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Loan agreement and borrower rights

Anti-spread Act: meaning in a Polish mortgage

In Polish: Ustawa antyspreadowa
This is the word you will see in bank documents.

Definition

The Anti-spread Act (ustawa antyspreadowa) is the common name of the Act of 29 July 2011 amending the Banking Law and certain other acts, in force since 26 August 2011. It required banks to set out in indexed and denominated loan agreements how exchange rates are determined. It also gave borrowers the right to repay instalments directly in the loan currency.

What it means for you

If you repay an indexed or denominated loan, you can buy the currency for your instalment wherever it is cheaper and pay directly in that currency. The bank may not charge extra for this or tell you from whom to buy the currency. However, the Act did not decide whether old exchange rate clauses were fair; that is for the courts.

Full entry in Polish, with a worked example and sources

Frequently asked questions

Since when has the Anti-spread Act applied?

Since 26 August 2011. It is the Act of 29 July 2011 amending the Banking Law and certain other acts (Journal of Laws 2011 No. 165 item 984).

Does the Anti-spread Act invalidate Swiss franc loans?

No. It gave the right to repay in the currency and required banks to describe how exchange rates are set. Whether old clauses were unfair is decided by a court.

Can the bank charge a fee for paying an instalment in francs?

It may not charge you extra simply for using the right to repay in the currency, nor require you to buy the currency from a specific provider.

Definitions are simplified and reflect Polish law and bank practice as of October 2026. Where every word matters, the Act and your loan agreement decide. Figures in examples are indicative and are not a bank offer. The Polish version of each entry has worked examples and sources.