Credit & Debt

What is Soft Inquiry?

A soft inquiry—or soft pull—happens when your credit is checked for reasons other than a credit application. Checking your own credit, pre-approved card offers, employer background checks, and identity verification all count as soft inquiries. They don't require your authorization.

Unlike hard inquiries, soft inquiries aren't visible to lenders—only you can see them. And they have zero impact on your credit score, no matter how many there are.

Under the FCRA, you can check your own credit as often as you want without hurting your score. This makes it safe to monitor for errors and fraud.

Quick Facts

Impact on Credit Score0% effect on credit score calculations

Visibility to CreditorsNot visible to lenders or external reviewers

Authorized UsesBackground checks, pre-approvals, self-monitoring

Frequency LimitNo limits, can check unlimited times

PRACTICAL EXAMPLE

A consumer uses an online app to check their credit score weekly and receives a pre-screened credit card offer in the mail. Both actions trigger soft inquiries on their credit report, keeping their score unchanged.

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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.

Hard InquiryA credit report check initiated by a lender when a consumer applies for new credit, which can affect credit scores.

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

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