The main parameters fed into the formula. Net income — documented for the last 3–6 months. The bank accepts employment contracts, service and dzieło contracts with 12+ months of regularity, self-employment income over 12–24 months, rental income from a land registry, pensions and disability. Foreign income (documented) is increasingly accepted. Living surplus — after subtracting existing debts and the target instalment, what is left for living. The bank compares this to the GUS social minimum. Age at loan maturity — mortgage to 70–75 years (max 80). BIK history — score, delays, active loans.
Why two banks give different numbers. Each uses its own formula, weighting each parameter differently. Bank A may set a higher fixed living cost per person (say, 1 200 PLN/month), bank B a lower one (800 PLN/month) — this drives the surplus and therefore the score. One bank accepts 100% of a service-contract income, another 80%. One treats grace as a DTI cut, another as neutral. The upshot: for the same profile bank A may offer 350 000 PLN, bank B 480 000 PLN.
How to lift creditworthiness. Raise documented income (second job, extra service contract). Extend the term (lower instalment, lower DTI — but a costlier loan). Co-borrower (spouse, parent, adult child): incomes add up, so do debts. Trim current debt: pay off payday loans, close cards. Higher down payment on a mortgage: bank accepts a lower score. Change of bank: the formula gap is often bigger than you would guess.
Frequently asked questions
A creditworthiness calculator on a bank site or a comparison site. A simulation, not binding on you or the bank. Leaves no BIK trace.
Not always. If the co-borrower has weak BIK or heavy debts, the bank may take the negatives and discount the positives. Worth checking both BIKs before deciding.
3–4 minimum. The gap between the lowest and highest offer for the same client is usually 20–40%.