Hard vs Soft Credit Checks: What’s the Difference?

If you have ever applied for a loan or checked your own score, you have likely encountered the terms “hard pull” and “soft pull.” To the average consumer, these might sound like technical jargon, but the difference between them is the difference between a falling credit score and one that stays perfectly intact. Understanding these two types of inquiries is like knowing the rules of the road before you start driving; it prevents unnecessary accidents on your financial journey.

In the world of credit reporting, not all looks into your file are treated equally. While some checks are seen as a sign that you are looking for new debt—which carries a small risk—others are viewed as routine administrative tasks or personal monitoring. Distinguishing between a hard inquiry and a soft inquiry is essential for anyone looking to optimize their borrowing power.

In this guide, we will break down the mechanics of both types of checks, providing real-world examples of when each occurs and exactly how long they stay on your report. For a high-level overview of how these checks fit into your overall credit health, refer to our central guide on Credit Checks Explained: How They Work and Why They Matter.

Defining the Hard Credit Check

A hard credit check, or a “hard pull,” occurs when you apply for credit and a lender reviews your credit report to make a lending decision. This is a formal request for your credit data. Because a hard inquiry signals to the system that you are actively seeking to take on new debt, it can cause your credit score to dip slightly—typically by five points or less.

Common triggers for hard inquiries include:

• Mortgage applications.
• Auto loan applications.
• Credit card applications.
• Personal loan applications.
• Student loan applications.

While one hard inquiry won’t ruin your credit, multiple inquiries in a short period can be a red flag. However, as we discuss in our guide on How Often Can Your Credit Be Checked?, most modern scoring models allow for “rate shopping” for specific loans without penalizing you for every single check.

Defining the Soft Credit Check

A soft credit check, or a “soft pull,” is a much less formal look at your credit. These checks often happen without you even knowing it, and more importantly, they have zero impact on your credit score. They are essentially administrative or informational and are not visible to potential lenders who view your report; only you can see them.

Common triggers for soft inquiries include:

• Checking your own credit score on an app or website.
• Employer background checks (with your permission).
• “Pre-approved” credit card or insurance offers you receive in the mail.
• Routine checks by your existing lenders to manage your current accounts.

The most important takeaway is that you should never be afraid to monitor your own progress. For a deeper look at why self-monitoring is safe, see our article: Does Checking Your Credit Score Hurt It?.

Hard vs. Soft Inquiries: Key Differences

To help you visualize the differences, here is a quick comparison table between the two types of credit pulls:

How Long Do They Stay on Your Record?

Hard inquiries remain on your credit report for 24 months. However, their influence on your FICO score fades much faster; they usually only affect your score for the first 12 months. This means that if you had a flurry of applications a year and a half ago, they are no longer holding your score back today.

Soft inquiries also appear on your report, but they are tucked away in a section that only you can see. They serve as a log of who has looked at your data, which is useful for security purposes. Since they don’t affect your score or lender decisions, their duration on your report is largely irrelevant to your borrowing power.

Knowledge Is Your Best Credit Strategy

The distinction between hard and soft credit checks is one of the most important concepts to master in your financial life. By knowing which actions will trigger a hard pull, you can strategically time your applications to ensure your score remains as high as possible when you need it most. Simultaneously, understanding that soft pulls are harmless allows you to monitor your credit with confidence and frequency.

Managing your credit is not about avoiding all inquiries; it is about ensuring that every hard inquiry on your report was intentional and served a purpose in your financial growth. For a complete understanding of how these checks interact with your overall credit profile and who has the right to perform them, revisit our pillar guide: Credit Checks Explained: How They Work and Why They Matter.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hard and Soft Checks

Will a soft credit check ever show up on my credit report?

Soft inquiries do appear on your credit report, but they are only visible to you. When a lender or third party pulls your credit report, they cannot see the soft inquiries from other companies or your own self-checks. They have zero impact on lending decisions.

Can a hard inquiry be turned into a soft inquiry?

No. Once an inquiry is recorded as a hard pull, it cannot be changed to a soft pull. This is why it is essential to ask a service provider—such as a cell phone company or a utility provider—whether they will be performing a hard or soft check before you give them permission to run your credit.

Does a soft credit check mean I am guaranteed approval?

No. A soft credit check is often used for “pre-approval” or “pre-qualification” offers. While these indicate you have a good chance of being approved, a final hard credit check is almost always required for a formal application, and that final review determines the actual approval.

How many points does a hard inquiry typically take off?

A single hard inquiry usually lowers a FICO score by less than five points. For many people, a single inquiry may have no impact at all. The impact is temporary and typically diminishes significantly after six months to a year.

Can a landlord run a hard credit check?

Yes. Many landlords and property management companies run hard credit checks as part of the tenant screening process. However, some modern screening services now use soft inquiries instead. It is always best to ask your potential landlord which type of check they use before applying.