Does checking your credit lower your score? Hard vs soft inquiries, explained
Plenty of people avoid looking at their own credit because they think it costs points. It doesn't. Here's what actually counts — and how little it usually matters.
Updated October 21, 2026 · 4 min read · Numbers computed with our tested calculators and official sources.
Short answer
No — checking your own credit doesn't lower your score. It's a "soft" inquiry, and FICO says soft inquiries don't affect your FICO Scores. Only "hard" inquiries count, and even those usually cost less than five points.
Soft vs hard inquiries
| Soft inquiry | Hard inquiry | |
|---|---|---|
| When it happens | You check your own credit; a card company sends a pre-approved offer; an employer or existing lender reviews your file | You apply for a credit card, mortgage, car loan, student loan or personal loan |
| Affects your score? | No | Usually less than 5 points |
| Lenders can see it? | No | Yes |
| How long it matters | — | 12 months in FICO Scores; on your report for 2 years |
Rate shopping: why ten mortgage quotes don't cost you ten times
FICO knows people compare lenders for big loans. For mortgage, auto and student loans, multiple inquiries inside a short window count as a single inquiry — 45 days on newer FICO Score versions, 14 days on older ones (lenders choose the version). FICO Scores also ignore those inquiries entirely in the 30 days before you're scored. So do your comparison shopping in a tight window.
Credit cards are different: every application is its own hard inquiry. Applying for several cards in a few months is what actually adds up — and lenders may read it as a sign you need credit.
When an inquiry is worth acting on
- You don't recognize it. Check your reports (free every week at AnnualCreditReport.com). If a company you never applied with pulled your credit, dispute it with the bureau — our hard inquiry dispute letter writes it for you.
- It could be identity theft. Since 2018, credit freezes are free by federal law at Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. A freeze stops new accounts being opened in your name and doesn't affect your score; you can lift it when you apply for credit.
- You applied, it's accurate. Leave it — it can't be removed, and its effect fades within a year.
What actually moves your score
Inquiries are a small part of the picture. Paying on time and keeping card balances low relative to your limits matter far more. If you're carrying card debt, see how fast you can clear it with the credit card payoff calculator, and fix any errors with the free dispute letter generator.
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Frequently asked questions
Does checking my own credit score lower it?+
No. Checking your own credit report or score is a soft inquiry, and soft inquiries don't affect your FICO Scores. You can check as often as you like.
How many points does a hard inquiry take off?+
For most people, less than five points, according to FICO. It matters more if you have few accounts or a short credit history.
How long do hard inquiries stay on my credit report?+
Up to two years, but FICO Scores only count them for the first 12 months.
Does shopping for a mortgage or car loan hurt my score?+
Not much, if you shop within a short window. FICO Scores count multiple mortgage, auto or student loan inquiries within 45 days (14 days on older score versions) as one, and ignore them entirely in the 30 days before you're scored. Credit card applications don't get this treatment — each one counts.
Can I remove a hard inquiry?+
Only if you didn't authorize it. An inquiry you didn't apply for can be disputed with the credit bureau — and it can be a sign of identity theft, so consider a free credit freeze. Inquiries you did apply for stay until they age off.