Glossary · UK
What is Hard Credit Check?
A formal credit search that a lender records on your credit file when you apply for credit, visible to other lenders and capable of affecting your credit score.
Full Definition
A hard credit check (also called a hard search or hard enquiry) is a full review of your credit report carried out when you apply for credit such as a mortgage, loan, credit card or some mobile contracts. Unlike a soft check, a hard search leaves a visible footprint on your file that other lenders can see, and it usually causes a small, temporary dip in your credit score. Several hard checks in a short period can make you look reliant on credit and may reduce the chance of approval. UK credit files are held by agencies including Experian, Equifax and TransUnion, and hard searches typically remain visible for around 12 months while staying on your report for longer. This matters because spacing out applications, using eligibility checkers (which use soft searches) before applying, and avoiding multiple simultaneous applications can protect your score -- important when seeking a mortgage or competitive borrowing rates.