Does a Hard Search Affect Credit Score

Does a Hard Search Affect Credit Score

When you apply for a credit card, loan, mortgage or car finance, it’s common to see a note in the small print about a "hard search" on your credit file. But what exactly is a hard search, and does it affect your credit score?

The short answer is yes, a hard search can affect your credit score, though usually only in a small and temporary way. Multiple hard searches in a short space of time, however, can have a more noticeable impact and may cause lenders to see you as a higher risk.

In this article, we’ll explain what a hard search is, how it differs from a soft search, how it affects your credit score, and what you can do to manage your credit file more effectively.

What Is a Hard Search

A hard search (also called a hard credit check or hard inquiry) is when a lender or financial provider looks at your full credit report to assess your creditworthiness before deciding whether to approve your application.

Hard searches are usually carried out when you apply for:

• Credit cards

• Personal loans

• Mortgages

• Car finance

• Mobile phone contracts (in some cases)

• Buy Now Pay Later credit (for regulated providers)

• Store credit or catalogue accounts

Unlike soft searches, a hard search is recorded on your credit report and is visible to other lenders. It stays on your file for 12 months.

How Does a Hard Search Affect Your Credit Score

A hard search may cause your credit score to drop slightly — typically by 5 to 10 points. This drop is usually temporary and has minimal impact if you apply for credit infrequently and manage your finances well.

However, the effect can be greater if:

• You make multiple applications in a short period

• Your existing credit score is borderline or already low

• You're applying for high-value or high-risk credit

• Lenders interpret your behaviour as a sign of financial stress

Lenders may assume that several hard searches in a short space of time mean you’re desperate for credit, which increases perceived risk.

What’s the Difference Between a Hard Search and a Soft Search

It’s important to understand the difference between soft and hard searches, especially as more comparison sites and lenders now use soft checks during the early stages of a credit application.

Feature Hard Search Soft Search

Visible to lenders Yes No

Affects score Possibly (minor, temporary drop) No

Stays on file 12 months Only visible to you

When used Formal credit applications Eligibility checks, quotes, pre-approval tools

Soft searches are used when you check your own credit report or when lenders assess your eligibility before you apply. These have no impact on your score.

Real-World Example

Sanjay applied for a credit card through a comparison site that used a soft search. He was pre-approved and then proceeded to complete the application. At this point, the credit card provider ran a hard search, which was added to his credit file.

His Experian score dropped by 8 points, but he continued to pay all his bills on time. Within three months, his score had fully recovered and improved beyond its previous level due to his low utilisation and consistent payments.

How Many Hard Searches Are Too Many

There’s no set number that automatically causes a problem, but as a general rule:

• 1–2 hard searches in 12 months is usually fine

• 3–5 hard searches may start to concern some lenders

• 6 or more in a short timeframe can significantly lower your chances of approval

Mortgage and car finance lenders, in particular, may be cautious if they see several recent searches, especially for other types of credit.

How to Minimise the Impact of Hard Searches

If you want to protect your credit score while shopping for credit:

• Use soft search tools to check eligibility before applying

• Space out your credit applications by several months where possible

• Avoid applying for credit you’re unlikely to be approved for

• Only apply for credit when you really need it

• Check your credit report for errors or fraudulent activity before applying

Some lenders offer pre-approval tools that use soft searches and give you a strong indication of your chances before you commit to a full application.

Can You Remove a Hard Search from Your Credit Report

If a hard search was recorded in error — for example, if you never gave permission or it was linked to fraud — you can ask the lender or the credit reference agency to investigate and remove it.

However, if the search was legitimate and linked to an application you made, it cannot be removed, even if your application was declined.

Remember: hard searches only stay visible for 12 months and typically have no impact on your score beyond a few months if your credit behaviour remains positive.

Final Thought

A hard search can affect your credit score, but in most cases, the impact is small and short-lived. The key is not to panic about one or two searches, but to avoid making multiple applications in a short space of time and to focus on building a strong overall credit profile.

Used sensibly, hard searches are a normal part of managing your finances — and when combined with on-time payments, low credit utilisation and a clean report, they shouldn’t stand in the way of accessing credit when you need it.