Many people think that a
BKR registration automatically disappears once a debt is repaid. Unfortunately, this is not the case. A negative registration can remain visible for years, preventing you from obtaining a mortgage or loan. However, in many cases you can enforce
removal or shortening of the registration. In this article, we explain how this works and what steps you can take.
At Arslan Advocaten, we help clients who have repaid their debt but are still restricted by a negative BKR notification. Thanks to our experience with financial law and privacy disputes, we know how to have your registration removed sooner.
Which debts are registered by the BKR?
Not every debt leads to a BKR registration. The BKR records which financial obligations you enter into that are structural in nature. Think of:
- Loans such as a personal loan or revolving credit with banks like ING, Rabobank, or ABN AMRO.
- Credit cards with installment payments: Once you can go into overdraft or payments are spread, registration usually follows.
- Buy now, pay later purchases, for example via webshops like Bol.com or Wehkamp.
- Private lease contracts for cars; the monthly lease amount counts as a payment obligation.
- Overdraft on your current account: if you are structurally allowed to be overdrawn above a certain threshold, this is registered.
Note: short-term overdraft up to a certain amount (usually €250) or a phone subscription where the device is fully paid for does typically not lead to registration. The BKR distinguishes between small and large financial obligations to only record relevant debts.
Do you have questions about your specific situation? You can request your own BKR overview via bkr.nl, so you know exactly which debts are registered.
What is the difference between a positive and a negative BKR registration?
A BKR registration does not always have to be unpleasant. Have you properly met your obligations and paid on time? Then we speak of a positive BKR registration. This shows credit providers that you handle loans reliably — often even a plus when applying for a mortgage, for example.
It becomes different when there have been payment problems. If there has been an arrears, a negative BKR registration arises. This notification warns banks and other credit providers that you had difficulty meeting payment obligations in the past. As a result, you face stricter assessments more quickly, or a loan is even refused.
In short:
- Positive: You pay on time and demonstrate creditworthy behavior.
- Negative: You have (temporarily or for a longer period) not met your payment obligations, which significantly limits your borrowing possibilities.
What happens after repaying a debt?
Once you clear a payment arrears or repay the full debt, the credit provider reports this to the Bureau Krediet Registratie (BKR). The registration then receives the designation 'A' (arrears) and 'H' (resolved). This notification normally remains visible for five years after the moment of repayment.
This period is intended to inform credit providers about your past payment behavior. However, in many situations this period can be unnecessarily burdensome, especially if you have since put your finances in order.
How long does the BKR keep my data?
The BKR keeps your data for a maximum of five years after repaying the debt. During this period, banks, mortgage providers, and other credit providers can see that you had a payment arrears in the past, even if it has since been fully resolved. This retention period applies to virtually all types of credit, whether it is a personal loan, revolving credit, credit card, or store card.
Sometimes people wonder why this information remains visible for so long. The idea behind the five-year period is that financial institutions get a complete picture of your recent financial past. This allows them to better assess whether it is responsible to extend credit to you again.
Note: after five years, the BKR must 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 shortening of the registration, for example if the registration unnecessarily hinders you while you are demonstrably financially stable.
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 longer than necessary for the purpose for which it was recorded. This means the registration must be removed if:
- the registration unnecessarily hinders you, for example when applying for a mortgage;
- the debt has been fully repaid and you are demonstrably financially stable;
- the credit provider has not made an individual assessment of interests.
An assessment of interests means the credit provider must take your personal situation into account: your income, family, work, and the consequences of the registration. If this does not happen, 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 data and codes
Review the overview carefully. Not only look at the name of the credit provider and the registration date, but also pay attention to the codes listed with your debt. Each code indicates what exactly 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 has been cleared; you are up to date with payments. |
| 1 |
Payment arrangement agreed. You may repay the arrears in installments. |
| 2 |
The entire amount must be repaid at once. |
| 3 |
The debt no longer needs to be paid; an end date is usually listed. |
| 4 |
No contact possible with you by the credit provider. |
| 5 |
Payment arrangement for a mortgage arrears; this code disappears when the arrangement ends. |
Tip: Do you spot an error or ambiguity? Then immediately collect evidence, such as statements or correspondence, because an incorrect registration is often easier to remove.
What should you do if your BKR data is incorrect?
Have you found an error in your BKR overview — such as an unknown loan, wrong date, or incorrect coding? Then it is important to take immediate action. The BKR itself does not modify data; only the credit provider that reported the notification can do this.
Therefore, contact the relevant bank or credit provider:
- Clearly indicate which data is incorrect and why;
- Send (if possible) documentation that supports your position;
- Request written confirmation of their investigation and any correction.
If you cannot resolve it with the credit provider, you can seek help through the BKR or escalate to the Financial Services Complaints Institute (KiFiD). This way, you ensure your registration is corrected and prevent unnecessary obstacles in the future.
2. Submit a written request
Send a letter to the credit provider explaining that you have fully repaid the debt and why the registration is no longer proportionate. Include evidence such as proof of repayment or income data.
3. Wait for the credit provider's response
The institution usually has several weeks to respond. If your request is rejected, ask for the reasoning and substantiation of their assessment of interests.
4. File a complaint with KiFiD
If you disagree with the credit provider's decision, you can go to the Financial Services Complaints Institute (KiFiD). KiFiD can have the registration removed or the duration shortened.
What deadlines apply for objection at KiFiD or the court?
It is important to take timely steps if your request for removal has been rejected.
At the Financial Services Complaints Institute (KiFiD):
- Have you received a rejection letter from the credit provider? Then you must file a complaint with KiFiD within three months of receiving this letter.
- Have you not received an official rejection? Then a broader deadline applies: you have up to one year after submitting your request to go to KiFiD.
Filing a complaint can easily be done online via the KiFiD portal or by post using the complaints form. In it, you describe why you believe the registration is unjustified.
Court procedure:
- Would you prefer to go directly to court, for example if you have urgency? Then you must start proceedings within six weeks of receiving the rejection letter. In urgent cases, summary proceedings can provide a solution, but you do need a lawyer for this.
Note: these deadlines are strict. If you are too late, your complaint may no longer be processed. Acting in time is therefore essential.
Common mistakes by credit providers
- No individual assessment of interests was made.
- The institution applies the standard five years without justification.
- Your improved financial situation is ignored.
- The registration was not updated in time after repayment.
When one of these errors applies, there is a good chance that the registration is unlawful and can be removed.
What should you watch out for with commercial providers?
Online, you will find many companies that promise to quickly remove your negative BKR registration — naturally for a hefty fee. Be extra critical here.
Pay attention to the following points before engaging such a party:
- Guarantees are rarely realistic. No one can guarantee removal, because only the BKR or the credit provider decides.
- Check the approach. Ask how the company works and what steps they actually take for you. Vagueness is a red flag.
- Be alert to high costs. Some providers charge hefty amounts without being able to promise success.
- Check reviews. Look for independent reviews or check if the company is affiliated with an industry association such as the NVVK or other recognized organizations.
If a company does not fulfill its promises or seems to make overly rosy promises? Do not take unnecessary risks with your data and money. It pays to remain critical and seek advice from a party with experience and a proven reputation.
What can Arslan Advocaten do for you?
- We analyze your BKR file and assess the lawfulness.
- We submit a request for removal or shortening on your behalf.
- We represent you at KiFiD or, if necessary, in court.
- We often recover our costs from the credit provider, so you have no costs of your own.
Do you want your BKR registration adjusted, but have you already received a rejection from the bank or credit provider? Then you can go to court within six weeks of receiving that rejection. Keep in mind that a lawsuit involves costs, but the process can sometimes proceed faster than other procedures. Do you have urgency? Then summary proceedings are possible, allowing you to ask the court for adjustment of your registration through an expedited procedure. A lawyer is required for both options.
We stand by your side, from KiFiD to court.
Frequently asked questions about BKR after repayment
Does my BKR registration remain after full repayment?
Yes, normally for another five years. But if the registration unnecessarily hinders you, you can request removal.
Can I have a registration removed earlier?
Yes, if you can demonstrate that the registration is disproportionate or that the credit provider has not made an assessment of interests.
Do I need a lawyer?
A lawyer increases your chance of success. We know exactly how to legally substantiate your interests and which arguments are convincing.
Is my phone subscription registered with the BKR?
That depends on the amount of your device credit. If you have a phone subscription where you purchase a device on installment, and the credit amount is higher than €250, this loan is considered a credit and thus registered with the BKR.
This means that your monthly installments for the device count just like a credit card limit or personal loan for your creditworthiness. Note: only the device credit is registered, not the subscription fee for calling and internet.
If you take out the subscription without device financing, or the amount stays below €250, you will not receive a BKR registration. Unsure whether your current phone subscription has consequences? Check your BKR overview via bkr.nl for complete clarity.
Want to have your BKR registration removed after repayment?
Contact Arslan Advocaten for a no-obligation consultation. We assess your registration and immediately take the right steps to restore your financial freedom.
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