No, checking your own credit does not lower your score. That is a soft inquiry, and soft inquiries do not affect FICO Scores.
A hard inquiry happens when a lender checks your credit because you applied for credit. For most people, one additional hard inquiry takes less than five points off a FICO Score.
Soft inquiries
A soft inquiry is a credit check that is not part of an application for new credit. Checking your own credit report or score is a soft inquiry.
According to myFICO, soft inquiries do not affect FICO Scores. The CFPB also says checking your own report should not hurt your score.
You can check as often as you like. Free weekly reports from all three bureaus are available at AnnualCreditReport.com, the only authorized site for them.
Hard inquiries
A hard inquiry is recorded when a lender reviews your credit to decide on an application, such as a mortgage, auto loan or credit card.
Per myFICO, one additional hard inquiry takes less than five points off for most people. Hard inquiries stay on your report for up to two years, but they affect FICO Scores for only one year.
| Soft inquiry | Hard inquiry | |
|---|---|---|
| When it happens | You check your own credit | A lender checks your credit after you apply |
| Effect on FICO Scores | None | Less than five points for most people, per inquiry |
| How long it lasts | No effect on FICO Scores | Up to two years on your report, affects FICO Scores for one year |
Rate shopping for a mortgage, auto or student loan
The scoring models make room for comparing offers from several lenders. When you shop for a mortgage, auto loan or student loan, FICO counts several inquiries in a short span as one.
| Model | Inquiries counted as one |
|---|---|
| FICO, newer versions | Within any 45-day span (mortgage, auto, student loans) |
| FICO, older versions | Within any 14-day span (mortgage, auto, student loans) |
| VantageScore | Within a 14-day rolling window (mortgage and auto), per VantageScore |
FICO also ignores these loan inquiries made in the 30 days before it scores you. Older versions, such as those used for mortgages, may use the shorter window. To be safe, do your rate shopping within 14 days.
What to do before you apply for a mortgage
- 1Check your own reports from all three bureaus first. This is a soft inquiry and does not affect your score.
- 2Fix errors before a lender pulls your credit. A bureau generally has 30 days to investigate a dispute.
- 3Pick a two-week window for applications and quotes that involve a credit check, and keep them inside it.
- 4Hold off on opening other new credit, like a new card, while you shop. Each of those is its own hard inquiry.
- 5If your credit is frozen, lift the freeze before the lender pulls your report.
Reading the inquiries on your report
Your report lists the hard inquiries made on your credit. Only hard inquiries affect FICO Scores.
Look for hard inquiries from companies you did not apply with. If you did not apply, you can dispute the inquiry with the bureau that shows it. A credit freeze can also stop new lenders from pulling your report.
Common questions
Does checking my own credit score lower it?
No. Checking your own credit is a soft inquiry, and soft inquiries do not affect FICO Scores. The CFPB also says checking your own report should not hurt your score.
How many points does a hard inquiry take off?
For most people, one additional hard inquiry takes less than five points off a FICO Score, according to myFICO.
How long do hard inquiries stay on my credit report?
Up to two years. They affect FICO Scores for one year.
Does a credit freeze count as an inquiry or lower my score?
No. According to the FTC, a credit freeze does not affect your credit score. If you plan to apply for a loan, lift the freeze first so the lender can pull your report. The lender's pull is then a hard inquiry.
Will shopping with several mortgage lenders hurt my score?
FICO counts mortgage inquiries within a set span as one: 45 days in newer versions, 14 days in older ones. VantageScore uses 14 days. Keep your shopping within 14 days to be safe.
See the scores a lender will see
All three bureaus, each score labeled by model, and the middle score up front.
Get my scoresSources
- myFICO: Credit checks and inquiries
- VantageScore: Shop around to find the best offer
- CFPB: Does my credit score affect my ability to get a mortgage?
- FTC: Free Credit Reports
- FTC: What to know about credit freezes and fraud alerts
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Rules can change; check the linked sources and ask your lender about your situation.
