Credit Inquiry

What Is a Credit Inquiry?

A credit inquiry is a request by an institution for credit report information from a credit reporting agency. Credit inquiries can be from all types of entities for various reasons, but they are typically made by financial institutions. They are classified as either a hard inquiry or a soft inquiry.

How a Credit Inquiry Works

Credit inquiries are a significant component of the credit market. Hard inquiries are a key part of the underwriting process for all types of credit. Soft inquiries help credit companies to market their products and also can be used to help consumers.

Hard Inquiries

Hard inquiries are requested from a credit bureau whenever a borrower completes a new credit application. They are retrieved using a customer’s Social Security number and are required for the credit underwriting process. Hard inquiries provide a creditor with a full credit report on a borrower. This report will include a borrower’s credit score and details on their credit history.

In some instances, hard inquiries also may be used for situations other than a credit application. An employment background check and a lease rental application are two instances in which a hard inquiry also may be required.

Soft Inquiries

Soft inquiries are not included on a credit report. These inquiries can be requested for a variety of reasons. Credit companies have relationships with credit bureaus for soft inquiries that result in marketing lists for potential customers. These soft inquiries are customized by the credit company to identify borrowers who meet some of their underwriting characteristics for a loan.

Credit-aggregating services also use soft inquiries to help borrowers find a loan. These platforms require information about a borrower, including their Social Security number, which allows for soft inquiries and prequalification offers. Many lenders also will provide a borrower with quotes through a soft inquiry request that can help them understand potential loan terms.

Personal credit reports are also obtained through soft inquiries. Individuals have a right to obtain free annual credit reports from credit reporting agencies that detail their credit information. Individuals can also sign up for free credit scores through their credit card companies. These credit scores are reported to borrowers each month and are obtained by the credit card company through a soft inquiry.

Example of a Credit Inquiry

Let’s assume John is looking to purchase a new vehicle. After deciding on the make and model, he decides to look into financing terms. The dealership has an on-site financing arm and pulls John’s credit report. John has had a steady job for four years and doesn’t have any outstanding debts. He has also paid his bills on time throughout the years. Based on the credit inquiry, the dealership offers him their lowest percentage rate of 4% to purchase the vehicle.