A thorough search of household archives and forgotten drawers can bring unexpected financial benefits for thousands of Polish families. Among the memorabilia from the period of the Polish People's Republic there are real treasures, which in 2025 represent awesome monetary values, frequently equal to respective months' earnings of the average Pole. peculiar attention should be paid to unused savings books marked with Fwhich in the 1970s and 1980s were the only authoritative method of acquiring the dream car.
These seemingly innocent bank documents, for decades forgotten in home collections, can be listed on spectacular sums of money thanks to an exceptional compensation program. The government launched it in the beginning 2025. Happy book owners for the acquisition of legendary Fiat 126p (Maluch) can number on compensation of PLN 19,391and the holders of FSO 1500 papers will receive 27,479 PLN. This is urgent, due to the fact that the time for action is limited – you have time only until the end of 2026.
Treasure from PRL: How did the F books come into being, and why are they so valuable?
The F savings books strategy dates back to the mid-1970s, erstwhile the communist authorities of Poland faced an expanding imbalance between request for cars and limited production capacity. Having a private vehicle in that era was not just a transaction, but a transaction. symbol of privilege and success in a permanent shortage economy.
The answer to these problems was the vocation in 1976 a peculiar savings mechanics in cooperation with a monopoly then Bank PKO BP. The letter F referenced the Italian company Fiat, whose licensed models dominated the Polish market. The introduction of prepayments was intended to destruct queue anarchy and speculation on the black market, where car prices twice or 3 times exceeded authoritative price lists.
The process of obtaining the right to acquisition a car required strict requirements. Candidates had to pay the minimum amount 5000 PLN, which was a crucial financial burden, given that the monthly salaries oscillated around PLN 3000-4000. The approximate date of receipt of the vehicle, most frequently from two to 5 yearsand monthly contributions were regularly paid.
Unfortunately, the complicated economical reality of the 1980s made a crucial part of the bookholders never get to realize their dreams. The origin was drastic increases in vehicle prices (by respective 100 percent), the deteriorating material situation of families, as well as the systemic transformation in 1989. Violent liberalisation of imports has caused the state prepayment strategy to lose its legitimacy, leaving tens of thousands of people with worthless documents.
Statistics show the scale of the phenomenon: between 1977 and 1980 Bank PKO BP spent more than quarter million These documents. Practically. every tenth Polish family had specified a bank commitment. The books had a unique graphic plan with the PKO logo and the letter F, containing deposit tables and schedules. The most common were Fiat 126p and FSO 1500.
How do I get my money back? Amounts, procedure and time limits in PKO BP
The legal and financial situation of book holders has improved thanks to the long-term activities of consumer organisations. The breakthrough came in late 2024 erstwhile Minister of Finance Andrzej Domanski announced a fresh compensation scheme. The Regulation entered into force January 1, 2025 and provides for the payment of funds equivalent to the real value of prepayments, including inflation and failure of profit.
The methodology for calculating compensation is based on advanced economical calculations. For books on Fiat 126p the amount was set PLN 19,391and for FSO 1500 – 27,479 PLN. The recovery procedure has been designed to be as simple as possible, although it requires completion of the formalities to verify authenticity.
The basic condition is to have original paper in intact condition. If the book is lost, everything is not lost! Bank PKO BP kept detailed information about all papers issued in its archives. All you request to do is make a peculiar application to any banking facility, presenting an identity card and any certificate held.
The verification and withdrawal process starts with a visit to the PKO BP branch. Bank employees will verify the authenticity of the books, serial numbers in databases, the compatibility of individual data and the past of deposits. After a affirmative verification, the bank will prepare documentation and transfer to the specified account. The full process lasts usually from respective working days to a maximum of 2 weeks.
The right to compensation is not limited to the first holders. It besides includes them Legal heirs. If the first owner has died, the heirs may apply for reimbursement after presentation of documentation confirming the right to inheritance (e.g. a judgement of the court to establish the acquisition of the inheritance).
Move fast! informing against frauds and another treasures from PRL
According to the latest estimates of PKO BP, Polish houses may inactive be present Several tens of thousands of unused F-bookswhich may exceed the full value of possible payments billion zlotys. This amount shows the scale of your dream of your own car at a time erstwhile individual motorization was a luxury.
Move fast! In accordance with the Ministry of Finance Regulation, the anticipation of applying for reimbursement is available only until the end of 2026. After this date, the procedure will become much more complicated and in practice it may not be possible. Experts unanimously urge not to hold searching for household documents.
Compensation may constitute very crucial financial impulse. The amount approaching PLN 30,000 is the equivalent of respective months' earnings. For seniors it is an crucial supplement to pensions, to cover treatment or renovation costs. The younger heirs can usage this money for their own contribution to housing credit, children's education or investment plans.
Be careful! The number of fraud attempts has increased considerably in fresh months. Criminals claiming to be staff of a bank or officials shall offer ‘help’ in obtaining compensation by requesting the first of the book or fees. Remember: the only individual eligible for payment is Bank PKO BP, and the full procedure takes place only in authoritative establishments, without any additional fees! Any another offer is possible fraud.
The F books are not the only souvenirs from the PRL that may have value. Collectors are looking for banknotes from Piłsudski (a fewer twelve to respective 100 zlotys), commemorative coins (especially uncommon mint errors), as well as Treasury bonds. It is besides worth remembering about PKO housing booksfor which the compensation strategy has been in operation for years. According to the Ministry of improvement and Technology, more than 30% of eligible people inactive haven't applied the payment of the amounts due to them, which shows a general deficiency of awareness.
The process of searching and implementing old papers frequently becomes an chance to establishing deeper intergenerational relations. The stories of grandparents about the difficulties of the Polish People's Republic of Poland are a surviving past lesson, allowing the young generation to better realize the scale of changes in Poland. This educational aspect is as valuable as the financial benefit itself.
In consequence to immense interest, PKO BP introduced improvements specified as prior net registration system, dedicated service stations and a peculiar hotline. All to velocity up the verification and withdrawal process. Social media are full of stories of people who unexpectedly discovered valuable books among household memorabilia. Don't throw distant the old papers rashly!
The F savings book compensation strategy is not only an chance to inject cash but besides a proof of the importance of consistent compliance with financial obligations by state institutions, regardless of systemic changes. This strengthens citizens' assurance in the state and banking system. Take the time to carefully review your archives – possibly you are also fortunate treasure holder from the Polish People's Republic of Poland.
More here:
A breakthrough for Poles. An old PRL book worth almost PLN 30,000. See if you have it.
