Credit card without BKR: Is that possible?

If you are registered with the BKR and have a notation there, it can be challenging to obtain a credit card. In this article, we will look at the reasons for a BKR notation and discuss the pros and cons of having a credit card. An important question you should ask yourself is: have you resolved the issues that led to your BKR notation? If you want to apply for a Visa Card, you should think this over carefully.

BKR: What Exactly Is It?

Let’s start with BKR. BKR stands for Bureau Krediet Registratie (Credit Registration Bureau). It is an organization aimed at promoting the financial well-being of Dutch citizens and preventing problematic debts. One of its tasks is to register credit data, such as loans and payment behavior. When you want to take out credit, like a loan or a credit card, the credit provider can request information from the BKR about your financial situation. This helps them assess the risk they are taking by extending credit to you.

Applying for a Credit Card Without BKR Screening

Can you get a credit card from ICS Cards without a BKR check? Yes, but only if you opt for a prepaid credit card. With such a card, you first load money onto the card before you can use it. Because you are not borrowing credit, the issuer does not need to check your financial situation with the BKR. For a regular credit card, a BKR screening is always necessary. The credit provider checks if you are financially reliable and reviews any existing BKR registrations before giving you a credit card.

Positive and Negative BKR Registration

The effect on your BKR registration depends on your payment behavior. Have you had a credit card in the past with an option to pay in installments and failed to pay those bills on time? Then you likely received a negative BKR notation. Such a notation can make it difficult to obtain a new regular credit card, especially if you have other outstanding debts. Credit providers see this as a sign of financial risk. However, if you have always paid on time, there will be a positive notation at the BKR. This shows that you are financially reliable, increasing your chances of getting a credit card.

Pros and Cons of a Credit Card

Credit cards offer advantages and disadvantages. One benefit is that you can pay later, providing flexibility in your spending. Additionally, credit cards are widely accepted worldwide and are handy for hotel deposits, for example. On the downside, high interest costs can arise if you do not pay off the outstanding balance on time, and there is a risk of fraud since credit card details are often exposed during transactions.

Applying for a Credit Card Without a BKR Check

Despite the pros and cons, it may still be an option to apply for a credit card without a BKR check. This can be advantageous if you cannot obtain other loans due to a negative BKR registration. However, it is wise to carefully review the costs and terms of such credit cards before making a decision.