What is a hard credit check?
Our guide explains what a hard credit check is, how it differs from a soft check, how long it stays on your file and other key questions you might have.
Key Takeaways
A hard credit check happens when you formally apply for credit, such as a loan, mortgage or credit card, and it leaves a visible mark on your credit file
Soft checks don’t affect your score or show up to other lenders, but multiple hard checks in a short time can make you look higher risk
Hard credit checks usually stay on your report for 12 months, though some may be visible for up to two years
You can’t remove a valid hard check, so it’s best to apply for credit only when necessary and keep on top of repayments to maintain a strong score.
When you apply for credit – whether a loan, credit card or mortgage – banks and lenders want to be confident that you’ll make repayments. One of the ways they check this is by doing a hard credit check, also known as a hard search, on your credit file. Here we explain what that means, what impact it can have and how you can manage it.
What is a hard credit check?
A hard credit check is when a lender reviews your full credit report as part of your formal application for credit. Unlike a soft check that just gives a limited view, a hard check will show up on your credit file and can be seen by other lenders.
When you apply for a loan, credit card, mortgage or other credit product, the provider typically carries out a hard check to help assess your creditworthiness and affordability.
How is a hard credit check different from a soft check?
A soft check, or soft search, is used for eligibility checks or background reviews and does not leave a mark visible to other lenders.
By contrast, a hard check is applied when you actually apply for credit and will be visible to other lenders. It can influence how lenders view your risk and potentially your credit score.
What are examples of borrowing where I might need a credit check?
Here are typical examples of credit products where a hard check will often be carried out:
Applying for a credit card
Taking out a personal loan
Applying for an overdraft facility
Getting a mortgage or remortgage
Signing up for a mobile phone contract (pay-monthly)
Taking out car finance (hire purchase or personal contract purchase)
Applying for a rent-to-own or high-cost credit agreement
What impact will a hard credit check have on my credit score?
A single hard credit check usually has a small, short-term impact on your credit score. But many hard searches in a short period can make you look like you’re seeking a lot of credit, which can raise concerns for lenders about affordability and risk.
As long as your credit behaviour sees consistent on-time payment of bills and low utilisation of credit, then any negative impact of a hard credit check will quickly fade.
How long do hard credit checks appear on a credit file?
Most hard searches stay on your credit report for around 12 months, though the record of them may remain visible up to 24 months depending on which credit reference agency is used.
They’re relevant especially in the first year because multiple hard checks in a short time can signal higher risk to lenders.
Can I remove a hard credit check?
You cannot generally remove a valid hard credit check that was carried out with your consent during a credit application. However, if you spot an entry that you believe is incorrect such as a hard search you didn’t authorise, you can dispute it with the relevant credit reference agency.
What else can harm my credit score?
Beyond too many hard checks, your credit score can be harmed by:
Late or missed repayments on credit cards, loans or other credit accounts
High credit utilisation (using a large proportion of your available credit)
Defaults, bankruptcies or County Court Judgments (CCJs)
Being registered at multiple addresses
Having a thin credit file, meaning few applications for credit
Having many new accounts or many searches within a short timeframe
Other useful guides
Looking for more information about credit scores? We have plenty of guides to help:
Check your credit score with Credit Monitor
If you don’t know your credit score you won’t have the full picture when it comes to your finances.
A poor credit score may mean you won’t get the best deals or most favourable interest rates available. And you could be rejected for credit cards, personal loans and mortgages.
You can check your credit score for free with MoneySuperMarket’s Credit Monitor. It will help you spot and correct any errors and provide hints and tips on how to improve your rating.
Frequently asked questions
Will a hard credit check ruin my credit score?
A single hard check will not ruin your score, but multiple checks in a short period can have a more significant effect.
If I’m declined credit, can I apply again straight away?
It’s better to wait a few months, check what caused the decline and improve any weak points before applying again, to avoid more hard checks piling up.
Does a credit card eligibility checker count as a hard check?
No. Most eligibility checkers, including MoneySuperMarket’s, perform a soft check which won’t affect your credit score.
If I have many soft checks, does that affect me?
No. Soft checks are not visible to lenders, so they don’t impact your credit score and won’t harm your approval chances.
Will a hard check stop me getting a mortgage later?
Not necessarily, but if you’ve got several hard checks or many recent applications, lenders may view you as higher risk, which could affect mortgage offers.
Can I ask a lender not to carry out a hard check?
You can ask, but if you’re formally applying for credit the lender usually needs to carry out a full credit check to assess your application.
Author
Tim Heming
Personal Finance Expert
Tim Heming is a journalist and editor who has written about personal finance for national newspapers and consumer websites for 15 years. Tim enjoys providing no-nonsense information to help consumers...
Reviewer
Alan Cairns
Senior Content Editor
Alan helps MoneySuperMarket break down complicated financial topics into plain English, to help you find the right deals. When he’s not writing or editing you might find him cycling the South Downs.
