Soft Inquiry
CreditGlossary term
Definition
A credit check that does not affect your credit score, typically occurring when you check your own credit or when a company pre-approves you for an offer. Soft inquiries also happen during background checks and when existing creditors review your account. Unlike hard inquiries, soft inquiries are only visible to you on your credit report.
Related terms
- Hard InquiryA credit check that occurs when a lender reviews your credit report as part of a lending decision, such as when you apply for a credit card or loan. Hard inquiries can lower your credit score by a few points and remain on your credit report for two years. Multiple hard inquiries in a short period for the same type of loan, like a mortgage, are typically grouped together and counted as one.
- Credit ReportA detailed record of your credit history maintained by credit bureaus, including your accounts, payment history, balances, and any public records like bankruptcies. Lenders, landlords, and sometimes employers review your credit report to assess your financial reliability. You are entitled to one free credit report per year from each of the three major bureaus through AnnualCreditReport.com.
- Credit MonitoringA service that tracks changes to your credit report and alerts you to new accounts, inquiries, or suspicious activity. Credit monitoring can help you detect identity theft early and stay informed about factors affecting your credit score. Many banks and credit card companies now offer free credit monitoring to their customers.
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