Is Checking Your Credit Score Bad for Your Credit?
Short answer
Checking your own credit score is not bad for your credit and will not lower your credit score. This is because when you check your credit yourself, it counts as a "soft inquiry," which does not affect your credit rating. Only "hard inquiries," usually made by lenders when you apply for credit, can lower your score a little. Regularly checking your credit score helps you stay informed and protect your financial health.
What Is a Credit Score in Plain Words?
A credit score is a three-digit number that shows how reliable you are at paying back borrowed money. Think of it as a financial report card that lenders look at when deciding whether to give you a loan or credit card. The score is based on information from your credit report — a detailed history of your financial activity — which includes your payment history, amounts you owe, how long you’ve had credit, new credit accounts, and types of credit used. For instance, if you have always paid your bills on time and keep your credit card balances low, your score will likely be higher. Conversely, missed payments or high debt can lower your score. This number helps lenders decide if you’re a low-risk or high-risk borrower and influences whether you get credit and what interest rates you pay.
How Does Checking Your Credit Score Work?
When you check your own credit score, you are performing a "soft inquiry." This means you are simply viewing your own credit information without a lender’s permission or influence. Soft inquiries do not impact your credit score, no matter how many times you make them. For example, if you use a free website or credit card company tool to check your score monthly, your credit rating stays exactly the same each time. In contrast, when you apply for a credit card or loan, the lender performs a "hard inquiry" to review your credit history. This type of check can lower your score by a few points temporarily because it suggests you may be taking on new debt. For example, if you apply for a car loan, the lender’s credit check is a hard inquiry that might reduce your score by a small amount for about a year.
Why Does Checking Your Credit Score Matter for You?
Knowing your credit score gives you a clear picture of your financial reputation. It helps you prepare for important decisions like buying a home, getting a new credit card, or leasing an apartment. Regularly checking your score allows you to spot errors or fraudulent activity early. For instance, if you see an unfamiliar account or a sudden dip in your score, you can act quickly to dispute mistakes or report identity theft. Monitoring your credit also helps you track how your financial behaviors affect your score over time, guiding you to make smarter money decisions. For example, if paying down credit card debt improves your score, you can focus on strategies that continue to boost your creditworthiness.
What’s the Difference Between a Soft and Hard Credit Check?
Many people confuse soft and hard inquiries, but they have very different effects on your credit score.
| Type of Credit Check | Who Initiates It | Impact on Credit Score | Typical Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soft Inquiry | You or companies (non-lenders) | None | Checking your credit score, background checks, pre-approved credit offers |
| Hard Inquiry | Lenders or creditors | May lower score slightly | Applying for credit cards, mortgages, auto loans |
Soft inquiries are safe and common when you check your own score or when companies pre-approve you for offers. Hard inquiries occur when you actively apply for new credit and can cause a small score drop that usually lasts about a year. For example, if you apply for multiple credit cards in a short period, your score may drop more due to several hard inquiries.
Why Do Some People Think Checking Your Credit Score Is Bad?
The main reason for this misconception is the confusion between soft and hard inquiries. People worry that any credit check will hurt their score because hard inquiries do reduce credit scores temporarily. However, when you check your own credit, it’s always a soft inquiry and does not cause any score drop. This misunderstanding can stop people from checking their credit regularly. For example, someone may avoid monitoring their credit because they fear lowering their score, potentially missing signs of fraud or errors. Knowing the difference encourages regular credit checks to maintain good financial health.
How Often Should You Check Your Credit Score?
It’s smart to check your credit score at least once every three months, or more often if you are planning to apply for credit soon. Frequent soft inquiries won’t harm your credit, so you can safely use free credit score services or credit card portals to keep track. For example, if you’re saving to buy a house, checking your score monthly can help you understand if actions like paying down debt or correcting errors improve your credit standing. Avoid applying for multiple loans or credit cards in a short period to prevent multiple hard inquiries. If you do need to shop around for a mortgage or auto loan, try to do it within a short window (typically 14-45 days) so all inquiries count as one for scoring purposes.
What Steps Should You Take After Checking Your Credit Score?
Once you check your score, review your full credit report for any mistakes or suspicious activity. Look for accounts you don’t recognize, incorrect balances, or late payments that should not be there. If you find errors, you can dispute them by contacting the credit bureau involved (Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion). For example, you might write: “I noticed an account on my report that I did not open. Please investigate and remove it if it is fraudulent.” In addition, if your score is lower than expected, consider steps like paying bills on time, reducing credit card balances below 30% of the limit, and avoiding opening new accounts unnecessarily. Building credit takes time, so patience and consistency are key. Keeping an eye on your credit report regularly also helps you spot identity theft early and protect your financial information.
Frequently asked questions
Does checking my credit score count as a hard inquiry?
No, when you check your own credit score, it is a soft inquiry and does not lower your credit score. Hard inquiries happen only when a lender reviews your credit after you apply for new credit.
How can I check my credit score without hurting it?
Use free credit score services from reputable websites or your credit card issuer that provide soft inquiries. You can also get a free credit report once a year from each major credit bureau at AnnualCreditReport.com without any impact.
What should I do if I see an error on my credit report?
Write a dispute letter or use the credit bureau’s online dispute process to report inaccuracies. Provide copies of supporting documents and request that the bureau investigate and correct or remove the error.
How long do hard inquiries stay on my credit report?
Hard inquiries typically stay on your credit report for two years but only affect your credit score for about one year. Their impact decreases over time, especially if you maintain good credit habits.
Can multiple hard inquiries in a short period affect my score more?
Yes, multiple hard inquiries within a short time for the same type of loan (like a mortgage or auto loan) usually count as one inquiry. However, unrelated credit applications close together can lower your score more.