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When applying for a loan, a new credit card, or even shopping for insurance, you may hear the term “soft credit pull.” Understanding what this means is important for anyone trying to manage their credit and protect their score. A soft pull is one of the two main types of credit inquiries lenders and companies use, and unlike a hard pull, it will not negatively impact your credit score.
This guide explains what a soft credit pull is, when it happens, how it differs from a hard pull, and why it matters for your financial health.
This information is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Such information or materials do not constitute and are not intended to provide legal, accounting, or tax advice and should not be relied on in that respect. We suggest that You consult an attorney, accountant, and/or financial advisor to answer any financial or legal questions.
Defining a Soft Credit Pull
A soft credit pull, sometimes called a soft inquiry or soft credit check, is a type of request for your credit information that does not affect your credit score. It allows companies or individuals to review certain details from your credit report without signaling to credit bureaus that you are actively applying for new credit.
Soft pulls generally provide less detail than a hard inquiry and are often used for background or prequalification purposes.
You can check your credit report for free at AnnualCreditReport.com (https://www.annualcreditreport.com) without affecting your score. It’s a soft pull every time.
Examples of When a Soft Credit Pull Happens
You may not always be aware that a soft inquiry has taken place because they can happen in many everyday situations. Some of the most common include:
- Prequalification for credit offers: Credit card issuers and lenders often perform soft pulls to see if you are a good candidate for their products before sending you promotional offers.
- Checking your own credit: When you access your credit report through a bureau or a free credit monitoring service, it is always counted as a soft inquiry.
- Employment background checks: Some employers conduct soft pulls as part of their hiring process, especially for positions involving financial responsibility.
- Insurance quotes: Certain insurance companies use soft pulls to assess risk when providing you with rate estimates.
- Landlord screenings: Property managers may use soft pulls to get a general picture of your creditworthiness before approving a rental application.
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How a Soft Pull Differs From a Hard Pull
The main difference between a soft credit pull and a hard pull is the impact on your credit score. A hard pull, also known as a hard inquiry, occurs when you apply for new credit, such as a mortgage, auto loan, or credit card. Because hard pulls signal that you are seeking to borrow money, multiple hard inquiries in a short period can lower your credit score.
Soft pulls, on the other hand:
- Do not affect your credit score.
- Are often used without your explicit request (such as when you receive a preapproved credit card offer).
- Provide companies with a limited view of your credit history rather than the complete details shown in a hard inquiry.
In short, soft pulls are informational, while hard pulls are tied to active credit applications.
Why Soft Credit Pulls Matter
Knowing the role of soft pulls can help you better manage your financial decisions:
- Peace of mind when checking your own credit: You can review your credit as often as you like without worrying about harming your score.
- Understanding prequalification: Many lenders use soft pulls to let you know whether you are likely to qualify for a loan or credit card before you formally apply. This can help you avoid unnecessary hard pulls that could reduce your score.
- Awareness of background checks: Employers, landlords, or insurers may review your credit without it being a negative mark.
How to See Soft Inquiries on Your Credit Report
Even though soft pulls do not affect your credit, they are still visible to you when you review your credit report. Credit bureaus list soft inquiries separately from hard inquiries so you can see which companies have accessed your information. Keep in mind that only you can view this list; lenders reviewing your credit report do not see your history of soft pulls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a soft credit pull require my permission?
Not always. For example, credit card companies can perform soft pulls to determine if you qualify for offers without needing your approval. However, when an employer conducts a soft pull, they typically need your consent.
Can too many soft pulls hurt my credit?
No. Unlike hard inquiries, soft pulls have no impact on your credit score, no matter how many occur.
How long do soft pulls stay on my report?
They can remain on your report for up to two years, but they are only visible to you and do not influence lending decisions.
Is prequalification through a soft pull a guarantee of approval?
Not necessarily. Prequalification means you meet basic criteria, but a full application usually requires a hard pull and additional review.
The Bottom Line
A soft credit pull is a simple, non-intrusive way for lenders, insurers, employers, and even yourself to review certain parts of your credit history. Unlike a hard pull, it has no impact on your credit score and is used more for informational purposes than for formal lending decisions.
By understanding the difference between soft and hard pulls, you can confidently check your credit, explore prequalification offers, and know what to expect during background checks without worrying about damaging your score.
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