What is a credit inquiry?
A credit inquiry is a record that appears on your credit report whenever someone requests access to your credit information. There are two types of inquiries: hard inquiries and soft inquiries. Hard inquiries occur when you apply for credit, whereas soft inquiries are typically made by potential employers, landlords, or yourself when checking your own credit.
How long do hard inquiries stay on your credit report?
Hard inquiries have a temporary effect on your credit score, and they remain on your credit report for up to two years. However, in terms of their impact on your credit score, they are typically considered for the first year. Lenders take into account the number of recent hard inquiries as they might indicate you are actively seeking credit and may be a higher risk borrower.
Do all credit inquiries affect my credit score?
Not all credit inquiries are created equal, and not all of them impact your credit score. Hard inquiries, which are generated when you apply for credit, can result in a slight dip in your credit score, typically around five points or less. On the other hand, soft inquiries, which include checking your own credit or inquiries from potential employers or landlords, do not affect your credit score.
Can multiple inquiries within a short period hurt my credit score?
If you are shopping around for the best interest rates on a loan or mortgage, you may worry about the impact of multiple inquiries on your credit score. The good news is that credit scoring models typically take this into account and do not penalize you for rate shopping. Multiple inquiries for the same type of credit made within 14-45 days (depending on the scoring model) are generally considered as a single inquiry, limiting the impact on your credit score.
How can I remove unauthorized credit inquiries from my report?
If you notice unauthorized inquiries on your credit report, it is crucial to take action to have them removed. Start by disputing the inquiries with each of the credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) within 30 days of noticing them. Include any supporting documentation that proves the inquiries were unauthorized. The credit bureaus will conduct an investigation, and if they find the inquiries to be unauthorized, they will remove them from your credit report.
In conclusion, credit inquiries, both hard and soft, have a role in shaping your credit report. While hard inquiries can affect your credit score and remain on your report for up to two years, soft inquiries do not impact your score. It’s important to be mindful of the number of hard inquiries you generate within a short period, but if you are shopping for the best loan or mortgage rates, the credit scoring models generally consider them as a single inquiry. Lastly, if you find unauthorized inquiries on your credit report, disputing them promptly will secure their removal. Understanding the lifespan and effects of credit inquiries can help you make informed decisions about when and how to seek credit.