A-code BKR: meaning, consequences and possibilities

An A rating with the BKR can have a big impact on your financial future. Such a registration means that you have been in arrears on a loan or credit for two months or more. In this article, we'll explain exactly what an a coding bkr means, the different types and how it can affect your mortgage options and other financial plans.

We understand that a BKR code can limit your life considerably. Maybe you want to buy a house, finance a car or buy a new phone with a subscription, but keep getting rejected. This is not only frustrating, but can also feel like you're stuck in your life. At Dynamite Netherlands, we'd love to help you understand your options and possible solutions for your a coding bkr.

What is an A code with the BKR?

An A code in your BKR registration stands for "arrears report. This coding is placed when you are behind in payments on a credit or loan for a certain period of time. The A is added to that credit's registration in your credit report.

Before a lender proceeds to place a coding bkr, it is required to warn you in writing. You will then receive a pre-notification stating that a negative BKR registration will follow if payment is not made within the specified period. This warning letter must be sent at least two weeks before the actual notification.

 

"Many people don't realize that an A code could often have been prevented by contacting the lender immediately after the warning letter. A payment plan can prevent a negative registration in many cases."

Deepak - Legal Specialist

 

The A code remains visible on your credit report for five years even after you catch up on your arrears or pay off your loan. This can have far-reaching consequences for taking out new loans, mortgages or other financial products.

An important aspect to understand is that the BKR system records not only whether you have been in arrears, but also what type of arrears it is. For this purpose, different particularity codes are used that are added to the A code.

Learn more about BKR codes

The different types of A codes at the BKR

There are five different types of A codes (A1 through A5), each with its own meaning and impact. It's important to know which coding you have, because it affects your options and the seriousness with which lenders look at it.

A1 coding: payment arrangement

An A1 code means that a repayment or payment arrangement was made with the lender after the arrears occurred. Of all the codes bkr in the A category, this one is often considered the least problematic. Some mortgage lenders are even willing to give people with one A1 code a mortgage anyway under specific conditions.

A2 coding: due claim

With an A2 coding, the entire debt is due from the lender. This means that the lender has lost confidence in you as a customer and is demanding the full outstanding amount at once. This coding is considered a serious problem by almost all mainstream banks and almost always leads to rejection of loan applications.

A3 coding: write-off or remission

An A3 code indicates that the lender has written off an amount of €250 or more. This means that the lender has decided that (part of) the debt is probably no longer collectible. This coding is seen by mortgage lenders as a very negative signal because it shows that you have not been able to repay the debt in full.
Read more about what debts the BKR registers here.

A4 coding: inaccessibility

You get an A4 code when you have been unreachable by the lender. This indicates that you were actively trying to evade payment obligations and is seen by all mortgage lenders as an absolute red flag leading to rejection.

A5 coding: preventive payment scheme

An A5 coding is specific to mortgages and indicates a preventive payment arrangement that has been made to avoid problems. This coding is temporary and disappears once the payment arrangement is successfully completed. Of all the a coding bkr variants, this one is often seen as the least problematic, because it actually shows responsible action where you have proactively entered into discussions in case of temporary financial problems.

The difference between an A code and an H code

An important nuance in the BKR system is the difference between an A code and an H code. When you are in arrears, the A-Code does not automatically turn into a clean slate. Instead, an H-coding (Recovery Coding) is added.

The H code indicates that the arrears have been cleared and the situation has been restored. However, both the A coding and the H coding together remain visible for five years from the time of recovery. This is an important distinction for lenders because an A code with an H attached shows that you have resolved your problems.

Some mortgage lenders such as ABN AMRO, Aegon, BLG Wonen, Centraal Beheer, Obvion and Rabobank are willing, under specific conditions, to provide a mortgage to people with a single A code combined with an H code. They do impose additional requirements, such as a statement from the lender that the situation has normalized and that there was a good explainable reason for the arrears that arose, for example illness, divorce or temporary loss of income.

If you want to find out if your BKR registration contains an H code, you can check your BKR registration query for a current listing of all your codes.

The impact of an A code on your financial options

A coding bkr has far-reaching implications for your financial options. It not only limits your access to new credit, but can also impact everyday items such as taking out a phone plan with an appliance.

Mortgage with an A code

Most mainstream banks and mortgage lenders will reject a mortgage application if you have an active A-coding, especially if it is an A2, A3 or A4 coding. With an A1 coding with H-repair coding, there are sometimes still options, but you must meet strict conditions.

There are specialized mortgage brokers who work with alternative lenders who are willing to finance under certain conditions. However, these mortgages usually have higher interest rates, ranging from one-half to one-and-a-half percent above market rates, and they often require a higher deductible.

Other financial products

Not only mortgage applications are affected by an A code. You may also encounter problems with these financial products:

  • Private lease and car loans almost always rejected
  • Phone subscriptions with handset often rejected
  • Personal loans and revolving loans are very difficult to obtain
  • Credit cards are usually declined

Even for things like taking out a new energy contract or opening a new bank account, you may face difficulties with an active A code. In fact, some companies operate their own "blacklists" or use commercial credit reporting services that go beyond just BKR registration.

If you have an A rating and still have a mortgage want to apply for a mortgage, it is wise to first investigate whether removal of the coding is possible. At Dynamite Netherlands, we are happy to help you with a personal analysis of your situation.

Legal options for removing an A code

In certain situations, it is legally possible to have an A-coding removed even if it is technically correctly placed. Especially since the Supreme Court's Santander ruling, there are leads for consumers to appeal an A-coding that has disproportionately adverse consequences.

There are several grounds on which you can have a coding bkr removed:

  • Disproportionality: if the consequences of registration are disproportionate to the severity of the deprivation
  • External circumstances: if the late payment was caused by factors beyond your control, such as illness, dismissal or divorce
  • Balancing of interests: if the lender did not sufficiently consider your personal interests
  • AVG principles: if registration violates proportionality and necessity under privacy laws

It is important to note that not all A codes can simply be removed. The success rate depends greatly on your individual circumstances and the specific details of your situation. If the arrears were caused by deliberate default without extenuating circumstances, removal is often difficult to achieve.

At Dynamite Netherlands, we have extensive experience in legally challenging unjustified or disproportionate BKR registrations. We look at your personal situation and honestly assess the chances of a successful deletion.

 

"The most important thing when challenging an A-count is not only legal knowledge, but more importantly, gathering the right evidence. Think of medical statements in case of illness, or communications with the lender in which you tried to find a solution."

Deepak - Legal Specialist

 

If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies for removal, please get in touch for a no-obligation assessment of your options.

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Our specialists

Deepak Thakoerdien
  • 14 years of experience in legal proceedings
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Jan Doeke Biesheuvel
  • Has resolved hundreds of cases without court intervention
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Lisa van Gulik
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  • Start lawsuits and proceedings at the Kifid
Nurettin Kocak
  • Has gained great respect within the legal services industry
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See the entire team

Frequently asked questions about A-Code BKR

How long does an A code remain in place?

Can you get a mortgage with an A rating?

What is the difference between an A code and an H code?

Can I have an A code removed myself?

Are you stuck by a coding bkr and want to know what your options are? At Dynamite Netherlands we understand how frustrating it can be to keep running into closed doors. Our legal specialists are happy to help you with personal advice on your specific situation. Contact us today contact us today for a free consultation and find out how we can help you regain your financial freedom.

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