Credit - Checks

Soft inquiries happen when your credit report is checked for reasons not related to a formal credit application.

Understanding the difference between the two main types of inquiries— and soft —is essential for protecting your credit score. 1. Hard Inquiries (Hard Pulls) credit checks

: These typically lower your credit score by a few points (usually fewer than five). Soft inquiries happen when your credit report is

: Use a Safe Harbor Period when shopping for loans. Most scoring models treat multiple inquiries for the same loan type (like a mortgage) within a 14- to 45-day window as a single inquiry. 2. Soft Inquiries (Soft Pulls) Hard Inquiries (Hard Pulls) : These typically lower

A hard inquiry occurs when you apply for a new line of credit, such as a mortgage, auto loan, or credit card.

Hard vs Soft Inquiries: Different Credit Checks - TransUnion

Credit Checks 101: Understanding Inquiries and Your Score Credit checks, often called , are formal requests to review your credit history. They allow lenders, landlords, and even employers to assess your financial reliability by looking at your past behavior.