Will a hard search show up on credit report?

When you apply for credit, like a loan or credit card, you might hear the words "hard search" and "soft search." Here’s what they mean in super simple terms:

What is a "soft search"?

A soft search is like a quick look at your credit. It gives a company some basic information, but not the full details. You might see soft searches on your credit report, but lenders (like banks) can’t see them.

When does a soft search happen?

• When you check your own credit score
• Some lenders will do a soft check to see if you might be eligible for a loan
• During identity checks

What is a "hard search"?

A hard search is a deeper check of your credit. It happens when you apply for something like a loan, credit card, or mortgage. You give the lender permission to do a full check.

How does a hard search affect my credit?

A single hard search is totally normal and doesn’t have a big impact on your credit score.

But, if you have lots of hard searches in a short time, it might make lenders think you’re trying to borrow too much money or having trouble getting approved. This can drop your credit score for a little while and make it harder to borrow in the future.

Tips to protect your credit:

• Only apply for credit when you really need it
• If you’re not sure about applying, ask us! We’re here to help and answer your questions

We’re here to make the process simple and stress-free for you!