Soft Pull vs Hard Pull: What Each Credit Check Does to Your Score
Soft pulls are harmless. Hard pulls cost a few points. Here’s a plain-English guide to credit checks and how to look for credit without worry.
Updated November 2026
In plain terms: A soft pull is a credit check that doesn’t change your score. It happens when you look at your own credit or get prequalified.
A hard pull happens when you apply for credit and can drop your score a little. According to myFICO, most people lose fewer than five points from one hard inquiry.
It stays on your report for two years, but FICO only counts it for 12 months.
Lots of people avoid checking for a better card or loan because they’re scared it will hurt their credit. Good news: most credit checks don’t touch your score.
Here’s how to know which ones do and how to keep the damage small.
What’s a soft pull and what’s a hard pull?
A soft pull is a credit check that doesn’t affect your score. A hard pull happens when you apply for credit, and it can lower your score slightly.
| Comparison | Soft pull | Hard pull |
|---|---|---|
| Hurts your score? | No | A little |
| You give permission? | Not always | Yes, when you apply |
| Lenders can see it? | No | Yes |
| Stays on your report | Only you see it | Two years |
| FICO counts it | Never | For 12 months |
Which credit checks are soft pulls?
Checks that aren’t part of a new credit application. For example:
- Looking at your own score or report
- Getting prequalified
- Preapproved offers you get in the mail
- Your card company checking your account
- Some job background checks (with your OK)
- Many insurance quotes
Which credit checks are hard pulls?
Checks that happen when you apply for new credit. For example:
- Applying for a credit card
- Applying for a personal loan, car loan, student loan or mortgage
- Some requests for a higher credit limit
- Some apartment applications
- Some phone, internet or utility accounts
When in doubt, ask: “Is this a hard or soft pull?”
Soft or hard? Everyday examples
| What’s happening | Pull type | Hurts your score? |
|---|---|---|
| Checking your score on an app | Soft | No |
| Getting prequalified | Soft | No |
| Getting a preapproved letter | Soft | No |
| Applying for a credit card | Hard | A little |
| Getting a car loan | Hard | A little |
| Comparing mortgage lenders | Hard (often counted as one) | A little |
| Asking for a higher limit | Depends | Only if it’s hard |
| Applying to rent a place | Depends | Only if it’s hard |
| Job background check | Soft | No |
Easy rule: if you’re asking for new credit, it’s probably a hard pull.
How much will a hard pull hurt my score?
Usually not much. Most people lose fewer than five points on their FICO Score from one hard inquiry, according to myFICO.
New credit is only 10% of your FICO Score. Paying on time (35%) and how much you owe (30%) matter far more. Want to raise your score? Try these tips to boost your credit score fast.
Why do lenders care about hard pulls?
Lots of applications at once can mean someone is short on money. myFICO says people with six or more inquiries can be up to eight times more likely to declare bankruptcy than people with none.
One inquiry is no big deal. A bunch of them can make lenders nervous.
A long, clean credit history makes inquiries matter less. A new or thin history makes them matter more. More here: building a loan-ready credit profile.
How long does a hard pull stay on my report?
Two years. But FICO only counts it for the first 12 months.
Does a hard pull show up with all three bureaus?
Only with the bureaus the lender checks. Some lenders use one bureau, some use all three. That’s why your three scores can change differently after one application.
Can I compare loans without hurting my score?
Yes, if you do it quickly. For mortgages, car loans and student loans, FICO counts several inquiries in a short time as one, according to myFICO.
Newer FICO versions allow 45 days, older ones 14 days. Comparing within two weeks is the safest bet. Start with how to find low-interest personal loans.
Credit cards don’t get this break. Each application counts on its own.
Will checking my own credit lower my score?
Never. Checking your own credit is a soft pull. You can get your three credit reports free every week at AnnualCreditReport.com.
What if I see a hard pull I didn’t approve?
Dispute it with the credit bureau. It could mean someone tried to open credit in your name. A credit freeze at each bureau is free and blocks new accounts.
How can I avoid extra hard pulls?
- Get prequalified first. It’s a soft pull.
- Only apply for what you need.
- Wait a few months between card applications.
- Compare loans in a short window.
- Ask before requesting a higher limit.
Recently denied? Here’s why credit cards get denied.
Frequently asked questions
No. It’s a soft pull.
Usually fewer than five on a FICO Score.
No. Only you can.
FICO counts it for 12 months. It stays on your report for two years.
Yes. Each one adds a hard pull, and they add up.
Only if your card company uses a hard pull. Ask first.
Many BNPL plans use a soft check, but some longer plans may use a hard pull. See the BNPL credit score risks.
Look first, then apply
Checking your options is free and safe. Just be picky about what you actually apply for. Your score will thank you.
👉 Next step: See the top credit cards for building credit
