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What is a credit check?
Learn about the checks lenders usually complete when you apply for credit, including the difference between a soft and hard credit check.
How does a credit check affect your credit score?
It really depends on the type of credit check that’s been completed.
Hard credit checks and your credit score
A hard credit check will be visible to anyone checking your credit report, and can impact your credit score for at least 12 months, which could affect your ability to get credit in the short-term.
A number of hard credit searches in a short period could suggest you’re having financial difficulties, potentially influencing the way you’re viewed by lenders and other service providers.
Soft credit checks and your credit score
Although they might be visible on your credit report, soft credit searches won’t affect your credit score, or your ability to get credit in future, so you don’t need to worry about how often they’re completed.
It’s just useful to know that soft credit checks or quotations aren’t offered on all types of credit, so make sure you’re aware what type of checks will be completed before you go ahead.