Hard inquiry
Also called: hard pull, hard credit check
A hard inquiry is a lender’s check of your credit report after you apply for credit, such as a credit card or a loan. It can lower your credit scores, and others who pull your report can see it.
By Beacon · Updated
How it works
Most credit scoring models consider how recently and how often you have applied for credit, which is why a hard inquiry can affect your scores. Each application for a new card or loan generally creates one. Unlike soft inquiries, hard inquiries are visible to lenders and others who pull your report, so a cluster of recent applications is something they can see when they review it.
Comparing offers for the same loan is treated differently. When you shop for one auto loan or one mortgage, credit checks from several lenders generally count as a single inquiry if they fall within a short window, which CFPB guidance describes as 14 to 45 days. Shopping for two different types of loans counts as two inquiries. Because the window varies, comparisons made close together are the most likely to be grouped.
Related terms
Sources and further reading
Examples are illustrative and focus on U.S. personal finance. This page is educational, not individual financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. Read our editorial approach or report a correction.
Keep learning
Credit · 3 min read
Credit Report vs. Credit Score: The Difference
Learn how a credit report differs from a score, why scores can vary, and how to compare the underlying records when something looks wrong.
Read the guideDebt · 3 min read
Car Loan Terms: Look Beyond the Monthly Payment
Compare a four-year and six-year car loan using the same amount and rate. See how term length affects interest, total cost, and payment size.
Read the guide