✓ Updated April 2026 · 4 cards without BKR compared

Credit Card Without BKR Check in 2026

A negative BKR (Dutch credit registry) registration or an application without a credit history need not be an obstacle. There are several excellent credit cards available that do not perform a BKR check. In this guide we compare the 4 best options of 2026.

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What does 'without BKR check' mean?

BKR stands for Bureau Krediet Registratie (Dutch credit registry). When you apply for a traditional credit card, the bank performs a BKR check to assess your creditworthiness. This is a lookup in the BKR database to see if you already have loans running or have had payment problems in the past. A negative BKR coding — for example an arrears or payment arrangement — can lead to immediate rejection of your application.

Credit cards without a BKR check are cards where the provider does not make a query with BKR. These are almost always prepaid cards from European fintech companies that are not connected to the Dutch BKR system. The provider does not check creditworthiness because you load money in advance — there is no credit risk for the provider.

Important to know: some people look for a credit card without BKR because of a negative registration in the past. That is understandable, but be aware that not building up a BKR registration also means you are not building up a credit history, which can be disadvantageous in the long run when applying for a mortgage or loan.

Top 4 — Credit Cards Without BKR 2026
Card Cost BKR Insurance Score
N26 Smart€59/yrNo BKRNo★★★★☆
Revolut Standard€0/yrNo BKRNo★★★★☆
Bunq Mastercard€0/yrNo BKRNo★★★★☆
N26 You€119/yrNo BKRAllianz★★★★★

The 4 Best Credit Cards Without BKR of 2026

N26

N26 Smart Mastercard

★★★★☆ 4/5
Mastercard No BKR
€59/yr
€4.90 per month
  • ✦0% foreign exchange surcharge worldwide
  • ✦Account in 10 minutes
  • ✦No BKR check or registration
  • ✦Sub-accounts for budgeting
Pros
✓0% exchange surcharge
✓Fast account setup
✓No BKR
Cons
✗€4.90/mo
✗No travel insurance

N26 Smart is the most complete option for those who want a credit card without BKR but still want more than just a basic card. You get a European bank account, sub-accounts for savings goals, and the Mastercard works worldwide without a foreign exchange surcharge. Ideal for frequent travellers with a (temporarily) negative BKR registration.

⚡ View N26 Smart on SmartCreditcard
REVOLUT

Revolut Standard

★★★★☆ 4/5
Free No BKR
Free
€0 per year
  • ✦€1,000/mo free currency exchange
  • ✦Free cash withdrawals up to €200/mo
  • ✦150+ currencies supported
  • ✦No BKR registration

Revolut Standard is the most widely used credit card without BKR in the Netherlands. It is completely free and requires only a valid identity document. No payslips, no BKR check, no income requirement. Within 10 minutes you have a working card via the app. Perfect as a temporary solution while you work on improving your creditworthiness.

⚡ View Revolut on SmartCreditcard
BUNQ

Bunq Mastercard

★★★★☆ 4/5
Free No BKR
Free
€0 per year
  • ✦Credit BIN accepted at car rental
  • ✦No BKR registration
  • ✦Free in the eurozone
  • ✦Dutch company

Bunq is the only Dutch company on this list. The Bunq Mastercard has no BKR connection and is completely free for use in the eurozone. Thanks to the credit BIN it works at more rental companies than most other prepaid cards. Bunq holds a genuine Dutch banking licence from DNB, which provides extra security.

⚡ View Bunq on SmartCreditcard
N26

N26 You Mastercard

★★★★★ 5/5
Mastercard No BKR Allianz insurance
€119/yr
€9.90 per month
  • ✦Full Allianz travel insurance
  • ✦Unlimited free cash withdrawals worldwide
  • ✦Cancellation insurance €10,000
  • ✦No BKR check
Pros
✓Medical up to €1 million
✓Cancellation €10,000
✓Unlimited withdrawals
Cons
✗€9.90 per month
✗Max 90 travel days/yr

N26 You is the premium version of N26 Smart and offers as a unique feature a full Allianz travel insurance without a BKR check. This makes it the ideal card for people who travel frequently but cannot apply for a traditional credit card due to a negative BKR registration. The medical cover up to €1 million and the cancellation insurance up to €10,000 are market-leading.

⚡ View N26 You on SmartCreditcard

How do you improve your BKR registration?

If you have a negative BKR registration, this is not permanent. After fully repaying a debt the registration remains for 5 years, but the negative coding is removed once you have caught up on the arrears. You can view your own registration at BKR via mijnbkr.nl.

Tips for improving your BKR profile

Always pay on time: make sure all running credits are paid promptly. Close unnecessary credits: the fewer open credit lines, the better. Build up a savings reserve: banks look not only at BKR but also at your overall financial situation. Use prepaid cards as a temporary solution while you work on recovery.

When are you eligible for a traditional credit card?

Once your BKR registration is clean (no negative codings) and you meet the income requirements, you can apply for a regular credit card. Most banks require a minimum income of €15,000 to €20,000 gross per year. Once you reach this level, consider a card with extra benefits such as travel insurance or cashback, so your card gives something back.

Frequently Asked Questions — Credit Card Without BKR

What is BKR and why do banks check it?+
BKR stands for Bureau Krediet Registratie (Dutch credit registry), an independent foundation that maintains credit information on Dutch consumers. Banks and lenders are required to register credits above a certain threshold with BKR. When you apply for a credit card at a traditional bank, that bank checks your BKR registration to see if you already have debts or have had payment problems in the past. A negative BKR registration (also known as a 'BKR coding' or 'arrears registration') can lead to rejection of your application. The registration is kept for 5 years after the credit ends.
Which credit cards are available without BKR?+
In the Netherlands there are several credit cards available without a BKR check. These are almost exclusively prepaid cards from fintech companies. The best known are Revolut Standard (free), Bunq Mastercard (free), N26 Smart (€4.90/mo) and N26 You (€9.90/mo). These cards do not require a credit check because you load money in advance and therefore no debt is incurred. Both Revolut and N26 are foreign fintech companies that are not connected to BKR and therefore do not cause a BKR registration.
Is prepaid the same as without BKR?+
No, but there is a strong correlation. Prepaid cards generally do not require a BKR check because no credit is granted — you load money in advance. However, not all cards without BKR are prepaid, and not all prepaid cards are by definition BKR-free. A card is 'without BKR' if the provider does not perform a BKR check at application and does not create a BKR registration after acceptance. With Revolut, Bunq and N26 this is the case: they do not check with BKR and do not register your card with BKR either.
Car rental without a BKR credit card?+
This is a frequently asked question. For car rental you technically need a card with a credit BIN (starting digits that identify a credit card), not necessarily a card without BKR registration. Revolut Standard (Visa prepaid) is rejected by most major rental companies. N26 Smart (Mastercard) has variable acceptance. Bunq Mastercard has a credit BIN and is accepted by some rental companies as a credit card. For the best guarantee at car rentals we recommend a real credit card such as the ANWB Visa Gold or AMEX Platinum.
Disadvantages of a card without BKR?+
The main disadvantages of credit cards without BKR are: 1) They are usually prepaid cards — you cannot pay on credit and there is no deferred payment. 2) Limited acceptance at car rental companies and certain hotel chains that explicitly require a credit card. 3) No purchase protection or travel insurance in the standard package (unless you pay for a higher version). 4) You do not build up a credit history, which may later affect you when applying for a mortgage or loan. 5) Limits on free cash withdrawals and currency exchange.
Building a credit history without BKR?+
If you do not want a BKR registration but do want to build a credit history, you are in a difficult position — these goals are contradictory. A BKR registration is in fact proof of your credit history. If you eventually want to apply for a mortgage or loan, a clean (positive) BKR registration is actually advantageous. We recommend that once your finances are stable, you apply for a simple credit card from a Dutch bank and pay it on time. This way you build a positive BKR registration that supports your future credit applications.
N26 or Revolut without BKR?+
Both cards do not perform a BKR check and do not register with BKR. The choice depends on your needs. N26 Smart (€4.90/mo) offers a full bank account, 0% foreign exchange surcharge and sub-accounts for savings goals. N26 You (€9.90/mo) adds an Allianz travel insurance. Revolut Standard is free and offers more currency options and crypto. Both are regulated European fintech banks. If you primarily want a simple payment card: choose Revolut. If you want a complete digital banking experience with sub-accounts and insurance: choose N26.
Booking a hotel without a BKR credit card?+
Hotels use a credit card at check-in to block a deposit for possible damage or extra costs. With a prepaid card like Revolut Standard this can cause problems because the card number is not recognised as a credit card. Bunq Mastercard has a credit BIN and works at most hotel chains, which you can best book through international platforms. N26 also works at many hotels. When booking directly at small hotels abroad we recommend having a real credit card as a backup. At online booking platforms like Booking.com or Expedia, prepaid cards work without problems for the payment itself.

See also

→ Free
Free Credit Card
→ Students
Credit Card Students
→ Car Rental
Credit Card Car Rental
→ Overview
Best Credit Card NL
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