Santander Bank Polska

Poland's fourth-largest bank by assets, with 4.2 million clients. Santander Bank Polska was formed in 2018 by combining BZ WBK with part of Deutsche Bank Polska — Spanish ownership, strong big-city branch network, digital service profile.

Active since: 1972 · Bank

Character of the lender

Santander plays best in car loans — Santander Consumer Bank (a separate subsidiary in the group) leads that market in Poland with about 30% share. New car RRSO from 8.5%, used car from 10.5%. The bank finances dealership and independent-dealer purchases on the same terms.

On cash loans Santander sits mid-pack (RRSO 10–13% in 2026). The Santander MojeID app runs quick digital authorisation, but the actual cash loan application above 30 000 PLN usually needs a phone call or a branch visit — the bank values relationship quality above automation.

On mortgages Santander is solid without records. Margin from 2.3% at 20%+ down, decision in 7–9 weeks. The bank runs government schemes (Safe Loan 2%, Mieszkanie na Start), just at smaller scale than PKO BP and Pekao.

Offer

  • Cash loan: up to 200 000 PLN, term up to 120 months, RRSO 10–13% in 2026
  • Santander Consumer car loan: RRSO from 8.5% on a new car, up to 250 000 PLN
  • Mortgage: margin from 2.3%, term up to 35 years
  • Credit card: Santander Mastercard World, limit up to 60 000 PLN, RRSO 20.5%

Application process

Cash loan application up to 30 000 PLN online in the Santander app — decision in 30–60 minutes. Above that — phone call with an adviser (justified by the bank as high-value-loan service standard). Mortgage: 7–9 weeks. Car loan: 24–48 hours for a client with full documents.

Fits well for

  • Car-loan seekers — Santander Consumer is the market leader
  • Multi-product clients with Santander history — cross-sell works
  • Clients who value hybrid service (online + phone)

Not for

  • Anyone chasing the fastest decision — mBank and ING usually beat Santander
  • Non-account clients hunting the lowest RRSO
  • Clients who prize a fully digital experience without phone calls

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Santander Bank Polska and Santander Consumer Bank?+

Two separate subsidiaries of the Santander Group. Bank Polska runs full retail and business banking. Consumer Bank focuses on instalment, car and consumer loans.

What does a 30 000 PLN, 5-year cash loan cost?+

In 2026 the payment is about 640 PLN/month at RRSO 11.5%. Total interest about 8 400 PLN. Actual terms depend on your profile and Santander products.

Does Santander accept casual contracts?+

Service or dzieło contracts with 12+ months of regularity — yes. Below — only with extra documents (say, an account statement with regular inflows).