A soft credit check, also known as a soft inquiry, is a quick review of your credit report that does not impact your credit score. This type of check is typically used for pre-approvals, background checks, and for verifying your identity. Soft credit checks do not require your authorization and can be performed without your knowledge.
On the other hand, a hard credit check, also known as a hard inquiry, is a more comprehensive review of your credit history that can impact your credit score. Hard credit checks require your consent and authorization, and the lender or creditor will typically review your credit report, payment history, and other financial information to determine your creditworthiness.
It's important to note that multiple hard credit checks within a short period of time can have a negative impact on your credit score, so it's important to only apply for credit when necessary. At Shield.Credit, we understand the importance of protecting your credit score, which is why we typically only perform soft credit checks during the pre-approval process. If you decide to move forward with one of our offers, we will discuss the specific credit check requirements with you at that point and ensure that you fully understand the potential impact on your credit score.
