Soft Inquiry
Soft Inquiry vs. Hard Inquiry
These two credit checks are not the same. The main difference is how they affect your score and who can see them.
- A soft inquiry does not change your credit score.
- A hard inquiry can lower your score by a few points for a short time.
- Soft inquiries are visible only to you on your credit report.
- Hard inquiries are visible to lenders and stay on your report for about two years.
When a Soft Inquiry Happens
Soft inquiries are common and harmless. You will often see one in these cases:
- You check your own credit report or score.
- A lender pre-screens you for a pre-approved offer.
- A company you already work with reviews your account.
- An employer runs a background check, where allowed.
Does a Soft Inquiry Affect Your Credit Score?
No. A soft inquiry does not lower your credit score, even if it happens many times. Checking your own credit is a smart habit and counts as a soft inquiry. A full loan application is different because it usually leads to a hard inquiry. When you apply with LendNation, the review looks at your credit score along with your income and your ability to repay. LendNation offers products designed for people with less-than-perfect credit, and availability and terms vary by state. You can learn more about LendNation money solutions and check your state page for details.
Why Soft Inquiries Matter
Soft inquiries let you stay on top of your credit without any downside. You can watch for errors, track your progress, and spot signs of fraud early. Because checking your own credit typically doesn’t lower your score, there’s little reason to avoid doing it as often as you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is checking my own credit a soft or hard inquiry?
It is a soft inquiry. Checking your own credit never lowers your score, so you can review it as often as you like.
Do soft inquiries show up to lenders?
No. Only you can see soft inquiries on your credit report. Lenders see hard inquiries, not soft ones.
How often should I check my credit?
A good habit is at least once a year. You can get free reports from the major credit bureaus and review them for errors.
Summary
A soft inquiry is a low-stakes credit check that does not affect your score. It differs from a hard inquiry, which can lower your score for a short time. To see where you stand, you can start an application online or stop by a LendNation store.