Can I have a BKR registration removed?

The short answer

You can have a BKR registration removed by submitting a written request to the lender who placed the registration. This is possible if the debt has now been paid, the registration is unjustified, or if there is a disproportionality. The lender must respond to your request within four weeks. If they refuse, you can file a complaint with the dispute resolution committee or the Dutch Data Protection Authority. In some cases, you can also contact the BKR directly.

What does the law say?

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) gives you the right to have incorrect or unlawful personal data corrected or removed. The BKR may only process data that is necessary for credit assessment and risk assessment. Lenders must be able to demonstrate that a registration is justified. If the registration is no longer proportionate or the debt has been cleared, it must be adjusted or removed.

What do you need to look out for?

Make sure to submit your request in writing to the correct lender with all relevant documents. Pay attention to the deadlines: a credit registration expires automatically after 5 years, but a payment arrears registration can remain longer. Keep all correspondence well and clearly indicate why you believe the registration is unjustified. Don't wait too long with your request, as in the meantime the registration can limit your financial possibilities.

Example from practice

Sandra has fully repaid her credit card debt of €2,500, but the BKR registration is still there. This causes her mortgage application to be rejected. She sends a letter to the credit card company requesting the registration to be removed, including proof of payment. The company acknowledges the error and has the registration removed within two weeks. Sandra can now proceed with her mortgage application.

What can you do?

Follow these concrete steps to have your BKR registration checked and potentially removed.