Does checking your credit score lower it?

No — checking your own credit score won’t lower it. It’s what’s known as a soft search, which has no impact on your score at all. In fact, keeping an eye on your credit report is a great way to stay on top of your finances and spot any mistakes early.

In this guide, we’ll explain the difference between soft and hard searches and how they really affect your credit score.

Is it bad to check your credit score?

No, checking your credit score won’t harm it – even if you do it often. In fact, regularly checking your credit report is a good habit. It's like keeping an eye on your financial health report card. It helps you keep track of your credit use and spot any mistakes or fraud early.

You might have heard many people worry that checking their score could lower it, but this is a myth. When you check your own credit score, it’s classed as a soft search, which has no impact at all.

What’s the difference between a soft and hard credit check? 

The key difference is that hard searches can affect your credit score, while soft searches won’t.

• Soft credit checks happen when you or a company take a look at your credit report, but they don’t affect your credit score. These checks do leave a record, but only you can see them — lenders can’t. For example, if you use an eligibility checker to see if you might get approved before applying for credit, it’s usually a soft search. It’s a handy way to get an idea of your chances without impacting your score.
• Hard credit checks happen when you actually apply for credit – like a loan, credit card, mortgage, or phone contract. Lenders use this search to see how well you’ve handled money in the past before deciding if they’ll approve you. Hard searches stay on your credit report for up to 12 months and can temporarily lower your score by a few points.

The good news is that even after a hard search, your score will usually recover quickly if you manage your credit well. This means paying your bills on time, keeping your credit use low, and avoiding too many applications at once.

Why does checking your credit score lower it?

It doesn’t! This is one of the biggest myths about credit scores. Checking your own credit score is a soft search, which doesn’t impact your score at all.

The confusion comes from hard searches. If you apply for credit, the lender will carry out a hard search, which can cause a small, temporary drop in your score. But checking your own score as often as you like has no effect.

How much does a hard credit check affect your score?

There’s no set number of points that a hard search will knock off your score – it depends on your overall credit history.

Each of the UK’s main credit reference agencies (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) calculates your score differently. But generally, a single hard search has a small impact and won’t drastically lower your score.

The key thing is to avoid multiple hard searches in a short space of time. It’s like asking lots of people for money all at once – it might make others wonder why you need it so much! Applying for lots of credit in a short period can make you look like a higher risk to lenders.

💡Here’s a helpful tip: use an eligibility checker before applying for credit. This lets you see your chances of approval without affecting your credit score.

How to know which lenders do a soft or hard search? 

All lenders will perform a hard search when you officially apply for credit – this is a necessary step to assess your application.

However, many lenders now offer eligibility checkers. These use a soft search so you can check your chances of approval without affecting your score. For example, we provide eligibility checkers for credit cards, personal loans, secured loans, and car finance.

When applying for a mortgage in principle (also called an agreement in principle), whether the lender does a hard or soft search depends on the provider. It’s always best to ask them before applying.

What’s the fastest way to improve your credit score?

If your credit score could do with a boost, here are some quick steps to help improve it:

✅ Pay on time – Late or missed payments can harm your score. Setting up Direct Debits for bills and credit repayments can help you stay on track.

✅ Pay down existing debts – The lower your debt, the better your score. If possible, make extra payments to clear what you owe faster.

✅ Only apply for credit when you really need it – Each hard search leaves a mark, so try to space out applications and only apply when you’re confident you’ll be approved.

✅ Check your credit report for mistakes – Errors can drag down your score. Make sure your details (like your address) are correct and that you’re not financially linked to someone you shouldn’t be.

✅ Register to vote – Being on the electoral roll helps lenders confirm who you are and can improve your credit score.

Common credit score myths

There’s a lot of incorrect information about credit scores, so let’s clear up some common myths:

❌ Checking your own credit score lowers it – Not true! It’s a soft search and has no effect.

❌ You have one universal credit score – Nope! Different credit agencies calculate scores differently, so your score may vary.

❌ Being married links your credit files – Wrong! You’ll only be linked financially if you share a credit account, like a joint loan or mortgage.

❌ A high income guarantees a good credit score – Actually, no! Your score reflects your borrowing and repayment history, not your income.