A soft credit check does not hurt your credit score or place an inquiry on your credit report.
A soft credit check, also known as a soft inquiry or soft pull, is a type of credit inquiry that occurs when a person or entity checks your credit report for informational purposes. Unlike a hard credit check, which typically happens when you apply for credit (such as a loan or credit card), a soft credit check does not impact your credit score.
How Does a Soft Credit Check Affect You?
The key distinction between a soft credit check and a hard credit check lies in their impact on your credit score and overall financial health:
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No Impact on Credit Score: Soft credit checks do not affect your credit score. Since they are for informational purposes only, they are not considered when calculating your creditworthiness.
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Doesn't Require Authorization: Unlike hard credit checks, which typically require your explicit consent, soft credit checks can be performed without your permission. However, you may still be notified when a soft inquiry is made on your credit report.
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Limited Visibility: Soft credit checks are visible only to you when you review your own credit report. They are not visible to creditors or other parties that may request your credit history.