Credit Checks May 2026

: The minor score drop is temporary, often fading within a year, though the inquiry remains on your report for two years.

Soft inquiries happen when your credit report is checked for reasons not related to a formal credit application.

Understanding the difference between the two main types of inquiries— and soft —is essential for protecting your credit score. 1. Hard Inquiries (Hard Pulls) credit checks

A hard inquiry occurs when you apply for a new line of credit, such as a mortgage, auto loan, or credit card.

Credit Checks 101: Understanding Inquiries and Your Score Credit checks, often called , are formal requests to review your credit history. They allow lenders, landlords, and even employers to assess your financial reliability by looking at your past behavior. : The minor score drop is temporary, often

: Use a Safe Harbor Period when shopping for loans. Most scoring models treat multiple inquiries for the same loan type (like a mortgage) within a 14- to 45-day window as a single inquiry. 2. Soft Inquiries (Soft Pulls)

: These typically lower your credit score by a few points (usually fewer than five). They allow lenders, landlords, and even employers to

: Multiple hard inquiries in a short window can signal financial distress to lenders.