Buying BKR-Free Phone: The ultimate guide to 2026
Are you ready for a new smartphone, but don't want the hassle of a BKR registration or an income test? In the Netherlands, a phone subscription where the device costs more than €300 is considered a loan. This leads to an official registration with the Bureau Krediet Registratie. Fortunately, you can easily avoid this. On this page you will discover how to get the latest iPhone, Samsung or Motorola without affecting your credit rating.
Why choose a BKR-free phone?
A smartphone "on installment" seems attractive, but since the AFM's stricter rules, such a registration can have adverse effects on, for example, your maximum mortgage. By choosing a BKR-free phone, you keep your financial record clean and retain complete freedom.
There are two smart ways to stay below the registration limit:
- Telephone bundle under €250: You pay part of your phone upfront, so the remaining amount you pay off each month stays under the legal limit.
- Buy a refurbished phone: You pay for the phone all at once and combine it with a low-cost sim only subscription.
- Go for refurbished: Not new but a little different. A refurbished phone is not just second hand but checked on multiple points by skilled technicians making it last for years to come.
Avoid a negative impact on your mortgage: choose BKR-free
Popular devices without a BKR check
Even the most advanced smartphones such as the Samsung Galaxy S25 or the iPhone 17 can be obtained BKR-free. The secret is in the down payment. By paying off a portion directly when you sign up for your subscription, you ensure that the "loan" (the amount included in your subscription) is under €250.
How exactly does the limit work?
- Up to €250: No BKR registration, no income test (only a preventive check by the provider).
- Above €250: Mandatory income test and registration as "credit."
Save on your monthly expenses
Besides avoiding registration, a BKR-free choice has another big commercial advantage: your monthly charges are significantly lower. Because you have already (partially) paid for the device, your bill consists only of the costs for data and calls. This gives peace of mind and overview in your monthly budget.
Tip: consider refurbished
Want a high-end iPhone but the down payment is too high? Then check out the refurbished iPhones. These devices are technically like new, but due to the lower purchase price, are much more likely to fall below the BKR limit without you having to dig deep.
Doubting about the best choice?
Our comparator will help you right away. Use the filters on the left to select devices within your budget. Once you have found a suitable device, we take you directly to the page with only subscriptions without BKR registration. You don't have to do anything else, we have already filtered and collected all offers for you.
