Polish households hold high cash reserves amid mortgage debt concerns

Recent economic data from Poland highlights significant trends in household finances, specifically regarding cash holdings and debt vulnerability. According to a report by the National Bank of Poland (NBP) for the first quarter of 2026, total cash held by domestic entities reached 484.3 billion PLN, with 456.4 billion PLN belonging to households. On average, each resident holds the equivalent of 2,880 EUR (approximately 12,600 PLN), which is higher than the EU average of 1,901 EUR, though significantly lower than the average in Germany.

Simultaneously, data from the Credit Information Bureau (BIK) reveals that approximately 4 million Poles are repaying mortgage loans, with total mortgage debt exceeding 560 billion PLN. This high level of indebtedness is compounded by a lack of financial reserves among many citizens. Research from the National Debt Register (KRD) indicates that 21 percent of Poles have no savings at all, while 17 percent could only sustain themselves for a maximum of one month using their current savings. This lack of a financial buffer poses a risk to households in the event of sudden income loss or unexpected expenses.