What Is a Hard Credit Inquiry?
A hard credit inquiry, or hard pull, happens when a lender checks your credit report because you applied for credit, such as a loan or credit card. Hard inquiries are visible to other lenders, can lower a credit score slightly for a period, and typically remain on US credit reports for two years.
Hard vs. Soft Inquiries
Soft inquiries, such as checking your own credit or pre-approval offers, do not affect credit scores. Hard inquiries require your permission.
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Scoring models usually treat multiple inquiries for the same type of loan, such as a mortgage or auto loan, within a short window as a single inquiry.
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🔗 Related Terms
More Loans & Credit Terms
- Amortization
- APR (Annual Percentage Rate)
- Auto Loan
- Balance Transfer
- Balloon Payment
- Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL)
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Last updated: September 29, 2026. This definition is for general educational purposes only. It is not financial, investment, tax, legal, or medical advice, and it does not recommend any product or course of action. For decisions about your own situation, consult a qualified professional.