How much collection costs can debt agencies charge in NL?

A debt collection agency in the Netherlands can charge a maximum of 15% collection costs on the first €2,500 of your debt, with lower percentages applying to higher amounts. These rates are legally fixed in the WIK scale (Wet Incassokosten - Debt Collection Costs Act) under Dutch law. As an expat, it's important to know this because many collection agencies try to charge illegally high costs.

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The short answer

The WIK scale (WIK-staffel) under Dutch law determines exactly how much collection costs an agency may charge. For the first €2,500 this is a maximum of 15%, for amounts between €2,500 and €5,000 it's 10%, and for amounts above €5,000 only 5%. Special low rates apply for debts under €25. These percentages are legally established and collection agencies in the Netherlands can never charge more. All debt collection agencies in the Netherlands must comply with this scale.

What does Dutch law say?

The Debt Collection Costs Act (Wet Incassokosten - WIK) has regulated exactly which costs collection agencies may charge since 2012. This law was created because agencies often charged extremely high costs. The scale applies to all extrajudicial collection costs and is mandatory law. Collection agencies may therefore never deviate from these rates, even if they claim to incur higher costs.

1WIK scale: 15% on first €2,500, 10% on €2,500-€5,000, 5% above €5,000

2For small debts under €25: maximum €25 collection costs

3For debts €25-€500: maximum 50% of the principal amount

4Court costs (bailiff, court fees) fall outside the WIK scale

What should you watch out for as an expat?

Always check whether collection costs are correct according to the WIK scale under Dutch law. Many agencies still try to charge excessive costs. Note that only actual collection costs fall under the scale - interest and other costs are separate. Keep all correspondence and ask for a clear specification of all costs.

1Calculate the maximum collection costs yourself according to the WIK scale

2Check if the collection agency is affiliated with a trade association

3Request an itemised invoice with all costs listed separately

4Note the difference between collection costs and bailiff costs (deurwaarderskosten)

Example from practice

Suppose you have an outstanding bill of €3,000. The collection agency may then charge a maximum of €425 in collection costs: 15% on the first €2,500 (= €375) plus 10% on the remaining €500 (= €50). Total collection costs therefore €425. Is the agency trying to charge €600? Then this is too much and you don't have to pay the difference. You can then object and request back the excessive costs charged.

What can you do?

If a collection agency charges excessive costs under Dutch law, you don't have to pay these and can take action.

1Calculate the correct collection costs according to the WIK scale and compare

2Make written objections to the collection agency against excessive costs

3Report violations to the Consumer and Market Authority (Autoriteit Consument & Markt - ACM) or trade association

Conclusion

Collection agencies in the Netherlands may only charge costs according to the legal WIK scale: 15% on the first €2,500, then less. You don't have to pay excessive costs and can challenge them under Dutch law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do WIK rates also apply to bailiff costs in the Netherlands?

What if I've already paid too much collection costs?

May collection agencies charge VAT on collection costs?

Do different rates apply if I'm a business?

What if the collection agency says my case is extra complex?

May collection agencies charge administrative costs separately?

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