Has your credit check been declined? Then it is important not to immediately assume that you have a negative BKR registration. A company can assess your creditworthiness in different ways. Sometimes it consults BKR, sometimes a commercial information agency, and sometimes an automated assessment plays a role. The first question is therefore not: “How do I get my BKR removed?” but: “What data were used, who performed the check, and are those data correct?”
A ‘credit check declined’ notification may arise, for example, with a loan, mortgage, purchase in instalments, mobile phone subscription with handset, private lease, energy contract, or a pay-later method. The Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens explains that companies can use, among other things, BKR or a commercial information agency for a credit check. A credit check is therefore broader than just a BKR registration.[1]
In this article you will read what a credit check declined can mean, how to distinguish between BKR and other data sources, and which steps you can carefully take. The outcome always depends on the data, the organisation involved, and your personal situation.
Short answer: start by asking for an explanation
When a credit check is declined, first ask the company that declined you to clarify which organisation performed the credit check and what reason underlies the decision. The Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens cites this as a practical first step when a consumer is unexpectedly declined or has to pay a high deposit.[1]
You can then assess whether it involves a BKR registration, data from a commercial information agency, incorrect personal data, or another assessment. Only once it is clear which source was used can you specifically request access, correction, or further explanation.
| Situation | What can play a role? | First practical step |
|---|---|---|
| ‘Credit check declined’ notification for a loan or mortgage | BKR data, income, ongoing obligations, the lender’s policy | Ask which information and considerations were decisive |
| Pay later, energy contract or mobile subscription is declined | Credit check via BKR and/or a commercial information agency | Ask who performed the credit check |
| A high deposit is requested | Risk assessment based on a credit check or other acceptance policy | Ask for a written explanation and keep the response |
| You do not recognise data | Error in registration, mistaken identity, or outdated information | Request access and, if necessary, submit a substantiated correction request |
The ‘credit check declined’ notification: what does it mean?
A credit check is an assessment with which an organisation tries to estimate whether someone can meet their payment obligations. The AP lists as examples banks, mail-order companies, webshops, energy suppliers and telecom providers. Such an assessment may involve data regarding credit, payment arrears, or other relevant information.[1]
That a credit check is declined does not automatically mean there is fraud, an unjustified registration or an error. Nor does it automatically mean that BKR is the source. The decision may be based on multiple data points, on the provider’s acceptance policy, or a combination thereof. That is why a careful fact-check is more important than drawing quick conclusions.
BKR and a credit check: what is the difference?
Stichting BKR manages registers with data on credits, payment arrears, and debt assistance. In the consumer environment Mijn Kredietregistratie you can view your personal credit overview.[2] The AP explains that a credit provider can consult BKR data and that a credit of more than € 250 with an affiliated organisation is, in certain cases, registered. The precise question of whether a product is registered depends on the product, the provider, and the current rules.[1]
A BKR registration can be positive or negative. Even a registration without payment arrears can be relevant for the maximum borrowing capacity, because a credit provider takes existing financial obligations into account. A negative registration or special code can have a greater impact. That makes having your own credit overview useful, but it does not explain every declination.
Important distinction: a credit check can use BKR data, but a credit check is not the same as a BKR registration.
Would you first like to know more about an existing BKR registration? Then also read BKR registration removal or correction: what are your rights and options?.
A commercial information agency can also be involved
In addition to BKR, companies can engage a commercial information agency. According to the AP, such agencies collect information from, among other things, public sources, data from other parties, and general statistical data. They are not allowed to collect or disclose all data just like that: privacy rules apply.[1]
This distinction is practically important. Suppose you are declined for an energy contract or a purchase in instalments and you see no explanation in your BKR overview. Then it is possible that the company involved used a different data source for the credit check. Therefore, do not only ask: “Do I have a BKR registration?” Also ask: “Which organisation performed the credit check and what data were used?”
According to the AP, the organisation that has a credit check performed must make it clear that a credit check is taking place and by whom. When an unexpected decision follows, you can use that information to request access from the right organisation.[1]
Can an automated decision play a role?
An automated assessment can, under certain circumstances, play a role when an online process directly leads to entering or not entering into an agreement. The AP points out that there can be automated decision-making if an organisation bases the decision primarily on the outcome of a credit check.[1]
That does not mean that every online decision is automatically unlawful or that every rejection must be reversed. It can, however, be relevant to determine whether the decision was fully automated, what information was used, and what possibilities exist to verify the data. In this context the AP mentions, among other things, the right to know which data an organisation processes, to have incorrect data adjusted, and to receive an explanation about how an automated decision came about.[1]
With a credit check declined it is therefore wise to formulate your questions concretely and in writing. Avoid a general email merely stating that you disagree. Ask for facts you can verify.
Step-by-step plan if your credit check has been declined
| Step | What you do | Why this helps |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Keep the ‘credit check declined’ notification, the date, the application number, and relevant screenshots | You keep the facts and the sequence of events clear |
| 2 | Ask the provider which organisation performed the credit check | You avoid approaching the wrong organisation |
| 3 | Ask which category of data or circumstances influenced the decision | You can determine whether BKR, an agency, or another source is relevant |
| 4 | Check your own credit overview when BKR is mentioned | You see which data are visible at BKR |
| 5 | Request access to your data from the right organisation | You can check whether data are incorrect, incomplete, or outdated |
| 6 | Submit a substantiated correction request or objection only when there is reason to do so | A targeted substantiation is better than a general request |
| 7 | Keep all responses and documents | This helps with any subsequent assessment or complaint |
1. Ask for a written explanation
Ask the provider for a clear, calm explanation. For example, you can request answers to the following questions:
| Question | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Which organisation performed the credit check? | Determine whether BKR, a commercial information agency, or another party was involved |
| Which data categories were used? | Understand whether it concerns credit, payment behaviour, identity, or another source |
| Was the decision fully automated? | Determine whether further explanation about the decision may be relevant |
| At which organisation can I request access or correction? | Ensure your request reaches the right party |
Use only the data that are necessary in your request. For example, do not unnecessarily send a copy of your identity document. Mijn Kredietregistratie warns, for a paper application, to obscure the citizen service number and passport photo when they are not needed.[2]
2. Check your BKR overview if BKR is mentioned
Can you infer from the response that BKR was consulted? Then you can view your personal credit overview via Mijn Kredietregistratie. The consumer environment states that you can view your registered personal and certain business credits there when you are personally or jointly and severally liable for them.[2]
Do you see an item that you believe is incorrect? Then first address your request to the organisation that submitted the registration. The AP gives as an example the bank or lender that registered a loan.[1] A correction request is stronger when you explain specifically which item is incorrect and which documents support your position.
For a broader explanation about BKR and mortgage applications you can also read: BKR registration and mortgage: is it still possible?.
3. Investigate another data source when BKR provides no explanation
Is there nothing in your credit overview that explains the decision? Then do not get stuck on BKR. Ask the provider which organisation performed the check. If a commercial information agency was used, you can then check with that organisation which personal data it processes about you and whether those data are correct.
A request for access or correction is no guarantee that an agreement will still be concluded. The provider may apply its own acceptance criteria. But accurate and up-to-date data are a necessary basis for a fair assessment.
When can a correction or objection be relevant?
A substantive assessment is needed before you make a request. Consider the following situations:
| Possible situation | Example of relevant check |
|---|---|
| Mistaken identity | Do the name, address, or date of birth match your details? |
| Outdated or incorrect data | Is a date, final status, or payment information demonstrably incorrect? |
| Unclear data source | Do you not yet know which organisation performed the credit check? Find this out first |
| Decision based on incorrect information | Collect documents that specifically refute the error |
| Fully automated decision | Ask for an explanation of the role of the credit check and the available next steps |
A correction or objection route is not a standard solution for every ‘credit check declined’ notification. In a credit check declined, a provider can also decide not to enter into an agreement based on correct data or acceptance policy. The assessment therefore requires a distinction between incorrect data, an unclear decision, and a substantive difference of opinion about acceptance.
Do not mix up BKR, CIS and other registrations
BKR, CIS and other registrations have different purposes and are not automatically used in the same way. Therefore, in correspondence and in your own file, always make clear which registration or data source you are speaking about. A question about a BKR credit registration is different from a question about a CIS registration or an insurance fraud investigation.
For the privacy aspect of registrations you can read: GDPR and CIS registrations. Do not let different registrations merge into one request without substantiation. That makes your question less precise and can delay the assessment.
When is legal advice advisable?
Legal advice can be useful when the consequences are significant, when you do not recognise data, when an organisation does not make clear which source was used, or when you do not receive a comprehensible response after a substantiated request. This applies, for example, to a mortgage application, a business credit for which you are personally liable, or a long-term negative registration with concrete consequences.
A lawyer can help organise the facts, documents, and legal questions. That is different from promising in advance that a registration will be removed or that a credit provider must accept your application. Every situation requires an assessment of the facts, the data used, and the applicable rules.
Frequently asked questions about a declined credit check
Does a declined credit check mean that I have a negative BKR registration?
No. A credit check can use BKR data, but it can also be conducted via a commercial information agency or another source. Therefore ask the provider which organisation performed the credit check and which information was relevant to the decision.[1]
Can I view my BKR data myself?
Yes. Via Mijn Kredietregistratie you can view your personal credit overview. If you find an item incorrect, you can, according to the AP, ask the organisation that submitted the registration to make an adjustment.[1] [2]
Who must provide an explanation when I am declined after a credit check?
Start with the provider that declined your application or agreement. The AP advises asking which organisation performed the credit check. You can then request access or correction from the right organisation.[1]
Can an online rejection be fully automatic?
That can, under certain circumstances, be relevant when an organisation bases the decision primarily on a credit check. The AP describes that automated decision-making can play a role in such situations and mentions rights regarding information, correction, and explanation.[1]
Does a correction request always lead to new acceptance?
No. A correction request can be relevant when data are incorrect or outdated. It is not a guarantee that a business will then accept a credit, contract, or payment method. The provider can apply its own, lawful acceptance criteria.
Summary
When you receive the ‘credit check declined’ notification, start by gathering facts. Ask which organisation performed the check, which data categories were used, and where you can request access. Then check whether BKR, a commercial information agency, or another source can be the explanation. A targeted question and a careful file are usually stronger than a general request to remove all registrations.
Do you have questions about a BKR registration, a credit check, or financial data that you believe are incorrect? Contact Arslan Advocaten for an assessment of your situation.
Sources and further reading
[1] Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens — Assessing your creditworthiness (credit check)
[2] Mijn Kredietregistratie — consumer information from Stichting BKR
[3] BKR — information about registers and credit overview
