Overview

A hard credit inquiry (hard pull) occurs when a lender requests your credit report as part of a credit decision. Unlike soft inquiries (which don’t affect scores), hard inquiries can reduce your credit score temporarily. The record stays on your credit report for two years, though the largest score effect typically fades within the first 12 months (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau).

How much do hard inquiries usually move your score?

  • For most people a single hard inquiry causes a small change—often fewer than five points; some consumers with higher scores may see slightly larger drops. Exact impact varies by your credit profile and the scoring algorithm (FICO/MyFICO; CFPB).

How scoring models treat rate shopping

  • Scoring models recognize rate shopping and typically group multiple inquiries for the same loan type so they count as one. The grouping window varies by model: older FICO/VantageScore versions may use a 14‑day window while newer FICO versions allow up to 45 days. Because models differ, aim for the shorter window if you’re unsure which score lenders use (MyFICO).

Timing rules at a glance

  • Inquiries remain on your report: 2 years (CFPB).
  • Largest score impact: first 6–12 months.
  • Safe shopping window to minimize impact: 14 days (conservative) to 45 days (if you confirm lenders use modern FICO).

Practical, step‑by‑step tips to minimize impact

  1. Prequalify first with soft pulls: Ask lenders for prequalification or rate estimates that use soft inquiries whenever possible—these don’t affect your score (CFPB).
  2. Compare rates quickly: If you plan to shop, gather applications within a short timeframe—ideally within 14 days to be safe across scoring models; up to 45 days can be acceptable with modern FICO scoring (MyFICO).
  3. Know which loans qualify for grouping: Auto, mortgage, and student loan rate shopping are usually grouped; credit cards and personal loans often are not.
  4. Limit unnecessary applications: Only submit full applications to lenders you’re ready to work with.
  5. Check your credit first: Pull your free annual credit reports and a score snapshot so you understand your baseline before applying (AnnualCreditReport.com; CFPB).
  6. Improve other score factors first: Lowering utilization or correcting errors can raise your score more than avoiding a single inquiry.

Real-world example (from practice)

In my 15 years working with borrowers I’ve seen clients who shopped five mortgage lenders in a single month keep their score effectively unchanged when applications were clustered and most lenders used modern FICO scoring. Conversely, clients who spread applications across several months saw multiple small hits that made a modest difference in offered rates.

Who should worry most

  • Thin-file borrowers and people with borderline credit can see larger proportional impacts from inquiries.
  • If you plan to apply for a mortgage or auto loan in the next few months, treat rate quotes as part of a single shopping event and limit other new credit activity.

Common mistakes

  • Relying on more than one full application when a soft-prequal would do.
  • Assuming all lenders use the same scoring model or grouping window.
  • Letting soft pulls be mistaken for hard pulls—ask the lender which type they use.

Quick FAQ

  • How long does an inquiry affect my score? The record stays for two years, but most of the effect fades after about a year, with the greatest changes in the first 6–12 months (CFPB).
  • Do multiple inquiries always hurt me? Not if they’re grouped as rate shopping; grouping depends on the scoring model and loan type (MyFICO).

Internal resources

Sources and further reading

Professional disclaimer

This article provides general information and practical tips based on industry practice; it is not personalized financial advice. For guidance tailored to your situation, consult a certified financial planner or a nonprofit credit counselor.