Hard vs soft credit checks: what's the difference?
What is a credit check?
A credit check, also known as a credit search, is when a lender or another organisation looks at information in your credit report. This helps them understand how you’ve managed credit and how risky it might be to lend to you. There are 2 main types of credit check: a soft credit check and a hard credit check.
Your credit report typically contains:
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Your name
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Your address
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Your borrowing history
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Details of anyone you’re financially linked to
What is a soft credit check?
A soft credit check occurs when you check your own credit report or when a lender checks your eligibility for specific products or interest rates.
What does a soft credit check show?
A soft credit check provides a top-level view of your financial history. Lenders may perform a soft credit check to pre-approve offers or show you what you could be eligible for.
Soft credit checks don’t leave a visible footprint on your credit file, meaning other lenders won’t see them. However, they are recorded and you can view them on your credit report.
If you check your own credit report, it’ll appear as a soft credit check. Additionally, some employers may perform a soft credit check as part of their hiring process, depending on the role and industry.
What is a hard credit check?
A hard credit check is an in-depth review of your credit report. This will happen if you’re applying for finance, such as a credit card, loan or mortgage.
What does a hard credit check show?
A hard credit check gives a lender a detailed view of how you’ve managed credit in the past. It usually happens when you apply for finance, such as a credit card, loan or mortgage.
It’s recorded on your credit report, so other lenders may be able to see it. It may also affect your credit score, especially if you make several applications in a short time.
A hard credit check can show information such as missed or overdue payments. Some information can stay on your credit report for several years.
Do credit checks affect your credit score?
Soft credit checks don’t impact your credit score and aren't visible to other companies. However, hard checks are visible and can affect your credit score.
Applying for finance multiple times in a short period may signal to lenders that you're struggling financially, which could impact their decision.
This article was last updated:19/10/2026, 04:18
