Will a Credit Check Hurt My Credit Score? Soft Pull vs Hard Pull
Not for an initial quote. Lenders usually use a soft pull at that stage, and a soft pull doesn't affect your score. The hard pull that comes with a full application can, but the drop is usually small and temporary. And several mortgage applications within a short shopping window count as one inquiry.
Last updated September 29, 2026What's the difference between a soft pull and a hard pull?
A soft pull is what lenders commonly use for an early quote or pre-qualification. It doesn't touch your score, and other lenders can't see it, though it can show up on the copy of your report you pull for yourself.
A hard pull happens when you submit a full mortgage application. That's the one that can move your score, and other lenders and creditors can see it listed.
Lenders in our network commonly need your full Social Security number, and a temporary lift of any credit freeze, even for the soft pull, because producing an accurate quote means verifying who you are and pulling your real credit data.
How much can a hard pull lower my score, and for how long?
For most people, a single hard inquiry takes less than five points off a FICO score. If your credit file is thin or new, the drop can be bigger. Either way, the effect fades over the following months. An inquiry stops counting toward your FICO score after 12 months and comes off your report after two years.
Does applying with several lenders multiply the damage?
No. Scoring models treat mortgage inquiries made within a shopping window as a single inquiry. The window is 45 days in newer FICO versions and 14 days in older ones, and lenders don't all use the newest model. So to be safe, do your comparing within about two weeks.
| Soft pull (early quote or pre-qualification) | None |
|---|---|
| Hard pull (full application) | Usually under 5 points; can be more for thin files |
| Several mortgage hard pulls in the window | Counted as one |
| Aging of a hard inquiry | Stops counting after 12 months, leaves the report after two years |
Related questions
- minimum credit score to qualify
- which Credit Score Does a Mortgage Lender Actually Use
- why Does My Mortgage Credit Score Look Different or Lower Than the Score Shown by a Consumer App
- how Can You Raise Your Credit Score or Fix Report Errors Before Applying for a Mortgage
- what determines your mortgage rate quote
Sources
- https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-a-credit-inquiry-en-1317/
- https://www.myfico.com/credit-education/credit-reports/does-checking-credit-score-lower-it
- https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/what-is-a-soft-inquiry/
- https://homebuyer.com/learn/soft-credit-check
- https://www.myfico.com/credit-education/credit-reports/how-long-do-hard-inquiries-stay-on-your-credit-report
- https://www.myfico.com/credit-education/blog/rate-shop
Sourced from licensed loan officers and brokers in the FreeRateUpdate network.
Educational information only, not individualized financial or legal advice. Program details and rates change; verify current terms with a licensed loan officer before making a decision.