News item | 31-10-2025 | 2:50 PM
Lenders and providers of Buy Now, Pay Later(BNPL) services will have to deal with new rules. The tightened rules should better protect young people in particular against the ease with which they can get into debt. In addition, BNPL providers will come under the supervision of the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) next year, but until then, companies in the sector must put their affairs in order themselves. The Council of Ministers has approved a proposal to this effect from Minister Heinen of Finance and State Secretary Rutte of Justice and Security.
More and more consumers, including many young people, are using it Buy Now, Pay Laterservices. This can lead to financial problems, especially for young people who already have a vulnerable financial position. That is why new rules will apply from 2026 based on a European directive. Until then, the government will continue to focus on self-regulation of the sector. The government will therefore better regulate BNPL services and better protect consumers against new forms of credit.
Broader supervision
Currently, BNPL services fall outside the supervision of the AFM due to an exception. This will happen with the introduction of the Consumer Credit Directive II (CCDII) change as of November 2026.
With the implementation of the directive, providers of BNPL services fall under the Financial Supervision Act (Wft). This means that they must apply for a license from the AFM to issue credits. They are also obliged to first carry out a creditworthiness test, a so-called BKR check, when granting credit to a consumer.
Stricter age control
In addition, BNPL services are banned for young people under the age of 18. With this, the Netherlands goes one step further than the EU obligations. The government is also responding to the wish of the House of Representatives to subject BNPL services to stricter regulations. BNPL providers are therefore required to carry out proper age verification. In addition, stricter advertising rules will apply, such as a ban on advertising that wrongly suggests that a credit improves a consumer’s financial situation.
There will also be rules for credit providers from abroad. From now on, they must register loans with the BKR and comply with a credit check based on Dutch lending standards. This prevents providers of BNPL services and credits from offering their services from abroad in order to circumvent Dutch regulations.
Also new rules for credit card providers
Credit card providers with monthly repayments also have to deal with new regulations in the Netherlands. To keep the credit card affordable for consumers and profitable for providers, there are a number of exceptions. For example, providers can still charge a monthly contribution for the use of the credit card.
Conversations and code of conduct
The measures from CCDII must take effect no later than November 20, 2026. Until then, the government will continue to engage in discussions with the parties involved and to promote self-regulation of BNPL providers through a code of conduct.
The Council of Ministers has agreed to the implementation proposal CCDII to be sent to the Council of State for advice.