Does Checking Your Credit Score Lower It

Does Checking Your Credit Score Lower It

There’s a long-standing myth that checking your own credit score can somehow lower it. For many people trying to improve their finances, this idea creates unnecessary worry. But is there any truth to it?

The simple answer is no — checking your own credit score does not lower it. In fact, regularly checking your credit report is one of the smartest things you can do to stay financially informed and spot any issues early. In this article, we’ll explain why checking your score is safe, the difference between hard and soft searches, and how to check your credit file without harming your rating.

What Is a Credit Score

Your credit score is a number that reflects your creditworthiness, or how likely you are to repay borrowed money. In the UK, credit scores are calculated by the main credit reference agencies — Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion — based on your financial history.

Each agency has its own scoring range:

• Experian: 0–999

• Equifax: 0–1000

• TransUnion: 0–710

Lenders use your credit score (alongside other factors) to decide whether to approve you for loans, mortgages, credit cards, and even phone contracts or car finance.

Does Checking Your Own Credit Score Affect It

No. When you check your own credit score or credit report, this is recorded as a soft search, which has no impact on your credit score. It’s for your eyes only and is not visible to lenders or other companies.

You can check your credit report as often as you like — daily, weekly, or monthly — and it won’t affect your score in any way.

In fact, credit experts and financial advisers encourage checking your score regularly, as it helps you:

• Spot mistakes or fraudulent activity early

• Track your progress as you improve your financial habits

• See the effects of actions like paying down debt or registering to vote

• Prepare for major applications like a mortgage or loan

What Are Soft Searches

A soft search (or soft inquiry) is a type of credit check that does not leave a visible mark on your credit report to lenders. It’s typically used when:

• You check your own credit score

• A lender gives you a quote or eligibility check without a full application

• An employer or insurer performs a background check

• Certain identity verification processes are required

Soft searches are harmless and have no influence on your credit score whatsoever.

You can view soft searches on your own credit report, but they’re not visible to banks or lenders when they assess your applications.

What Are Hard Searches

The confusion often arises because hard searches, which are different from soft searches, can affect your credit score. A hard search is a full credit check that a lender carries out when you apply for credit.

Examples include:

• Credit cards

• Personal loans

• Mortgages

• Car finance

• Mobile phone contracts (in some cases)

A hard search becomes visible to other lenders and typically stays on your report for 12 months. While one or two won’t cause much concern, multiple hard searches in a short space of time can reduce your score or make lenders wary of lending to you.

Real-World Example

Rachel, 30, wanted to improve her credit score before applying for a mortgage. She used ClearScore and Credit Karma to check her score every month. These were soft searches, and her score remained unaffected.

Her friend Josh applied for four different credit cards within two weeks. Each application involved a hard search. Although only one card was accepted, the multiple checks caused his credit score to drop by 30 points temporarily.

How to Check Your Credit Score for Free

You can check your score and credit report for free in the UK using:

• Experian: via their website or mobile app

• ClearScore: offers your Equifax score and report

• Credit Karma: offers your TransUnion score and report

• MoneySuperMarket Credit Monitor: shows your TransUnion data

• TotallyMoney: also uses TransUnion data

These services update your score every week or month and let you monitor your credit health without affecting your rating.

Benefits of Regularly Checking Your Credit Report

• Detect fraud early: Spot accounts you didn’t open or suspicious activity

• Correct mistakes: Challenge errors like incorrect payment history or addresses

• Understand lender decisions: If you’re rejected for credit, your report may explain why

• Improve your financial habits: See the effect of actions like paying off debt or staying below your credit limit

• Plan ahead: Prepare your credit file before applying for a mortgage or large loan

How Often Should You Check Your Credit Score

There’s no limit to how often you can check your score, and it won’t hurt your rating. Once a month is ideal for most people. If you’re actively trying to improve your score or preparing for a mortgage or big financial move, checking it more frequently can help you stay on top of changes.

Final Thought

Checking your own credit score does not lower it — in fact, it’s one of the best things you can do to stay in control of your finances. Soft searches used by credit reference agencies and monitoring tools are entirely safe and invisible to lenders.

Confusing a soft search with a hard credit check is common, but knowing the difference can save you stress and help you manage your credit profile more confidently.

So go ahead — check your score regularly, monitor your progress, and take charge of your financial future.