A-code BKR: meaning, consequences and possibilities

An "A" code on your BKR record means that you have been behind on payments for two months or longer. This record remains on file for five years after you have caught up on your payments and has a significant impact on your financial options, such as obtaining a mortgage, car loan, or cell phone plan. In certain cases, it is legally possible to have an "A" code removed.

We understand how frustrating it is to keep getting turned down because of a BKR record. Maybe you’ve been dreaming of owning your own home for years, but you can’t get a mortgage. Or perhaps you need a business loan to grow your company. At Dynamiet Nederland, we’re happy to help you with personalized legal advice tailored to your specific situation. Together, we’ll explore the options for regaining your financial freedom.

Written on September 8, 2025, by Deepak Thakoerdien
  • Co-founder & legal strategist

Key insights

  • A stands for delinquency notice: registration when payments are more than 2 months overdue
  • Five different types: A1 through A5, each with its own meaning and impact
  • Remains in effect for 5 years: even after full repayment or resolution of the situation
  • Mortgages are usually impossible: major problems, especially for A2, A3, or A4
  • Legal removal is possible: in cases of disproportion or special circumstances

What exactly does an A code mean?

An "A" code in your BKR record indicates a delinquency. This code is added to your credit record if you are at least two months behind on your payments. It is important to know that lenders are required to first send you a written warning before assigning an "A" code.

You must receive this warning letter at least two weeks in advance. It clearly states that failure to pay will result in a negative BKR record. This is your last chance to contact the lender and find a solution. At that point, a payment plan can often still prevent a negative record from being filed.

The problem with an A rating is that it remains on your record even after you’ve caught up on your payments or paid off the loan in full. The rating is only automatically removed after five years. This can really put a damper on your financial life, because lenders use this information when evaluating new applications.

“Many people don’t realize that they still have options after receiving that warning letter. Contacting the company directly and arranging a payment plan can prevent an A-code from being assigned. Once the registration is in place, it becomes much more legally complex to have it removed.”
Deepak, legal specialist at Dynamiet Nederland

Learn more about BKR codes

An explanation of the five different A-codes

Not all A ratings are the same. There are five different types, numbered from A1 to A5. Each rating has its own meaning and impact on your creditworthiness. It is essential to know which rating you have, as this determines your options.

A1 code: payment arrangement made

An A1 code is the least problematic of all A codes. This code indicates that, after falling behind on payments, you have reached a payment arrangement with your lender. This demonstrates that you are taking responsibility and actively working toward a solution.

Some mortgage lenders, such as ABN AMRO, Rabobank, and Obvion, are willing to help people with a single A1 code under certain conditions. They will assess your current financial situation and often require an explanation of why the delinquency occurred.

A2 code: claim due and payable

With an A2 rating, the lender has declared the entire outstanding amount due and payable. This means they have lost confidence in you and want everything paid back at once. For mortgage lenders, this is a serious red flag that leads to an almost automatic rejection.

A3 code: debt written off

An A3 code is assigned when a lender has written off at least 250 euros because they do not expect to recover it. Banks view this code very negatively because it indicates that you have been unable to repay the debt in full.

A4 code: unreachable

You receive an A4 code if the lender has been unable to reach you. This is viewed as actively evading your payment obligations. Of all the A codes, this one often has the most negative impact because it indicates an unwillingness to cooperate in finding a solution.

A5 classification: preventive mortgage scheme

An A5 code is specific to mortgages and indicates a preventive payment plan. This temporary code is removed once you have successfully completed the plan. It actually demonstrates responsible behavior because you took proactive steps to address temporary financial difficulties.

The difference between A-coding and H-coding

Once you have caught up on your payments or paid off your debt, the A code does not disappear. Instead, an H code is added. The H stands for “recovery” and indicates that the problem has been resolved.

Both codes will remain on your record for another five years from the date of resolution. For lenders, this distinction does make a difference. An A code accompanied by an H code indicates that you have resolved your issues, which is viewed more favorably than an A code alone.

Some mortgage lenders are even willing to help people with one A-code and one H-code, provided certain strict conditions are met. They will, however, require a valid explanation for the situation, such as illness, divorce, or job loss. You must also be able to demonstrate that your current financial situation is stable.

The Impact of an A Rating on Your Financial Life

An A credit rating has far-reaching consequences for virtually all financial products you might want to purchase. It not only limits your options for major purchases, such as a house or a car, but also affects everyday matters.

You’ll face the biggest challenges when applying for a mortgage with an A rating. Mainstream banks almost automatically reject applications with A2, A3, or A4 ratings. Only with an A1 rating combined with an H rating are there sometimes still options available, but you’ll have to meet strict requirements and often accept a higher interest rate.

An A-rating also acts as a barrier for other financial products. Private leases are denied, you can’t get credit cards, phone plans that include a device are out of the question, and you may even encounter problems when trying to open a new bank account or sign an energy contract. This is because some companies maintain their own blacklists that go beyond just the BKR registration.

The impact goes beyond just being denied credit. It also means you can’t take advantage of special offers, you’ll pay higher insurance premiums, and you may even miss out on jobs that require a clean credit history. This severely limits your financial freedom.

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When can you legally have an A-code removed?

Fortunately, there are legal avenues for having an A-code removed. Especially since several key rulings by the Supreme Court, the options available to consumers have expanded. The key issue here is whether the registration places a disproportionate burden on you in your specific situation.

There are several grounds on which removal is possible. In cases of disproportion, the impact of the record is out of proportion to the severity of the delinquency. Consider, for example, a minor delinquency with major consequences for your future. External circumstances such as illness, job loss, or divorce may also play a role.

In addition, the lender must properly balance the interests involved. They cannot simply follow the protocol blindly without considering your personal situation. Privacy legislation (GDPR) also sets requirements regarding the proportionality and necessity of data collection.

Gathering the right supporting documents is crucial for a successful case. Medical statements, correspondence with the lender, and evidence of your efforts to reach a resolution are all valuable. At Dynamiet Nederland, we help you build a strong case.

Not every A-code can be removed. If the delinquency resulted from deliberate non-payment without extenuating circumstances, removal is often not possible. We are always honest about your chances and only recommend legal action if we see a realistic chance of success.

Regain your financial freedom

An A-code doesn’t have to spell the end of your financial dreams. With the right legal support, there are often more options than you might think. At Dynamiet Nederland, we’ve helped thousands of people since 2012 have their records expunged and get their lives back on track.

We understand how difficult it is to constantly run into closed doors. Whether you want to buy a home, grow your business, or simply regain your financial freedom, we’ll work with you to explore your options. Our team of 25 specialists is ready to provide you with personalized guidance.

Don’t wait any longer to take the first step toward your financial freedom. Contact us today for a free consultation and find out what we can do for you. We’ll discuss your situation, analyze your options, and provide honest advice on the best approach.

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Our specialists

Deepak Thakoerdien
  • 14 years of experience in legal proceedings
  • known from AVROTROS Radar
Jan Doeke Biesheuvel
  • Over 8 years of experience in the legal field
  • Has resolved hundreds of cases without court intervention
Lisa van Gulik
  • Has successfully represented hundreds of clients
  • Start lawsuits and proceedings at the Kifid
Nurettin Kocak
  • Has gained great respect within the legal services industry
  • A decisive and no-nonsense lawyer
See the entire team

Frequently asked questions about A-Code BKR

How long does an A rating remain on my BKR record?

Can I get a mortgage with an A rating?

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

What is the difference between the various A codes?

Can I have an A code removed myself?

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