Are you stuck in your financial life because of a BKR credit rating? You are not alone. Thousands of Dutch people face the same obstacle when they want to take out a mortgage, loan, or phone subscription. With almost 11.7 million registered loans, 5% of which have a negative rating, we understand that it can be frustrating. We will guide you through the world of BKR codes, so you know exactly what those mysterious codes on your BKR overview mean and what you can do about them.
BKR codes: complete explanation from A to Z
What is a BKR code?
A BKR code is a special designation in your BKR record that indicates that something unusual has happened with a credit. Simply put, it signals to lenders that there have been payment problems in the past. Unlike a regular BKR registration (which is neutral), a BKR code is seen as a negative signal.
A BKR code usually arises when you are behind on payments for a certain amount of time. The exact period varies: for expiring loans it is after two months, for revolving loans and mortgages after three months, and for other financial obligations after four months (provided the amount is above €250).
It is important to know that, according to BKR regulations, a lender is required to send you a preliminary warning before a coding is placed. This warning gives you one more chance to catch up before you get a negative registration.
"Many people are shocked when they discover they have a BKR code. They often don't even know exactly what code they have or what it means for their financial future. Knowledge really is power here: if you understand what code you have, you can take targeted steps to improve your situation."
Deepak - Legal Specialist
What BKR codes are there?
The BKR coding system consists of several particularity codes. Each code tells a specific story about what happened to your credit. We'll walk through them all, from the basic codes to the particularity codes.
The BKR uses seven different codes that lenders can place when specifics arise. Below is a complete list:
Code A - Backlog coding
The A code is the basic code and stands for 'Arrears'. You will receive this code if you are behind with your payments for a certain period of time. Without any further special codes, this means that there are arrears but no escalation such as a claim or write-off has yet taken place. This is the most common and relatively mildest code.
Code H - Recovery coding
The H code stands for 'Recovery' and is assigned when a previously reported arrears has been fully cleared while the credit is still ongoing. This code is only assigned to ongoing credits. If the loan has been fully repaid, an end date is registered instead. Both the A and H codes remain visible for five years from the moment of recovery.
Code 1 - Payment arrangement
Code 1 is assigned when you have agreed on a payment or repayment plan with the lender after falling behind on your payments. This code is always combined with an A code (A1) and shows that you are taking steps to catch up on your arrears according to an agreed schedule.
Code 2 - Opeising
Code 2 is assigned when the lender declares the remaining credit amount fully due and demands immediate repayment. This usually occurs when payment arrangements are not met or the arrears continue to escalate. In the event of a claim, a collection agency or bailiff is almost always engaged. This code, also known as BKR code A2, is considered a more severe code.
Code 3 - Write-off or remission
Code 3 is assigned when an amount of €250 or more is written off or waived by the lender. This can happen in the case of a final discharge via a settlement agreement, in debt restructuring processes such as WSNP or MSNP where part of the credit is waived, or in the case of internal write-offs when the claim is considered uncollectible.
Code 4 - Unreachable
Code 4 is assigned when you, as a consumer, are unavailable to the lender for an extended period of time. For example, when your home or residential address is unknown and you do not respond to reminders or collection attempts. This code is considered one of the most severe codes.
Code 5 - Preventive payment arrangement
Code 5 is specifically placed on mortgage credit when you and the lender agree on a written preventive arrangement of at least four months to avoid payment problems before actual arrears occur.
Combinations of BKR codes and their impact
In practice, codings often occur in combinations. Particularity codes 1 through 5 are always paired with an A code or H code. The most common combinations you may encounter on your BKR statement are:
- A1: Arrears with payment arrangement. This combination indicates that you are in arrears but have made an arrangement to catch up. This is considered a relatively light coding because you are taking action to resolve the problem.
- A2: Arrears with requisitioning. This combination means that your lender has claimed the entire outstanding amount. This is a severe coding that makes obtaining new credit very difficult.
- A3: Arrears with write-off. This combination indicates that part of your debt has been written off or forgiven. This is a very serious code that almost always leads to the rejection of new credit applications.
- A4: Backlog with inaccessibility. This combination is considered the toughest coding. No bank in the Netherlands will accept a customer with an A4 coding, even with a plausible explanation.
- AH: Arrears with recovery. This means that you have been in arrears but have fully made up the arrears while the credit is ongoing. This is the lightest combination but remains visible for five years.
When a situation escalates further, multiple particularity codes can be added. For example, if after an A1 arrangement, payments are still not met, the lender may proceed to foreclose, adding an A2 code.
Effects of BKR codes on your financial options
The impact of BKR codes on your financial ability is significant and varies by type of code. Not all codes are the same, and banks rate them differently.
Severity of codes for mortgage options
The severity of coding increases roughly in this order (from light to heavy):
- A with H (lightest, sometimes acceptable)
- A1 with H (relatively light, sometimes acceptable with conditions)
- A2 with end date (heavy, almost always rejection)
- A3 with end date (very heavy, almost always rejection)
- A4 (heaviest, categorical rejection)
A single A-rating with H-recovery code may still be accepted by some mortgage lenders under certain conditions. However, an A2 code (claim) or A3 code (write-off) will block virtually all mortgage options. With A3 codes , obtaining a mortgage is virtually impossible because it signals that you have been unable to repay the entire debt.
In addition, codes on mortgages weigh more heavily than on personal loans because the mortgage payment is considered the first social obligation.
Impact on daily life
The consequences of a BKR code extend beyond mortgages. You may also experience problems with:
- Taking out phone subscriptions with handset
- Leasing a car
- Taking out insurance
- Obtaining a credit card
- Business financing if you are an entrepreneur
If you're wondering whether your particular coding still gives you a chance of getting a mortgage or other financing, you should schedule a free consultation request a free consultation with our specialists.
How long does a BKR code stay in place?
An important question for anyone with a BKR code: how long will you stay with it? According to BKR regulations, a coding stays in place for five years by default. This period begins at:
The registration of the H recovery code (for current credits)
The actual end date of the credit (if fully repaid)
It is important to understand that this five-year term does not derive from legislation but from BKR regulations. This distinction is legally relevant, because according to the AVG and recent case law, this term may not be applied automatically.
Lenders must always weigh individual interests between their own interest in enforcement and your interest in restoring creditworthiness. This provides opportunities for early removal when the registration is no longer proportionate to your current financial situation.
This legal nuance is exactly where BKR registration specialists like Dynamite Netherlands can make a difference. With a thorough legal approach, in many cases the registration can be removed early.
Read more details on our page about how long a BKR registration remains valid.
Requesting an intake interviewHow do I get rid of my BKR codes?
If you want to regain financial freedom, there are several routes to get rid of your BKR codes. We list the options:
Taking action yourself
You can take steps yourself by first requesting your registration first through the BKR website. Check that all the information is correct. If you discover an error, you can contact the relevant lender directly to have it corrected.
Read how to request your BKR registration or perform a quick BKR check.
In addition, you can object to your registration yourself if you feel it is unjustified or no longer proportionate. To do so, send a written objection to the lender explaining why you think the registration should be removed and what personal interest you have in doing so (for example, a housing plan).
Getting legal help
If you can't make progress yourself, enlisting legal help is often more effective. Specialists such as Dynamite Netherlands have in-depth knowledge of both the BKR system and the relevant legislation (AVG).
They can:
- Establish a legally based objection that carries much more weight
- Balancing the right interests between the lender's interest and your personal interest
- Possibly take legal action in court if the lender does not cooperate
- Working on a 'no cure, no pay' basis in certain cases
"We often see people stuck for years by a BKR code that is actually no longer proportionate. In recent years, case law has made it increasingly clear that the consumer's interest in rebuilding their life can outweigh the lender's registration interest. That's exactly the legal opening we use to help people."
Deepak - Legal Specialist
The success rate varies depending on the type of coding. An A with H can be relatively easy to remove, while an A2 coding is more difficult, and an A3 or A4 is very difficult but not impossible. Each situation requires a specific approach.
Would you like to try it yourself first? Then take a look at our step-by-step plan for removing your BKR registration yourself.
Our BKR codes specialists
Questions about BKR codes
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Are you stuck by a BKR code and want to know what your options are? Contact Dynamite Netherlands for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our specialists will look at your specific situation and can tell you whether your code can be removed. This will give you a grip on your financial future again and the freedom to take important steps in your life. Getting in touch is the first step to financial freedom.
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