Hidden Costs for Drivers in Poland: Where Do the Earnings from Uber and Bolt Go?

The amount shown in the app isn’t your income yet. The app shows your revenue, but it doesn’t show how much of that you’ll actually keep. Qiwi Partner breaks down the driver’s expenses into separate categories. This way, you can calculate your net income even before your first trip.

What the app shows and what it doesn't

The app platform deducts its commission automatically. You pay for everything else. A driver's expenses fall into four categories:

• platform: commission and VAT on it;
• car: rental or personal expenses;
• Documents: inspections, license, fines;
• Taxes and everyday expenses.

Below, each group has its own numbers.

Gross pay and take-home pay

Any amount quoted in advance is just a rough estimate—whether it’s an hourly rate, monthly income, or weekly earnings. It’s usually calculated before deductions—that is, before the platform’s commission, rent, fuel costs, and taxes.

So, clarify two points before calculating your income:

• Is this amount before or after the platform's commission?
• What else will be deducted from it: rent, taxes, contributions?

The answer changes everything. The gross amount and the net amount are different. That's normal. The main thing is to know the difference in advance.

Platform fees: what exactly is deducted

The commission is the largest expense. It varies. It depends on the rate, the time of day, and the weather. VAT (23%) is added to the commission. Therefore, the actual amount is higher than the commission percentage.

Let's look at a simple example. A commission of 25% plus 23% in VAT comes to 30.75%. For every 100 zł in revenue, the platform takes nearly 31 zł. At Bolt, the commission, including VAT, is about 30.75%.

Don't just focus on the percentages. Check the report in the app. It shows the commission amount for each trip. Compare it to your weekly earnings.

Platform-specific figures: Earnings at Bolt і Earnings at Uber.

Weekly expenses for a rental car

Let's rent an LPG-powered car through the rental program. Qiwi Partner shows typical weekly expenses:

Only in the BETER program does the rental cost depend on the number of trips. For the new 2024–2025 Toyota Corolla, the rental fee is 500 zł for 126 trips per week. For 100 trips, it’s 700 zł. For all other cars, the rental fee is fixed and varies by model.

Repairs, maintenance, and insurance are included in the rental fee. There is a separate security deposit: 500–1,500 zł, depending on the car. This is a one-time payment made at the start of the rental. Please check the contract for the return conditions.

Fast payouts come at a price, too. The plan with daily payouts costs 210 zł per week. The standard plan costs 170 zł. The difference is 40 zł. For some people, it’s worth it.

For more details on how it works, see the article on settlement partner. The starting cars are listed in the section Car rental for taxis.

Example of the Week: How Much Is Left from Revenue

Now let's put it all together. Let's take a driver who works 50 hours a week. His earnings are 7,000 zł.

• 30.75% platform fee: minus 2,153 zł.
• Rent: 500 to 700 zł.
• Partner commission: 170 to 210 zł.
• LPG fuel: 200 to 250 zł.

After deductions, you’ll have approximately 3,700–4,000 zł left. That’s more than half of your revenue: 53–57%. Calculate taxes and miscellaneous expenses separately.

We've included the most expensive and the cheapest combinations of items. Your total will fall somewhere between them. Need an exact calculation? Enter your information in Income Calculator.

Fixed costs take a toll during slow weeks

Rent, partner fees, and security deposits aren't affected by demand. Revenue is. That's why a slow week hits harder.

• Revenue of 6,000 zł: fixed expenses account for 15–19%.
• Revenue of 3,500 zł: already 25–33%.

Revenue of 3,500 zł? After the platform's commission and fixed expenses, you're left with about 1,260–1,550 zł. And that's before taxes.

There are bound to be slow weeks. These include holidays, vacations, bad weather, and illness. Keep a one-week reserve to cover your expenses. That’s 870–1,160 zł. With this reserve, a delay in payments or a slow week won’t stop your business from running.

Your Own Car: The Bill Nobody Shows You

Owning a car gives you freedom. But with it comes all the expenses.

• Taxi dispatch center. A standard policy is not suitable for commercial transportation. Third-party liability insurance costs approximately 1,500–4,500 zł per year. A package including third-party liability and comprehensive coverage costs 2,500–7,000 zł.
• Fuel. With LPG, it's about 200–250 zł per week.
• Maintenance. Oil, brake pads, vehicle inspection, tires. At a mileage of 8,000–10,000 kilometers per month, the tires last about five months. A set costs approximately 1,400 zł.
• Depreciation. Intensive use depreciates a car by 15–20% per year (rough estimate).
• Just wait. As long as the car is in the shop, there's no income. Major repairs to the transmission or engine cost thousands of zlotys.

Both models are compared in the article Your own car or a rental.

Who Pays for What

The differences between the models are shown in a single table:

Leasing transfers part of the risk to the lessor. Owning a car saves money only over the long term. Leasing is usually the safer option when starting out.

Documents and Fines

Signing up for a taxi service costs money even before your first ride.

• Medical and Psychological Examination. A psychologist charges 150 zł at a fixed rate. A doctor charges up to 200 zł. A package in large cities costs about 400–500 zł. Prices vary depending on the clinic and city. The certificates are valid for five years.
• License extract and identification number. The terms depend on the provider. Check to see if they are included in your plan. This article explains what this document is: license excerpt.
• Polish driver's license. Exchanging a foreign driver's license involves additional costs and time.

Fines are also expenses:

• without an ID or an application for one: up to 500 zł;
• without a license: 3,000 zł.

For the complete list, see the article on Documents under review.

Fees that aren't always disclosed in advance

Some expenses arise after the contract is signed. This isn't always intentional. Often, people simply don't ask about them.

Before you get started, get a list of all payments:

• the partner's commission and how it is calculated;
• the deposit and the conditions for its return;
• fee for expedited payments;
• who pays fines and traffic tickets;
• Included in the lease: vehicle body, maintenance, and tires.

Delayed payments are also a cost. Fuel and rent must be paid on time. Clarify the payment schedule. Ask what will happen if payments are late. A complete list of questions can be found at Partner Selection Checklist.

Income tax is a separate topic. It is paid by everyone who earns income, not just entrepreneurs. For information on rates and deadlines, see the article on driver's manual. Set aside money for taxes every week.

Are you self-employed? If so, you’ll need to pay ZUS contributions and cover the cost of an accountant. The amount depends on the type of business you run. Check with your accountant, and be sure to set aside a reserve.

Little things that add up

On their own, they're hardly noticeable. But over the course of a month, they add up to a significant amount:

• mobile internet and a power bank;
• Car wash and interior cleaning: approximately up to 150 zł per month;
• parking;
• Replacement of worn-out small parts in the passenger compartment.

Health and Time: The Hidden Costs

There is one more category. It isn't included in any table, but it affects income.

• A sedentary job. Long periods behind the wheel are bad for your back and joints.
• Irregular meals. Snacks on the go, quick fast food, skipped lunches.
• Lack of sleep and fatigue. A tired driver is more likely to make mistakes and get into conflicts.
• Stress and isolation. Long hours alone with the navigation system and the passengers.

Health issues will eventually take a toll on your income—whether it’s sick leave, repairs after a car accident, or forced breaks. That’s why you should build breaks and adequate sleep into your schedule. This article will help you figure out the best times for that: Taxi Work Schedule.

How to Cut Costs

Most expenses can be reduced without losing income:

1. Choose an LPG or hybrid car. Fuel is the second-largest expense.
2. Plan your trips to take advantage of the rental discount. The difference between 100 and 126 trips is 200 zł.
3. Check your documents in advance. A single fine can cost you several hours of work.
4. Daily payments cost more. Choose them if you don't have a reserve. If you do have a reserve, choose weekly payments.
5. Compare several providers based on a complete list of fees.
6. Minimize empty runs: work in areas with a high volume of orders.
7. Take advantage of the platforms' promotions and bonuses, but keep track of them at the end of the day.

Courier: What to Include in the Budget

A courier needs an insulated bag, a power bank, and a phone mount. The basic kit costs 120–210 zł. In winter, gloves are added. In the rain—a phone case and waterproof clothing. On top of that, there are mobile data costs and vehicle wear and tear: for a bicycle or a car. A list with prices can be found in the article about courier equipment.

The terms for couriers are currently changing. So be sure to check the current rates before you start.

Net Income in Five Minutes

The formula is simple. From the revenue, you subtract the platform fee, the car fee, the partner’s commission, fuel, taxes, and miscellaneous expenses.

1. Take the weekly revenue from the report.
2. Subtract the commission from that same report.
3. Add the rental and the partner's rate.
4. Add fuel based on the receipts.
5. Set aside some money for taxes.

The result is your weekly income. Common mistakes made by beginners are listed in the article about beginner mistakes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What expenses do drivers forget about most often?
Rent for a small number of trips, security deposit, inspections, compulsory auto insurance, fines, taxes, and downtime.

Why is the payment less than I expected?
This is often due to VAT, rental fees, and the partner's commission. Compare the platform's weekly payment report and list of payments with the contract.

Is insurance included in the rent?
At Qiwi Partner, repairs, maintenance, and insurance are included in the rent. Please refer to the contract for details.

How much does a medical exam cost for a taxi driver?
A package that includes a doctor and a psychologist costs about 400–500 zł. Prices vary by city. The certificates are valid for five years.

How much money do you need to get started?
Approximately 1,700 to 3,000 zł. This includes the security deposit, the first week's rent, the partner's fee, and inspections.

Is it worth working on a rental basis if revenue is low?
When revenue is low, fixed costs take up a larger share. Before you start, figure out how many rides per week you’ll need.

Where to Start

Qiwi Partner will help with the rental and paperwork. Become a driver and plan your week in advance.