Hard Inquiry
A credit check that occurs when you apply for new credit — a credit card, loan, mortgage, or auto financing. Hard inquiries may lower your FICO score by a few points (typically fewer than 5) and remain on your credit report for two years. Also called a 'hard pull.'
Related guides
- Full credit & FICO® glossary
Browse all defined terms by category.
- Soft Inquiry
A credit check that does not affect your FICO score. Soft inquiries occur when you check your own credit, when lenders send pre-approved offers, or when employers run background checks. Also called a 'soft pull.'
- FICO Score
A three-digit number ranging from 300 to 850 that represents your creditworthiness, calculated by the Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO) using data from your credit report. Used by 90% of top US lenders to evaluate loan and credit card applications.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hard Inquiry
What does Hard Inquiry mean?
A credit check that occurs when you apply for new credit — a credit card, loan, mortgage, or auto financing. Hard inquiries may lower your FICO score by a few points (typically fewer than 5) and remain on your credit report for two years. Also called a 'hard pull.'
Is Hard Inquiry important for my FICO® score?
Understanding Hard Inquiry helps you manage your credit profile more effectively, which in turn supports a stronger FICO® score.