Credit & Debt

What is Hard Inquiry?

A hard inquiry—also called a hard pull—happens when a lender checks your credit report as part of a loan or credit card application. You have to authorize it first.

Hard inquiries show up on your credit report and can affect your score. A single one typically dings your score by less than five points. Multiple inquiries in a short period can suggest higher risk and cause a bigger drop.

Under the FCRA, hard inquiries stay on your report for two years. FICO only factors them in for 12 months. And if you're shopping for a mortgage, student loan, or auto loan, multiple inquiries within 45 days count as one—so rate shopping won't hurt you.

Quick Facts

Report Retention PeriodVisible on credit reports for 2 years (24 months)

Score Calculation ImpactAffects FICO score for 1 year (12 months)

Average Score ReductionLess than 5 points per inquiry

Rate Shopping Window45-day window combines loan inquiries

PRACTICAL EXAMPLE

A consumer applies for three credit cards in one week, triggering three hard inquiries. This behavior lowers their credit score by 12 points, as the credit bureaus view multiple credit card requests in a short period as a sign of financial distress.

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RELATED TERMS

Learn More Key Concepts

Credit ScoreA three-digit number that tells lenders how likely you are to repay borrowed money.

Credit ReportA record of your borrowing history, including accounts, payments, and public records.

Soft InquiryA credit report check for non-lending purposes, such as background checks or pre-approved offers, which does not affect credit scores.

FICO ScoreThe primary credit scoring brand developed by Fair Isaac Corporation, used by over 90% of U.S. lending institutions.

Credit LimitThe maximum amount of revolving credit a lender permits a borrower to carry on a credit card or line of credit.

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