Learn · Credit glossary
What Is Soft inquiry in Credit? Definition and Why It Matters
Soft inquiry: the short version
In credit, soft inquiry is a credit check that does not affect scores.
Why it matters
Checking your own reports is always a soft inquiry.
An example
Say you review your reports and run into soft inquiry for the first time. Check how it appears on each bureau, note the dates, and use the resources below before deciding what to do; small misunderstandings about soft inquiry cause many avoidable mistakes.
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Educational information only. Not financial, legal or credit-repair advice, and no outcome is promised. Verify current rules with the official sources linked below before acting.
Official sources: annualcreditreport.com (free weekly reports), consumerfinance.gov, ftc.gov.