A BKR code provides information about a credit agreement and potential payment issues. The meaning of a code depends on the credit type, the data the lender reported to the BKR Foundation, and the status of the agreement. In this explanation, you will read what an A code, an H code, and the speciality codes 1 to 4 mean in broad terms. You will also read when the retention period starts and what you can do if you have doubts about your registration.
What is in the CKI of the BKR Foundation?
The BKR Foundation manages the Central Credit Information System, usually called CKI. This system contains data about credit agreements and certain related specialities. A lender provides the data. The lender is primarily responsible for the accuracy and completeness of the information reported.
A BKR overview includes the credit type, the original amount, the start date, the expected end date, a potential actual end date, and any codes. A code does not automatically mean that a new credit is impossible. A lender assesses an application based on the complete situation.
For an explanation of your own overview, you can inquire with the lender who reported the agreement. You can consult your personal credit overview via My Credit Registration of the BKR Foundation.
What does an A code mean?
A stands for arrears (achterstand). The official BKR explanation calls A a code indicating that someone is in default with payment obligations. When an arrear is registered depends on the credit type and the applicable CKI rules. For revolving credit, BKR mentions as an example that an arrear may exist after two consecutive missed payment obligations.
An A code should therefore not be assessed separately from the relevant agreement. It is important to check which agreement it concerns, which installments were outstanding, and whether the data in your overview is still correct.
What does an H code mean?
H stands for recovery (herstel). According to the official BKR explanation, this code is used when a previously registered arrear has been caught up and there is no longer a payment arrear. The BKR explanation mentions that the H code is not used when the financial agreement has already been settled and ended.
An H code is therefore not a general statement that every registration has been removed or that a credit application will be accepted. The code must be read in conjunction with the course and the end date of the credit agreement.
What do the speciality codes 1, 2, 3, and 4 mean?
In the official BKR explanation, codes 1, 2, 3, and 4 are explained as situation codes that can be mentioned with an A arrear. It is therefore more accurate to speak of A with an additional speciality code than of completely independent codes.
| Code | Meaning according to the official BKR explanation | What does this mean practically? |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | A payment arrangement or debt arrangement has been agreed upon. | The arrangement and compliance with it must be checked in your own file. |
| 2 | The lender has claimed the full outstanding amount. | Review the agreement, correspondence, and the reason for the claim. |
| 3 | An amount of €250 or more has been written off. | The code does not automatically mean that any further obligation has lapsed; check the contractual and factual situation. |
| 4 | The lender could not reach you at the known address. | Check whether the address and communication details used at the time were correct. |
The combination of codes can turn out differently for each agreement. A code is therefore no replacement for the underlying credit file.
When does the five-year retention period start?
The official BKR explanation states that data is registered for the duration of the financial agreement. As soon as an agreement has been settled and ended, an actual end date is registered. According to that explanation, a retention period of five years starts from that end date. During that period, the data and any codes remain visible to financiers authorized to consult the CKI. After that period, the data and the registration are removed from the BKR database.
It follows that the period does not simply start on the day a payment arrear is caught up. The end date of the agreement and the specific registration are important. In case of doubt, it is wise to compare your overview and the lender’s data.
Can you have a BKR code adjusted or removed?
A registration must be factually correct and complete. If you think a piece of data is incorrect, the lender who reported the registration is the logical first point of contact. Ask in writing for an explanation of the registration and add documents that support your position, such as proofs of payment, an arrangement, correspondence, or a decision.
The BKR Foundation manages the supplied data in the CKI. The lender is responsible for the accuracy and completeness of what is reported. The correct route differs per situation. A factual error, an incorrect end date, an incorrect code, and a substantive dispute each require their own assessment. A request for adjustment or removal is therefore not automatic and also no guarantee of a certain outcome.
Practical steps if you doubt your BKR overview
- Request your personal credit overview and note per agreement the lender, contract details, start date, end date, and codes.
- Collect your own documents, such as contracts, statements, proofs of payment, arrangements, and relevant correspondence.
- Ask the lender in writing for an explanation if you believe a registration is incorrect, incomplete, or no longer current.
- If necessary, ask for correction with clear substantiation. Keep all communication.
- In a complex situation, for example with a rejected mortgage application or a disputed code, have it assessed which route fits your file.
Frequently asked questions about BKR codes
Is an A code the same as an A2 code?
No. A stands for an arrear. The official BKR explanation describes code 2 as an additional situation code: the lender has claimed the full outstanding amount. It is therefore more accurate to speak of an A code with code 2.
Does an H code mean my registration has been removed?
No. H means according to the official BKR explanation that a previously registered arrear has been caught up. With a terminated agreement, the H code is not used according to that explanation. Whether and when a registration disappears from the overview depends on the end date of the agreement and the applicable retention period.
When does the five-year retention period start?
According to the official BKR explanation, the retention period starts after the financial agreement has been settled and ended and an actual end date has been registered. The moment an arrear is caught up is not the same as the end date of the agreement in every situation.
Can the BKR Foundation correct my registration itself?
The lender who reported the data is primarily responsible for its accuracy and completeness. In case of a suspected error, it is therefore wise to first ask the lender for an explanation and, where appropriate, correction.
Can I never get a loan or mortgage again with a BKR code?
No. A code is one part of the assessment. A lender assesses an application based on the complete situation and their own acceptance policy. This page does not make a statement about the outcome of an individual application.
Sources
- BKR Foundation: explanation of your credit overview
- BKR Foundation: General Regulations CKI, July 1, 2024
- My Credit Registration
Read also
- Remove or correct BKR registration: what are your rights and options?
- BKR registration after repayment: your rights explained
- BKR recovery code: when and how do you get it?
Need help?
Do you have questions about a BKR overview, an arrear code, or a possible error in a credit registration? Contact Arslan & Arslan Lawyers for an assessment of your situation. An assessment always depends on the specific agreement, the lender’s data, and the available documents.
