What is a soft credit search?
Links marked * are commercial or go to our partner sites, which share our operator. Third-party companies may pay us commission. How we make money.
In short: A soft credit search is a check that only you can see on your credit file. It does not affect your credit score and is used by eligibility checkers, insurance quotes and when you check your own report.
Content updated:
Soft searches include checking your own file, using a card or loan eligibility checker, and most insurance quotation checks. Lenders cannot see them and they never reduce your score.
A hard search is recorded when you formally apply for credit — mortgage, loan, card, car finance or mobile contract. Several hard searches in a short period can temporarily lower your score and signal 'credit hunger' to lenders.
Always use a soft-search eligibility tool before applying. Cluster mortgage applications within about 30 days so bureaus usually treat them as one rate-shopping event.
Primary source: legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1974/39
Part of our Banking & current accounts
This quick answer sits inside our wider banking & current accounts hub — with sub-guides, calculators and step-by-step explainers on the same topic.
Read the full banking & current accounts guide →