The business model rests on two moves. First loan free (0% RRSO) — a marketing hook, because the firm knows a share of clients will come back for a second, this time paid. In 2026 „first free" is standard at Vivus, Wonga, NetCredit; up to 3 000 PLN for 30 days at no cost if you repay on time. The second and every later loan carries the full cost: commission plus interest plus sometimes a service fee. After the 2022 anti-usury amendment the non-interest cap on loans up to 30 days is 20% of principal, plus nominal interest up to 14–15% a year.
Rolling the loan (extending it by another 30 days for a fee) is the main trouble signal. The Financial Ombudsman's 2024 data showed 40% of clients rolling three times ended up refinancing and 25% in collections. A loan rolled four times running costs more than a 24-month bank cash loan — and you still owe the principal.
When a chwilówka really fits: an emergency of 500–2 000 PLN that you know you will repay from the next payslip (5–20 days). Especially the first-free product then becomes a free tool — a bank cannot move that fast. When it does not fit: when you need something „for a month" and are not sure you can repay on time. If you cannot point to a repayment source on the calendar, the loan is the start of debt, not a solution.
Frequently asked questions
First loan free: 0 PLN. Later loans: max 20% (non-interest cost) + about 12 PLN interest = up to 212 PLN on top of principal.
Yes. KNF-registered firms report to BIK since 2015. Even a repaid „first free" loan sits there as a closed contract.
BIK entry with delay, penalty interest (up to 20% a year), reminder fees (30–70 PLN), and after 90 days usually contract termination and handover to external collections. The termination entry stays in BIK for 5 years.