Hard vs. Soft Credit Pulls:
What’s the Difference?
When you apply for a loan, check your credit score, or look for an apartment, you may hear terms like hard pull or soft pull. But what exactly do these mean—and how do they affect your credit?
Knowing the difference between a hard and soft credit inquiry can help you make better financial choices. It can also protect your credit score. Let’s break it down.
💡 What Is a Credit Pull?
A credit pull, also known as a credit inquiry, happens when someone checks your credit report. Lenders, employers, landlords, and even you can review your credit history to evaluate your financial behavior.
Two types of credit pulls exist:
- Soft Inquiry (Soft Pull)
- Hard Inquiry (Hard Pull)
Each one serves a different purpose—and only one can affect your credit score.
🔍 What Is a Soft Credit Pull?
A soft credit pull is a non-intrusive inquiry that doesn’t impact your credit score. It usually occurs when:
- You check your own credit report
- A lender does a pre-approval check
- A credit card issuer sends you a promotional offer
- An employer runs a background check (with your permission)
Soft pulls are visible to you, but lenders cannot see them. They do not affect your chances of getting a loan.
✅ Main point: Soft inquiries are harmless and don’t affect credit scores.
🧾 What Is a Hard Credit Pull?
A hard credit pull happens when a lender checks your credit report for a financial product application. This typically happens when you:
- Apply for a mortgage or auto loan
- Apply for a credit card
- Apply for a personal loan or line of credit
- Seek financing through a financial institution
Lenders link hard pulls to borrowing money. They can cause a short drop in your credit score, usually by a few points. Multiple hard inquiries in a short period may signal higher risk to creditors.
If you are looking for rates, such as getting multiple mortgage quotes, do it within 14 to 45 days. Some credit scoring models will treat those inquiries as one. This means they have less impact on your score.
⚠️ Key takeaway: Hard pulls may lower your credit score slightly and are visible to future lenders.
When Should You Worry About a Hard Pull?
One hard inquiry here or there isn’t a significant concern. If you apply for many credit cards or loans in a short time, it may worry lenders. This could lower your credit score.
Use hard inquiries wisely—when you’re seriously shopping for credit, not just curious about offers.
🚀 How Rocketship Financial Uses Credit Pulls
At Rocketship Financial, we believe in transparency and responsible lending.
💬 Great news: Verifying your availability with us involves just a soft credit inquiry.
That means you can explore your options confidently—without impacting your credit score.
If you choose to move forward, we’ll always notify you before running a hard pull as part of your official loan application.
Recap: Soft Pull vs. Hard Pull
When you’re exploring loan options, it’s important to understand the difference between a soft and hard credit pull. Soft pulls, like those used by Rocketship Financial to check your availability, do not affect your credit score. They are a good way to explore your options without any commitment. Hard pulls, on the other hand, typically happen during official applications and can temporarily lower your score.
The bottom line? You can explore your financial options with Rocketship Financial confidently, knowing it won’t impact your credit.
Take the First Step—Without the Risk
Wondering if you qualify for a personal loan or debt consolidation?
Check in with Rocketship Financial now to see what you qualify for—no credit impact.
🟢 It’s fast, secure, and only a soft credit pull.
🟢 Call us at 800-522-7766 or get started online now.
About Rocketship Financial
From personalized loan options and debt consolidation solutions to transparent support every step of the way, we help thousands of customers accelerate toward their goals—on their terms.
At Rocketship Financial, we believe financial freedom should be accessible, fast, and built around your life. That’s why we provide a seamless online experience, competitive rates, and a commitment to service that puts your needs first.
Looking for a smarter, simpler way to fund your future?