UOKiK investigates BIK and banks over credit scoring practices

The Office of Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK) has conducted searches at the Biuro Informacji Kredytowej (BIK) and three banks to investigate credit scoring practices. The investigation focuses on whether the method of assessing creditworthiness—specifically communicating the number of credit inquiries to banks—was necessary for risk assessment or if it unfairly penalized consumers for comparing different loan offers, potentially limiting market competition.

If the investigation confirms violations, companies could face fines of up to 10% of their annual turnover. BIK has noted that it is modifying its scoring model; starting July 1, 2026, credit inquiries that do not result in a loan agreement will no longer be passed to banks or affect a client's score after 14 days.

Additionally, new regulations regarding Swiss franc loan holders (frankowicze) impact how BIK manages data. Under current laws, if a client sues a bank, they may legally suspend installment payments. Banks are required to notify BIK of these legal suspensions so that the client's credit history is not negatively impacted. BIK maintains that it does not decide which information to enter or delete, as it processes data provided by financial institutions.