In finance UOKiK reacts to typical abuse patterns. Abusive clauses in loan contracts: terms that in practice unbalance the deal against the consumer (say, a unilateral right of the bank to change fees without client consent). UOKiK keeps a Register of Prohibited Clauses — if your contract contains a clause in the register, you do not have to obey it. Unfair advertising: a bank promising „RRSO 0%" in an ad while the terms are unreachable for 95% of clients. Tied insurance: pushing insurance labelled „mandatory" when the law does not require it.
Complaints come in two flavours. Collective — about general firm practices, more likely to trigger a case. Individual — about your specific situation; UOKiK may fold it into a broader case but does not mediate between you and the firm. For individual mediation: the Financial Ombudsman or the local Consumer Rights Advocate.
UOKiK proceedings usually run 6–18 months. Fines are meaningful: up to 10% of annual turnover. In March 2025 UOKiK opened an explanatory case on the BIK scoring model — an ongoing story affecting the whole consumer-credit market, including comparison sites. Current cases are published at uokik.gov.pl.
Frequently asked questions
Typically 6–18 months. Explanatory cases (before a decision) — up to 6 months. Formal cases — 12+ months, with a right of appeal to court.
Not directly. UOKiK fines the business but does not mediate individual compensation. For that you file a civil suit or go through the Financial Ombudsman.
On uokik.gov.pl under „Rejestr klauzul niedozwolonych". Keyword search or entry number. An entry means the clause is not binding on consumers in any contract.