Soft vs Hard Credit Checks: What You Need to Know (2025)
Understand the crucial difference between soft and hard credit checks in the UK. Learn how each affects your credit score, when they're used, and how to minimize their impact on your financial future.
Understanding the difference between soft and hard credit checks helps you protect your score when shopping for credit.
| Type | Affects Score | Visible To Lenders |
|---|---|---|
| Soft Check | No | Only you can see |
| Hard Check | Yes, temporarily | Yes, for 2 years |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a soft and hard credit check?
A soft credit check doesn't affect your credit score and isn't visible to other lenders. It's used for eligibility checks and credit monitoring. A hard credit check occurs when you formally apply for credit, appears on your credit file for 12 months, is visible to other lenders, and can temporarily lower your score by 5-15 points.
Does checking my own credit score count as a hard check?
No, checking your own credit score through services like ClearScore, Experian, or Credit Karma is always a soft check and has zero impact on your score. You can check your score as many times as you want without any negative consequences.
How many hard credit checks is too many?
Having 4+ hard credit checks within 6 months is considered excessive and will significantly hurt your approval odds. Lenders view multiple hard checks as a sign of financial distress or repeated rejections. Aim for no more than 1-2 applications per year, spaced at least 3-6 months apart.
How long do hard credit checks stay on my credit file?
Hard credit checks remain visible on your credit report for 12 months and are stored for 2 years. However, their impact on your score decreases significantly after 3-6 months. After 12 months, they're removed from your visible credit report entirely.
Can I remove hard credit checks from my credit file?
You can only remove unauthorized hard checks that you didn't consent to. If you see hard checks you didn't authorize, contact the company that performed the check and file a dispute with the credit agency. Legitimate hard checks from applications you made cannot be removed until they naturally expire after 12 months.