Quick answer
A soft credit check does not affect your credit score and is only visible to you. A hard credit check is recorded on your credit file and is visible to other lenders - multiple hard searches in a short period can lower your score. Always use soft eligibility checks before committing to a full loan application.
What Is a Soft Credit Check?
A soft search (also called a soft credit check or soft pull) is a credit inquiry that does not affect your credit score and is not visible to other lenders or financial institutions. Only you can see soft searches on your own report.
Soft searches are used when:
- You check your own credit report or score
- A lender or comparison tool runs a preliminary eligibility check with your permission
- An employer runs a basic background credit check (where permitted)
- A lender checks your file to send you pre-approved offers
- A lender generates a personalised rate quote before a full application
The key characteristic of a soft search: it carries no negative consequences for your score. You can have dozens of soft searches on your file with no impact.
What Is a Hard Credit Check?
A hard search (also called a hard pull or full credit search) is a complete credit inquiry that is recorded on your credit file and is visible to any other lender who searches your report in future. It is left behind every time you make a formal application for credit.
Hard searches are recorded when you formally apply for:
- A personal loan
- A mortgage
- A credit card
- Car finance agreements (HP, PCP, leasing in some cases)
- Overdraft facilities
- Store credit or buy-now-pay-later where a full check is required
- Some utility contracts and mobile phone contracts
A single hard search typically results in a temporary, small dip in your score. The entry remains on your credit file for 12 months. After 12 months it stops influencing most automated credit decisions.
At a Glance - Soft vs Hard
| Feature | Soft Search | Hard Search |
|---|---|---|
| Affects your credit score | No | Yes - small, temporary dip |
| Visible to other lenders | No - only visible to you | Yes |
| Visible on your own report | Yes | Yes |
| How long it stays on file | Typically 12 months (visible only to you) | 12 months (visible to lenders) |
| Common uses | Eligibility checkers, rate quotes, own report checks | Full loan, mortgage, credit card applications |
Does a Hard Search Always Lower My Score?
One hard search on its own usually causes only a minor, temporary reduction - comparable to a few points, and it typically recovers within a few months as the entry ages, provided you continue to manage your credit responsibly. The impact is more significant when:
- Multiple hard searches occur within a short period (weeks rather than months)
- Applications are declined - this combination is a stronger negative signal
- Your existing credit history is thin or already has adverse markers
The precise impact varies between credit reference agencies and between individual lenders' scoring models.
The UK's Three Credit Reference Agencies
In the UK, credit data is held by three main agencies:
- Experian - the largest agency. Free basic report available; full report via Experian's paid subscription or free on ClearScore (which uses Equifax data - note: ClearScore's score is Equifax-based, not Experian).
- Equifax - accessible free via ClearScore. Lenders report to Equifax independently; what is on your Equifax file may differ from your Experian file.
- TransUnion - accessible free via Credit Karma. Some smaller and specialist lenders primarily use TransUnion data.
Not every lender reports to all three agencies. It is worth checking all three, particularly if a lender has declined you and you cannot see why on one report alone.
Best Practice Before Applying for a Loan
- Check your credit reports across all three agencies for free
- Dispute any inaccuracies before you apply
- Use soft eligibility checkers to see which lenders are likely to approve you
- Only make a full application (triggering a hard search) when you are confident in the outcome
- Space out credit applications where you need to make multiple - ideally 3+ months apart where possible
Frequently Asked Questions
A soft check will appear on your own credit report when you view it - you can see your own soft search history. Crucially, it is not visible to other lenders who search your file. It does not show up on the credit report that a new lender sees when you apply with them. Only you can see soft searches on your file.
There is no fixed rule, but multiple hard searches in a short window - particularly if applications are rejected - is a significant red flag for lenders. Even if you are accepted, two or more hard searches in a 30-day period can meaningfully reduce your credit score. Best practice is to use soft eligibility checks and only submit a full application when you are confident of the outcome. If you need multiple loan quotes, seek lenders who have committed to soft-search-only eligibility tools.
A quotation search (also called a "quote search") is a type of soft search used when a lender generates a personalised rate or offer for you without you formally applying. It does not affect your credit score. It is distinct from a full application search, which is a hard search. Fundslender provides information to help you understand which type of search a lender is running - always confirm with the lender before proceeding.
No. When you check your own credit report - whether through Experian, Equifax, TransUnion, or services like ClearScore or Credit Karma - this is a soft search and has no impact on your credit score whatsoever. You are encouraged to check your report regularly. It is the only way to spot errors, identity fraud activity, or unexpected entries on your file.
Not necessarily. Each credit reference agency holds its own data, and not every lender reports to all three. A hard search carried out by a lender is recorded with the agency (or agencies) that lender uses. If a lender only searches with Equifax, TransUnion will not show that search. This is why it is worth checking your report across all three agencies - you may find information on one that is not on another.
Disclosure
Fundslender is a UK borrowing information and guidance website. We do not lend money directly. When you use this site, you may be connected with regulated lenders or brokers. We may receive a fee or commission if you proceed with a product found through our site. This does not affect our editorial independence or the information we provide. Rates, terms, and approval decisions are set by each individual lender and will vary based on your personal circumstances. Approval is not guaranteed. All borrowing involves risk. Always compare your options, read the full terms, and seek independent regulated financial advice if you are unsure whether a product is right for you. How we make money · Editorial policy