Hard credit inquiry
Also known as: Hard pull, Hard credit check
A credit check that may lower your credit score a few points and remains on your credit report for up to 24 months.
Full definition
A hard credit inquiry (or hard pull) occurs when a lender pulls your full credit report to make a final lending decision. Each hard inquiry typically lowers your FICO score by a small amount (often 5 points or fewer) and stays on your credit report for up to 24 months, though its score impact fades after the first 12. Rate-shopping for the same product within a 14- to 45-day window (depending on scoring model) usually counts as a single inquiry.
- Written by
- Get Advance Loan Editorial Team
- Reviewed by
- Compliance Review
- Published
- January 15, 2026
- Last reviewed
- May 22, 2026
- Credit scoreA three-digit number (typically 300 to 850) summarising your credit history. Lenders use it to predict the likelihood you'll repay.
- FICO scoreFICO is the credit-scoring model used in roughly 90% of U.S. lending decisions. Scores range from 300 to 850.
- VantageScoreVantageScore is a competing credit-scoring model jointly developed by the three major credit bureaus. Also runs 300 to 850.
- Credit reportA record of your credit history maintained by the three U.S. credit bureaus. You're entitled to one free copy per year from each bureau.
- Soft credit inquiryA credit check that does not affect your credit score. Used for pre-qualification and rate-shopping.
- Debt-to-income ratio (DTI)Your monthly debt payments divided by your gross monthly income. Lenders use DTI to assess how much new debt you can afford.
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