In Polish: Ryzyko stopy procentowej
This is the word you will see in bank documents.
Definition
Interest rate risk is the risk that the loan's interest rate will rise, and with it the instalment and total cost. With a variable rate you carry it for the whole repayment period; with a periodically fixed rate, from the end of the fixed period. The bank must inform you about this risk before you sign the agreement.
What it means for you
If your budget cannot absorb an instalment a few hundred złoty higher, interest rate risk can turn into a repayment problem. The bank limits it by calculating creditworthiness at the rate plus a buffer of at least 2.5 percentage points. You can reduce it with a fixed rate, a financial cushion or a smaller loan.
Full entry in Polish, with a worked example and sources
Frequently asked questions
How can I protect myself against a higher instalment?
Choose a rate fixed for 5 years, keep a cushion of several instalments and borrow an amount at which you can cope with a 1–2 percentage point rise.
Does a fixed rate remove interest rate risk?
No, it only postpones it. After the fixed period, usually 5 years, the bank sets a new rate according to current conditions.
Related terms
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.
Other terms in “Interest rates and benchmarks”