cash loans, suggesting that some households are using short-term financing to support day-to-day budgets.

Despite the rapid growth, the overall quality of loan portfolios has remained stable, with no significant deterioration in repayment performance reported. This indicates that, for now, higher lending volumes are not translating into increased credit risk.

Industry analysts caution, however, that the current environment requires careful financial management. While access to credit has expanded alongside incomes, sustained reliance on short-term borrowing could create vulnerabilities if economic conditions weaken.

The latest data confirms that Poland’s non-bank lending segment continues to expand, reflecting both stronger household finances and persistent consumption pressures in the broader economy.