Explainer
Hard inquiry vs soft inquiry: what's the difference?
Which credit checks matter, and which don't.
Direct answer
A hard inquiry happens when you apply for credit and a lender checks your report to decide; it can lower your score slightly and stays on your report about two years. A soft inquiry, like checking your own credit or a pre-screened offer, doesn't affect your score.
Hard inquiries
- Triggered by applications for credit cards, loans, mortgages and some rentals.
- Can cause a small, temporary score dip.
- Typically remain on your report for 2 years.
Soft inquiries
- Checking your own credit, background checks, and pre-approved offers.
- Don't affect your score.
Rate shopping
For some loan types, multiple inquiries within a short window are often treated as one for scoring. The window depends on the scoring model and is commonly somewhere between 14 and 45 days.
When to dispute an inquiry
If a hard inquiry is from a company you never applied with or authorized, it may signal identity theft or an error. You can dispute it with the bureau and include proof of identity.
Where Rapid Rescore fits
Use our unauthorized inquiry template, or let Rapid Rescore generate the dispute letters for all three bureaus.
Start free
Rapid Rescore writes dispute letters to all three bureaus in minutes, free. Mail them yourself, or have us mail them first-class or certified with tracking. No credit card required to start.
Create my free accountGeneral educational information, not legal or financial advice. Rapid Rescore is not a law firm and does not guarantee any result. Published October 2026.
Usually only a few points, and the effect fades over time. It varies by file.
Free to start. No card. Takes 5 minutes.
Create your account and generate your first dispute letter today — optional mailing and notarization are there if you want them.