Credit holidays are a chance to temporarily relieve the household budget in a difficult financial situation. Although two years ago they were covered by the relevant act, from 2025 they are available only on terms set by banks.
Currently, the suspension of mortgage repayment depends on the offer of a specific bank. Most often, timely payment of installments and a good credit history are required.
Credit holidays. What are they?
As a reminder: credit holidays mean the possibility of temporarily suspending the repayment of mortgage loan installments (principal and interest) in PLN, taken out for one's own housing needs.
Previous government loan holidays, which were valid in the years 2022-2024, were available to people with a housing loan in PLN and those converted from foreign currencies. The bank automatically extended the loan period by the number of credit holidays used, and the borrower did not incur additional interest costs.
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They allow you to defer repayment without additional interest, extending the loan period by the number of suspended months. For example, in 2023, loan repayment could be suspended by law for a total of four months, one installment in each quarter. In 2024, the rules were tightened, and the possibility of postponing the repayment of part of the loan introduced by the Act no longer applied in 2025.
Credit holidays 2026. What are the rules?
As “Gazeta Prawna” explains, from 2025, banks only offer contractual loan holidays, which are de facto part of the mortgage restructuring process. The terms of credit holidays vary depending on the bank. Most often, customers must demonstrate regularity in repayment of liabilities, have at least a 12-month payment history, and provide up-to-date financial documents.
PKO BP allows you to suspend one installment per year free of charge, mBank allows you to defer up to six capital installments, and Santander and ING offer suspension of repayment as part of restructuring. In most cases, after the end of the holidays, the installment will increase or the loan period will be extended.
Credit holidays for the selected few. How to use them?
Most banks allow you to submit an application online – just log in to electronic banking and select the appropriate option. In some cases, a visit to a branch or telephone contact is necessary. Banks may require additional documents confirming your financial situation.
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In some banks, contractual credit holidays require an annex to the contract, which in turn costs from PLN 100 to PLN 500. In other cases, the reason for financial problems should be explained, which is the basis for applying for a deferment of the installment repayment. There are also banks that charge PLN 100 for postponing each installment.
Suspension of installments may affect your creditworthiness and BIK history. Before submitting your application, compare banks' offers and check how the repayment schedule will change. Credit holidays are a solution for difficult times, but it is worth considering this decision carefully.
