PKO Bank Polski vs mBank

Product: Cash loan

PKO Bank Polski and mBank are the two most common picks for a Polish cash loan. PKO BP is the largest bank with 1 100 branches; mBank is a digital bank with the best mobile app in Poland (Best App 2018–2025). Which one wins depends on amount, speed, and whether you already hold an account at one of them.

Verdict

In 2026 mBank's cash loan RRSO (9.5–12%) sits 1–1.5 percentage points below PKO BP (10.5–13%). The gap mostly affects clients without a PKO account — a client with an active PKO BP current account usually shaves 0.5 pp off the standard. mBank is more consistent: RRSO gap between account and non-account clients is 0.3–0.5 pp, not a full point.

On speed mBank wins outright. A cash loan up to 200 000 PLN in the mBank app clears in 10–15 minutes from filling in the form; PKO BP above 30 000 PLN usually needs a branch visit or a phone call. For a client with an urgent funding need (renovation, car, wedding), mBank saves 2–3 days.

Assessment criteria are quite different. PKO BP asks for BIK score usually 450+ and DTI up to 42%; mBank accepts 380+ and DTI up to 45%. For clients with shorter credit history or weaker profile mBank is more accessible. For clients with a full profile and large down capital PKO BP prices better if they clear.

Terms compared

Product PKO Bank Polski mBank
RRSO 2026 10.5–13% ✓ 9.5–12%
Maximum amount ✓ 300 000 PLN 200 000 PLN
Maximum term ✓ 120 months 96 months
Online decision up to 30 000 PLN 60 minutes ✓ 10 minutes
Minimum BIK score 450+ ✓ 380+
Branch network ✓ 1 100 100
No-paperwork loan up to 30 000 PLN (Open Banking) ✓ up to 200 000 PLN (Open Banking)

Fits for

PKO Bank Polski

  • Client with a large amount (above 100 000 PLN)
  • People valuing branch service and a long-term relationship
  • Existing PKO BP depositors — cross-sell prices well

mBank

  • Client with an urgent need — decision in 10 minutes
  • Freelancers and unconventional-income clients — Open Banking gives flexibility
  • Clients valuing a mobile app and a fully digital process

Frequently asked questions

Which bank is faster — PKO BP or mBank?+

mBank. In-app application up to 200 000 PLN ends with a decision in 10–15 minutes. PKO BP above 30 000 PLN usually needs a phone call or branch visit, adding 2–3 days.

Does mBank accept a lower BIK score than PKO BP?+

Yes. mBank accepts 380+, PKO BP usually wants 450+. A client with a 400 BIK score is usually accessible at mBank, declined at PKO BP.

Which bank has lower RRSO on cash loans in 2026?+

mBank, on average 1–1.5 pp lower (9.5–12% vs 10.5–13% at PKO BP). A client with an active PKO BP account may close the gap but rarely beats mBank.