Non-bank loan market in Poland sees dynamic growth in March 2025

The Polish non-bank lending sector continued to show robust growth in March 2025, with both special-purpose and cash loans experiencing notable increases in volume and value compared to the same period last year, according to recent market data.

The market is broadly divided into two main segments—special-purpose loans and cash loans—each catering to different financial needs and exhibiting distinct characteristics.

Special-purpose loans, which are granted for specific purchases of goods or services rather than direct cash disbursements, saw a 20.9% year-on-year increase in the number of new loans issued in March 2025. However, the total value of these loans rose by a slightly lower 15.9%, suggesting a higher frequency of smaller loans. The average value of these loans decreased to PLN 685, down 4.2% from March 2024.

Importantly, the reporting in March 2024 was already comprehensive, meaning this year’s figures offer a reliable reflection of the current market dynamics, unaffected by previously incomplete data.

In contrast, cash loans—which are deposited directly into borrowers’ accounts and can be used freely—are divided into two categories: short-term loans of up to 60 days, and longer-term loans exceeding that period.

Short-term cash loans saw particularly strong growth. The average loan value increased by 12.4% to PLN 2,340, while the total sales value surged to PLN 1.04 billion, marking a 29.3% increase compared to the same month last year. These loans made up the bulk of cash lending activity, accounting for 85.7% of the number and 70.5% of the value of all cash loans in March 2025.

Longer-term cash loans also experienced significant growth. A total of 74,000 such loans were issued, valued at PLN 436 million—an increase of 14.2% in number and 30.7% in value compared to March 2024. The average amount for these loans rose to PLN 5,903, up 14.5% from a year earlier.

Overall, the structure of the non-bank loan market in March 2025 remained consistent with previous trends. Special-purpose loans dominated in terms of quantity, while cash loans led in overall value.

Looking at the first quarter of 2025, loan companies reported a 21.7% year-on-year increase in special-purpose loans, while short-term cash loans and long-term cash loans grew by 17.3% and 17.5%, respectively. In terms of value, the growth was equally strong, with increases of 14.5% for special-purpose loans, 31.3% for short-term cash loans, and 33.8% for long-term cash loans, signaling a continued upward trajectory for the sector.

Source: BIK