If you’ve ever applied for a new credit card, personal loan or even rented an apartment, you may have seen a “hard inquiry” show up on your credit report. For many people, this can be worrying — especially if you’re already trying to build or repair your credit.
The good news is that hard inquiries don’t last forever, and their effect on your credit score is usually small and temporary. Understanding how they work can help you feel more confident about applying for credit when you need it.
How long do hard inquiries stay on your credit report?
A hard inquiry stays on your credit report for two years, but it usually only affects your credit score for about one year. After 12 months, scoring models like the FICO® Score stop including it in your score calculation, even though it still appears on your report.
Here’s what that means for you:
Short-term impact, quick recovery. A single inquiry might drop your score by just a few points, and those points often return within a few months if you’re managing your accounts well.
Lenders expect them. Most lenders understand that you’ll apply for credit from time to time. One or two inquiries are not a red flag.
Shopping around is safe. When you’re comparing rates for a mortgage, auto loan or student loan, inquiries made within a short period (typically 14 – 45 days) are usually grouped together as one.
Credit history plays a role. If you’re just starting to build credit, inquiries may have a bigger effect. But for those with a longer history, the impact is minimal.
Everyday examples of when you’ll see a hard inquiry can include:
- Applying for a credit card
- Financing a car purchase
- Taking out a personal loan
- Getting approved for a mortgage or refinance
- Applying for student loans
- Signing a lease when a landlord checks your credit
The bottom line is that hard inquiries are part of the process of building credit. They’re not something to panic about — and they matter far less than habits like paying bills on time and keeping balances low.
What is the difference between a hard credit inquiry and a soft credit inquiry?
Not all credit checks are the same. The main difference comes down to whether or not they affect your score.
Hard inquiry (hard pull). Happens when you apply for credit and a lender reviews your report. This can lower your score slightly.
Soft inquiry (soft pull). Happens when your credit is checked for non-lending purposes. These don’t affect your score.
Examples of hard inquiries:
- Applying for a credit card
- Taking out a mortgage or auto loan
- Agreeing to a personal loan or a student loan
Examples of soft inquiries:
- Checking your credit score
- Receiving a pre-approval offer in the mail
- An employer running a background check
- Checking loan eligibility without submitting a full application
If you’re rate shopping for a loan, submit your applications close together. Credit scoring models usually treat multiple hard pulls for the same loan type within a short timeframe as just one inquiry.
How do hard inquiries affect your credit score?
Hard inquiries are part of the “new credit” category in your FICO® Score, which makes up about 10% of your overall score. This category also includes factors like how many new accounts you’ve opened recently.
Here’s how they typically affect you:
One inquiry. Usually lowers your score by only a few points.
Several inquiries in a row. Multiple inquiries can raise concerns for lenders, especially if your credit history is limited.
Longer history. If you’ve built good credit habits, the impact is often barely noticeable.
Everyday scenarios:
- Applying for a personal loan might cause a small dip, but your score often rebounds quickly.
- Submitting multiple credit card applications at once could make lenders cautious.
- Shopping around for a mortgage within a short window usually counts as just one inquiry.
While hard inquiries can cause a temporary drop, they’re not something that will make or break your credit.
Can you remove a hard inquiry from your credit report?
You can’t remove a legitimate hard inquiry before it naturally falls off after two years. But if you spot one you didn’t authorize, you should take action.
How to dispute an unauthorized hard inquiry:
- Check your reports for free at AnnualCreditReport.com.
- Identify the inquiry — note the creditor’s name and the date.
- File a dispute with the credit bureau (Equifax, Experian or TransUnion) online, by phone or by mail.
- Provide proof if you believe it’s related to fraud or identity theft.
Examples of unauthorized inquiries:
- A credit card or loan account opened in your name without your knowledge
- A lender pulling your credit after you didn’t agree to an application
- Fraudulent activity tied to identity theft
If the inquiry is legitimate — such as applying for an auto loan or a credit card — it will remain until it expires. But remember, its effect on your score is temporary.
When does a hard inquiry not affect your credit?
Some inquiries either don’t count against your score or are treated differently:
Loan rate shopping. Mortgage, auto loan, and student loan inquiries made within 14 – 45 days are usually grouped as one.
Pre-approvals and account reviews. These are logged as soft inquiries and don’t affect your score.
Employment checks. When an employer runs a credit check, it’s considered a soft pull.
Existing account reviews. Credit card companies sometimes review your report to adjust your terms, but this won’t lower your score.
For example, if you apply for an auto loan at three dealerships in the same week, your report may show three inquiries. But credit scoring models usually count them as one, so your score is protected.
Final Thoughts
Hard inquiries are simply part of using credit. They stay on your report for up to two years, but their effect on your score usually fades after one. While you can’t remove legitimate inquiries, you can dispute unauthorized ones and focus on the bigger factors that shape your credit — like paying bills on time and keeping balances low.
By understanding how hard inquiries work, you can feel less anxious about applying for credit and more confident in the steps you’re taking to build a healthy financial future.
DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, tax or legal advice.
