Polish consumer credit act

Definition. The Polish consumer credit act of 12 May 2011 regulates loans granted to consumers up to 255 550 PLN. It transposes EU Directive 2008/48/EC. It gives consumers a 14-day right of withdrawal, requires RRSO in every ad and caps non-interest costs.

Three key consumer rights. 14-day withdrawal right from signing — no reason, no fee. A written statement on the form the bank must supply is enough. You return the principal plus proportional interest for the days used. Commission and every fee must be returned. Early repayment — you can repay all or part any time, and the bank must return the proportional share of costs (unused interest, unused commission). Right to information: before signing you must receive an information form (Standard European Consumer Credit Information) listing every cost, RRSO and the schedule.

The non-interest cost cap (art. 36a) is the key metric for non-bank loans. The sum of commission, insurance and every mandatory fee cannot exceed 45% of the principal in year one and 100% over the whole term. Example: 5 000 PLN loan over 12 months — cap is 2 250 PLN. Anything above is unlawful; if the contract charges more, the excess is not owed and you can withhold it.

Distance contracts (internet, phone) have extra safeguards. The bank must deliver every document before signing in a durable form (email, PDF). The withdrawal clock starts from the day you receive the full document set, not the signing day — if the bank sent the form late, you have more than 14 days.

Frequently asked questions

What is the amount ceiling?+

255 550 PLN. Above that — other acts apply (the Mortgage Credit Act for housing loans).

Does the 14 days count from signing or from disbursement?+

From signing. Disbursement may happen the next day, but that does not change your withdrawal deadline.

Do payday loans fall under this act?+

Yes. The act covers every consumer loan, including payday loans. The 45% / 100% non-interest cost cap applies to every payday loan.