In Polish: Odsetki za opóźnienie
This is the word you will see in bank documents.
Definition
Late payment interest (odsetki za opóźnienie) is interest a creditor, e.g. a bank, charges on an amount not paid on time; on a loan, on the overdue instalment. The rules are in Article 481 of the Polish Civil Code: unless the agreement says otherwise, statutory late interest is due, equal to the NBP reference rate plus 5.5 percentage points. Contractual late interest may not exceed twice the statutory late interest.
What it means for you
Every day of arrears costs you interest higher than in a normal instalment, and the bank may add reminder fees under its price list. More important than the cost is the arrears record in BIK, which will make another loan and refinancing harder. With longer arrears the bank may terminate the agreement, so if you have problems, contact the bank before the instalment is due.
Full entry in Polish, with a worked example and sources
Frequently asked questions
What is statutory late interest in Poland in 2026?
9.25% a year, i.e. the NBP reference rate of 3.75% plus 5.5 percentage points. Maximum late interest is 18.5%.
Can the bank charge more than the maximum interest?
No. Contractual late interest may not exceed twice the statutory late interest. The excess is not due, and the agreement cannot exclude this limit.
After how many days do arrears appear in BIK?
The bank reports repayment history to BIK, so arrears show up in your credit history. How long they remain visible depends, among other things, on their length and your consents, so it is best not to fall behind.
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 “Repayment, overpayment and changes”