Soft inquiry vs. hard inquiry on your credit: what’s the difference?
Published November 8, 2026 by Angela Talbot | Reading Time: 4 minutes
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Categories:
- Debt & Your Credit
- Teen Checking
Quick answer: A soft inquiry is a credit check that has no impact on your credit score, while a hard inquiry can temporarily lower it by a few points. Soft inquiries happen during background checks or pre-qualifying offers. Hard inquiries occur when you formally apply for credit, like a loan or credit card.
If you’re just starting to build credit, the world of credit reports and scores can feel overwhelming. One of the most confusing concepts for newcomers? Credit inquiries. Knowing the difference between a soft inquiry and a hard inquiry can protect your score and help you make smarter financial decisions from the start.
What is a soft inquiry?
A soft inquiry is a credit check that has no effect on your credit score. Think of it as a light peek at your credit history. Nothing that leaves a mark.
Soft inquiries happen more often than you might think. Common examples include:
- Checking your own credit score
- Receiving a pre-qualified credit card or loan offer
- An employer running a background check before hiring you
Lenders and companies use soft inquiries to get a general sense of your creditworthiness without you having formally applied for anything. Because there’s no real financial commitment involved, these checks don’t count against you.
What is a hard inquiry?
A hard inquiry is a credit check that can temporarily lower your credit score by a few points. This happens when you formally apply for credit and a lender pulls your full credit report to make a lending decision.
Common examples of hard inquiries include applying for:
- A credit card
- A car loan
- A mortgage
- A personal loan
Hard inquiries signal to lenders that you’re actively seeking new credit. One or two won’t cause major damage, but multiple hard inquiries in a short period can raise red flags (more on that below).
How soft inquiries affect you
The short answer: they don’t. Soft inquiries have zero impact on your credit score. They won’t hurt your chances of getting approved for a loan or credit card down the road. In most cases, soft inquiries either won’t appear on your standard credit report at all, or they’ll show up in a separate section that lenders can’t see.
Bottom line: you can check your own credit as often as you like without any worry.
How hard inquiries affect you
Hard inquiries do carry some weight. Here’s what you need to know:
- They can lower your score slightly. Most hard inquiries reduce your credit score by a few points temporarily. For someone new to credit, even a small drop is worth being mindful of.
- They stay on your credit report for about 12 months. Lenders can see these during that time when reviewing your application.
- Multiple inquiries can be a warning sign. If you apply for several credit cards or loans in a short period, lenders may see that as a sign of financial stress, which can make them hesitant to approve you.
One important exception: if you’re shopping around for the best rate on a mortgage, car loan, or student loan, multiple hard inquiries made within a 14–45 day window are typically counted as just one inquiry. Credit scoring models recognize that comparing rates is smart financial behavior, not a red flag.
Why the difference matters for building credit
When you’re new to credit, every point counts. Understanding which actions trigger a hard inquiry helps you avoid unnecessary dips in your score.
Before applying for any new credit product, ask yourself: Is this application something I’m ready to commit to? If you’re not sure, look for pre-qualification options first. Pre-qualification uses a soft inquiry, so you can see your odds of approval without any impact to your score.
Being selective and strategic with your credit applications builds a healthier financial profile over time.
Start building credit the smart way
The key takeaway is simple: soft inquiries are completely safe, and hard inquiries should be approached with intention. Don’t let fear of hard inquiries stop you from building credit. Just be thoughtful about when and why you apply.
A few practical next steps to get started:
- Check your credit score and report for free in Webster First’s digital banking using our Credit Score app
- Look for pre-qualification tools before applying for new credit
- Limit hard inquiries by only applying for credit you genuinely need
Building good credit is a journey that pays off. The more informed you are, the better decisions you’ll make along the way.
Frequently asked questions
Does checking my own credit score hurt it?
No. Checking your own credit score is always a soft inquiry and has no impact on your score whatsoever. You’re encouraged to monitor your credit regularly.
How many points does a hard inquiry lower your credit score?
A single hard inquiry typically lowers your credit score by fewer than five points. The exact impact depends on your overall credit history and score.
How long does a hard inquiry stay on my credit report?
Hard inquiries remain on your credit report for approximately 12 months, though their impact on your score tends to fade after a few months.
Can I remove a hard inquiry from my credit report?
You can only dispute a hard inquiry if it was made without your permission. Legitimate hard inquiries from credit applications you authorized cannot be removed early.
What’s the safest way to shop for loan rates without hurting my credit?
Apply for mortgages, auto loans, or student loans within a short window—typically 14 to 45 days. Credit scoring models group these inquiries together and count them as one, recognizing that rate shopping is a normal part of the process.