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

Intro

Credit inquiries confuse many people. Some hurt your score, others don’t. Knowing the difference helps you manage your applications wisely.

🧾 Hard Inquiries

• Happen when a lender checks your credit for approval (credit cards, loans, mortgages).

• Can lower your score by a few points.

• Stay on your report for ~2 years, but impact fades in months.

✅ Soft Inquiries

• Happen with background checks, pre-approvals, or checking your own credit.

• Don’t affect your credit score.

📊 Key Insights

• Multiple inquiries for the same type of loan (like a mortgage) within a short period often count as one.

• A few hard pulls aren’t damaging — but many in a short time can spook lenders.

👉 I like to tell clients not to fear inquiries. It’s only a red flag when it looks like you’re desperate for credit.

Final Thoughts

Understanding inquiries helps you plan applications strategically and protect your score.