The Dutch credit registration agency BKR is to start recording potential overdrafts, even if the bank account owner has never been in the red, broadcaster NOS said on Wednesday.

The BKR registers loans agreed with banks and other loan providers so that companies can check up on customer credit-worthiness.

The current limit for registration is €500 and three months. According to the BKR, this means virtually every adult in the country is currently included in the register.

From December 1, all credit greater than €250 which has been used for more than one month will be included in the register. This includes shop cards and credit cards, as well as short overdrafts.

ING has already warned its clients that having an overdraft could lead to inclusion in the BKR register, as has the home owners lobby group VEH, NOS said.

Banks and other cred providers use the BKR to check if clients are financially able to take on major commitments such as a large mortgage or other loan.