The Benchmark Index for Consumer Loans (IRCC) rose to 6.06% as of 1 October, its highest level since its introduction in 2019, increase which directly affects Romanians' borrowing capacity and limits access to financing, even for those with stable incomes, according to a specialist analysis released on Thursday.
Thus, for a mortgage loan of 500,000 lei, the minimum required income has risen by almost 450 lei compared with the previous quarter, simply to maintain the same debt-to-income ratio. As banks maintain the same maximum indebtedness thresholds, 40%, 45%, or 55%, depending on the type of loan, the increase in the IRCC automatically leads to higher monthly repayments and a smaller amount that can be borrowed.
'In an economic context marked by inflation, price increases, and declining purchasing power, more and more clients are finding that, although their income has not changed, their credit eligibility has decreased significantly. Therefore, careful and up-to-date financial analysis becomes an essential step in any borrowing decision: comparing banking offers, recalculating repayment capacity, and adjusting financing plans can make the difference between a safe and a risky choice,' the analysis mentions.
According to data published by the National Institute of Statistics (INS), the average net monthly wage in August 2025 was 5,387 lei, down by 130 lei (-2.4%) compared with July. With such an income, a person without other bank loans can obtain a mortgage of up to 325,000 lei, over a period of 360 months.
'For Romanians earning the minimum wage - 4,050 lei gross, or 2,574 lei net - borrowing options are significantly limited. Under these conditions, the maximum amount that can be borrowed, also for a 360-month mortgage, is 150,000 lei, provided the person has no other active debts,' said Valentin Anghel, AVBS Credit Broker founder and CEO.
The increase in the IRCC directly affects not only those taking out new loans but also Romanians with existing loans, whose repayments will be recalculated quarterly.
In this context, experts recommend a cautious and well-informed approach before making any major financial decisions.
'The rise in the IRCC is a clear signal that the credit market is entering a phase in which financial planning is more important than ever. Romanians should regularly check their eligibility and compare available offers to avoid the risk of over-indebtedness. Through professional analysis and personalised financial advice, every client can find solutions suited to their profile, whether refinancing, restructuring, or renegotiating loan terms. We believe that a sound financial decision starts with access to accurate information and expert guidance, and the role of credit brokers is now more important than ever,' Anghel added.
INS data show that the total average monthly household income in the second quarter of 2025 was 9,502 lei, equivalent to 3,824 lei per person. Wage income remained the main source, accounting for 69.1% of the total, while income from social benefits (money or aid received from the state) fell to 19.4%, compared with 20.5% in the first quarter.
At the same time, the urban-rural divide continues to deepen: urban households had an average monthly income of 11,091 lei, 40% higher than those in rural areas. On a per-person basis, the difference is even more pronounced, 4,572 lei in urban areas compared with around 3,000 lei in rural ones.
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