Monday, 17 November 2025
The financial burden carried by indebted consumers in Poland continues to grow, according to the latest joint analysis from BIG InfoMonitor and the Credit Information Bureau (BIK). The data indicates that the average consumer with overdue credit or non-credit liabilities now owes PLN 34,477, reflecting a broad spectrum of financial difficulties across the population.
The report highlights that more than 2.45 million individuals were listed in the BIG InfoMonitor and BIK databases at the end of September as unable to meet their payment obligations. A significant group—over 405,000 people—are struggling simultaneously with both credit-related and non-credit debts, signalling more complex and entrenched financial challenges.
Long-term bank loans continue to account for the bulk of overdue debt. Mortgage arrears are the highest, with an average overdue balance of PLN 262,566, underlining the impact of large, long-term credit products on household budgets.
Consumer loans follow with an average arrears of PLN 27,410. These products are often used to cover earlier shortfalls, contributing to a pattern of borrowing that increases exposure to further repayment risks. At the lower end of credit debt are overdue credit card balances, averaging PLN 5,597, which may reflect early signs of tightening household liquidity.
Average overdue non-credit liabilities stand at PLN 24,349. Within this category, unpaid alimony remains the highest, reaching an average arrears level of PLN 58,607 per case. According to the data, this category also reflects one of the most persistent sources of outstanding obligations in the country.
Other common non-credit arrears include amounts arising from court enforcement titles (PLN 14,645) and debt collection cases (PLN 12,487), indicating advanced stages of recovery procedures.
BIG InfoMonitor President Paweł Szarkowski notes that individuals in this stage of debt collection often benefit from early contact with creditors and the establishment of realistic repayment arrangements.
The report also highlights low-value arrears that commonly appear at the beginning of a borrower’s financial difficulties. These include telecommunications bills (PLN 3,807) and penalties for travelling without a valid ticket (PLN 308). Although relatively small, such overdue amounts can lead to negative listings that restrict access to traditional bank financing. This often directs consumers toward more costly non-bank credit, increasing their overall repayment burden.
According to Szarkowski, the data reflects a broad pattern in which overdue mortgage liabilities represent long-term financial strain, while growing arrears in alimony cases point to significant social issues. Meanwhile, smaller unpaid bills and consumer credit arrears often mark the early phase of a developing debt problem.
Financial experts recommend detailed household budgeting, ongoing monitoring of spending, and timely repayment of even small obligations to prevent escalation. When repayment difficulties arise, swift communication with creditors is viewed as a key strategy to avoid deeper indebtedness.
