What is a Soft Credit Check? Hard vs Soft Searches Explained

Credit checks determine whether you can borrow money — but not all checks are equal. Understanding the difference between hard and soft searches can help you protect your credit score.

Read more: See our Credit Scores guide for a complete overview of this topic.

Hard vs Soft Checks: Quick Summary

What is a Soft Credit Check?

A soft credit check (also called a “soft search” or “quotation search”) is a preliminary look at your credit file that:

• Doesn’t affect your credit score
• Isn’t visible to other lenders
• Only you can see it on your report
• Can be done without your knowledge (in some cases)

When Soft Checks Happen

Why Soft Checks Exist

Companies need to assess whether to offer you credit or services, but they recognise that a hard check for every enquiry would unfairly damage scores. Soft checks let them (and you) check eligibility without consequences.

What is a Hard Credit Check?

A hard credit check (also called a “hard search” or “credit application search”) is a full review of your credit file that:

• Does affect your credit score (temporarily)
• Is visible to other lenders for 12 months
• Stays on your file for up to 2 years
• Requires your consent

When Hard Checks Happen

How Hard Checks Affect Your Score

The Impact

Why They Affect Your Score

Multiple applications suggest:

• Financial desperation (to lenders)
• Higher default risk
• Potential fraud concerns
• “Rate shopping” (mitigated for mortgages)

How Many is Too Many?

Note: Mortgage shopping is treated differently — multiple mortgage searches within 14-45 days usually count as one search.

How to Tell Which Check Will Happen

Signs It’s a Soft Check

Signs It’s a Hard Check

If You’re Unsure

Always ask the company before proceeding. They’re legally required to tell you what type of check they’ll perform.

Using Eligibility Checkers

How They Work

1. You enter your details
2. Soft search is performed
3. You see your acceptance odds
4. Only apply if odds are good
5. Hard search happens at application

Popular Eligibility Checkers

Benefits of Eligibility Checkers

Smart Strategies to Minimise Hard Checks

Do’s

✅ Use eligibility checkers first — always before applying ✅ Space out applications — wait 3-6 months between ✅ Apply only when confident — 80%+ acceptance shown ✅ Research before applying — know requirements ✅ Bundle mortgage shopping — searches grouped if close together

Don’ts

❌ Don’t “apply to see” — never apply just to check rates ❌ Don’t apply everywhere — quality over quantity ❌ Don’t ignore soft options — quotation searches exist ❌ Don’t rush — hasty applications often fail ❌ Don’t assume — always confirm which check type

Seeing Checks on Your Credit Report

What You’ll See

Where to Check

• ClearScore — Equifax searches
• Credit Karma — TransUnion searches
• MSE Credit Club / Experian — Experian searches

Special Situations

Mortgage Applications

Mortgage searches are treated more leniently:

Renting and Landlord Checks

Employer Credit Checks

What to Do If You Have Too Many Hard Checks

Short-Term

1. Stop applying — wait 3-6 months
2. Check eligibility only — use soft search tools
3. Build credit — pay bills on time, reduce balances
4. Monitor your file — track when searches expire

Longer-Term

Key Takeaways

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