Many people think that a BKR registration automatically disappears as soon as a debt has been repaid. Unfortunately, that is not the case. A negative registration can remain visible for years, preventing you from obtaining a mortgage or loan. Still, in many cases you can enforce removal or shortening of the registration. In this article, we explain how that works and which steps you can take.
Which debts are registered by the BKR?
Not every debt leads to a BKR registration. The BKR keeps track of the financial obligations you enter into that are structural in nature. These include:
- Loans such as a personal loan or revolving credit at, for example, banks such as ING, Rabobank or ABN AMRO.
- Credit cards with installment payments: As soon as you can overdraw or the repayment is spread out, a registration usually follows.
- Buying in installments (‘buy now, pay later’), for example via webshops such as Bol.com or Wehkamp.
- Private lease contracts for cars; the monthly lease amount is considered a payment obligation.
- Overdraft on your current account: if you are allowed to be overdrawn on a regular basis above a certain threshold, this is recorded.
Note: short-term overdrafts up to a certain amount (usually €250) or a mobile phone contract where the device has been fully paid for by you, generally not to a registration. The BKR distinguishes between small and large financial obligations, in order to record only relevant debts.
Do you have questions about your specific situation? Then you can request your own BKR overview via , so that you know exactly which debts are registered.
What is the difference between a positive and a negative BKR registration?
A registration with the BKR does not always have to be a problem. Have you kept to your agreements and paid on time? Then we speak of a positive BKR registration. This shows lenders that you handle loans responsibly—often even a plus if you want to apply for a mortgage, for example.
It is different when there have been payment problems. If you have been in arrears, then a negative BKR registration. This notice warns banks and other lenders that you have previously had difficulty meeting your payment obligations. As a result, you are more likely to face stricter assessments, or a loan may even be denied.
In short:
- Positive: You pay on time and demonstrate creditworthy behavior.
- Negative: You have not met your payment obligations (either not in a timely manner or for a prolonged period), which significantly limits your ability to borrow money.
What happens after paying off a debt?
As soon as you clear your payment arrears or repay the full debt, the lender reports this to the Bureau Krediet Registratie (BKR). The registration will then receive the designation ‘A’ (arrears) and ‘H’ (resolved). That notice normally remains for another visible for five years after the moment of repayment.
That period is intended to inform lenders about your past payment behavior. Still, that period can be unnecessarily harsh in many situations, especially if you have since gotten your finances in order.
How long does the BKR keep my data?
The BKR retains your data for up to five years after the debt has been repaid. During this period, banks, mortgage providers and other lenders can see that you had payment arrears in the past, even if that has since been fully resolved. This retention period applies to virtually all types of credit, whether it concerns a personal loan, revolving credit, credit card or a store card.
People sometimes wonder why this information remains visible for so long. The idea behind the five-year period is that financial institutions can thus obtain a complete picture of your recent financial history. This allows them to better assess whether it is prudent to extend credit to you again.
Note: after five years, must the BKR automatically remove your registration, unless you have gotten into trouble again in the meantime. In some cases, however, it may be possible to request earlier removal or a shortening of the registration, for example if the registration unnecessarily hinders you while you are demonstrably financially stable. Still, that period can turn out unnecessarily harsh in many situations, especially if you have your finances in order by now.
When can you request removal?
According to the GDPR and the rulings of the Financial Services Complaints Institute (KiFiD) a BKR registration may not remain on record longer than is necessary for the purpose for which it was recorded. That means that the registration must be removed if:
- the registration unnecessarily hinders you, for example with a mortgage;
- the debt has been fully repaid and you are demonstrably financially stable;
- the lender has not made an individual balancing of interests.
A balancing of interests means that the lender must take your personal situation into account: your income, family, work, and the consequences of the registration. If that does not happen, then the registration is often unlawful.
How do you request removal?
1. Request your BKR overview
You can request your current overview free of charge via bkr.nl. Check who placed the registration and on what date.
Check the accuracy of your details and codes
Go through the overview carefully. Don’t just look at the lender’s name and the registration date, but also pay attention to the codes listed with your debt. Each code indicates exactly what happened with your credit. An incorrect code or wrong end date can increase your chances of removal.
Below you will find the most common BKR-codes and their meanings:
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| A | Arrears. You have not paid one or more installments on time. |
| H | Recovery notification. Your payment arrears have now been cleared; you are up to date with payments. |
| 1 | Payment arrangement made. You may repay the arrears in installments. |
| 2 | The full amount must be repaid in one lump sum. |
| 3 | The debt no longer has to be paid; an end date is often included. |
| 4 | The lender cannot reach you. |
| 5 | Payment arrangement for mortgage arrears; this code disappears when the arrangement ends. |
Tip: Do you notice an error or something unclear? Gather evidence immediately, such as statements or correspondence, because an incorrect registration is often easier to remove.
What should you do if your BKR records are incorrect?
Have you found an error in your BKR report—such as an unknown loan, wrong date, or an incorrect code? Then it is important to take action immediately. BKR does not change data itself; only the lender that submitted the notification can do so.
Therefore, contact the relevant bank or lender:
- Clearly indicate which data are incorrect and why;
- Include (if possible) documentation that supports your position;
- Ask for written confirmation of their investigation and any correction.
If you cannot resolve it with the lender, you can seek help via the BKR or escalate to the Financial Services Complaints Institute (KiFiD). This ensures your registration is accurate again and helps prevent unnecessary obstacles in the future.
2. Submit a written request
Send a letter to the lender explaining that you have fully repaid the debt and why the registration is no longer proportionate. Attach evidence, such as proof of repayment or income information.
3. Wait for the lender’s response
The institution usually has a few weeks to respond. If your request is rejected, ask for the reasoning and substantiation of their balancing of interests.
4. Submit a complaint to KiFiD
If you do not agree with the lender’s decision, you can contact the Financial Services Complaints Institute (KiFiD). KiFiD can have the registration removed or shorten the duration.
What time limits apply for objections with KiFiD or the court?
It is important to take timely action if your request for removal has been rejected.
At the Financial Services Complaints Institute (KiFiD):
- Have you received a rejection letter from the lender? Then you must, within three months after you have received this letter, submit a complaint with KiFiD.
- Have you not received an official rejection? Then a longer time limit applies: you have up to one year after submitting your request the option to go to the KiFiD for assistance.
You can easily file a complaint online via the KiFiD-portal or by post using the complaint form. In it, you describe why you believe the registration is unjustified.
Court procedure:
- Would you prefer to go straight to court, for example if your case is urgent? Then within six weeks after receiving the rejection letter you must start proceedings. In urgent cases, a summary proceedings can offer a solution, but you do need a lawyer for that.
Note: these deadlines are strict. If you are late, your complaint may no longer be considered. Taking timely action is therefore essential.
Common mistakes by lenders
- No individual balancing of interests has been made.
- The institution applies a default period of five years, without justification.
- Your improved financial situation is ignored.
- The registration was not updated in time after repayment.
When any of these errors occurs, there is a good chance the registration is unlawful and can be removed.
What should you watch out for with commercial providers?
You often come across companies online that promise to remove your negative BKR registration quickly — of course for a hefty fee. Be extra critical of this.
Pay attention to the following points before you engage with such a party:
- Guarantees are rarely realistic. No one can guarantee removal, because only the BKR or the lender decides.
- Check the approach. Ask how the company operates and which steps they will truly take for you. Vagueness is a red flag.
- Be alert to high costs. Some providers charge substantial amounts without being able to promise success.
- Review experiences. Look for independent reviews or check whether the company is affiliated with an industry association such as the NVVK or other recognized organizations.
Is a company failing to keep its agreements or does it seem to be making promises that are too good to be true? Do not take unnecessary risks with your data and money. It pays to remain critical and to seek advice from a party with experience and a proven track record.
What can Arslan Advocaten do for you?
- We analyze your BKR file and assess the legality.
- We submit a request on your behalf for removal or shortening.
- We represent you at KiFiD or, if necessary, in court.
- We recover our costs often from the lender, so you don’t incur any costs yourself.
Would you like your BKR-registration to be adjusted, but have you already received a rejection from the bank or lender? Then, within six weeks of receiving that rejection, you can take the matter to court. Please note that a lawsuit entails costs, but the process can sometimes move faster than other procedures. Is it urgent? Then summary proceedings are possible, allowing you to ask the court to adjust your registration through an expedited procedure. For both options, engaging a lawyer is mandatory.
This is how we stand by your side, from KiFiD to court.
Frequently asked questions about BKR after repayment
Will my BKR registration remain after full repayment?
Yes, normally for another five years. But if the registration hinders you unnecessarily, you can request removal.
Can I have a registration removed earlier?
Yes, if you can demonstrate that the registration is disproportionate or that the lender did not conduct a balancing of interests.
Do I need a lawyer?
A lawyer increases your chance of success. We know exactly how to substantiate your interests legally and which arguments are persuasive.
Is my phone subscription registered with the BKR?
That depends on the size of your device credit. Do you have a mobile plan in which you purchase a device on installment, and is the credit amount higher than €250? Then this loan is considered a credit and is therefore registered with the BKR.
This means that your monthly repayments for the device count just like, for example, a credit card limit or a personal loan when determining your creditworthiness. Note: only the device credit is registered, not the subscription fees for calling and internet.
If you take out the subscription without device financing, or if the amount remains below €250, you will not get a BKR registration. Are you unsure whether your current mobile plan has consequences? Check your BKR overview via bkr.nl for complete clarity.
Would you like to have your BKR registration removed after repayment?
Get in touch with Arslan Advocaten with no obligation. We will assess your registration and immediately take the right steps to restore your financial freedom.
