Hard vs soft inquiries: Different credit checks

Hard and soft inquiries, sometimes referred to as credit checks, are requests to view your credit report by lenders, landlords, employers and companies that are authorized to do so. Both hard and soft inquiries will show up on your credit report. However, only one type of inquiry impacts your credit score. Below are the important differences between the two you should know.

What is a soft credit check?

A soft inquiry can appear on your credit report when a company or person receives limited information to make a promotional offer or check your credit as a screening process. Only you can see soft inquiries on your credit report.

When are soft credit checks used?

Soft inquiries typically happen when a company receives information to make an offer of credit, like a pre-approved credit card or loan offer. When these promotional inquires happen, the company does not receive your credit report.

 

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