kredietcheck

Kredietcheck is a process used to assess the creditworthiness of an individual or organization by reviewing their credit history and financial data. It is commonly performed by lenders when evaluating loan applications, but can also be used by landlords, utility providers, and, in some cases, employers to gauge financial reliability.

In the Netherlands and other Dutch-speaking contexts, the main source of credit history is the Bureau Krediet Registratie (BKR). Lenders report information about credit agreements to BKR, including loans, credit cards, hire purchase, and repayment behavior. When a borrower applies for new credit, the lender may request a credit check from BKR or another credit reference agency, with the applicant’s consent. The resulting report typically shows existing obligations, repayment history, defaults, and, in some cases, public records or other financial data that help assess risk.

Use of kredietcheck supports underwriting, pricing decisions, risk management, and sometimes eligibility for rental housing or utilities. It is subject to privacy and data-protection rules: under the EU General Data Protection Regulation and national laws, individuals have rights to access and correct their data, and data controllers must ensure lawful processing and limit data retention.

Limitations include incomplete data, variations in reporting between lenders, and the possibility that new borrowers have limited credit history. Kredietchecks are only one element in a broader assessment of credit risk.