Definition
A soft inquiry (also known as a soft pull or soft credit check) is a type of credit check that doesn't affect your credit score. Unlike hard inquiries, soft inquiries occur when you check your own credit, when companies pre-screen you for promotional offers, or when existing creditors review your account. Soft inquiries are only visible to you when you check your credit report and are not visible to lenders or other third parties. Because they don't indicate credit-seeking behavior, they have no impact on your credit score, regardless of how many soft inquiries appear on your report. Common examples include checking your own credit, pre-qualified credit card offers, insurance quotes, employment background checks, and account reviews by existing creditors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a soft inquiry and a hard inquiry?
A soft inquiry doesn't affect your credit score and happens when you or a company checks your credit for non-lending purposes. A hard inquiry can lower your score by 5-10 points, remains on your report for 2 years, and occurs when you formally apply for credit.
Can others see soft inquiries on my credit report?
No, soft inquiries are only visible to you when you check your own credit report. Lenders, creditors, and other third parties cannot see your soft inquiries, which is why they don't affect your creditworthiness.
Does checking my own credit score cause a soft inquiry?
Yes, whenever you check your own credit—whether through a credit monitoring service, credit card issuer, or directly from a credit bureau—it results in a soft inquiry. You can check your own credit as often as you like without any negative impact on your score.
Common Examples of Soft Inquiries
- Checking your own credit report or score through credit monitoring services, credit card issuers, or directly from credit bureaus
- Pre-approved credit card or loan offers where lenders screen potential customers before sending offers
- Employment background checks when employers review your credit as part of the hiring process
- Account reviews by your existing creditors who periodically check your credit
- Insurance quotes when insurance companies check your credit to determine rates
- Rental applications when landlords perform a soft pull before a formal application
Soft vs. Hard Inquiries: A Comparison
| Feature | Soft Inquiry | Hard Inquiry |
|---|---|---|
| Impact on Credit Score | None | 5-10 points decrease |
| Visibility to Lenders | Not visible | Visible |
| Duration on Report | Varies (only you can see them) | 2 years |
| Requires Permission | Usually no | Yes |
| Common Examples | Pre-approvals, checking own score | Loan applications, credit card applications |
Category
Key Takeaways
- Soft inquiries never impact your credit score
- Only you can see soft inquiries on your credit report
- You can check your own credit as often as you like without penalties
- Pre-qualification offers typically use soft inquiries first
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