Riverty BKR registration: What you need to know about retroactive payments

Is Riverty registered with the BKR?

This is where it gets interesting. The current situation (early 2025) is as follows:

• Standard payment in arrears (14-30 days) is currently not registered with the BKR. This is the most widely used option and a major reason why many consumers choose Riverty. So you can pay in arrears without it affecting your BKR status, as long as you pay on time.
• When paying in installments (over 90 days), the situation is similar: no BKR registration with normal use. But beware: once you have long-term payment arrears (longer than 120 days), Riverty may still proceed to report you to BKR in some cases.
• Different rules apply to Riverty Flex. Because it is more similar to traditional credit, this option may well lead to BKR registration. This looks at the total amount outstanding and the length of any arrears.

One important detail: Riverty does not currently perform a BKR check before they authorize you to pay in arrears. This makes it approachable, but also increases the risk of overcrediting if you accumulate debt with multiple BNPL services at the same time.

The risk of blacklisting in payment problems

In addition to the BKR, there are also commercial "blacklists" that you as a consumer can end up on if you have payment problems with Riverty. These are often less transparent than the BKR.

The main commercial registrations are:

• Focum: Used by web shops, energy companies and telecom providers
• Preventel: Specifically for the telecom sector
• EDR Credit Services: For insurers and lenders

The disturbing thing about this is that often you don't even know you are registered. You discover it only when you are turned down for a phone subscription, car lease or loan. An unpaid Riverty bill of a few tens can thus have consequences for years.

Unlike the BKR registration system, these commercial listings do not automatically notify you of your registration. You have to actively request inspection from these organizations yourself to check if you are registered.

If you are experiencing problems with rejections and suspect it is due to an unjustified registration, we at Dynamite Netherlands can help you gain access and challenge unjustified registrations.

Legal options in case of BKR registration by Riverty

If you do have a BKR coding obtained due to problems with Riverty, there are legal options to challenge it. This can be done in several situations:

1. Wrongful registrations due to administrative errors: For example, if you have returned products but Riverty continues to claim them, or if incorrect amounts or persons are registered.
2. Disputed claims Where the debt is not certain: If there is uncertainty about whether you received the products or if there are disputes about the quality of products.
3. Rightful but disproportionately burdensome registrations: Based on the Santander ruling, BKR registrations can sometimes be removed if the negative impact on you is disproportionate to the importance of registration. Consider small debts with big implications for your mortgage.

At Dynamite Netherlands, we have extensive experience in challenging BKR registrations, including those arising from retrospective payment services. Our specialists can assess your situation and recommend the best course of action.

We see that especially for small amounts that led to BKR registration, the balance of interests often tips in favor of the consumer. A registration for an unpaid €50 bill that prevents you from buying a house is often disproportionate and can be legally challenged.

It is important to note that not every registration can be removed. For clearly culpable behavior such as prolonged refusal to pay without a valid reason, the chances of successful removal are slim.