In Polish: Punkt procentowy i punkt bazowy
This is the word you will see in bank documents.
Definition
A percentage point (pp) is the unit for the difference between two values given in percent. When an interest rate rises from 6% to 6.25%, it rises by 0.25 percentage points, not by 0.25%. A basis point (bp) is one hundredth of a percentage point: 1 pp equals 100 bp, so 0.25 pp is 25 bp.
What it means for you
Banks, the National Bank of Poland (NBP) and the media give changes in rates and margins in percentage or basis points. If you confuse them with percent, you will misjudge an offer: a rise from 6% by 0.25 pp means interest about 4% higher, not 0.25%. On a PLN 400,000 mortgage over 25 years that difference is about PLN 61 a month.
Full entry in Polish, with a worked example and sources Work out your instalment
Frequently asked questions
How much is 1 basis point?
0.01 percentage points. One hundred basis points make one percentage point, and 25 bp is 0.25 pp.
Will a 0.25 pp rate cut lower my instalment by 0.25%?
No. On a PLN 400,000 loan over 25 years, a fall in the interest rate from 6% to 5.75% lowers the instalment by about PLN 61, or about 2.4%. With a variable rate the instalment changes only when the benchmark in your agreement changes, and WIBOR does not have to fall by exactly as much as the NBP rate.
How is a percentage point written in Polish documents?
Usually as „pkt proc.” or „p.p.”. A basis point is „pb”, in English texts „bp”.
Related terms
Definitions are simplified and reflect Polish law and bank practice as of October 2026. Details
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”