Credit Checks May 2026

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

: The minor score drop is temporary, often fading within a year, though the inquiry remains on your report for two years.

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

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. A hard inquiry occurs when you apply for

: Multiple hard inquiries in a short window can signal financial distress to lenders.

: 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) : Multiple hard inquiries in a short window

: These typically lower your credit score by a few points (usually fewer than five).