Vivus vs Wonga

Product: Payday loan (chwilówka)

Vivus and Wonga are the two main rivals on Poland's payday market. Both firms offer „first loan free" up to 3 000 PLN over 30 days, both sit on the KNF Register of Lending Institutions, and both are well-known brands. The differences lie in policy on repeat loans, BIK acceptance and mobile app quality.

Verdict

The first loan is identical at both firms: 3 000 PLN over 30 days, 0% RRSO, 15-minute decision, same-day disbursement. For a one-off client with an emergency there is no practical gap. Second and later loans differ subtly: Wonga is stricter on clients with delays — a first loan even a few days late rarely leads to a second. Vivus is more lenient.

The Wonga mobile app (from 2020) ranks higher than Vivus in user rankings. Full end-to-end phone experience, loan history, one-tap repayment, Blik payments. Vivus also has an app, but with fewer features and less intuitive UX.

Required BIK score for the first loan: Vivus 300+, Wonga 340+ (raised after the 2022 amendment). For clients with a very weak history Vivus is more accessible. For clients with a healthy profile but a delay history neither firm offers an edge.

Terms compared

Product Vivus Wonga
First loan up to 3 000 PLN, 0% RRSO, 30 days up to 3 000 PLN, 0% RRSO, 30 days
Max later-loan amount 7 500 PLN ✓ 8 000 PLN
Minimum BIK score ✓ 300 340
Acceptance with delays ✓ more lenient stricter
Mobile app quality basic ✓ better (from 2020)
Owner 4finance (Riga) Wonga Group (UK)
Express disbursement (mBank/ING) ✓ 15 minutes 15–30 minutes

Fits for

Vivus

  • Clients with very weak BIK score (below 340)
  • People with past payday delays
  • Anyone chasing the fastest disbursement (mBank, ING)

Wonga

  • Clients valuing a strong mobile app
  • Anyone wanting to avoid rollovers — Wonga is stricter here
  • Full-profile clients with score 400+

Frequently asked questions

Is the Vivus and Wonga first loan really free?+

Yes, both firms offer 0% RRSO on the first loan up to 3 000 PLN over 30 days if you repay on time. Even a one-day delay triggers costs per the tariff — that is where the loan turns expensive.

Can I hold a payday loan at Vivus and Wonga at once?+

Technically yes, each firm pulls BIK separately. But banks and firms see both liabilities in BIK. Two active payday loans is a signal for the system that a third or fourth application will be declined.

Which lender accepts the lowest BIK score?+

Vivus (300+) is more lenient than Wonga (340+ after 2022). For clients with a very weak score Vivus offers better acceptance odds.