BKR & Credit Registration
Everything about the Dutch credit registration bureau: what it records, for how long, and what your rights are.
What is the BKR and what exactly does it register?+
The BKR (Bureau Krediet Registratie) is an independent foundation that records the credit obligations of people in the Netherlands: credit cards with a credit facility, revolving credit, personal loans and mortgages. Only credit forms above a certain threshold are registered — a regular current account or a prepaid credit card without a credit function is not registered with the BKR.
How long does a BKR registration remain visible?+
A normal, trouble-free registration usually disappears 5 years after the credit is paid off. In the case of payment arrears, that 5-year period only starts once the arrears have been resolved — the longer arrears last, the longer the registration stays visible.
What do BKR codes like A, H, 1, 2 and 3 mean?+
In short: a numeric code (1, 2 or 3) indicates the severity of payment arrears, code H means previous arrears have been resolved, and code A indicates a special arrangement such as an agreed repayment plan. Check the exact, current codes on mijnbkr.nl, as BKR regularly modernises this system.
Can I view my own BKR registration?+
Yes, for free. Via mijnbkr.nl you can request an overview of everything registered about you, including any codes.
Can a BKR registration be removed before the standard term ends?+
Only if the registration is demonstrably incorrect, for example due to an error by the credit provider. A correct registration cannot be removed early — companies that promise this for a fee are often unreliable.
Does a rejected credit card application count towards my BKR?+
No, the application itself does not lead to a registration if you are rejected — a BKR entry is only created once you have actually opened a credit facility.
Safety & Fraud
What to do in case of loss, theft or fraud, and what your rights are.
What should I do if my credit card is lost or stolen?+
Block the card immediately via the app or your provider's 24/7 phone number. Then request a replacement card right away. Report suspicious transactions as soon as possible — the sooner you report, the stronger your position when reclaiming money.
Am I legally liable for fraud on my credit card?+
In most cases your own liability for fraud is limited to a maximum of €150, provided you report the fraud as soon as possible and were not grossly negligent (such as writing down your PIN somewhere). If you report in time, the bank usually covers the full loss.
How long does a chargeback procedure typically take?+
Expect 2 to 8 weeks, depending on the card issuer and whether the merchant disputes the claim. Visa and Mastercard use similar timeframes; American Express often handles chargebacks somewhat faster through its own internal process.
How do I recognise phishing targeting my credit card details?+
Your bank will never ask by email, text message or phone for your full card number, CVV code or login codes. Never click links in unexpected messages about 'suspicious activity' — always go directly to the app or official website.
Is it safe to save my credit card details with webshops?+
With large, reputable webshops that have a valid SSL certificate this is relatively safe, because they don't store your full card details themselves but a tokenised version via the payment provider. Avoid this with unknown or small webshops.
What is the difference in protection between physical card fraud and online fraud?+
With physical card fraud (skimming), the question is often whether you handled your PIN carefully. With online fraud (card-not-present), the burden of proof usually lies with the webshop or merchant, which often makes chargeback easier for online purchases than for physical skimming fraud.
Cancelling & Switching
How to properly cancel your credit card and switch to another provider.
How do I cancel my credit card?+
This can usually be done directly via the app or your provider's customer portal. With traditional providers (ABN AMRO, ING, Rabobank) written cancellation or phone contact is sometimes required. Make sure the outstanding balance is €0 before the cancellation is finally processed.
What happens to my accumulated points or miles if I cancel?+
This varies strongly per provider: with some cards (such as Flying Blue AMEX) unused miles expire immediately upon cancellation, with others points remain valid for a limited period. So always use or redeem your points before you finally cancel.
Do I need to fully pay off my credit card before I can cancel?+
Yes, an outstanding balance must always be fully repaid first. Some providers do accept the cancellation request already, but the card remains active until the balance reaches zero.
Can I switch to another credit card provider free of charge?+
Yes, there are no legal switching costs for credit cards in the Netherlands, unlike for example mortgages. Do watch out for any remaining annual fees that the old provider won't refund if you cancel partway through the year.
How long does it take before a cancellation is finally processed?+
Usually 1 to 4 weeks, depending on the provider. Always request written confirmation of the cancellation, so you have proof in case an annual fee is still charged.
Does cancelling a credit card affect my BKR registration?+
With a normally cancelled card without arrears, the registration disappears automatically after the standard term of usually 5 years — cancelling itself has no negative effect on your credit score, provided everything has been properly paid off.
Credit Limit & Spending Room
How your limit is determined, increasing or lowering it, and its effect on other applications.
How is my credit card limit determined?+
Providers look at your net monthly income, existing financial obligations (visible via the BKR) and your living situation. Digital cards such as Revolut and N26 often work with a fixed, lower limit regardless of income; traditional cards such as ICS and ABN AMRO set the limit individually, usually between €1,500 and €7,500.
Can I have my credit limit increased later?+
Yes, most providers offer this via the app or customer portal, often after a new income check. Some increase it automatically after a period of paying on time.
What happens if I exceed my credit limit?+
The transaction is usually declined once you reach the limit. With some traditional cards a small overrun may be allowed, at an extra cost or higher interest on the excess amount.
Does the credit limit differ between a credit card and revolving credit?+
Yes. With a credit card the limit is intended for daily use and you generally repay (part of it) monthly. Revolving credit often has a higher limit and is intended for larger, longer-term financing needs, with a different interest structure.
Can I lower my own credit limit (temporarily)?+
With most digital providers this can be done directly in the app, for example to limit your own spending. With traditional banks this usually requires written contact.
Does an unused credit limit count when applying for a mortgage?+
Yes, potentially. Mortgage lenders sometimes take the full granted credit limit into account when determining your maximum mortgage, even the part you don't use — so it's wise to have an unnecessarily high limit lowered before a mortgage application.
Supplementary Cards & Family Use
Adding extra cardholders, age limits and liability.
What is a supplementary card and how do I request one?+
A supplementary card is a second credit card on the same account, usually for a partner or family member, requestable via the app or customer portal of your main card.
From what age can someone get a supplementary card?+
This varies per provider, but is usually between 16 and 18 years old. Some digital banks such as N26 and Revolut already offer specific youth variants from age 16.
Who is liable for expenses made with a supplementary card?+
The main cardholder remains financially responsible for all expenses, including those of the supplementary cardholder — the supplementary card falls under the same account and the same credit.
Does a supplementary card cost extra annual fees?+
Often a lower amount than the main card, for example half, but with a number of digital providers a supplementary card is free.
Can I set the spending limit of a supplementary card separately?+
Many modern, digital providers allow this, so the supplementary cardholder gets their own, lower sub-limit within the total credit limit. With traditional cards, the main and supplementary card usually simply share the same limit.
Can I block a supplementary card without blocking the main card?+
Yes, this can always be done independently, both via the app and by phone with the provider.
Apple Pay, Google Pay & Contactless Payments
Setting up digital wallets, security, and contactless limits in the Netherlands.
How do I set up my credit card with Apple Pay or Google Pay?+
Add the card via the Wallet app (Apple) or Google Wallet app, scan the card details or enter them manually, and confirm with a verification code from your card issuer.
Is paying with Apple Pay or Google Pay safer than the physical card?+
Yes, generally safer: your phone never shares your real card number with the shop, but uses an encrypted, one-time code (tokenisation) per transaction.
What is the contactless payment limit in the Netherlands?+
Without a PIN, a limit per transaction applies in the Netherlands, usually around €50, and after a number of consecutive contactless payments the terminal will still ask for your PIN. Check the exact, current amount, as this is periodically adjusted.
Does Apple Pay work with every credit card provider in the Netherlands?+
No, not every provider supports this. Most major players such as AMEX, ICS, Revolut, N26 and Bunq do; check with smaller or newer providers in advance whether Apple Pay or Google Pay support is available.
What happens to Apple Pay or Google Pay if I block my physical card?+
This depends on the provider: with some the digital version is automatically blocked as well, with others the digital card remains separately usable until you also remove it from the wallet app.
Can I also make credit card payments with my smartwatch?+
Yes, both Apple Watch and most Wear OS smartwatches support contactless payments once the card is added to the corresponding wallet app.
Complaints & Consumer Protection
Where to go with a dispute, and what supervisory authorities arrange for you.
Where can I file a complaint about my credit card provider?+
Always file a complaint with the provider itself first. If you don't reach a resolution, you can go to Kifid (Klachteninstituut Financiële Dienstverlening), the independent dispute resolution body for the financial sector in the Netherlands.
What is Kifid and when do I involve them?+
Kifid handles disputes between consumers and financial institutions, after you have first complained to the provider without result. The ruling is binding for the provider.
Who supervises credit card providers in the Netherlands?+
The AFM (Autoriteit Financiële Markten) supervises conduct towards consumers, and De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) supervises the financial soundness of providers.
What is PSD2 and what does it mean for you as a cardholder?+
PSD2 is European legislation that, among other things, requires stronger identity verification for online payments — hence for example 3D Secure verification — and makes it easier for you to securely share payment data with other financial apps.
How much does it cost to file a complaint with Kifid?+
Consumers pay a relatively low own-contribution fee to have a complaint processed. Check the current amount on kifid.nl.
What are my rights if a provider rejects my application?+
You have the right to a substantiated reason for rejection, and the right to view your own BKR data if it played a role in the assessment.
Credit Card vs. Loan vs. Revolving Credit
A broader view: how does the credit card compare to other forms of financing.
What is the difference between a credit card and a personal loan?+
A personal loan is a fixed amount paid out at once at a fixed interest rate and fixed term. A credit card is flexible credit that you can keep reusing once you repay, without a fixed end date.
What is the difference between a credit card and revolving credit?+
Both are flexible, but revolving credit is usually intended for larger amounts at a lower interest rate than a credit card, while a credit card is mainly aimed at daily payments and often offers an interest-free period when paid off in full.
Which form of credit is cheaper: a credit card or a personal loan?+
With full, timely repayment a credit card is often cheaper due to the interest-free period. If you structurally build up debt, a personal loan with a fixed, lower interest rate is usually more advantageous than the 14-20% that credit cards charge.
When is a credit card a better choice than a loan?+
For short-term, recurring expenses such as travel or online purchases that you can pay off within a month, plus when you want to make use of extra benefits such as cashback, insurance and miles.
Does a credit card limit count as heavily towards the BKR as a loan?+
Yes, both are registered as a form of credit with the BKR and both count in the assessment of your borrowing capacity for future applications, regardless of whether you actually use the full limit.
Can I use a loan to pay off my credit card debt?+
Yes, this is called refinancing and can be advantageous if the loan's interest rate, often 6-10%, is lower than the credit card interest rate of 14-20% — saving you on total interest costs.
How SmartCreditcard Works
Transparency about how we work, how we make money, and how cards are selected.
How does SmartCreditcard make money?+
We sometimes receive a commission from card providers when you apply for a credit card through our site. This never costs you, as a visitor, anything extra — the annual fees and terms of the card remain exactly the same.
Does using the comparison tool cost money?+
No, the comparison tool, AI wizard and all information on SmartCreditcard are completely free to use.
How does SmartCreditcard select which credit cards are shown?+
We include both cards we have an affiliate relationship with and cards without such a relationship, so the overview remains a representative picture of the Dutch market rather than only the highest-paying providers.
Does an affiliate fee influence the order of cards in the comparison tool?+
No, the ranking in the comparison tool and AI wizard is based on how well a card fits your entered situation, not on the amount of any fee.
How often is the information on SmartCreditcard updated?+
We continuously check and update rates, terms and card features, so the comparison stays as current as possible.
Can I suggest a credit card myself to be added to the comparison?+
Yes, via the contact page you can suggest a card that's still missing — we review every suggestion for inclusion.
See also
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