Hard credit search
A hard credit search is a check made by a lender when you apply for credit, which is recorded on your credit file and visible to other lenders.
Also known as: hard search, credit search, hard credit check
Several hard searches in a short period can lower your score, because they may suggest you are seeking a lot of credit. Searches stay on your report for up to two years.
A soft search, such as an eligibility checker or checking your own report, is visible only to you and does not affect your score. Use eligibility checkers before applying where you can.
You can check your credit reports for free, and you should never need to pay for a credit score or report.
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