Bank Pekao SA

Poland's second-largest bank by assets, with 6 million clients and a history back to 1929 (founded as Polska Kasa Opieki to support Polish diaspora abroad). Since 2017 majority-owned by PZU — Polish ownership, but a corporate profile with retail smaller than at PKO BP.

Active since: 1929 · Bank

Character of the lender

The strong side of Pekao is government schemes. The bank is one of the main executors of Safe Loan 2% (through 2024), Mieszkanie na Start (from 2025) and the Family Housing Loan. A client qualifying for state subsidies usually finds some of the best terms at Pekao — the bank treats the scheme as the negotiation baseline.

In pure retail (no subsidies) Pekao sits mid-pack. Cash loan RRSO 11–14% in 2026, between PKO BP and mBank. The Pekao Premium credit card (RRSO 19.9%) is one of the better ones on the market for clients with an active account, but for a new client with no history the path to a limit is slower than at online banks.

The PeoPay app went through a rebuild in 2024–2025. As of Q2 2026 the UX is close to mBank, though push notifications still lag.

Offer

  • Cash loan: up to 250 000 PLN, term up to 120 months, RRSO 11–14% in 2026
  • Mortgage: margin from 2.1%, term up to 35 years, government subsidies
  • Credit card: Pekao Premium, limit up to 80 000 PLN, RRSO 19.9%
  • Konto Przekorzystne current account: fee-free with active use

Application process

Cash loan application up to 20 000 PLN online via PeoPay — decision in 30 minutes, same-day disbursement. Above that — branch visit (Pekao runs about 640 branches, mostly in larger cities). Mortgage: 8–12 weeks, including 3–5 weeks for valuation.

Fits well for

  • Clients qualifying for government housing subsidies
  • Karta Dużej Rodziny holders — subsidised terms
  • Corporate clients with active business banking at Pekao

Not for

  • Anyone hunting the lowest cash-loan RRSO — mBank and ING are usually cheaper
  • Clients who prize a fully digital experience with no branch visits
  • First-time cash-loan clients — no Pekao history slows the process

Frequently asked questions

Does Pekao offer no-paperwork loans?+

Up to 20 000 PLN on the strength of a Pekao current account (viewed with no formality). Above that — PIT or an income certificate.

What is the difference between Safe Loan 2% and Mieszkanie na Start?+

Safe Loan 2% (through 2024) subsidised the instalment for 10 years. Mieszkanie na Start (from 2025) provides a state guarantee for missing down payment. Income and age limits differ.

How long does a Pekao mortgage take?+

8–12 weeks from complete documents. The main bottleneck is usually valuation (3–5 weeks).