Glossary · UK
What is Soft Credit Check?
A search of your credit file that is visible only to you and does not affect your credit score, often used for eligibility checks.
Full Definition
A soft credit check (or soft search) is a review of your credit report that does not leave a footprint visible to other lenders and has no effect on your credit score. Lenders, insurers and comparison sites use soft searches to give you an indicative decision -- for example, eligibility checkers that tell you how likely you are to be accepted for a credit card, loan or mortgage before you formally apply. You will also see soft searches when you check your own credit file or when an existing lender reviews your account. By contrast, a hard credit check is recorded on your file, is visible to other lenders, and too many in a short period can lower your score and suggest financial stress. This matters because using soft-search eligibility tools lets you shop around for credit without damaging your rating, then apply only where you are likely to be accepted. Soft searches typically stay visible to you for around 12 months.