Credit Scores
Hard vs. Soft Credit Inquiries: How They Affect Your Score
Not every credit check hurts your score. Learn which inquiries count, how long they last, and how to dispute ones you didn't authorize.
Every time someone checks your credit, it's recorded as an inquiry. Some inquiries affect your credit score; many don't. Understanding the difference helps you shop for loans without worrying, and spot inquiries that shouldn't be there.
Soft inquiries: no impact on your score
A soft inquiry happens when your credit is checked for reasons other than a new credit application. Soft inquiries don't affect your credit score, and lenders can't see them. Examples:
- Checking your own credit report or score
- Preapproved or prequalified credit offers
- Account reviews by lenders you already have accounts with
- Some employment and insurance checks
Hard inquiries: a small, temporary impact
A hard inquiry happens when you apply for credit, such as a credit card, auto loan, mortgage or personal loan, and the lender reviews your report to make a decision. Hard inquiries can lower your score slightly, often just a few points, and the effect usually fades within a few months.
Hard inquiries stay on your credit report for two years, but FICO scores only count inquiries from the last 12 months.
Rate shopping counts as one inquiry
Credit scoring models know that smart borrowers compare offers. When you shop for a mortgage, auto loan or student loan, multiple inquiries within a short window are treated as a single inquiry. Newer FICO scores use a 45-day window; some older versions and VantageScore use 14 days. To be safe, do your rate shopping within about two weeks.
This doesn't apply to credit cards. Each credit card application is its own hard inquiry.
When inquiries become a problem
One or two inquiries rarely matter. But several new credit applications in a short time can signal risk to lenders, especially if you're about to apply for a mortgage. If you're planning to buy a home, avoid new credit applications for several months beforehand. See what credit score you need to buy a house in Utah.
How to remove unauthorized hard inquiries
You can't remove a hard inquiry just because you don't like it. If you applied for credit, the inquiry is accurate. But inquiries you didn't authorize can and should be disputed:
- Review the inquiries section on all three reports.
- For any you don't recognize, contact the creditor listed to find out what it's for.
- If it wasn't you, dispute it with the credit bureau.
- If you suspect fraud, read our identity theft guide and consider a credit freeze.
Dealership inquiries
Car dealers sometimes send your application to many lenders at once. That usually counts as rate shopping, but it's worth checking your reports afterward for inquiries you didn't expect.
Want us to take a look?
At 90 Day Credit Experts, our review covers every section of your Equifax, Experian and TransUnion reports, including inquiries. Request a free credit assessment to see what's affecting your score.
Not sure which items on your reports are worth disputing? Our team will go over all three reports with you for free.
Get a Free Credit AssessmentFrequently asked questions
How many points does a hard inquiry take off?
Usually only a few points for most people, and the effect generally fades within a few months.
How long do hard inquiries stay on a credit report?
Two years, but FICO scores only factor in inquiries from the past 12 months.
Does checking my own credit hurt my score?
No. Checking your own credit is a soft inquiry and never affects your score.
Can I remove hard inquiries?
You can dispute hard inquiries you didn't authorize. Accurate inquiries from applications you made will stay for two years.